Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA110C

Overview

SA110C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in automotive and industrial power rails. It features a 110V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 122–149V breakdown voltage (VBR), 196V clamping voltage (VC) at 2.6A peak pulse current, and 500W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform - deployed to safeguard DC-DC converters and ECU input stages against ISO 7637-2 pulses.

For engineers reviewing the SA110C datasheet, SA110C pinout, SA110C application, or SA110C equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, low leakage (<1μA @ 110V), and AEC-Q101 qualification option - critical for under-hood automotive electronics requiring robust EFT and load-dump immunity.

Technical Context

The SA110C operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR), enabling suppression of sub-nanosecond transients before downstream ICs are stressed. Its unidirectional configuration provides reverse-biased clamping only, with forward conduction limited to 3.5V at 35A surge current.

Thermal design relies on its 175°C maximum junction temperature and 3W steady-state power dissipation (at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads). The device's 12 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient ensures predictable voltage drift across automotive temperature ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA110C uses a two-terminal DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode indicated by a colored band. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity is unidirectional: anode (unmarked end), cathode (banded end).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ110A and P6SMB110A, the SA110C uniquely balances 500W surge capability, DO-204AC through-hole compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it the preferred choice for production automotive modules requiring zero layout change and certified reliability.

Availability

SA110C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input stages, LED lighting driver protection, and telecom power supply surge ports requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for SA110C includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The SA Series TVS diodes are engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parametric distribution, and robust surge endurance for automotive power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA110C under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?

The SA110C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 196 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.6 A per the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.

Is SA110C unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?

The SA110C is a unidirectional TVS diode, with polarity indicated by a cathode band on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. The banded end is the cathode and must be connected toward the protected line (e.g., 24V rail), while the unmarked end (anode) connects to ground or return. Bidirectional variants use "CA" suffixes (e.g., SA110CA), which SA110C does not carry.

Does SA110C meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and what does that mean for automotive use?

The base SA110C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the SA110CH variant (same electrical specs, "H" suffix) is fully AEC-Q101 qualified. This certification confirms performance under accelerated stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD - required for placement in engine bay, transmission control, and other under-hood automotive applications governed by OEM specifications.

What is the thermal derating behavior of SA110C above 25°C ambient?

SA110C's peak pulse power (PPK) is derated linearly above TA = 25°C per Figure 2 in the datasheet, reaching ~50% of 500W at 100°C ambient. Its steady-state power dissipation (PD) is 3W at lead temperature TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads. Engineers must apply these curves when designing for sustained high-temperature environments like enclosed engine compartments.

Can SA110C replace SA110A in an existing design?

No - SA110C and SA110A are distinct variants: SA110C has VBR min/max of 122–149 V, while SA110A specifies 122–135 V. The tighter VBR tolerance of SA110A results in earlier, more consistent clamping - critical in designs with narrow voltage margins. Substituting SA110C may delay clamping onset, risking overvoltage damage; validation per actual surge profile is mandatory before replacement.