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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA120
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- Part No.:
- SA120
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 148V, UNIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,651
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Product details
Overview
SA120 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 120V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–163V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 214V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.4A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<1.0ps), low leakage (<1μA @ 120V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA120 datasheet, SA120 pinout, SA120 application, or SA120 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, mechanical package details, real-world protection use cases, and validated alternative parts for ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transient suppression in power rails and signal lines.
Technical Context
The SA120 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (133–163V), clamping transients to ≤214V at 2.4A under 10/1000μs waveform. Its low dynamic impedance ensures effective energy diversion during fast-rising surges.
Designed for single-polarity DC line protection, it features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and junction temperature rating up to +175°C - enabling robust operation in under-hood automotive and industrial power supply environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 133 / 163 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range defining turn-on precision |
| VC @ IPPM | 214 V @ 2.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, directly limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs event |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage at rated stand-off, preserving system efficiency and battery life |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Extended thermal capability supporting placement near hot components or in engine compartments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400g mass and polarity band marking |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: Cathode indicated by color band; Anode and Cathode terminals are non-polarized in layout but functionally asymmetric for unidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal / Surge current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail); conducts when line voltage exceeds VBR relative to Anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring reliability under thermal cycling and vibration |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands high-energy transients from load dump or inductive kick without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤214V at 2.4A | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) remain below absolute maximum ratings during surge events |
| Response time <1.0ps | Engages before most semiconductor junctions can be damaged by fast ESD or EFT pulses |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and environmental directives for global manufacturing and end-of-life handling |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to ISO 7637-2 load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power input, placed upstream of DC-DC converters and LDOs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤214V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in downstream PMICs and MCUs rated for 36V max input. | Use Scenario: Analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) routed across noisy motor drive zones. IC Role / Device Role: Signal-line TVS on differential or single-ended sensor outputs prior to ADC input stages. Use Value: Suppresses coupled EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) while maintaining sub-1μA leakage to avoid DC offset errors in precision measurement paths. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in street lighting subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary clamp after MOV, absorbing residual high-frequency energy that bypasses bulk suppression. Use Value: Provides low-clamping-voltage secondary protection (214V) to safeguard MOSFET gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers rated for ≤200V. | Use Scenario: Low-voltage DC distribution (e.g., -48V telecom plant) feeding remote radio units via long outdoor cables. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS on power feed lines to protect PoE controllers and baseband processors. Use Value: Handles repetitive 500W surges per ITU-T K.20/K.21 while maintaining stable VWM = 120V to avoid false triggering on nominal -48V rail with ripple. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ120A | Same DO-214AC package; VBR = 133–147V, VC = 193V @ 2.7A; slightly lower clamping but identical VWM and PPK | Optimized for higher-reliability telecom infrastructure where tighter VBR tolerance matters | Prefer SMAJ120A if board space allows SMD and lower clamping voltage is critical for 150V-rated downstream devices |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC120A | DO-214AB package; VBR = 133–147V, VC = 193V @ 2.7A; same power rating but larger footprint and higher thermal resistance | Better suited for high-volume industrial PCBs with legacy through-hole layouts and less stringent thermal constraints | Choose 1.5SMC120A only when DO-204AC lead spacing conflicts with existing tooling or when higher surge repetition tolerance is required |
Compared with SMAJ120A and 1.5SMC120A, SA120 offers identical electrical performance in a smaller DO-204AC outline, enabling tighter board layouts and faster assembly - while retaining AEC-Q101 qualification not present in either alternative.
Availability
SA120 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, LED driver overvoltage clamping, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA120 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 Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete device manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, and power semiconductors since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial systems, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric consistency, and robust surge endurance under thermal stress.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of SA120?
The SA120 has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 133 V and a maximum of 163 V, measured at 1 mA test current per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This range reflects process variation and ensures reliable triggering above the 120 V working stand-off voltage while accommodating thermal drift across its –55°C to +175°C operating junction temperature range.
Is SA120 unidirectional or bidirectional?
SA120 is a unidirectional TVS diode, designed for DC line protection where polarity is fixed. Its cathode band marking indicates the terminal that must connect to the protected line (e.g., 12V rail), while the anode connects to ground or return. Bidirectional variants in the SA series carry "CA" suffixes (e.g., SA120CA), which SA120 does not.
Does SA120 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, SA120 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the official SA Series datasheet Version L2105. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - validating its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA120 under surge conditions?
The SA120 clamps to a maximum of 214 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs surge waveform with a peak pulse current of 2.4 A. This value is guaranteed across all production lots and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during standardized transient events defined in IEC 61000-4-5.
Can SA120 be used in place of SA120A?
No - SA120 and SA120A are distinct variants: SA120 has VBR = 133–163 V and VC = 214 V, while SA120A has tighter VBR = 133–147 V and lower VC = 193 V. Substituting SA120 for SA120A may result in higher clamping voltage and reduced protection margin for sensitive 150V-rated components; always verify VBR distribution and clamping performance against system requirements before interchange.
SA120 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- SA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 214V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA120 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SA120 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120?
SA120 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SA120?
For technical support, including SA120 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SA120 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120?
All SA120 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SA120 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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