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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA120A
- Part No.:
- SA120A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,229
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Product details
Overview
SA120A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with 120V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–147V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 193V clamping voltage (VC) at 2.7A peak pulse current. It features low leakage (<1μA @ 120V), fast response (<1.0ps), and DO-204AC (DO-15) package for automotive-grade surge protection in power supply rails and interface lines.
For engineers reviewing the SA120A datasheet, SA120A pinout, SA120A application, or SA120A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, mechanical package data, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative parts - all aligned to AEC-Q101 qualification and IEC 61249-2-21 halogen-free compliance.
Technical Context
The SA120A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, clamping transients above its VBR threshold by entering avalanche breakdown. Its 193V VC at 2.7A ensures robust protection of downstream 120V-rated circuits during 10/1000μs surges.
Designed for single-polarity DC systems, it exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 120V, a 175°C maximum junction temperature, and thermal derating per Fig.2 - enabling reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial power converters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 147 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range ensuring predictable clamping initiation |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V @ 2.7 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, defining worst-case stress on protected ICs |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge power handling capability per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs pulse |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current preserving system efficiency and standby power integrity |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables deployment in high-temperature automotive and industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with tin-plated leads per J-STD-002 |
Pinout & Package
SA120A uses a two-terminal DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. Cathode is marked by a band; anode is unmarked. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity must be observed in circuit layout to ensure correct unidirectional clamping.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; defines return path for clamped surge current |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 120V rail); conducts avalanche current when V > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power domains |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤193V | Ensures protected 120V logic or analog circuits remain below absolute maximum ratings during transients |
| Fast response <1.0ps | Activates before sensitive components experience overvoltage stress, minimizing failure risk |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally regulated designs |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial DC Link Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 120V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 120V supply rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤193V, preventing damage to 200V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers in motor control modules. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 120V DC link in industrial PLC power supplies exposed to switching transients from contactors and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS connected across bulk capacitor terminals to absorb inductive kickback energy. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500W for 1ms, maintaining DC bus stability and avoiding false trips in overvoltage protection circuits. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Telecom Interface Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED drivers in streetlight systems from lightning-induced surges on AC-input rectified rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on the 120V DC output stage, upstream of current-sense and feedback circuitry. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or destruction of op-amps and shunt regulators by limiting transient overshoot to safe levels. |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceivers powered from isolated 120V DC supplies in outdoor telecom cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on the isolated DC supply rail feeding the transceiver's VCC pin. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing common-mode surges before they couple into differential data lines. |
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 - identical clamping performance but lower PPK (400W) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial/industrial, not automotive OEM | Select SMAJ120A only if AEC-Q101 is not required and board space allows SMA footprint change |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC120A | DO-214AB package; VBR = 133–147V, VC = 193V @ 2.7A; PPK = 1500W - higher surge margin but larger footprint | Higher thermal mass supports repeated surge events; requires PCB pad redesign due to different outline | Choose 1.5SMC120A when multi-pulse immunity or extended lifetime under frequent transients is critical |
Compared with SMAJ120A and 1.5SMC120A, SA120A uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC compatibility, and precise 500W/193V clamping - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive modules where qualification and footprint continuity are mandatory.
Availability
SA120A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial DC link stabilization, LED driver overvoltage clamping, and telecom interface rail safeguarding requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA120A 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, and rectifiers with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capability.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial 12–170V DC systems, emphasizing low clamping ratio, tight VBR tolerance, and halogen-free packaging.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA120A and how is it measured?
The SA120A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at 2.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), tested under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a worst-case transient event, and is confirmed in the manufacturer's published electrical characteristics table for SA120A.
Is SA120A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA120A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's documentation, making it suitable for automotive applications including engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power domains. Its 175°C maximum junction temperature and halogen-free construction further support under-hood deployment requirements.
What package does SA120A use and what are its mounting requirements?
SA120A uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002. It requires through-hole mounting on 10 × 10 mm copper pads per terminal for rated power dissipation, and polarity must be observed - cathode band faces the protected line side.
How does SA120A differ from SA120?
SA120A offers tighter breakdown voltage tolerance (133–147 V vs. 133–163 V for SA120) and lower clamping voltage (193 V vs. 214 V at respective IPPM), resulting in improved protection margin for 120V systems. Both share the same DO-204AC package and 500W rating, but SA120A is optimized for precision clamping.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SA120A?
The SA120A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C, verified per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This enables reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as automotive engine compartments or enclosed industrial power supplies, provided PCB thermal design meets the specified pad dimensions.
SA120A 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:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.7A
- 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)
SA120A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120A 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 SA120A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120A?
SA120A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120A 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 SA120A?
For technical support, including SA120A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120A 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 SA120A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120A?
All SA120A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120A, 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 SA120A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA120A Tags
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