Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA120AH
- Part No.:
- SA120AH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120AH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,937
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Product details
Overview
SA120AH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with 120V working stand-off voltage, 133–163V breakdown voltage at 1mA test current, and 214V maximum clamping voltage at 2.4A peak pulse current. It features AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC (DO-15) package, and <1.0ps response time, designed for automotive power line surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA120AH datasheet, SA120AH pinout, SA120AH application, or SA120AH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under 10/1000μs transients, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 compliance status, and direct alternatives for automotive ECU, body control module, and infotainment power rail protection.
Technical Context
The SA120AH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (133–163V), clamping transient energy to ≤214V at 2.4A. Its low leakage (<1μA @ 120V) ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on automotive circuits.
Designed for non-repetitive 10/1000μs surge waveforms, it delivers 500W peak pulse power at 25°C with linear derating above TA = 25°C per Fig.2, and supports junction temperatures from –55°C to +175°C - matching under-hood automotive ambient requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 163 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA, defining turn-on threshold tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 214 V - Clamped voltage at 2.4 A peak pulse current, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge power handling at 10/1000μs waveform, validated per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling under-hood deployment without derating penalty |
| Response time | <1.0 ps - Time from 0 V to VBR onset, ensuring sub-nanosecond suppression of fast EFT events |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off, minimizing quiescent current in battery-sensitive systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability. Cathode identified by band marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current path / Ground reference | Connected to system ground or low-side return; conducts during forward surge (e.g., load dump reversal) |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased surge input / Protection node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V battery rail); avalanches into conduction when Vreverse > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per AEC standard - required for engine control, ADAS, and BCM modules |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and Pulse 5a/b (load dump) without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤214V @ 2.4A | Ensures protected 12V/24V electronics remain below absolute maximum ratings during worst-case transients |
| DO-204AC (DO-15) package | Industry-standard axial footprint compatible with legacy automotive PCB layouts and automated through-hole assembly |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and automotive ELV directives for end-of-life recyclability and flame safety |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller supply inputs from load dump transients during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery feed and LDO input, clamping spikes before they reach sensitive logic. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤214V during 12V system load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b), preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3V/5V regulators. | Use Scenario: Shields CAN transceiver VCC pins from coupled transients on shared 12V power bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection device on main ECU power entry, activated only during overvoltage events >133V. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 120V nominal, avoiding battery drain while delivering sub-ns response to fast EFT bursts per ISO 11452-4. |
| Infotainment Head Unit Power Input | ADAS Camera Module Supply Line |
Use Scenario: Guards USB-C PD controller and display driver ICs against jump-start surges and reverse battery connection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12V input stage, coordinated with upstream fuse and downstream LC filter. Use Value: Withstands 500W peak pulses without parameter shift, preserving long-term reliability across 15-year vehicle service life. | Use Scenario: Secures image sensor and serializer power rails against ignition noise and alternator ripple coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS (CJ < 100 pF at VWM) placed adjacent to connector to minimize stub inductance. Use Value: Achieves <1.0ps response time, capturing nanosecond-scale transients before they propagate into high-speed MIPI CSI-2 signal paths. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120AHE3/5A (Vishay) | Same DO-214AC package, 120V VWM, but bidirectional; 200W PPK rating vs. SA120AH's 500W | Not suitable for unidirectional-only load dump protection where polarity-specific clamping is required | Select SA120AH when 500W 10/1000μs surge immunity and AEC-Q101 qualification are mandatory |
| P6SMB120AH (Littelfuse) | DO-214AA package, same 120V VWM and 500W rating, but not AEC-Q101 qualified; TJ max = +150°C | Lacks automotive qualification evidence for under-hood deployment beyond 150°C ambient | Choose SA120AH for designs requiring documented AEC-Q101 compliance and +175°C junction capability |
Compared with SMAJ120AHE3/5A and P6SMB120AH, the SA120AH uniquely combines 500W surge capacity, AEC-Q101 validation, +175°C operation, and DO-204AC compatibility - making it the only option qualified for critical 12V power rail protection in modern automotive ECUs.
Availability
SA120AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, engine control units, infotainment head units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA120AH 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 semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, and power devices since 1979.
The SA Series is TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor family targeting automotive power line protection, engineered to meet ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 surge immunity requirements with robust thermal performance.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for SA120AH?
The SA120AH has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 133 V and a maximum of 163 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This range defines the voltage threshold at which the SA120AH enters avalanche conduction to clamp transients - critical for ensuring reliable activation before downstream IC damage occurs.
Is SA120AH unidirectional or bidirectional?
The SA120AH is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" or "CA" suffix and confirmed by its cathode band marking and specification table listing only unidirectional parameters (e.g., VF = 3.5 V). It protects against reverse-polarity surges on positive-rail systems and is not rated for symmetrical bipolar operation.
Does SA120AH meet AEC-Q101 reliability standards?
Yes, SA120AH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified as denoted by the "H" suffix in its ordering code. This certification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and ESD, validating its suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis-mounted applications per industry requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA120AH at rated surge current?
The SA120AH exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 214 V at 2.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standardized 10/1000μs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events, directly informing system-level overvoltage margin design.
Can SA120AH be used in 24V automotive systems?
Yes, SA120AH is commonly deployed in 24V commercial vehicle systems - its 120V working stand-off voltage provides sufficient margin above nominal 24V rail (typically 28V max), while its 500W surge rating handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b load dump events scaled for 24V architectures, provided layout minimizes parasitic inductance.
SA120AH 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA120AH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120AH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120AH 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 SA120AH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120AH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120AH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120AH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120AH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120AH?
SA120AH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120AH 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 SA120AH?
For technical support, including SA120AH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120AH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120AH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120AH 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 SA120AH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120AH?
All SA120AH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120AH, 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 SA120AH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120AH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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