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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA120CH
- Part No.:
- SA120CH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120CH.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 148V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,399
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Product details
Overview
SA120CH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 120 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–163 V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1 mA), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It delivers 2.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with 214 V clamping voltage (VC) and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C - deployed in automotive power line surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA120CH datasheet, SA120CH pinout, SA120CH application, or SA120CH equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, unidirectional polarity, 214 V clamping performance at 2.4 A, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and low leakage (<1 µA @ 120 V) for high-reliability 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems.
Technical Context
The SA120CH is a silicon avalanche diode designed for unidirectional transient suppression in automotive and industrial DC power rails. Its clamping action begins at VBR = 133–163 V (tested at 1 mA), with guaranteed VC ≤ 214 V at IPPM = 2.4 A under 10/1000 µs waveform - meeting ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements.
It features fast response time (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR), low dynamic impedance, and thermal stability up to TJ = +175 °C. The device uses pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing - confirming suitability for reflow-soldered automotive PCB assemblies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 133–163 V - precise avalanche onset range ensuring reliable triggering above system operating voltage |
| VC @ IPPM=2.4 A | ≤214 V - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - peak surge power handling per single non-repetitive event |
| IR @ VWM | <1 µA - negligible leakage current preserving efficiency in always-on 12 V/24 V circuits |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating for under-hood automotive placement |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding compound |
Pinout & Package
SA120CH is a two-terminal unidirectional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. Cathode is marked by a band on the body; anode is unmarked. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; completes conduction path during reverse surge |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery feed); avalanche conduction initiates here during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
| 500 W surge rating (10/1000 µs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b transients in 12 V/24 V systems without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤214 V @ 2.4 A | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) remain below absolute maximum ratings during surge |
| Leakage <1 µA @ 120 V | Minimizes standby power loss in always-connected automotive modules (e.g., body control units) |
| DO-204AC (DO-15) package | Enables drop-in replacement of legacy TVS diodes and compatibility with standard axial through-hole assembly lines |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial DC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp surges before they reach PMICs or MCU power inputs. Use Value: SA120CH's 214 V clamping and AEC-Q101 qualification ensure compliance with ISO 16750-2 and sustained operation in under-hood environments. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and motor drives from inductive switching spikes on 24 V DC control inputs. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff protection element across DC supply terminals to absorb repetitive 500 W surges without derating. Use Value: SA120CH's 175 °C TJ max and low IR enable stable long-term deployment in enclosed industrial enclosures with limited airflow. |
| LED Lighting Driver Protection | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED drivers from ESD and lightning-induced surges on AC/DC front-end inputs. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge clamp on rectified DC bus, coordinated with MOVs for multi-stage protection. Use Value: SA120CH's fast <1.0 ps response and 214 V VC prevent latch-up or gate oxide damage in driver MOSFETs and current-sense amplifiers. |
Use Scenario: Hardening PoE-powered devices (e.g., IP cameras) against Ethernet cable-induced surges entering via DC input. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary TVS stage after primary common-mode choke and gas discharge tube, targeting differential-mode transients. Use Value: SA120CH's DO-15 footprint and 120 V VWM provide optimal coordination with upstream protection while minimizing board space. |
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; slightly higher VBR (133–147 V), lower VC (209 V @ 2.4 A), AEC-Q101 qualified | Identical automotive use case; marginally tighter VBR tolerance improves consistency in mass production | Preferred where tighter VBR distribution and established Littelfuse supply chain are prioritized |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC120AH | DO-214AB package (SMA); same VWM/VBR range; VC = 209 V @ 2.4 A; AEC-Q101 qualified | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB redesign; better thermal dissipation in high-density layouts | Select when transitioning from through-hole to SMT or when board space constraints prohibit axial components |
Compared with SMAJ120A and 1.5SMC120AH, the SA120CH offers identical electrical performance in a cost-optimized DO-15 package with proven manufacturability in high-volume automotive harness assemblies - making it ideal for legacy-compatible designs requiring AEC-Q101 assurance without layout change.
Availability
SA120CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC input hardening, LED driver surge suppression, and telecom DC interface safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA120CH 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, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The SA Series TVS diodes are engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive power line protection, emphasizing high-temperature reliability, tight parametric control, and mechanical robustness in harsh environments.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA120CH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA120CH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification - verified through accelerated stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD (HBM ≥8 kV, CDM ≥1 kV). This confirms SA120CH meets automotive-grade reliability standards for under-hood and chassis-mounted applications, unlike non-H variants such as SA120A.
Is SA120CH unidirectional or bidirectional?
SA120CH is a unidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by its cathode band marking, specification of VBR only for forward-biased avalanche (anode-to-cathode), and absence of bidirectional electrical characteristics in its datasheet table. It must be installed with correct polarity - cathode toward the protected line - to function properly in DC systems.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA120CH under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA120CH is 214 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs surge waveform at peak pulse current (IPPM) of 2.4 A. This value is guaranteed across temperature and process variation, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on downstream circuitry during transient events.
Can SA120CH replace SA120A in existing designs?
Yes - SA120CH is a direct functional and mechanical replacement for SA120A, sharing identical VWM (120 V), VBR (133–163 V), VC (214 V), DO-204AC package, and pinout. The sole enhancement is AEC-Q101 qualification; no PCB or schematic changes are required when upgrading from SA120A to SA120CH.
What is the junction temperature rating for SA120CH?
The SA120CH has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ max) of +175 °C and a storage temperature range of –55 °C to +175 °C. This extended rating supports deployment in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments, industrial motor controls, and outdoor lighting fixtures without thermal derating.
SA120CH 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- -
- 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)
SA120CH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120CH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120CH 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 SA120CH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120CH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120CH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120CH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120CH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120CH?
SA120CH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120CH 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 SA120CH?
For technical support, including SA120CH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120CH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120CH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120CH 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 SA120CH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120CH?
All SA120CH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120CH, 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 SA120CH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120CH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA120CH Tags
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