Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA12A
- Part No.:
- SA12A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,001
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Product details
Overview
SA12A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 12V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 19.9V clamping voltage (VC) at 26.3A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<1.0ps), low leakage (<1μA @ 12V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA12A datasheet, SA12A pinout, SA12A application, or SA12A equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD/inductive-spike suppression in 12V automotive power rails, LED driver inputs, and industrial sensor interfaces where low clamping voltage and high surge immunity are critical.
Technical Context
The SA12A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (13.3–14.7V). Its silicon junction exhibits low dynamic impedance during transient events, enabling effective clamping of 10/1000μs surges up to 500W without thermal runaway.
Designed for surface-mount or through-hole mounting on 10×10 mm copper pads, it sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine) and maintains operation across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature, with VBR temperature coefficient of 12 mV/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before conduction begins; sets safe operating margin for 12V nominal systems. |
| VBR @ 1mA | 13.3–14.7 V - Breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on above system overvoltage but below IC damage thresholds. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V @ 26.3 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; limits downstream stress to ≤20V for 12V-rated components. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating; supports high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a in automotive environments. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 12V; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-current circuits. |
| TJMAX | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive locations without derating. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking polarity. 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 | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional configuration; completes clamping loop during overvoltage. |
| Cathode | Protected line connection / Surge sink | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 12V rail); conducts avalanche current to anode during transient events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and infotainment power rails. |
| Clamping voltage ≤19.9V at 26.3A | Ensures downstream 12V logic ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) remain within absolute maximum ratings during ISO 16750-2 surges. |
| Response time <1.0ps | Activates faster than most ESD events propagate, preventing voltage overshoot before protection engages. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive; suitable for green manufacturing and export compliance. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | LED Driver Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery input and DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 19.9V, preserving input capacitor and regulator reliability under 500W surge conditions. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED drivers against inductive kickback from relay-controlled loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across driver input terminals to absorb flyback energy from solenoid switching. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide damage in MOSFET-based drivers by clamping spikes before they exceed 20V. |
| Industrial Sensor Interface Protection | USB Port ESD Suppression |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20mA transmitter front-ends from field wiring ESD and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA12A installed at connector entry point, shunting transients to local ground plane. Use Value: Sub-1μA leakage avoids signal offset errors; 175°C rating supports operation in hot enclosures. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 host ports in embedded controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed upstream of USB power switch to clamp contact discharge events. Use Value: 19.9V clamping prevents latch-up in 5V-tolerant USB PHYs while maintaining <1μA standby drain. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same DO-214AC package; slightly higher VC (23.2V @ 23.3A); lower PPK (400W). | Less suitable for high-energy automotive load dump; better for space-constrained PCBs requiring SMD. | Select SMAJ12A only if board layout mandates SMD and surge energy is ≤400W. |
| P6SMB12A | DO-214AA package; identical VWM/VBR specs; VC = 19.9V @ 26.3A; same 500W rating. | Compatible mechanical footprint (same lead spacing); identical electrical performance; RoHS-compliant. | P6SMB12A offers direct form-fit-function replacement with no design change required. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and P6SMB12A, the SA12A provides identical clamping performance and surge rating as P6SMB12A but in a lower-cost DO-204AC package, while offering higher energy handling than SMAJ12A-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability 12V automotive and industrial protection.
Availability
SA12A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, LED driver input safeguarding, and industrial sensor interface surge suppression requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA12A 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 was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric distribution, and robust surge endurance in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the SA12A?
The SA12A has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 13.3 V and a maximum of 14.7 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This tight 10.5% tolerance ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage margining in 12V systems where the SA12A is deployed.
Is the SA12A suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No-the SA12A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" or "CA" suffix and confirmed by its single cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection in AC-coupled or floating lines, select SA12CA or equivalent bipolar variants; using SA12A in reverse-biased AC applications risks permanent failure due to forward conduction.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA12A under surge conditions?
The SA12A clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V at 26.3 A peak pulse current (10/1000μs waveform), as specified in Taiwan Semiconductor's SA Series datasheet Version L2105. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transients and is critical for ensuring compatibility with 20V-tolerant downstream components.
Does the SA12A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes-the SA12A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as stated in the "FEATURES" section of the official datasheet. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD, confirming suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics applications where reliability under harsh environmental conditions is mandatory.
What package type does the SA12A use, and what are its key mechanical properties?
The SA12A uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability requirements. Its molding compound meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating, and it passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. The device weighs approximately 0.400 g and features polarity marking via a cathode band for unidirectional orientation.
SA12A 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):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 26.3A
- 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)
SA12A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12A 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 SA12A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12A?
SA12A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12A 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 SA12A?
For technical support, including SA12A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12A 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 SA12A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12A?
All SA12A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12A, 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 SA12A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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