Diodes Incorporated SA12A-T
- Part No.:
- SA12A-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12A-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,210
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Product details
Overview
SA12A-T from Diodes Incorporated is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, rated for 12V reverse standoff voltage (VR), 13.3–14.7V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 19.9V clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1A peak pulse current (IPP). It delivers fast response time, glass-passivated junction, and UL 94V-0 flammability rating for surge protection in DC power rails and I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA12A-T datasheet, SA12A-T pinout, SA12A-T application, or SA12A-T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000µs surge, thermal derating above 25°C ambient, unidirectional polarity confirmation, and compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles per J-STD-020C Level 1 moisture sensitivity.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds VR (12V), it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated die ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repetitive surges.
Designed for single-polarity DC lines, SA12A-T exhibits 3.0mA max reverse leakage at VR and a voltage temperature coefficient of +12mV/°C - enabling predictable clamping behavior across –65°C to +175°C operating range without external biasing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 500W (10/1000µs waveform, non-repetitive, defines maximum surge energy absorption capability) |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR) | 12V (maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage begins) |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 13.3–14.7V @ 1.0mA (avalanche initiation threshold, tight tolerance enables precise overvoltage triggering) |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 19.9V @ 25.1A IPP (voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge, determines safe margin for downstream ICs) |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 25.1A (maximum surge current the device can safely clamp without failure) |
| Operating Temperature | –65°C to +175°C (enables use in automotive engine compartments and industrial power supplies) |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Level 1 per J-STD-020C (no bake requirement prior to SMT assembly) |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 axial-leaded package with cathode band marking; leads are tin-plated, solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208, and compatible with lead-free reflow (RoHS compliant). Case material is UL 94V-0 molded plastic; weight ≈0.4g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12V rail); marked with band on body |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced degradation |
| 500W peak pulse power | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4kV) surge immunity in properly designed PCB layouts |
| Fast response time | Sub-nanosecond avalanche turn-on limits voltage overshoot during ESD and lightning transients |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rating | Prevents flame propagation under fault conditions in safety-critical enclosures |
| Tape-and-reel packaging (–T suffix) | Enables automated pick-and-place assembly for high-volume production |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12V supply rail against load dump and alternator ripple in BCM microcontroller power domains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between VCC and GND, triggered only during overvoltage events. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9V, preserving MCU reset logic and analog sensor references during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-input line ahead of optocoupler or Schmitt trigger. Use Value: Clamps 1kV/500A surges to <20V within 1ns, preventing false triggering and latch-up in input conditioning circuitry. |
| Telecom Power Adapter | Medical Equipment DC Bus |
Use Scenario: Safeguards secondary-side 12V output of AC/DC adapters against induced surges from shared building wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage clamp on regulated output, downstream of filtering and upstream of load. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500W for 1ms without degradation, maintaining EN 61000-4-5 compliance without additional crowbar circuitry. |
Use Scenario: Protects isolated 12V DC bus powering critical monitoring sensors in patient-connected devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element on low-voltage power distribution net, certified to IEC 60601-1 creepage/clearance requirements. Use Value: Operates reliably from –65°C to +175°C and passes biocompatibility-compliant reflow, supporting Class II medical design constraints. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| P6KE12A | Same VR (12V), lower Ppk (600W), higher VC (20.1V), DO-15 package | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 3.3V/5V logic; better suited for 24V systems | Select if higher peak power headroom is required and 0.2V higher VC is acceptable |
| SMAJ12A | Lower Ppk (400W), same VR (12V), identical VC (19.9V), SMA package | Surface-mount form factor requires PCB redesign; not drop-in for through-hole DO-15 footprint | Choose for space-constrained designs where automated SMT assembly is mandatory |
Compared with P6KE12A and SMAJ12A, SA12A-T offers optimal balance of clamping precision (19.9V), proven axial-leaded robustness, and tape-and-reel readiness - making it preferred for legacy-compatible 12V industrial power protection where board-level surge testing mandates exact DO-15 mechanical fit.
Availability
SA12A-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC inputs, and telecom power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA12A-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in China, Taiwan, and the U.S.
SA12A-T belongs to Diodes' SA-series TVS family, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability DC line protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems where DO-15 mechanical robustness and JEDEC-standard surge handling are essential.
FAQ
Is SA12A-T RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, SA12A-T is RoHS compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU and features matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD22-A112 standards. It is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering with peak temperatures up to 260°C and has J-STD-020C Level 1 moisture sensitivity - no pre-bake required.
What is the difference between SA12A-T and SA12CA-T?
SA12A-T is unidirectional (cathode-marked, protects positive-going transients only), while SA12CA-T is bidirectional (no polarity marking, suppresses both positive and negative surges). SA12CA-T has symmetric VBR (±12V) and higher IR (6.0mA vs. 3.0mA), making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
Can SA12A-T be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - SA12A-T lacks matched VBR tolerance (±5%) and thermal coupling control needed for reliable parallel operation. Uneven current sharing may cause premature failure. For >25.1A IPP, select a higher-rated single device like SA15A-T or P6KE15A instead.
Why is SA12A-T marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?
Diodes Incorporated issued this advisory due to obsolescence planning for the SA-series in favor of next-gen P6KE and SMAJ families with tighter VBR tolerances, improved surge consistency, and broader qualification for AEC-Q200. SA12A-T remains fully supported for existing production and repair, with no immediate discontinuance.
SA12A-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 25.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA12A-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12A-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12A-T 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-T reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12A-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12A-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12A-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12A-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12A-T?
SA12A-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12A-T 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-T?
For technical support, including SA12A-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12A-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12A-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12A-T 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-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12A-T?
All SA12A-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12A-T, 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-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12A-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA12A-T Tags

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