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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA12CA
- Part No.:
- SA12CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,480
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Product details
Overview
SA12CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 12V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–16.3V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 26.3A maximum peak pulse current (IPPM). It protects automotive and industrial circuits against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CA datasheet, SA12CA pinout, SA12CA application, or SA12CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under surge conditions, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating curves, and real-world protection use cases - all specific to the SA12CA variant.
Technical Context
The SA12CA is a bidirectional avalanche diode designed for symmetric transient suppression across both polarities. Its VBR range (13.3–16.3V) and clamping voltage of 19.9V at 26.3A ensure robust overvoltage limiting without false triggering during normal 12V system operation.
It operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature, supports 8.3ms half-sine forward surge up to 70A, and exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 12V - critical for low-power always-on automotive modules where standby current must be minimized.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction; matches nominal 12V automotive supply rails. |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 16.3 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1mA test current; ensures reliable turn-on before downstream IC damage thresholds. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - Clamping voltage at 26.3A peak pulse; limits transient voltage seen by protected circuitry to safe levels. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000μs waveform; meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2b immunity requirements. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables under-hood deployment in engine control units and lighting modules. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 12V; preserves battery life in always-connected vehicle electronics. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding compound and tin-plated leads. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical glass-passivated body with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; SA12CA is bidirectional and has no polarity marking - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no orientation required during PCB placement. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Surge current interface | Direct connection points for transient energy diversion to ground or rail; low-inductance path essential for sub-nanosecond response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for front-end power inputs in ADAS ECUs. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands repetitive load dump and alternator-induced surges per ISO 16750-2 without degradation. |
| Clamping voltage ≤19.9V | Keeps protected microcontroller I/O or CAN transceiver pins below absolute maximum ratings during 26.3A transients. |
| Response time <5ns | Activates fast enough to suppress ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2) before sensitive logic states are corrupted. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets automotive OEM material compliance mandates (e.g., GMW3172, Ford WSS-M99P9999-A1) and end-of-life recycling requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: LED headlamp driver exposed to load dump and relay coil flyback during ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power input to clamp positive and negative transients before they reach DC-DC converter and MCU. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in buck controller ICs by limiting voltage to ≤19.9V during 500W surges. |
Use Scenario: Switch inputs (door lock, window lift) subject to EFT bursts and contact bounce-induced spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protection element on microcontroller GPIO lines, shunting fast transients (<5ns) to chassis ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents false wake-up or reset events in low-power sleep modes with <1μA leakage. |
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Sensor Interface | Infotainment USB/UART Data Lines |
Use Scenario: Analog sensor lines (MAP, TPS) routed near high-current solenoids and ignition coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS (CJ ≈ 100–300pF typical) placed at connector entry to suppress coupled noise without distorting 0–5V signals. Use Value: Enables stable ADC readings under severe electromagnetic interference while meeting AEC-Q200 stress test profiles. |
Use Scenario: External USB or UART ports exposed to user-handling ESD in center console or rear-seat entertainment systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection behind common-mode chokes, clamping ±8kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Reduces failure rate in field-deployed units by preventing ESD-induced firmware crashes or PHY latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Same VWM (12V), slightly higher VC (21.2V @ 23.3A), SMC package (surface-mount), lower IPPM (23.3A vs. 26.3A). | Requires PCB rework for SMD layout; better suited for space-constrained modules where through-hole mounting is impractical. | Select SMAJ12CA only when board area is constrained and thermal management via copper pour compensates for lower surge margin. |
| P6SMB12CA | Identical VWM and VBR range, same DO-204AC package, but rated for 600W PPK and higher IPPM (30.1A); RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Lacks automotive qualification evidence; acceptable for industrial controls but not for safety-critical vehicle subsystems. | Choose P6SMB12CA for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs requiring higher surge margin without AEC-Q101 validation. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and P6SMB12CA, the SA12CA uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC through-hole compatibility, and optimized clamping (19.9V) for 12V automotive systems - making it the preferred choice where qualification traceability and mechanical robustness are mandatory.
Availability
SA12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, body control module (BCM) protection, and engine control unit (ECU) sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA12CA 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, MOSFETs, and power management devices.
The SA Series was developed specifically for automotive and industrial transient suppression, emphasizing AEC-Q101 reliability, tight parametric distribution, and robust surge handling in legacy-compatible DO-204AC packaging.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA12CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 26.3 A under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that protected circuitry sees no more than 19.9 V during worst-case surge events - well below typical 24 V tolerant IC thresholds.
Is the SA12CA suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, the SA12CA is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS diode, with identical VBR (13.3–16.3 V) and VC characteristics in both polarities. Its symmetrical construction makes it ideal for protecting differential buses like RS-485, CAN FD, or analog sensor pairs where transients can occur in either direction relative to ground.
Does the SA12CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?
Yes, the SA12CA is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Taiwan Semiconductor's L2105 documentation and ordering code suffix "H" (e.g., SA12CAH). This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, H3TRB, temperature cycling, and ESD, validating its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the SA12CA?
The SA12CA has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175 °C, enabling reliable operation in under-hood environments such as engine control units and headlamp drivers. This rating is sustained under specified power derating curves and requires appropriate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation per JEDEC standards.
How does the SA12CA differ from the unidirectional SA12A variant?
The SA12CA is bidirectional with symmetrical breakdown and clamping in both directions, while the SA12A is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking. The SA12CA's VBR range (13.3–16.3 V) applies to both polarities, whereas SA12A only conducts in reverse bias - making SA12CA the correct choice for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
SA12CA 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):
- 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)
SA12CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CA 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 SA12CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CA?
SA12CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CA 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 SA12CA?
For technical support, including SA12CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CA 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 SA12CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CA?
All SA12CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CA, 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 SA12CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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