onsemi SA12CARL
- Part No.:
- SA12CARL
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CARL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR DIODE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:40,000
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Product details
Overview
SA12CARL from onsemi is a bidirectional 500 W MiniMOSORB™ transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping high-energy transients in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12 V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage at 25.1 A peak pulse current, <1 µA leakage above 8.5 V, and sub-1 ns response time-used in industrial power supplies and medical equipment surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CARL datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC VDD, peak pulse current capability under IEC 61000-4-5 waveforms, thermal derating at elevated lead temperature, and UL 497B recognition for isolated loop circuit protection.
Technical Context
The SA12CARL operates as a bidirectional Zener-based TVS, symmetrically clamping both positive and negative transients without polarity dependence. Its breakdown voltage is specified at 13.3–14.7 V (min–max) with 1 mA test current, and it maintains stable clamping up to 500 W peak power for 1 ms pulses per Figure 3 waveform.
Thermal design relies on junction-to-lead resistance of 33.3 °C/W and steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W at TL ≤ 75°C with 3/8″ lead length. The device is rated for operation from −55°C to +175°C and exhibits a temperature coefficient of 12 mV/°C for VBR.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Working Peak Reverse Voltage (VRWM) | 12 V - sets minimum operating voltage threshold before clamping begins |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) @ IPP | 19.9 V @ 25.1 A - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during 1 ms surge |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 500 W @ 1 ms - defines transient energy absorption capacity per single event |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 13.3–14.7 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on within defined tolerance band |
| Leakage Current (IR) | <1 µA @ 12 V - negligible standby power loss in always-connected protection circuits |
| Response Time | <1 ns - fast enough to protect against ESD and lightning-induced fast edges |
| UL Recognition | UL 497B (QVGV2) - certified for isolated loop circuit protection in safety-critical systems |
Pinout & Package
SA12CARL is housed in ON Semiconductor's Surmetic axial-leaded Case 59−09 package: void-free thermosetting plastic body, corrosion-resistant leads, solderable at 230°C for 10 seconds at 1/16″ from case. Polarity is marked by cathode band but does not imply unidirectional operation-device is electrically bidirectional.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative half-cycle) | Conducts during reverse-polarity surges; symmetric with cathode for bidirectional clamping |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive half-cycle) | Conducts during forward-polarity surges; identical clamping behavior to anode due to bidirectional Zener structure |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC lines or floating DC buses without polarity constraints |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surge events without degradation |
| UL 497B recognition | Validated for use in telecom and industrial isolated loop interfaces requiring safety certification |
| Low zener impedance | Ensures minimal voltage overshoot during high di/dt transients in power rail applications |
| ESD rating >16 kV HBM | Provides system-level ESD immunity without additional discrete ESD protection stages |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Medical Equipment Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V DC input rails in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff TVS diode placed at board edge before DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤19.9 V, preserving downstream regulator and microcontroller VIN integrity under 500 W surge conditions. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding patient-connected analog front-end inputs in diagnostic ultrasound systems from ESD and defibrillator discharge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across differential sensor lines referenced to isolated ground. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents latch-up in precision op-amps; UL 497B certification supports regulatory submission for Class II medical devices. |
| Communication System Interface Protection | Numerical Control System Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver bus lines in factory automation gateways from cable discharge events and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode TVS pair (one per line) referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Symmetric 12 V VRWM matches typical RS-485 common-mode range; 25.1 A IPP handles 10/700 µs telecom surges per ITU-T K.21. | Use Scenario: Securing 24 V digital input terminals in CNC machine tool controllers against relay contact bounce and motor drive noise coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry clamping device mounted directly at terminal block. Use Value: 3.0 W steady-state rating supports continuous operation in high-ambient-temperature control cabinets; axial lead form enables through-hole mechanical robustness. |
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 | Surface-mount SMA package; 400 W peak power; 20.1 V clamping @ 24.7 A | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lower surge rating limits use in high-energy industrial environments | Select when space-constrained designs prioritize footprint over 500 W surge margin |
| P6SMB12CA | DO-214AA package; 600 W peak power; 19.9 V clamping @ 30.1 A; same VRWM and UL 497B recognition | Higher surge current handling enables longer-duration transients; larger package requires more board area | Choose for enhanced robustness where axial lead mechanical retention is not required |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and P6SMB12CA, SA12CARL offers optimal balance of 500 W surge capability, axial-leaded mechanical reliability, and UL 497B certification-making it preferred for through-hole industrial power entry and medical isolation barrier protection where lead strength and certification traceability are critical.
Availability
SA12CARL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, medical diagnostic equipment, communication interface modules, and numerical control systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA12CARL 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
onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, high-performance silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.
The SA5.0CA Series-including SA12CARL-is part of onsemi's MiniMOSORB™ TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in safety-certified industrial and medical systems where UL 497B recognition and bidirectional clamping are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CARL at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CARL has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured per the 1 ms exponential waveform in Figure 3 of the datasheet. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during standardized surge events and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Does SA12CARL require polarity-aware PCB layout?
No-SA12CARL is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning its cathode band marking does not indicate functional polarity. It clamps symmetrically for both positive and negative transients, allowing placement in either orientation on PCBs protecting AC-coupled lines or floating DC rails without affecting performance.
Is SA12CARL certified for safety-critical applications?
Yes-SA12CARL carries UL 497B recognition (File #E116110, category QVGV2) for isolated loop circuit protection. This certification covers rigorous testing including strike voltage breakdown, endurance conditioning, dielectric withstand, and discharge validation-making it suitable for medical, telecom, and industrial systems requiring third-party safety compliance.
How does the thermal performance of SA12CARL support high-ambient designs?
SA12CARL has a junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RJL) of 33.3 °C/W and is rated for continuous operation up to +175°C junction temperature. Its 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at TL ≤ 75°C-derated linearly above that point-enables reliable use in enclosed industrial cabinets where ambient temperatures exceed 70°C, provided lead length and copper pour meet datasheet guidelines.
Can SA12CARL replace unidirectional TVS diodes in existing designs?
SA12CARL should not be used as a direct replacement for unidirectional TVS diodes (e.g., SA12A) unless the circuit is confirmed to be AC-coupled or fully floating. Unidirectional devices provide DC blocking in one direction; substituting SA12CARL may cause unintended conduction in bias-sensitive analog paths or power rails with defined polarity.
SA12CARL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- -
- Series:
- *
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- -
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- -
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- -
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- -
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- -
- Power Line Protection:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
SA12CARL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CARL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CARL 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 SA12CARL reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CARL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CARL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CARL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CARL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CARL?
SA12CARL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CARL 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 SA12CARL?
For technical support, including SA12CARL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CARL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CARL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CARL 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 SA12CARL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CARL?
All SA12CARL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CARL, 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 SA12CARL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CARL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA12CARL Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

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D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

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DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
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