Diodes Incorporated SA12CA-T
- Part No.:
- SA12CA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CA-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,368
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Product details
Overview
SA12CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bi-directional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for surge protection in DC power lines and signal interfaces. It features a 12V reverse standoff voltage (VR), 13.3–14.7V breakdown range (VBR), 19.9V max clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates from –65°C to +175°C.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CA-T datasheet, SA12CA-T pinout, SA12CA-T application, or SA12CA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000µs surge, bidirectional polarity handling, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and thermal derating above 25°C ambient.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode uses glass-passivated silicon junctions to achieve fast response time (<1.0 ps) and stable clamping during transient events such as ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching spikes. Its symmetrical I-V characteristics enable identical protection for both polarities without external circuit inversion.
The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) standards when applied with proper PCB layout and series impedance. Clamping behavior is validated using the 10/1000µs waveform per R.E.A. definition, with peak power limited to 500W for non-repetitive pulses.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 500 W - limits maximum transient energy absorption per single 10/1000µs event without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR) | 12 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 13.3–14.7 V @ 1.0 mA - guaranteed conduction onset range under standardized test current |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 19.9 V @ 25.1 A IPP - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 25.1 A - peak current supported at VC under 10/1000µs waveform |
| Operating Temperature | –65°C to +175°C - enables use in automotive engine bays and industrial power supplies |
| Package | DO-15 - axial-leaded, board-mounted form factor with 9.5 mm lead length and UL 94V-0 rating |
Pinout & Package
SA12CA-T is a two-terminal bi-directional TVS diode in DO-15 package. The case is molded plastic with plated leads; no polarity marking is applied (unlike unidirectional variants). Leads are solderable per MIL-STD-202, Method 208.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Either terminal serves as current entry/exit point depending on surge polarity; no fixed anode/cathode assignment |
| Case (DO-15 body) | Thermal mass & mechanical anchor | Provides heat dissipation path to PCB copper; not electrically connected |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated die construction | Enables stable VBR over temperature and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| Bi-directional clamping symmetry | Provides equal protection for positive and negative transients without external polarity management |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Supports lead-free reflow assembly while maintaining solderability and corrosion resistance |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rating | Ensures flame-retardant housing for safety-critical power supply and telecom applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across power rail input prior to DC-DC converter. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤19.9V, preventing damage to downstream 24V-tolerant regulators and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24V digital input modules from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element on dry-contact or sensor input traces. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500W of surge energy without degradation, preserving signal integrity during factory floor EMI events. |
| Telecom DSL Line Interface | AC-DC Adapter Secondary Side |
Use Scenario: Guarding ADSL/VDSL line drivers against lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired differential TVS configuration across tip/ring lines. Use Value: Symmetric clamping ensures balanced protection without skewing differential signaling margins. | Use Scenario: Suppressing flyback spikes on secondary-side rectifier outputs in offline SMPS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected clamp across output capacitor terminals. Use Value: Fast turn-on (<1 ps) prevents voltage overshoot beyond 19.9V, reducing stress on electrolytic capacitors and optocouplers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| P6KE12CA | Same VR (12V), higher VC (20.1V), same DO-15 package, 600W rating | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for low-voltage ICs but improves surge endurance | Select when system can tolerate 20.1V clamping and requires extended pulse robustness |
| SMBJ12CA | Same VR (12V), lower VC (19.9V), SMB surface-mount package, 600W rating | Eliminates through-hole assembly but requires PCB rework for footprint change | Select for new designs targeting automated SMT production and space-constrained layouts |
Compared with P6KE12CA and SMBJ12CA, SA12CA-T offers identical clamping performance at lower peak power (500W vs. 600W), making it suitable for cost-sensitive through-hole applications where full 600W headroom is unnecessary-especially where legacy DO-15 tooling and inventory exist.
Availability
SA12CA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line interface circuits, and AC-DC adapter secondary-side protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA12CA-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, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The SAxxCA series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for high-energy surge immunity in harsh-environment power and signal lines-emphasizing reliability under thermal cycling and repetitive transient stress.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SA12CA-T?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bi-directional TVS diode configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SA12A-T), SA12CA-T provides symmetrical clamping for both positive- and negative-polarity transients without requiring external polarity reversal. This makes it ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where surge direction is unpredictable.
Is SA12CA-T compatible with lead-free reflow soldering?
Yes. SA12CA-T is supplied with matte tin plating compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and supports standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak temperature ≤260°C). Its DO-15 package withstands thermal shock during multiple reflow cycles, and the UL 94V-0 housing remains stable under JEDEC J-STD-020C Level 1 moisture sensitivity conditions.
How does SA12CA-T's clamping voltage compare to its unidirectional counterpart SA12A-T?
SA12CA-T has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9V at 25.1A, while SA12A-T specifies 19.2V at 26.0A. The slight difference arises from process tuning for symmetrical breakdown; both meet the same 12V standoff requirement. Designers should verify system voltage margins against the higher VC value when substituting.
Why is SA12CA-T marked as "Not Recommended for New Design"?
Diodes Incorporated designates the SAxxCA series as "Not Recommended for New Design" due to planned obsolescence in favor of higher-power P6KE and SMBJ families. However, SA12CA-T remains fully manufactured and supported for existing designs, with documented parametric equivalence and long-term availability assurance through Aetrix Electronics' continuity programs.
SA12CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
SA12CA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CA-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 SA12CA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CA-T?
SA12CA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CA-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 SA12CA-T?
For technical support, including SA12CA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CA-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 SA12CA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CA-T?
All SA12CA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CA-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 SA12CA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA12CA-T Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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