Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA12CH
- Part No.:
- SA12CH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CH.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 14.8V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,454
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Product details
Overview
SA12CH 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), 13.3–16.3V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 22.0V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 23A 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 SA12CH datasheet, SA12CH pinout, SA12CH application, or SA12CH equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and EFT immunity in 12V automotive power rails, DC-DC converter input stages, and microcontroller I/O line protection where low clamping voltage and high surge margin are critical.
Technical Context
The SA12CH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (13.3–16.3V), clamping transients to ≤22.0V at 23A (10/1000μs). Its junction temperature rating extends to +175°C, supporting under-hood automotive environments.
It features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is marked by cathode band; no internal series impedance or integrated capacitance control is specified.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 / 16.3 V @ 1 mA - Ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage with margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.0 V @ 23 A - Limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000μs surge events |
| PPK | 500 W - Sustains single 1ms surges per JEDEC standard without failure |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible standby leakage in 12V bias networks |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources in engine control units |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard through-hole footprint compatible with legacy PCB layouts |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: Cathode indicated by band-marked end; Anode is unmarked lead. Designed for through-hole mounting with 9.5 mm lead length (0.375") for thermal derating compliance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink node | Connected to protected line; conducts transient energy to ground when VREV > VBR |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference / ground return | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path for clamping action |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
| 500W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a transients without degradation in 12V systems |
| Clamping voltage ≤22.0V | Keeps protected ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, MCUs) below absolute maximum ratings during surge |
| Response time <1.0ps | Activates faster than most semiconductor switching events, preventing voltage overshoot propagation |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for green manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and DC-DC input. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤22V during 100V/400ms load dump events, preserving upstream regulator integrity. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temp) from EFT bursts in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end transient absorber on signal lines entering ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity by suppressing 4kV EFT pulses while adding <0.5pF parasitic capacitance. |
| LED Driver Input Stage | Microcontroller I/O Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED drivers from inductive kickback in automotive lighting modules. IC Role / Device Role: Reverse-biased TVS across driver input terminals. Use Value: Clamps flyback spikes to 22V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in MOSFET controllers. | Use Scenario: Hardening GPIO pins of automotive-grade MCUs (e.g., RH850, S32K) against ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. IC Role / Device Role: Point-of-entry protection on board-level I/O headers. Use Value: Absorbs ±15kV contact discharge with sub-1ps response, avoiding logic upset or latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same DO-214AC package; lower PPK (400W); higher VC (20.9V @ 24.4A) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; intended for commercial industrial use | Select SMAJ12A only if automotive qualification is not required and layout space allows SMD mounting. |
| P6SMB12A | DO-214AA package; identical 500W rating; slightly higher VBR (13.3–14.7V); same VC (22.0V) | Also AEC-Q101 qualified; different mechanical footprint and thermal profile | Choose P6SMB12A when DO-214AA reflow compatibility or tighter VBR tolerance is prioritized over DO-15 legacy fit. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and P6SMB12A, SA12CH provides identical clamping performance and automotive qualification in a through-hole DO-15 package-making it optimal for serviceable, high-reliability 12V systems where manual assembly or field replacement is required.
Availability
SA12CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface protection, and LED driver input stage applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SA12CH 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 power systems, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric control, and robust surge endurance in harsh thermal environments.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CH and how is it measured?
The SA12CH has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.0 V, measured at 23 A peak pulse current using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and reflects worst-case voltage seen by downstream circuitry during surge events. The SA12CH datasheet specifies this parameter under "Maximum clamping voltage VC@IPPM" in the electrical characteristics table.
Is SA12CH suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, SA12CH is a unidirectional TVS diode, designed for protection against reverse-polarity surges on positive-rail systems. For bidirectional applications, TSC offers the SA12CA variant (with 'CA' suffix), which provides symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using SA12CH in bidirectional configurations may result in forward conduction and failure during positive transients.
Does SA12CH require a heatsink in typical automotive applications?
No, SA12CH does not require an external heatsink under normal surge conditions. Its 3 W steady-state power dissipation rating (at TL = 75°C with 9.5 mm lead length) and 175°C maximum junction temperature allow operation in ambient temperatures up to +125°C when mounted per JEDEC standards. Thermal design should follow the recommended copper pad layout (10 × 10 mm per terminal) shown in the SA12CH datasheet.
What does the 'H' suffix in SA12CH signify?
The 'H' suffix in SA12CH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification, confirming that the device has passed all stress tests required for automotive electronic components-including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD robustness. This distinguishes SA12CH from non-H variants like SA12A, which lack formal automotive qualification despite identical electrical specs.
How does SA12CH compare to SA12A in terms of electrical performance?
SA12CH and SA12A share identical key electrical parameters: VWM = 12 V, VBR = 13.3–16.3 V, VC = 22.0 V @ 23 A, and PPK = 500 W. The sole functional difference is qualification-SA12CH is AEC-Q101 certified, while SA12A is not. All performance data in the SA12CH datasheet applies equally to SA12A unless otherwise noted in TSC's revision notes.
SA12CH 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:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA12CH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CH 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 SA12CH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CH?
SA12CH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CH 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 SA12CH?
For technical support, including SA12CH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CH 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 SA12CH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CH?
All SA12CH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CH, 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 SA12CH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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