onsemi SA13A
- Part No.:
- SA13A
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA13A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,110
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Product details
Overview
SA13A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, with 13 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 14.4–15.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 21.5 V clamping voltage (VC) at 23.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) on 10/1000 μs waveform - used for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA13A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 500 W surge, low leakage (<1 μA at VRWM), fast response (<1.0 ps), glass-passivated junction reliability, and DO-15 through-hole compatibility with industrial-grade thermal derating.
Technical Context
The SA13A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 14.4–15.9 V breakdown range at 1.0 mA test current. It clamps transients to ≤21.5 V while conducting up to 23.2 A on the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, maintaining low incremental surge resistance for stable voltage limiting.
Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable long-term performance and low leakage (<1 μA above 10 V), and its thermal design supports 1.0 W steady-state dissipation at 75°C ambient with 0.375" lead length - enabling use in high-reliability power supply and automotive body electronics protection circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 500 W - sustains single high-energy surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 without failure |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage (VRWM) | 13 V - maximum continuous DC operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 14.4–15.9 V @ 1.0 mA - precise avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 21.5 V @ 23.2 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge, protecting 24 V logic and interface ICs |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPPM) | 23.2 A - peak surge current handled at rated clamping voltage under standard waveform |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | <1 μA @ VRWM - negligible standby power loss and no signal integrity impact in always-on systems |
| Response Time | <1.0 ps - sub-nanosecond turn-on enables protection of high-speed analog and digital inputs |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by color band; two-terminal device requiring no biasing or external control.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Reference node / ground return path | Connected to system ground or low-side reference; carries full surge return current |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail); avalanche conduction occurs from cathode to anode during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhances humidity resistance and long-term parameter stability in automotive and industrial environments |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for Level 4 (4 kV line-to-earth, 2 kV line-to-line) |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge, reducing stress on downstream 16 V-rated components |
| Sub-1 ps response time | Enables effective protection of fast-edge microcontroller I/O, CAN transceivers, and sensor interfaces |
| DO-15 mechanical compatibility | Supports legacy PCB layouts and automated axial insertion; 0.375" lead length optimized for 1.0 W thermal dissipation |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply and switch-sense inputs against load dump and inductive kickback in vehicle door modules and lighting controllers. IC Role / Device Role: Primary unidirectional TVS clamp on battery-fed lines and wake-up signal paths. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to ≤21.5 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing damage to MCU GPIO and level translators. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input terminals from field-wiring ESD and relay coil flyback in factory automation I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end transient suppressor on optocoupler input side before signal conditioning. Use Value: Limits induced surges to safe levels for 25 V-rated opto-ICs and reduces false triggering in noisy plant environments. |
| DC Power Supply Output Rail | RS-485 Transceiver Interface |
Use Scenario: Mounted across regulated 12 V or 15 V output of switching power supplies to absorb cross-regulation spikes and startup overshoot. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary overvoltage clamp after bulk filtering, upstream of linear regulators and point-of-load converters. Use Value: Prevents 30+ V transients from propagating to sensitive downstream loads, preserving output capacitor lifetime and regulator stability. |
Use Scenario: Placed on RS-485 bus lines (A/B) to suppress EFT bursts and lightning-induced surges in building management networks. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS on each differential line referenced to local ground, complementing common-mode chokes. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode surges to <22 V while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance at 1 MHz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ13A (ON Semiconductor) | Same VRWM (13 V), but SMB package (surface-mount); 600 W rating; slightly higher VC (21.5 V same, but tested at 24.2 A) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; better suited for space-constrained, high-volume consumer boards | Select SMBJ13A only if migrating to surface-mount layout and needing higher surge margin (600 W vs. 500 W) |
| P6KE13A (Littelfuse) | Same DO-15 package and 13 V rating; 600 W rating; VC = 21.2 V @ 23.7 A; tighter VBR tolerance (14.4–15.9 V same) | Direct drop-in replacement in existing through-hole designs; identical footprint and thermal profile | Choose P6KE13A when seeking extended surge headroom within same mechanical form factor and qualification pedigree |
Compared with SA13A, SMBJ13A offers higher power and SMT compatibility but requires layout change, while P6KE13A delivers 20% higher peak power in identical DO-15 packaging - making it the preferred upgrade path for legacy through-hole designs needing enhanced surge margin.
Availability
SA13A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and DC power supply output clamping requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA13A 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy TVS portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.
The SAxxA series was designed specifically for robust, cost-effective board-level surge protection in 12–48 V DC systems, emphasizing high pulse power, tight parameter distribution, and proven reliability in harsh thermal and electrical environments.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA13A under maximum surge conditions?
The SA13A clamps to 21.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 23.2 A on the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals under standardized test conditions and defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a 500 W transient event. The SA13A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its qualified temperature range and lifetime.
Is the SA13A suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the SA13A is a unidirectional TVS diode intended for DC power rail or single-polarity signal protection. For bidirectional applications such as AC lines or differential buses like RS-485, the SA13CA variant - which uses the same package and electrical ratings but symmetric breakdown in both directions - must be selected instead. Using SA13A on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction and improper clamping.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the SA13A?
The SA13A is rated for 1.0 W steady-state power dissipation at an ambient temperature of 75°C with 0.375" lead length, per JEDEC standards. Derating is required above 75°C, reaching zero allowable dissipation at 175°C junction temperature. This rating applies only to continuous DC or low-frequency leakage current - not to transient surge events, where the 500 W pulse rating governs.
Does the SA13A meet any industry surge immunity standards?
Yes, the SA13A's 500 W peak pulse rating on the 10/1000 μs waveform aligns with the energy requirements of IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-earth, 2 kV line-to-line) for equipment connected to low-voltage AC or DC distribution systems. Its fast response and low clamping voltage make it suitable for achieving compliance in automotive (ISO 7637-2) and industrial (IEC 61000-4-4/5) surge testing when properly implemented in the system layout.
How does the SA13A compare to the P6KE13A in terms of surge handling capability?
The SA13A and P6KE13A share identical VRWM (13 V), VBR (14.4–15.9 V), DO-15 package, and thermal characteristics, but P6KE13A is rated for 600 W peak pulse power versus 500 W for SA13A - reflecting a 20% higher surge energy capacity. Both exhibit nearly identical clamping voltage (21.5 V vs. 21.2 V), making P6KE13A a validated alternative where additional surge margin is required without changing board layout.
SA13A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- 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):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA13A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA13A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA13A 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 SA13A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA13A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA13A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA13A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA13A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA13A?
SA13A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA13A 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 SA13A?
For technical support, including SA13A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA13A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA13A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA13A 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 SA13A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA13A?
All SA13A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA13A, 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 SA13A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA13A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA13A Tags

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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