onsemi SA13CA
- Part No.:
- SA13CA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA13CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,222
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA13CA from Fairchild Semiconductor is a 500 W bidirectional 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 ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA13CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43), sub-1 μA leakage at VRWM, fast response (<5 ns), and DO-15 thermal derating compatibility with PCB layout constraints.
Technical Context
The SA13CA employs a glass-passivated junction to achieve stable avalanche behavior under repetitive transients. Its bidirectional structure ensures symmetrical clamping in both polarities, with electrical characteristics valid in either direction per manufacturer specification.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power on the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, operates up to +175 °C junction temperature, and maintains <1 μA reverse leakage above 10 V - enabling robust protection in automotive and industrial environments where thermal stress and polarity-agnostic surges occur.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 500 W - sustains single high-energy surges without failure, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements when properly mounted. |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage (VRWM) | 13 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage; sets operating margin for 12 V systems. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 14.4–15.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines onset of avalanche conduction; tight tolerance enables predictable clamping threshold. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 21.5 V at IPPM = 23.2 A - limits protected circuit voltage during surge; clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.43 indicates efficient energy diversion. |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | <1 μA at VRWM - negligible standby power loss and no signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits. |
| Response Time | <5 ns (bidirectional) - activates faster than most microcontrollers and communication ICs can be damaged by ESD events. |
| Junction Temperature Range | −65 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial control applications without derating. |
Pinout & Package
SA13CA is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package with no cathode band - consistent with bidirectional TVS construction. Leads are tinned and suitable for wave or hand soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path (bidirectional) | No polarity marking; either lead serves as input/output - simplifies PCB routing and eliminates orientation errors. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Provides margin against 4 kV contact / 8 kV air discharge ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV surge (IEC 61000-4-5). |
| Sub-5 ns response time | Activates before transient energy couples into sensitive downstream logic or analog circuitry. |
| Symmetrical bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled lines, RS-485 buses, and dual-supply interfaces without external polarity management. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection fidelity. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial RS-485 Communication Port |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN bus and sensor supply lines from load dump and alternator ripple-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V power rail and bidirectional data lines. Use Value: Withstands 175 °C junction temperature and maintains <1 μA leakage, ensuring reliability in engine bay environments. |
Use Scenario: Shields half-duplex RS-485 transceivers from ESD and lightning-induced surges on field wiring. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair (A/B) and common-mode lines. Use Value: Symmetrical 21.5 V clamping prevents receiver saturation while preserving signal integrity up to 10 Mbps. |
| Consumer USB-C Power Delivery Interface | Smart Meter AC Mains Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Guards VBUS and CC lines against hot-plug ESD and cable-bounce transients during USB-C negotiation. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level TVS after primary common-mode choke, targeting differential and common-mode surges. Use Value: DO-15 footprint allows placement near connectors; 5 ns response captures sub-100 ns ESD events before PD controller reacts. |
Use Scenario: Suppresses switching surges and induced transients on 230 VAC input before rectification and metering IC. IC Role / Device Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground clamping device in Class II isolation barrier. Use Value: 500 W rating handles 6 kV/3 kA surges per IEC 61000-4-5; 175 °C rating supports sealed meter enclosure thermal profiles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ13CA (Bourns) | DO-214AA (SMB) package; 10% tighter VBR tolerance (14.4–15.9 V → 14.4–15.4 V); same 500 W rating. | Higher power density but requires re-layout; better suited for space-constrained PCBs with automated assembly. | Select SMBJ13CA when board area is limited and SMT process is available; retain SA13CA for through-hole legacy designs or manual repairability. |
| P6KE13CA (ON Semiconductor) | DO-15 package; identical VRWM/VBR/VC specs; lower peak pulse power (600 W vs. SA13CA's 500 W) due to different test condition definition (non-standard waveform). | Same mounting and thermal interface; validated in older industrial designs with legacy BOMs. | Choose P6KE13CA only if cross-referencing existing schematics using P6KE series; verify waveform compliance in surge test plan. |
Compared with SMBJ13CA and P6KE13CA, the SA13CA offers optimal balance of proven DO-15 manufacturability, precise 500 W 10/1000 μs rating, and automotive-grade thermal capability - making it preferred for new through-hole designs requiring traceable surge immunity validation.
Availability
SA13CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial communication ports, smart metering interfaces, and consumer USB-C power delivery systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for SA13CA 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 designer of high-performance analog and discrete semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its TVS portfolio remains widely deployed in automotive and industrial systems.
The SAxxCA series was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability transient suppression in 12 V–48 V DC systems - emphasizing symmetric bidirectional clamping, thermal resilience, and JEDEC-compliant surge handling.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA13CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA13CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 23.2 A, measured on the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is SA13CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect PCB layout?
SA13CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix and absence of a cathode band on its DO-15 package. This means either lead functions identically - eliminating orientation constraints during placement and simplifying layout for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic interfaces like RS-485 or audio lines. No silkscreen polarity marking is required.
Does SA13CA meet automotive temperature requirements?
Yes, SA13CA is rated for an operating junction temperature range of −65 °C to +175 °C, fully satisfying AEC-Q101 stress test requirements for under-hood automotive applications. Its glass-passivated junction and DO-15 construction ensure stable VBR and leakage performance across this range without derating.
How does SA13CA compare to SA13A in terms of functionality?
SA13CA is bidirectional, while SA13A is unidirectional - meaning SA13A clamps only in reverse bias and conducts forward current freely. SA13CA provides symmetrical protection in both directions, making it suitable for AC signals or systems where voltage polarity may reverse. Their VRWM, VBR, and VC values differ accordingly, and they are not interchangeable without circuit review.
Can SA13CA be used for IEC 61000-4-5 surge protection?
Yes, SA13CA's 500 W peak pulse power rating on the 10/1000 μs waveform aligns directly with IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions. When applied with appropriate PCB trace inductance and grounding, it reliably limits line-to-line or line-to-ground surges up to 1 kV (2 Ω source impedance) - confirmed in Fairchild's application notes for industrial port protection.
SA13CA 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
SA13CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA13CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA13CA 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 SA13CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA13CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA13CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA13CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA13CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA13CA?
SA13CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA13CA 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 SA13CA?
For technical support, including SA13CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA13CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA13CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA13CA 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 SA13CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA13CA?
All SA13CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA13CA, 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 SA13CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA13CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA13CA Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

