Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15A
- Part No.:
- SA15A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,859
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Product details
Overview
SA15A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 15V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 24.4V clamping voltage (VC) at 21.0A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA15A datasheet, SA15A pinout, SA15A application, or SA15A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating guidance, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternative part comparisons for circuit protection design-in.
Technical Context
The SA15A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (16.7–18.5V @ 1mA), limiting transient energy by clamping to ≤24.4V at 21.0A. Its low leakage (<1μA @ 15V) ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on systems.
Designed for single-polarity DC rail protection, it features fast response (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR), 175°C max junction temperature, and meets UL 94V-0 flammability requirements. The DO-204AC package supports manual and automated assembly with tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction. |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 / 18.5 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range defining turn-on consistency across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V @ 21.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, directly limiting downstream IC stress. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, enabling robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 surges. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage ensures negligible quiescent current draw in battery-powered or low-power systems. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400g mass, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, cathode band marked on one end for polarity identification. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, with 9.5 mm lead length for 75°C thermal rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current path / low-side reference | Connected to system ground or low-voltage return; defines unidirectional conduction direction. |
| Cathode | Transient clamping node / high-side connection | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail); conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4kV) surges on 12V/24V power nets without degradation. |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR = 1.31 | Low ratio ensures tight voltage control-critical for protecting 16V-tolerant CAN transceivers or microcontroller I/O rails. |
| Sub-1ps response time | Activates before most semiconductor damage mechanisms initiate, preserving signal integrity in fast-edge systems. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for green manufacturing and end-of-life processing. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V battery-supplied ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery feed and LDO input to clamp transients before regulation. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤24.4V during 500W surges, preventing LDO overvoltage failure and ensuring MCU reset integrity. |
Use Scenario: 24V DC digital input modules receiving signals from field sensors subject to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end protection element shunting surge current away from optocoupler or Schmitt trigger inputs. Use Value: Sub-1ps response prevents false triggering; <1μA leakage avoids input bias errors in high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | USB Port ESD Suppression |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in streetlighting subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across bulk capacitor to absorb energy before it reaches driver IC primary side. Use Value: 500W rating handles multi-cycle surges; 175°C TJ rating sustains performance in thermally constrained outdoor enclosures. |
Use Scenario: USB 2.0 upstream ports in industrial HMIs requiring IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15kV air/8kV contact) ESD immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-stage protection after polymer PTC, clamping fast ESD events before USB transceiver PHY. Use Value: 24.4V clamping ensures USB PHY (typically 3.3V tolerant) remains within safe operating area during 8kV contact discharge. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ15A | Same DO-204AC package, identical VWM (15V), but higher VC (24.4V vs 24.0V) and lower IPPM (21.0A vs 21.5A). | Marginally tighter clamping; validated for IPC-A-610 Class 3 assembly but lacks AEC-Q101 documentation. | Select SMAJ15A only if AEC-Q101 compliance is not required and board-level ESD margin allows 0.4V higher clamping. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC15A | Same VWM and VBR range, but larger DO-214AB package (SMA), higher thermal mass, and 23.2V VC @ 21.7A. | Requires PCB footprint change; better sustained power dissipation (3W vs 3W at TL=75°C) but slower mounting compatibility. | Choose 1.5SMC15A when thermal management demands larger pad area or when existing designs use SMA footprints. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the SA15A offers AEC-Q101 qualification in the compact DO-15 form factor with industry-matched clamping performance-making it optimal for space-constrained automotive modules where qualification and footprint are decisive.
Availability
SA15A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial sensor interface modules, and LED lighting surge protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SA15A 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, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The SA Series TVS diodes are engineered specifically for high-reliability DC power rail protection, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric distribution, and robust surge endurance in harsh electromagnetic environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA15A under standard test conditions?
The SA15A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 21.0 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is measured at TA = 25°C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA15A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating junction temperature range.
Is the SA15A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the SA15A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified as confirmed in the manufacturer's documentation (Version L2105). It undergoes stress testing including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and ESD per AEC-Q101 Rev D, making it suitable for under-hood and body-control module applications where automotive-grade reliability is mandatory. The "A" suffix in SA15A denotes this qualification level.
How does the SA15A differ from the SA15 variant?
The SA15A differs from the SA15 primarily in tighter breakdown voltage tolerance (16.7–18.5 V vs 16.7–20.4 V) and lower maximum clamping voltage (24.4 V vs 26.9 V at same IPPM). Both share identical VWM (15 V), package (DO-204AC), and 500W rating, but the SA15A's improved VBR consistency and lower VC enhance protection margin for sensitive 16V-rated components. The "A" suffix indicates the enhanced version.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the SA15A at its working voltage?
The SA15A specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 μA when biased at its full working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 15 V and tested at TA = 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems such as automotive body controllers or IoT edge nodes, supporting long battery life and stable reference voltage integrity.
Can the SA15A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the SA15A is a unidirectional TVS diode intended only for DC rail protection with defined anode-cathode polarity. Bidirectional operation requires CA-suffixed parts (e.g., SA15CA) or explicitly symmetric devices. Using SA15A in reverse-biased AC applications risks permanent failure due to forward conduction during negative half-cycles; its datasheet confirms polarity marking and unidirectional test conditions only.
SA15A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 21A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA15A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15A 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 SA15A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA15A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15A?
SA15A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15A 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 SA15A?
For technical support, including SA15A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15A 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 SA15A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15A?
All SA15A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15A, 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 SA15A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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