Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15C
- Part No.:
- SA15C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 18.6V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,701
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Product details
Overview
SA15C 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), 16.7–20.4V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 26.9V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 19.5A peak pulse current - designed for automotive and industrial ESD/inductive load transient protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA15C datasheet, SA15C pinout, SA15C application, or SA15C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating guidance, polarity marking, and AEC-Q101 qualification status - all critical for robust overvoltage protection design in lighting, power supply inputs, and microcontroller I/O interfaces.
Technical Context
The SA15C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (16.7–20.4V at 1mA test current), then clamping transients to ≤26.9V at 19.5A. Its fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) ensures protection of downstream ICs before damage occurs.
It features low leakage (<1μA at 15V), a 175°C maximum junction temperature, and is qualified to AEC-Q101 - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood and body electronics where reliability under thermal cycling and mechanical stress is mandatory.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe system operating margin. |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 / 20.4 V at 1 mA - Breakdown threshold range; determines earliest clamping onset under surge. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.9 V at 19.5 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; directly limits stress on protected ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000μs waveform; defines single-event surge survivability. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures minimal quiescent power loss and signal integrity. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in high-ambient environments like engine control units. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 molding compound. |
Pinout & Package
SA15C is a two-terminal unidirectional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. Cathode is marked by a band on the body; anode is unmarked. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity must be observed during PCB layout to ensure correct clamping direction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal (low-side connection) | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; completes clamping path during reverse transient. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased input terminal (high-side connection) | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V supply or signal); conducts only when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, lighting, and body electronics under temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock. |
| Clamping voltage ≤26.9V at 19.5A | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, MCU GPIOs) remain below absolute maximum ratings during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events. |
| Response time <1.0ps | Enables sub-nanosecond reaction to ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and fast transients, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
| RoHS & halogen-free compliance | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS directives - required for global automotive and industrial product certifications. |
| UL 94V-0 molding compound | Provides flame-retardant encapsulation essential for safety-critical systems in enclosed enclosures or high-power density modules. |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Systems | Industrial Power Supply Inputs |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and MOSFETs from load dump and inductive kickback in 12V/24V vehicle lighting circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between supply rail and ground, clamping transients within 1.0ps to prevent overvoltage failure. Use Value: Withstands 500W surges and maintains <1μA leakage at 15V, enabling stable biasing while surviving ISO 16750-2 load dump pulses. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC/DC and DC/DC converter front-ends against lightning-induced surges and switching noise in factory automation equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on primary-side input rails, absorbing repetitive 10/1000μs transients without degradation. Use Value: 175°C TJ max and DO-15 thermal performance allow reliable operation in sealed enclosures with ambient temperatures up to 125°C. |
| Microcontroller I/O Protection | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding UART, LIN, or analog sensor inputs from ESD and cable discharge events in embedded control nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional clamp on signal lines referenced to local ground, triggered only above VBR. Use Value: Sub-1.0ps response and 26.9V clamping limit stress on 3.3V/5V MCU pins, satisfying IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15kV contact). |
Use Scenario: Securing power and communication lines in BCMs exposed to battery reversal, jump-start spikes, and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AEC-Q101-qualified TVS on 12V main rail and LIN bus lines, providing fail-safe transient suppression across vehicle life. Use Value: Validated for automotive temperature (-55°C to +175°C) and vibration profiles, ensuring zero field failures due to overvoltage. |
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 | Unidirectional, same VWM (15V), slightly higher VC (24.4V @ 21.2A), identical DO-214AC package (not DO-15). | DO-214AC has different footprint and thermal mass; requires PCB redesign; lower clamping voltage may benefit sensitive loads. | Select SMAJ15A only if board layout allows SMD placement and tighter clamping is prioritized over through-hole serviceability. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC15A | Unidirectional, same VWM (15V), higher PPK (1500W), DO-214AB package, 27.7V VC @ 54.3A. | Higher surge rating suits harsher environments (e.g., commercial vehicle alternator load dump), but larger package increases board area. | Choose 1.5SMC15A when system-level surge testing exceeds 500W requirements and space permits larger SMD footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, SA15C offers through-hole DO-15 mounting for manual assembly and rework, AEC-Q101 qualification out-of-box, and optimal balance of clamping performance, leakage, and thermal capability for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial designs.
Availability
SA15C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial power supply inputs, and microcontroller I/O protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge immunity.
Supply support for SA15C 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs - headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
The SA Series was developed specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, combining AEC-Q101 reliability, tight parameter distributions, and DO-15 compatibility for legacy and new designs requiring proven through-hole robustness.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA15C?
The SA15C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode indicated by a band on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package body. It conducts only when the cathode is biased positively relative to the anode - making it suitable for protecting positive supply rails or signal lines referenced to ground. This polarity must be correctly oriented on PCB to ensure proper clamping action during transients.
Is SA15C qualified to AEC-Q101?
Yes, SA15C is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed in the official Taiwan Semiconductor SA Series datasheet (Version L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock, validating its use in automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics where reliability is mission-critical.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA15C under surge conditions?
The SA15C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.9 V at 19.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured using the standard 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 500W transient event and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Can SA15C be used in bidirectional applications?
No, SA15C is strictly unidirectional. For bidirectional protection, Taiwan Semiconductor specifies the SA15CA variant (with 'CA' suffix), which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities. Using SA15C in reverse-biased configurations beyond its specified VWM will result in uncontrolled conduction and potential device failure.
What is the junction temperature limit and thermal derating behavior of SA15C?
The SA15C has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 175°C and follows standard derating curves per Figure 2 in the datasheet: peak pulse power decreases linearly above 25°C ambient, reaching ~50% of 500W at 100°C case temperature. Its DO-204AC package supports 3W steady-state dissipation at 75°C lead temperature with 9.5mm copper pads.
SA15C 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):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 19.5A
- 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)
SA15C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15C 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 SA15C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA15C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15C?
SA15C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15C 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 SA15C?
For technical support, including SA15C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15C 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 SA15C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15C?
All SA15C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15C, 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 SA15C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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