Diodes Incorporated SA15CA-T
- Part No.:
- SA15CA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15CA-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,039
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Product details
Overview
SA15CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bi-directional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, with 15V reverse standoff voltage (VR), 16.7–18.5V breakdown range (VBR), and 24.4V max clamping voltage (VC) at 20.6A peak pulse current (IPP). It delivers fast response time, glass-passivated junction, and operates from –65°C to +175°C for surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SA15CA-T datasheet, SA15CA-T pinout, SA15CA-T application, or SA15CA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC VCC, bidirectional polarity handling for AC-coupled interfaces, thermal derating above 25°C ambient, and compatibility with 9.5 mm lead-mounted PCB layouts per JEDEC DO-15 mechanical standard.
Technical Context
The SA15CA-T is a silicon avalanche diode designed for unidirectional or bidirectional transient suppression using controlled reverse-biased breakdown. Its glass-passivated die ensures stable VBR and low leakage across temperature, with clamping action triggered within picoseconds of overvoltage onset.
It conforms to the 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform (per R.E.A.), delivering 500W non-repetitive peak pulse power at TA = 25°C. Derating begins above 25°C ambient, reaching 50% power capability at 75°C lead temperature (TL), per Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in DS21501 Rev. 12.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (tp = 1.0 ms) | 500 W - sustains single high-energy transients like IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR) | 15 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage; sets operating margin below protected circuit rail |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR @ It = 1.0 mA) | 16.7–18.5 V - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; defines minimum overvoltage threshold for clamping activation |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC @ IPP = 20.6 A) | 24.4 V - upper voltage limit seen by downstream circuit during full-rated surge; determines safe headroom for 24V systems |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 20.6 A - maximum surge current the device can shunt while maintaining VC ≤ 24.4 V under 10/1000 µs waveform |
| Operating Temperature Range | –65°C to +175°C - supports under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor power equipment deployments |
| Package | DO-15 - axial-leaded, board-mounted package with 9.5 mm lead length; UL 94V-0 rated molded plastic case |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, cylindrical molded plastic case, cathode band not marked on bi-directional variants (SAxxCA-T). Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208, RoHS compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional terminal pair | No polarity designation; either end connects to line or ground; enables AC or differential surge suppression without orientation constraints |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and low IR drift over temperature and lifetime; eliminates moisture-induced parameter shift |
| 500W peak pulse rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 open-circuit surge test requirements up to 4 kV (line-earth) in properly designed layouts |
| Fast response time | Sub-nanosecond avalanche turn-on enables protection of high-speed logic and analog inputs against ESD and lightning-induced edges |
| Bi-directional configuration (suffix "CA") | Supports symmetrical clamping on AC signals, telecom lines, or differential buses (e.g., RS-485, CAN) without external polarity management |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Enables lead-free reflow assembly; meets JEDEC J-STD-020C Level 1 moisture sensitivity for standard SMT handling |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 24V DC power input against load dump and alternator ripple surges. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between battery rail and DC-DC converter input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤24.4V, preventing damage to 28V-rated buck controllers and enabling compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on LIN bus lines exposed to ESD and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across LIN signal pair (LIN-H/L) near connector entry point. Use Value: Clamps ±24.4V transients symmetrically, preserving signal integrity below LIN physical layer thresholds (0–12V) and passing ISO 10605 ESD testing. |
| AC-DC Adapter Inputs | RS-485 Data Lines |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient protection on rectified AC input to offline SMPS. IC Role / Device Role: Clamp across bulk capacitor terminals to absorb MOV-failure energy and residual surges. Use Value: Provides redundant 500W clamping after MOV, improving system robustness against sustained overvoltage events exceeding MOV endurance. | Use Scenario: Common-mode surge protection on twisted-pair RS-485 communication lines in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Bi-directional TVS connected between A/B lines and ground, forming a three-terminal protection network. Use Value: Maintains differential mode integrity while limiting common-mode excursions to <25V, ensuring receiver input stays within –7V to +12V common-mode range per TIA-485-A. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| P6KE15CA | Same VR (15V), same DO-15 package, but lower peak power (600W vs. 500W); higher VC (24.4V identical), same IPP (20.6A) | Valid for new designs; not flagged as obsolete; wider availability in tape-and-reel | Select when long-term supply continuity and active design support are required over legacy SA-series footprint |
| SMBJ15CA | Same VR (15V), surface-mount SMB package; lower peak power (600W), identical VC (24.4V), higher IPP (32.9A) | Replaces SA15CA-T in space-constrained or automated SMT layouts; requires PCB redesign | Choose for next-generation boards targeting automated assembly and reduced board area; verify thermal pad layout for 1.0W steady-state dissipation |
Compared with SA15CA-T, P6KE15CA offers active production status and broader distribution, while SMBJ15CA provides SMT compatibility and higher surge current capacity-both retain identical clamping performance but differ in form factor, longevity, and thermal mounting strategy.
Availability
SA15CA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, AC-DC adapter inputs, and RS-485 data lines requiring stable component supply and legacy footprint compatibility.
Supply support for SA15CA-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, serving industrial, computing, consumer, and automotive markets with high-reliability components.
The SA-series TVS diodes were developed for cost-sensitive, high-volume surge protection in legacy power and interface applications-emphasizing rugged DO-15 packaging, wide temperature operation, and compatibility with through-hole manufacturing.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SA15CA-T?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bi-directional configuration: the device functions identically in both polarities, with symmetrical breakdown and clamping behavior. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants, it has no cathode marking and is used where AC signals or differential lines require equal positive/negative transient suppression without polarity awareness.
Is SA15CA-T suitable for new designs despite the "Not Recommended for New Design" note?
While Diodes Incorporated labels the SA-series as "Not Recommended for New Design" due to newer alternatives (e.g., P6KE, SMBJ), SA15CA-T remains fully functional and in active production. It is appropriate for legacy refreshes, repair BOMs, or applications where DO-15 through-hole assembly, temperature range (–65°C to +175°C), or existing qualification data are mandatory.
How does the DO-15 package affect thermal performance in PCB layout?
With 9.5 mm lead length and board-mounted installation, SA15CA-T achieves 1.0 W steady-state power dissipation at TL = 75°C. Thermal performance depends on copper pour area under leads and airflow; doubling trace width to ≥2 mm per lead improves heat spreading. Derating to 50% power is required above 75°C lead temperature per Fig. 4 in DS21501.
Can SA15CA-T replace SA15A-T in a circuit?
No-SA15A-T is unidirectional (cathode-marked, conducts only in reverse), while SA15CA-T is bidirectional (no polarity marking, symmetrical clamping). Substituting CA for A in DC-only applications may cause unintended conduction; in AC or differential lines, CA is correct. Always verify circuit topology and signal polarity before replacement.
SA15CA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- 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):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA15CA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15CA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15CA-T 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 SA15CA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15CA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA15CA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15CA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15CA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15CA-T?
SA15CA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15CA-T 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 SA15CA-T?
For technical support, including SA15CA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15CA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15CA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15CA-T 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 SA15CA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15CA-T?
All SA15CA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15CA-T, 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 SA15CA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15CA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA15CA-T Tags

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