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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160A
- Part No.:
- SA160A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,494
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Product details
Overview
SA160A 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 160V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 259V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.0A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA160A datasheet, SA160A pinout, SA160A application, or SA160A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage (<1μA @ 160V), AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating above 25°C, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.
Technical Context
The SA160A operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression in DC power lines. Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric clamping-low forward voltage (VF ≤ 3.5V @ 35A) during overvoltage events while maintaining high impedance below VWM.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 surge waveform definitions and exhibits <1.0ps response time from 0V to VBR. Thermal performance is specified up to TJ = +175°C, with steady-state power dissipation of 3W at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC rail margin. |
| VBR min/max | 178 / 197 V @ 1 mA - Breakdown occurs within this range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and lot variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V @ 2.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs event; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 immunity. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with tin-plated leads; compatible with wave and reflow soldering per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin plated, compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability rating. Weight ≈ 0.400 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection to protected circuit ground or return path | Completes clamping path during positive transients; must be routed with low-inductance trace to minimize overshoot. |
| Cathode | High-side connection to protected line (e.g., 12V/24V rail) | Marked by band; conducts avalanche current when line voltage exceeds VBR; ties directly to input of downstream regulator or load. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | SA160AH variant meets automotive reliability requirements including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard. |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR - Enables suppression before sensitive logic or analog circuits experience overvoltage damage. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.31 - Tight ratio ensures minimal overvoltage margin between breakdown and clamping, improving system robustness. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - Supports environmentally regulated industrial and automotive supply chains. |
| High surge current capability | IPPM = 2.0 A @ 10/1000μs - Sustains repeated surges without degradation when operated within derated thermal limits. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-supplied ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of LDOs, CAN transceivers, and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3V/5V logic powered from buck converters. |
Use Scenario: Digital input modules receiving 24V DC signals from field sensors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end transient suppressor on each channel before optocoupler or Schmitt trigger input stage. Use Value: Absorbs EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers without degrading signal integrity or requiring active reset. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Telecom Power Supply Surge Guard |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in street lighting subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains or DC bus. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected TVS across output terminals to protect MOSFET switches and current-sense resistors. Use Value: Withstands 500W pulses without failure, enabling compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2kV line-earth) without oversized heatsinking. |
Use Scenario: -48V telecom rectifier outputs feeding backplane distribution where surges propagate from external ports. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level protection after bulk MOVs, providing precise clamping near IC absolute maximum ratings. Use Value: Low IR (<1μA) prevents DC bias shift in precision voltage references; DO-15 footprint allows retrofit into existing telecom power designs. |
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 SMAJ160A | Same DO-214AC package; VBR = 178–198V, VC = 259V @ 2.0A; slightly higher IR (≤5μA @ 160V). | Designed for broader commercial/industrial use; lacks AEC-Q101 option in base part number. | Preferred for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where DO-214AC board space is constrained and lead-free reflow is required. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC160A | DO-214AB package; VBR = 178–198V, VC = 259V @ 2.0A; same PPK but lower steady-state PD (1.5W vs 3W). | Higher thermal resistance limits sustained surge duty cycle; not rated for TL = 75°C mounting condition. | Acceptable for low-duty-cycle protection in consumer electronics, but avoid in automotive engine bay or industrial motor drive enclosures. |
Compared with SMAJ160A and 1.5SMC160A, the SA160A offers superior thermal robustness (3W PD at TL=75°C), tighter leakage control (<1μA), and direct AEC-Q101 qualification path via SA160AH-making it optimal for high-reliability 12V/24V systems where long-term stability under thermal stress is critical.
Availability
SA160A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and LED driver overvoltage clamping requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA160A 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, and rectifiers since 1979.
The SA Series was developed for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing AEC-Q101 readiness, tight parametric consistency, and mechanical compatibility with legacy DO-15 footprints.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SA160A?
The SA160A is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode band marking. It clamps only during positive transients on the cathode side relative to anode-ideal for protecting positive DC rails like 12V or 24V systems. Bidirectional operation requires SA160CA or equivalent bipolar variants.
Does the SA160A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base SA160A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the SA160AH variant-identical electrically and mechanically-is fully AEC-Q101 certified. Engineers specifying for automotive applications should select SA160AH to ensure compliance with stress test requirements including temperature cycling and HTRB.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA160A under standard test conditions?
The SA160A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to a 10/1000μs surge waveform at 2.0 A peak pulse current. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components see no more than 259 V during transient events.
How does the SA160A compare to the SA160 in terms of electrical performance?
The SA160A features a tighter VBR range (178–197 V) versus SA160 (178–218 V), resulting in more consistent clamping onset and lower VC variation. Both share identical VWM (160 V), PPK (500 W), and package (DO-15), but SA160A's tighter tolerance improves design margin in safety-critical applications.
Can the SA160A be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-SA160A devices should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors due to VBR mismatch between units, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher IPPM, select a higher-rated device such as SA170A or use a TVS array designed for coordinated clamping.
SA160A 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):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2A
- 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)
SA160A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160A 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 SA160A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160A?
SA160A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160A 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 SA160A?
For technical support, including SA160A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160A 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 SA160A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160A?
All SA160A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160A, 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 SA160A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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