Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160AH
- Part No.:
- SA160AH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160AH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,627
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Product details
Overview
SA160AH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 160V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–218V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 257V clamping voltage (VC) at 2.0A peak pulse current. It delivers AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge immunity in power line and signal path protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA160AH datasheet, SA160AH pinout, SA160AH application, or SA160AH equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O terminals, and LED driver input stages where fast clamping (<1.0ps response), low leakage (<1μA @ 160V), and 175°C junction rating are critical.
Technical Context
The SA160AH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (178–218V), clamping transients to ≤257V at 2.0A IPPM under 10/1000μs waveform. Its low dynamic impedance enables effective suppression of EFT bursts and inductive switching spikes without thermal runaway.
Designed for single-polarity DC systems, it features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is marked by cathode band; no bidirectional operation is supported.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 178 / 218 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range defining turn-on threshold tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 257 V @ 2.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per non-repetitive 1ms surge per JEDEC standards |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage at rated stand-off, preserving system quiescent current |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.400g mass and RoHS/halogen-free compliance |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002; case meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal / Surge current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V/24V rail); cathode band identifies this terminal physically |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing per stress test plan |
| Clamping voltage ≤257V | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., MCU power rails, CAN transceivers) remain below absolute maximum ratings during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events |
| Response time <1.0 ps | Enables sub-nanosecond reaction to ESD and fast-rising transients, outperforming MOVs and polymer-based protectors |
| Low IR <1 μA @ 160V | Minimizes standby power loss in always-on automotive modules and battery-backed industrial sensors |
| UL 94V-0 & halogen-free | Meets automotive OEM flame-retardancy and environmental compliance requirements (IEC 61249-2-21) |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main supply rail upstream of LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤257V during 120V/350ms load dump, preventing permanent damage to 3.3V/5V logic and analog front-ends. | Use Scenario: Digital input channels receiving 24VDC sensor signals in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on dry-contact or PNP/NPN input lines subject to inductive kickback. Use Value: Absorbs 500W surges from solenoid de-energization without degradation, maintaining signal integrity and input stage reliability. |
| LED Driver Input Stage | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers powered from unregulated AC/DC adapters or PoE-derived supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense against line-side surges entering via bulk capacitor charging paths. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000μs transients to safe levels before they stress bridge rectifiers, MOSFETs, or PWM controllers. | Use Scenario: DC power inputs of telecom base station modules fed from centralized -48V distribution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated protector on primary power entry point before DC/DC converters. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000μs surges up to 500W while maintaining <1μA leakage, avoiding false resets or brownouts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A | Same VWM (160V), but lower PPK (400W); SMA package (SMT) vs. DO-15 (through-hole) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; unsuitable for high-vibration automotive mounting without adhesive | Select SMAJ160A only if board real estate is limited and mechanical robustness is secondary |
| 1.5KE160A | Higher PPK (1500W), larger DO-201 package; same VWM/VBR range but slower response (~1ns) | Better for high-energy lightning-induced surges; over-specified for EFT/inductive switching in most automotive ECUs | Choose 1.5KE160A only when legacy DO-201 footprint exists and >500W surge margin is required |
Compared with SMAJ160A and 1.5KE160A, the SA160AH provides optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, 500W capability, and DO-15 mechanical stability-making it the preferred choice for new automotive and industrial designs requiring certified reliability and proven thermal performance at 175°C.
Availability
SA160AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O terminals, and LED driver input stages requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for SA160AH 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight VBR tolerances, and robust thermal derating behavior up to 175°C junction temperature.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA160AH and how is it measured?
The SA160AH has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 257 V, measured at 2.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's electrical characteristics table and reflects worst-case voltage seen by downstream circuitry during transient events, ensuring compatibility with 300V-rated capacitors and 200V+ MOSFETs in protected stages.
Is SA160AH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
The SA160AH is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed. Polarity is identified by a cathode band marked on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package body; the banded end connects to the protected line (cathode), while the unbanded end connects to ground or return (anode). Bidirectional operation is not supported.
Does SA160AH meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the "H" suffix in SA160AH explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification. This includes full stress testing per the AEC-Q101-004 standard for TVS diodes-covering HTOL, temperature cycling, HAST, mechanical shock, and board flex-to ensure reliability in automotive under-hood and cabin environments.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA160AH?
The SA160AH has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175°C, validated per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This allows reliable operation in high-ambient applications such as engine control units, motor drive inverters, and enclosed industrial power supplies where heatsinking is limited and ambient temperatures exceed 125°C.
How does SA160AH compare to SA160 in terms of performance and qualification?
The SA160AH differs from SA160 solely in AEC-Q101 qualification-the "H" suffix confirms full automotive stress testing, while electrical parameters (VWM = 160 V, VBR = 178–218 V, VC = 257 V, PPK = 500 W) and DO-204AC packaging are identical. SA160 lacks the automotive qualification documentation and screening, making SA160AH the mandatory choice for automotive-tier production.
SA160AH 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA160AH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160AH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160AH 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 SA160AH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160AH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160AH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160AH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160AH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160AH?
SA160AH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160AH 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 SA160AH?
For technical support, including SA160AH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160AH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160AH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160AH 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 SA160AH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160AH?
All SA160AH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160AH, 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 SA160AH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160AH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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