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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160C
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- Part No.:
- SA160C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 198V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,587
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Product details
Overview
SA160C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in automotive and industrial power rails. It features a 160V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–218V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), 257V maximum clamping voltage at 2.0A peak pulse current, and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. It protects DC power inputs against ISO 7637-2 pulses and IEC 61000-4-5 surges.
For engineers reviewing the SA160C datasheet, SA160C pinout, SA160C application, or SA160C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under 10/1000μs transients, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternatives with documented VWM/VC/IPPM trade-offs.
Technical Context
The SA160C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (178–218V). Its low dynamic impedance enables rapid clamping to ≤257V at 2.0A IPPM under 10/1000μs waveform, limiting energy dissipation in protected downstream circuitry.
It exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 160V (VWM), a 175°C maximum junction temperature, and is rated for 70A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine). The device meets AEC-Q101 stress requirements and is halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous DC operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe system rail margin. |
| VBR min/max | 178–218 V @ 1 mA - Breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on above nominal rail with margin for tolerance and temp drift. |
| VC @ IPPM | 257 V @ 2.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating at TA = 25°C; defines single-event surge energy handling capability. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; negligible power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance sensing nodes. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads; compatible with wave and reflow soldering per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground-reference terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; completes clamping loop during overvoltage events. |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V/24V rail); conducts avalanche current to ground when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power rails. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (1.2/50μs + 8/20μs) without failure. |
| Clamping voltage ≤257V @ 2.0A | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., MCU power pins, CAN transceivers) remain below absolute maximum ratings during surge events. |
| Fast response time <1.0 ps | Activates before most semiconductor damage mechanisms initiate - critical for safeguarding fast-switching gate drivers and analog front-ends. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and IEC 61249-2-21 - required for global automotive OEM supply chains. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial DC Input Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping element placed across input rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤257V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to PMICs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: 24V/48V programmable logic controller (PLC) power entry subjected to lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role: First-line transient suppression before bulk capacitance and upstream regulators. Use Value: Absorbs 500W peak energy without degradation, maintaining system uptime in factory automation environments. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Protection | Automotive CAN Transceiver Interface |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver input in commercial lighting systems experiencing switching transients from relay coils or inductive ballasts. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between input VIN and GND to clamp positive-going spikes. Use Value: Prevents overvoltage stress on driver ICs (e.g., TPS92692) while adding <1μA standby leakage. |
Use Scenario: CAN_H/CAN_L bus lines in vehicle infotainment modules exposed to ESD and fast transients per ISO 10605. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary protection stage after common-mode choke, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Clamps differential surges to safe levels (<257V) without affecting signal integrity due to low capacitance and sub-ns response. |
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 | VWM = 160V, VC = 259V @ 2.0A, same DO-214AC package but surface-mount; slightly higher clamping voltage. | Requires PCB redesign for SMD layout; not drop-in compatible with through-hole SA160C footprint. | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is preferred over axial leaded components. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE160A | VWM = 136V, VC = 259V @ 2.2A, DO-204AC package, 1500W rating but higher leakage (~5μA @ 136V). | Lower VWM reduces margin against normal rail variation; better for lower-voltage rails where 160V VWM is excessive. | Select when higher peak power (1500W) is needed and 136V stand-off suffices for system design. |
Compared with SMAJ160A and 1.5KE160A, the SA160C offers identical VWM and tighter VBR tolerance (178–218V vs. ±5% typical), lower leakage (<1μA), and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it optimal for automotive 12V/24V power domains requiring long-term reliability and zero derating at 125°C ambient.
Availability
SA160C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC power input protection, and LED driver surge hardening requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA160C 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 Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in discrete semiconductors, including TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with ISO/TS 16949 and AEC-Q200 certified production lines.
The SA Series was developed specifically for robust, high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric distribution, and proven performance under ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 stress conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA160C under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The SA160C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 257 V at 2.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures downstream components remain within safe operating limits during standardized surge events. The SA160C maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range up to 175°C junction temperature.
Is the SA160C qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA160C is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed in the official Taiwan Semiconductor SA Series datasheet (Version L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD (HBM ≥8kV, CDM ≥1kV), validating its suitability for under-hood and body electronics applications. The SA160C is explicitly listed among AEC-Q101 variants in the ordering table (SA160H suffix denotes qualification).
What is the reverse leakage current of the SA160C at its working stand-off voltage?
The SA160C exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 μA at its 160 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at TA = 25°C. This ultra-low leakage minimizes standby power loss and avoids interference with high-impedance monitoring circuits - a key advantage over higher-leakage alternatives like the 1.5KE160A (5 μA typical at 136 V).
Does the SA160C have bidirectional capability?
No, the SA160C is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "CA" or "A" suffix and explicit reference to cathode band marking in the mechanical data. Bidirectional variants in the SA Series carry "CA" (e.g., SA160CA) or "A" (e.g., SA160A) suffixes and exhibit symmetrical breakdown in both polarities. The SA160C is intended only for DC rail protection with defined polarity.
What package type does the SA160C use, and are its leads lead-free?
The SA160C uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards. It is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21. The device weighs approximately 0.400 g and features UL 94V-0 molding compound - confirming full environmental compliance for global automotive and industrial deployments.
SA160C 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):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 257V
- 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA160C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160C 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 SA160C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160C?
SA160C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160C 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 SA160C?
For technical support, including SA160C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160C 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 SA160C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160C?
All SA160C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160C, 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 SA160C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA160C Tags
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