My Inquiry
My Account
onsemi SA160CA
- Part No.:
- SA160CA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,686
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA160CA from Fairchild Semiconductor is a bidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping high-energy ESD and surge transients. It features a reverse stand-off voltage of 160 V, breakdown voltage range 178–197 V at 1.0 mA, clamping voltage of 259 V at peak pulse current, and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature - used in industrial power supply input protection and telecom line interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SA160CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, DO-15 mechanical data, and real-world substitution guidance for high-voltage surge protection design.
Technical Context
The SA160CA is a glass-passivated, bipolar junction TVS diode optimized for unidirectional or bidirectional transient suppression on AC/DC lines. Its low incremental surge resistance and sub-5 ns response time enable effective clamping of lightning-induced surges (10/1000 μs waveform) without thermal runaway under repetitive stress.
It operates with ≤1.9 μA reverse leakage at 160 V VRWM and maintains stable clamping performance across -65 °C to +175 °C storage and operating junction temperatures. The device complies with JEDEC-standard non-repetitive surge testing (8.3 ms half-sine, 4 pulses/minute max).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 500 W - sustains single high-energy surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 without failure |
| Clamping Voltage @ IPPM | 259 V - limits downstream circuit voltage during full-rated surge event |
| Breakdown Voltage Range | 178–197 V at 1.0 mA - ensures reliable turn-on above normal line transients |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage | 160 V - defines maximum continuous DC or RMS AC voltage before conduction |
| Reverse Leakage Current | ≤1.9 μA at 160 V - minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance monitoring paths |
| Response Time | <5.0 ns - fast enough to protect sensitive analog front-ends and communication ICs |
| Junction Temperature Max | +175 °C - supports operation in enclosed industrial enclosures without forced cooling |
Pinout & Package
SA160CA is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package with cathode identification omitted (standard for bidirectional TVS devices). Leads are tinned and suitable for wave or reflow soldering with 0.375" lead length derating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink (negative polarity) | Conducts during negative-going surges; connects to protected line or ground return path |
| Cathode | Transient current sink (positive polarity) | Conducts during positive-going surges; symmetric conduction enables bidirectional clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable long-term reliability and moisture resistance in humid industrial environments |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for Class 3–4 equipment |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Reduces voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., EFT bursts) |
| Bidirectional symmetry | Eliminates polarity dependency - simplifies PCB layout and reduces BOM count |
| Sub-5 ns response time | Clamps before sensitive downstream components (e.g., RS-485 transceivers) experience overvoltage stress |
Applications
| AC Power Input Protection | Telecom Line Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting AC mains inputs of industrial PLCs and motor drives against lightning-induced surges and switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between L/N and earth ground, absorbing energy before it reaches bridge rectifier and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 259 V during 500 W surges, preventing rectifier avalanche and capacitor overvoltage failure. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485/RS-232 data lines in outdoor base stations and remote telemetry units exposed to induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector across differential signal pairs, referenced to local chassis ground. Use Value: Clamps both polarities equally with ≤1.9 μA leakage, preserving signal integrity while surviving repeated 10/1000 μs transients. |
| DC Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Securing 24 V DC power inputs in factory automation controllers subjected to inductive load switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across input terminals, triggered only during >178 V excursions. Use Value: Activates within 5 ns to clamp spikes to 259 V, protecting upstream DC-DC converters and microcontroller power rails. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in pressure/temperature transmitters installed near variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage bidirectional clamp across loop terminals, minimizing impact on precision analog measurement. Use Value: Adds <1.9 μA error at full-scale voltage, enabling sub-0.1% accuracy retention while suppressing 500 W transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | DO-214AA package; 600 W rating; lower clamping voltage (243 V); higher IR (5 μA) | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs with automated assembly; slightly tighter clamping but higher leakage | Select when board area is limited and 600 W margin is required; verify leakage tolerance in high-impedance sensor paths |
| P6SMB160CA | Same DO-214AA package; 600 W rating; identical 160 V VRWM; clamping at 243 V; IR = 5 μA | Widely stocked alternative with identical electrical specs except leakage and package; requires footprint change | Choose for second-source availability and compatibility with existing SMB layout; confirm thermal relief for 0.375" lead-length derating |
Compared with SA160CA, SMBJ160CA and P6SMB160CA offer higher surge rating and smaller footprint but increase reverse leakage by 2.6× - critical in precision analog sensing where sub-2 μA leakage is mandatory.
Availability
SA160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply input protection, telecom line interface hardening, and DC rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA160CA 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
Fairchild Semiconductor (now part of ON Semiconductor) is a global leader in power management, analog, and discrete semiconductor solutions, with legacy expertise in robust protection devices.
The SAxxxC(A) series was engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh industrial and infrastructure environments, emphasizing thermal stability, surge endurance, and bidirectional symmetry.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA160CA under full-rated surge conditions?
The SA160CA clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to its rated 500 W peak pulse power on the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.9 A and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transient events. Designers must ensure all protected components have voltage ratings exceeding 259 V.
Is SA160CA suitable for bidirectional AC line protection?
Yes, SA160CA is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS diode (denoted by the "CA" suffix), with symmetrical breakdown and clamping characteristics in both polarities. It is commonly deployed across AC mains inputs (L–N, L–G, N–G) in industrial power supplies and motor drives where polarity-independent surge suppression is required without external diode bridges.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for SA160CA at its rated stand-off voltage?
At its reverse stand-off voltage of 160 V and TA = 25°C, the SA160CA exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1.9 μA. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss and negligible loading on high-impedance circuits such as voltage monitors or precision reference dividers in battery-powered or energy-harvesting systems.
Does SA160CA require heatsinking in typical industrial applications?
No additional heatsink is required for SA160CA under single-event surge conditions due to its short-duration energy absorption (10/1000 μs). However, steady-state power dissipation is limited to 1.0 W at 75°C ambient with 0.375" lead length. For repetitive surge environments, thermal derating per Figure 2 of the datasheet must be applied - PCB copper area and airflow become critical design factors.
How does the DO-15 package of SA160CA compare to surface-mount alternatives like SMBJ160CA?
The DO-15 package of SA160CA provides higher thermal mass and proven reliability in through-hole industrial assemblies, especially where mechanical shock or vibration is present. In contrast, SMBJ160CA (DO-214AA) offers smaller footprint and automated placement but requires careful thermal pad design to match the DO-15's pulse power handling. Lead-forming and wave solder compatibility are inherent advantages of SA160CA's axial construction.
SA160CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- 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):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.9A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA160CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160CA 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 SA160CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160CA?
SA160CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160CA 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 SA160CA?
For technical support, including SA160CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160CA 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 SA160CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160CA?
All SA160CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160CA, 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 SA160CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA160CA Tags
-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi
-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi
-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi
-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
