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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160CA
- Part No.:
- SA160CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,998
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Product details
Overview
SA160CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, 160V working stand-off voltage (VWM), and clamps to ≤257V at 2.0A peak pulse current. It delivers fast ESD and EFT protection for automotive lighting control modules and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA160CA datasheet, SA160CA pinout, SA160CA application, or SA160CA equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives with documented VBR and VC matching.
Technical Context
The SA160CA is a silicon avalanche diode designed for bidirectional transient suppression across both polarities, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified from 178V to 218V at 1mA test current and clamping voltage (VC) ≤257V at 2.0A IPPM. Its low leakage (<1μA @ 160V) and 175°C maximum junction temperature support high-reliability operation in automotive under-hood environments.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 surge waveform standards and exhibits <5ns response time for bidirectional transients. The device is qualified to AEC-Q101 (indicated by "H" suffix in ordering code), confirming robustness against mechanical stress, temperature cycling, and humidity exposure required for automotive electronics.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines system-level DC bus immunity threshold |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 218 V @ 1 mA - Validated avalanche onset range ensures consistent turn-on across production lots and temperature |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤257 V @ 2.0 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines protected IC's maximum transient overvoltage exposure |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform; enables single-event surge handling without degradation |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures negligible standby power loss in battery-powered systems |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports placement near heat sources in engine control units and LED drivers |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding compound and tin-plated leads |
Pinout & Package
SA160CA is a two-terminal bidirectional TVS diode housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. Polarity is non-directional; terminals are interchangeable. Cathode band marking is omitted per bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge conduction path | Both terminals conduct identically during positive or negative transients; no PCB polarity orientation required |
| Leads (Tin-plated) | Thermal and electrical interface | Supports J-STD-002 solderability; 0.400g mass aids thermal inertia during repetitive surges |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, lighting, and body electronics per stress test requirements |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without parametric shift |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR (178–218V) and VC (≤257V) performance in both directions eliminates need for polarity-aware layout |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.44) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors like SA160A (VC = 259V) |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21; suitable for EU automotive supply chains and green manufacturing programs |
Applications
| Automotive LED Headlamp Driver Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIO and driver ICs from load-dump and inductive kickback in 12V/24V LED headlamp circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input power rail and ground to clamp transients before they reach sensitive analog front-end and PWM controllers. Use Value: Withstands 500W surges while limiting voltage to ≤257V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in MOSFET drivers operating up to 175°C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from EFT bursts and field-wiring induced spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at connector entry point to shunt fast transients (IEC 61000-4-4, ±2kV) before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Sub-5ns response ensures clamping activation within first nanosecond of EFT edge, reducing integrated circuit stress duration and failure probability. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus Protection | Smart Building Occupancy Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Guards CAN transceiver pins against coupled transients from adjacent high-current loads (e.g., window motors, seat actuators). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS connected between CAN_H/CAN_L differential pair and chassis ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with minimal added capacitance; clamps common-mode surges without disrupting 1Mbps CAN FD timing margins. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards PIR sensor output lines and microcontroller inputs in battery-powered occupancy sensors exposed to ESD during installation or maintenance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed inline with sensor output to absorb human-body-model (HBM) ESD events up to ±15kV. Use Value: Leakage <1μA at 160V prevents battery drain in multi-year deployments; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability in uncontrolled environmental conditions. |
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 | VBR = 178–197V, VC = 259V @ 2.0A, same DO-214AC package but surface-mount; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Requires PCB rework for SMT placement; lacks automotive qualification for under-hood use | Preferred for cost-sensitive industrial boards where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
| Vishay 1.5KE160CA | VBR = 178–197V, VC = 259V @ 2.0A, same DO-204AC package; AEC-Q101 qualified only in "H" variant (1.5KE160CAH) | Higher clamping voltage (259V vs. 257V) and identical thermal limits; requires verification of date-code availability for H-grade | Drop-in replacement if 1.5KE160CAH is in stock; otherwise, SA160CA offers tighter VC spec and guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance |
Compared with SMAJ160A and 1.5KE160CA, SA160CA delivers lower clamping voltage (257V), guaranteed AEC-Q101 qualification, and axial-leaded DO-15 compatibility-making it optimal for legacy automotive harness designs and through-hole production lines requiring zero layout change.
Availability
SA160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial PLC input protection, and smart building sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-environment automotive subsystems-including lighting, body electronics, and power distribution-where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is critical.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of SA160CA?
The SA160CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its "H" suffix in the full ordering code (e.g., SA160CAH). This qualification covers temperature cycling, mechanical shock, humidity testing, and high-temperature operating life-ensuring suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis-mounted applications where SA160CA operates reliably from −55°C to +175°C junction temperature.
How does SA160CA differ from SA160A in clamping performance?
SA160CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 257V at 2.0A IPPM, while SA160A specifies 259V under identical test conditions. Though both share the same VWM (160V) and VBR range (178–218V), SA160CA's lower VC reduces overvoltage stress on protected ICs-particularly beneficial in safety-critical automotive nodes where margin to IC absolute maximum ratings is constrained.
Is SA160CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
SA160CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. No cathode band or polarity marking is present on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package-both leads are functionally identical. This eliminates orientation errors during manual assembly and simplifies PCB layout for differential or floating signal lines.
What is the maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) rating for SA160CA?
The SA160CA is rated for a maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) of 2.0A under the standard 10/1000μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is derived directly from its 500W peak pulse power rating and clamping voltage (VC ≤257V), and is validated per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 test methodology-ensuring repeatable surge-handling capability in real-world ESD and load-dump events.
Can SA160CA be used in place of SA160 in a design?
No-SA160 is unidirectional (cathode-banded), while SA160CA is bidirectional (no band). Substituting SA160CA for SA160 may cause unintended conduction during normal forward bias in DC-coupled circuits. SA160CA is only a functional replacement for other "CA"-suffix parts (e.g., SA150CA, SA170CA); always verify circuit topology and polarity requirements before interchange.
SA160CA 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:
- 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)
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.
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