Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160CAH
- Part No.:
- SA160CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,820
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Product details
Overview
SA160CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified 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, and clamping voltage of 257V at 2.0A peak pulse current. It protects automotive electronics against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA160CAH datasheet, SA160CAH pinout, SA160CAH application, or SA160CAH equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175°C max junction temperature, low leakage (<1μA @ 160V), and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with high-reliability automotive PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The SA160CAH is a silicon avalanche diode designed for unidirectional or bidirectional transient suppression. Its breakdown voltage is specified as 178–218V at 1mA test current, with clamping voltage of 257V at 2.0A IPPM under 10/1000μs waveform - confirming compliance with ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements.
It operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range and features <1.0ps response time for unidirectional mode (5.0ns for bidirectional), pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is marked by cathode band only on unidirectional variants; SA160CAH has no cathode band, indicating bidirectional configuration.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 / 218 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within automotive voltage tolerance bands |
| VC @ IPPM | 257 V @ 2.0 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a transients |
| PPK | 500 W - peak pulse power rating at 10/1000μs waveform defines surge energy handling capability |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - ultra-low leakage preserves battery drain budget in always-on automotive modules |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables placement near high-temperature engine control units without derating |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400g mass and UL 94V-0 molding compound |
Pinout & Package
SA160CAH is a two-terminal bidirectional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. No polarity marking is present; both terminals are functionally symmetric for AC transient suppression.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Enables clamping of positive and negative transients without orientation dependency on PCB |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path for surge conduction | Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive underhood applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| 500W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (50V, 100ms) and IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges without degradation |
| Bidirectional operation | Eliminates need for orientation-aware placement; supports AC-coupled signal lines and dual-rail power domains |
| 175°C maximum junction temperature | Permits direct mounting on high-temperature PCB zones adjacent to power MOSFETs or DC-DC converters |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and automotive ELV directive for end-of-life recyclability and flame safety |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and CAN FD nodes from load dump and jump-start transients on 12V/24V vehicle power rails. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping device placed between power rail and local regulator input. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤257V during 100V/400ms load dump events, preventing LDO overvoltage failure. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog front-end amplifiers in industrial pressure/temperature sensors from EFT bursts in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance transient shunt across differential signal pair inputs. Use Value: Sub-1μA leakage avoids DC offset drift; bidirectional symmetry maintains common-mode integrity during ±2kV EFT pulses. |
| LED Lighting Driver Protection | Motor Control Gate Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED drivers in automotive headlamps against inductive kickback from relay switching and PWM dimming circuits. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected TVS across driver output stage to clamp flyback spikes. Use Value: 257V clamping prevents MOSFET avalanche breakdown during 100V/10ms inductive transients, extending driver lifetime. | Use Scenario: Protecting isolated gate drivers in BLDC motor inverters from Miller-induced voltage spikes during high-dI/dt switching. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping across gate-source terminals of high-side SiC MOSFETs. Use Value: 175°C TJ rating allows co-location with gate driver ICs; fast 5ns response mitigates false turn-on risk. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ160CA | Same DO-214AC package; 160V VWM, 259V VC @ 2.0A, 500W PPK, but not AEC-Q101 qualified | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial use only | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and DO-214AC footprint is preferred |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE160CA | Higher PPK (1500W), larger DO-201AD package, 160V VWM, 259V VC @ 6.1A, AEC-Q101 available only on select variants | Requires larger PCB area; higher surge margin but lower power density | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds ISO 7637-2 Level IV and board space permits larger package |
Compared with SMAJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, SA160CAH uniquely delivers AEC-Q101 qualification in the compact DO-15 footprint with verified 175°C operation - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-temperature automotive modules where qualification and thermal robustness are non-negotiable.
Availability
SA160CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power line protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, LED lighting driver safeguarding, and motor control gate drive shielding requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and qualification requirements.
Supply support for SA160CAH 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, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capability.
The SA Series is engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, emphasizing high-temperature reliability, low leakage, and bidirectional surge resilience in compact axial packages for under-hood and chassis-mounted ECUs.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA160CAH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA160CAH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev D standards, including stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock. This certification confirms SA160CAH's suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and safety-critical systems where component reliability is mandated by OEM specifications.
Is SA160CAH unidirectional or bidirectional?
SA160CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by the "CA" designation (C = bidirectional, A = AEC-Q101 qualified) and absence of cathode band marking per TSC Package Outline Drawing. It clamps transients of either polarity symmetrically, making SA160CAH ideal for AC signal lines, differential buses, and dual-rail power domains without orientation constraints.
What is the clamping voltage of SA160CAH under standard surge conditions?
The clamping voltage of SA160CAH is 257 V at 2.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is measured at TA = 25°C and defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a testing.
Does SA160CAH meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?
Yes, SA160CAH is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21, using molding compound and lead finish that exclude brominated flame retardants and chlorine-based additives. The pure tin plating on leads satisfies J-STD-002 solderability requirements, and the entire construction supports environmentally responsible manufacturing and end-of-life recycling in automotive supply chains.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA160CAH?
The maximum junction temperature (TJ max) for SA160CAH is +175°C, validated per AEC-Q101 thermal performance tests. This rating allows SA160CAH to operate reliably in proximity to high-power components such as DC-DC converters and motor drivers in engine compartments, enabling simplified thermal design without external heatsinking in most automotive applications.
SA160CAH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA160CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160CAH 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 SA160CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160CAH?
SA160CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160CAH 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 SA160CAH?
For technical support, including SA160CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160CAH 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 SA160CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160CAH?
All SA160CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160CAH, 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 SA160CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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