Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA160H
- Part No.:
- SA160H
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160H.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 198V, 10%, UNIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,824
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Product details
Overview
SA160H from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 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 (VWM), 178–218V breakdown voltage (VBR), and clamps to ≤257V at 2.0A peak pulse current. It protects automotive power electronics against ESD and load-dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA160H datasheet, SA160H pinout, SA160H application, or SA160H equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms, thermal derating behavior, and direct alternatives with documented VWM/VBR/PPK alignment for automotive-grade circuit protection design.
Technical Context
The SA160H operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (178–218V at 1mA test current), then clamping transient energy to ≤257V at 2.0A IPPM. Its low leakage (<1μA at 160V) ensures minimal standby power loss in high-impedance bias networks.
Designed for automotive environments, it meets AEC-Q101 stress requirements including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. Its DO-204AC package supports lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-002 and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines system bus voltage compatibility. |
| VBR min/max | 178 / 218 V at 1 mA - Breakdown threshold range; determines minimum overvoltage margin before clamping activation. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤257 V at 2.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; directly limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per ANSI/IEEE C62.35; validates robustness against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a transients. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive locations with high ambient heat. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor interfaces. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding compound and pure tin plating. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy body with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 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 transient events. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to protected supply rail (e.g., 12V battery line); conducts avalanche current when VAK exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive use across temperature cycling, HAST, and mechanical shock per AEC standard. |
| 500W peak pulse rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 500W without degradation at TA = 25°C. |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR - Ensures clamping initiates before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage damage. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.27 - Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge, reducing stress on downstream regulators and microcontrollers. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - Supports environmentally compliant manufacturing and end-of-life recycling. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to ISO 7637-2 load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input to clamp transients before LDOs or buck controllers. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤257V during 500W surges, preventing regulator latch-up and MOSFET gate oxide failure. | Use Scenario: Analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) routed through long harnesses in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA160H installed at connector entry point to shunt EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2). Use Value: Sub-1μA leakage preserves mV-level signal accuracy; fast <1ps response prevents ADC saturation during nanosecond transients. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Motor Control Board Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in automotive lighting subjected to alternator ripple and ignition noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across driver output to absorb inductive kickback and voltage spikes from relay switching. Use Value: Clamps to ≤257V within 1ps, protecting LED strings and current-sense amplifiers from cumulative degradation. | Use Scenario: H-bridge gate driver PCBs controlling brushed DC motors in power seats or HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at motor supply input to divert inductive flyback energy during PWM turn-off. Use Value: 500W rating handles repetitive 8.3ms half-sine surges up to 70A IFSM, extending board lifetime in cyclic load applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A | Same VWM (160V), lower PPK (400W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suited for industrial PCBs where space constraints favor SMT | Select SMAJ160A only if AEC-Q101 compliance is not required and board layout uses SMT footprints. |
| P6SMB160A | Same VWM (160V), same PPK (600W), identical DO-204AC package, AEC-Q101 option available (P6SMB160AH) | Higher clamping voltage (≤274V at 2.2A) and wider VBR tolerance (178–222V) | P6SMB160AH matches SA160H's qualification and form factor but requires verification of clamping margin in high-precision 12V systems. |
Compared with SMAJ160A and P6SMB160A, SA160H offers tighter clamping (≤257V vs. ≥274V), guaranteed AEC-Q101 qualification, and optimized thermal resistance in DO-204AC for through-hole automotive harness connections - making it preferred for safety-critical 12V/24V power rail protection where voltage margin and reliability are non-negotiable.
Availability
SA160H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface protection, and LED driver overvoltage clamping requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA160H 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in power management, protection, and signal conditioning devices.
The SA Series TVS diodes are engineered for automotive and industrial transient immunity, delivering AEC-Q101-compliant surge robustness in standardized axial packages for reliable front-end protection of power rails and signal lines.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of SA160H?
The SA160H is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code suffix "H" and documentation in the SA Series datasheet Version L2105. This certification covers temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock testing required for automotive under-hood and chassis applications. SA160H meets all stress tests defined in AEC-Q101 Rev D, confirming its suitability for deployment in safety-relevant vehicle subsystems.
Does SA160H support bidirectional transient suppression?
No, SA160H is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by its single cathode band marking and specification of VBR only for reverse polarity. Bidirectional variants in the SA Series carry "CA" or "C" suffixes (e.g., SA160CA). Using SA160H in bidirectional applications would leave positive-going transients unprotected; for AC or dual-polarity rails, SA160CA or equivalent bidirectional TVS must be selected instead of SA160H.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA160H under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage VC of SA160H is 257 V at 2.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per the 10/1000μs waveform defined in ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event - critical for verifying headroom against downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.
Can SA160H be used in place of SA160 without redesigning the PCB?
Yes, SA160H shares identical DO-204AC (DO-15) package dimensions, pinout, and soldering specifications with SA160, differing only in AEC-Q101 qualification and minor process enhancements. No PCB layout changes are required when upgrading from SA160 to SA160H; however, SA160H should be specified where automotive qualification is mandated, while SA160 remains appropriate for non-automotive industrial use.
What is the junction temperature limit and thermal derating behavior of SA160H?
SA160H has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C and follows the pulse derating curve in Figure 2 of the datasheet: peak pulse power decreases linearly above TA = 25°C, reaching ~50% of 500W at 100°C ambient. At TL = 75°C (lead temperature), steady-state power dissipation is rated at 3W. These thermal characteristics enable reliable operation in engine bay environments when mounted with adequate copper pad area (10 × 10 mm per lead) per datasheet layout guidance.
SA160H 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:
- 257V
- 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)
SA160H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160H 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 SA160H reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160H?
SA160H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160H 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 SA160H?
For technical support, including SA160H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160H 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 SA160H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160H?
All SA160H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160H, 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 SA160H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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