Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16AH
- Part No.:
- SA16AH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16AH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,398
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Product details
Overview
SA16AH from Taiwan Semiconductor is an AEC-Q101-qualified unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 16V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–21.8V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 28.8V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18A peak pulse current - deployed for automotive ESD and load-dump protection in powertrain control units.
For engineers reviewing the SA16AH datasheet, SA16AH pinout, SA16AH application, or SA16AH 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/VC alignment for automotive-grade circuit protection design.
Technical Context
The SA16AH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (17.8–21.8V at 1mA test current), delivering low-impedance clamping to limit transient energy to protected downstream ICs. Its fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) ensures suppression before sensitive logic or analog stages are stressed.
Designed for automotive environments, it supports junction temperatures from –55°C to +175°C, with steady-state power dissipation of 3W at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads, and withstands 70A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine) - critical for alternator load-dump immunity per ISO 7637-2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; sets system-level overvoltage margin for 12V automotive rails. |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 / 21.8 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on above nominal rail while avoiding false triggering during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V at 18 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; defines worst-case stress on protected IC's absolute maximum rating. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per IEC 61000-4-5; validates robustness against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 16V; guarantees negligible standby current drain in always-on automotive modules. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in high-ambient under-hood locations without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002; supports manual and automated through-hole assembly. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: Cathode identified by band marking; Anode and Cathode terminals defined per polarity marking. 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 for unidirectional clamping | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; completes conduction loop during reverse transient events. |
| Cathode | Protected-line input terminal | Connected to 12V rail or signal line; receives transient energy and routes clamped current to ground via anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per stress test requirements. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity without external series impedance. |
| <1.0ps response time | Enables sub-nanosecond clamping onset - faster than most microcontroller I/O pin ESD structures, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; suitable for lead-free reflow and environmentally regulated supply chains. |
| UL 94V-0 molding compound | Self-extinguishing encapsulant prevents flame propagation in high-energy fault conditions within enclosed ECUs. |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain Control Unit | LED Headlamp Driver Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of MCU power inputs and CAN transceiver VCC pins against alternator load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 12V rail and ground, clamping surges within 1.0ps to hold protected node below 29V. Use Value: Prevents reset or permanent damage to 3.3V/5V regulators and CAN PHYs during engine-off-to-run transitions where battery voltage spikes to 40V+. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding buck controller feedback and enable pins from ESD and inductive kickback generated by high-current LED string switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS (VWM = 16V) installed at driver IC inputs to absorb ±8kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) without leakage-induced offset error. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 16V, eliminating drift in precision current-sense amplifier references during long-duration LED-on states. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Input Switches | Industrial 24V PLC Digital Input Card |
Use Scenario: Transient suppression on door lock actuator drive lines exposed to relay coil flyback and cable harness coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional SA16AH placed across relay coil or MOSFET drain-source to clamp inductive spikes up to 500W. Use Value: Limits voltage overshoot to ≤28.8V, enabling use of lower-voltage-rated 30V logic-level MOSFETs instead of 40V+ devices - reducing RDS(on) and board space. |
Use Scenario: Input protection for optocoupler-based isolation stage on 24V digital input channel subjected to field-wiring induced surges (IEC 61000-4-4 EFT). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting fast transients before reaching series current-limiting resistor and opto-LED. Use Value: Withstands 150A peak pulse (per SA16A data sheet correlation) at 10/1000μs, ensuring no degradation after repeated 4kV EFT bursts per IEC standard. |
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 SMAJ16A | Same DO-214AC package, 16V VWM, but bidirectional; VC = 26.0V @ 19.9A; 400W rating. | Supports bipolar transients (e.g., CAN bus); not AEC-Q101 qualified; lower surge rating limits use in load-dump scenarios. | Select SMAJ16A only for non-automotive, bidirectional signal-line protection where AEC-Q101 is not required. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC16A | DO-214AB package; 16V VWM; VC = 26.0V @ 19.9A; 1500W rating; AEC-Q101 qualified. | Higher power rating enables single-device coverage of both ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and Pulse 5a; surface-mount only - requires PCB redesign. | Choose 1.5SMC16A when upgrading to SMT layout and requiring higher surge margin; not drop-in compatible with SA16AH's through-hole DO-15 footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ16A and 1.5SMC16A, SA16AH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, through-hole DO-15 compatibility, and 500W 10/1000μs capability - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, legacy-compatible automotive modules where reliability and assembly continuity are prioritized over footprint miniaturization.
Availability
SA16AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control units, LED headlamp drivers, body control modules, and industrial 24V PLC input cards requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA16AH 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 headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and automotive-qualified components since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, targeting ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-x compliance in engine control, lighting, and body electronics - emphasizing robustness, consistency, and qualification rigor over generic surge ratings.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of SA16AH?
The SA16AH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the "FEATURES" section of the official TSC SA Series datasheet (Version L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - validating its suitability for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications where reliability is mission-critical. SA16AH maintains full AEC-Q101 compliance throughout its rated temperature range (–55°C to +175°C).
Does SA16AH support bidirectional transient suppression?
No, SA16AH is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by its part number suffix "H" (AEC-Q101) without "CA" or "C", and confirmed by its asymmetric electrical characteristics: VBR and VC values are specified only for reverse-biased operation, and polarity marking shows a cathode band. For bidirectional protection, TSC offers SA16AH's counterpart SA16CA - which has identical VWM and clamping specs but symmetrical breakdown in both directions.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA16AH under standard surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA16AH is 28.8 V at 18 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is extracted directly from the "MAXIMUM RATINGS AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table for SA16 in the TSC SA Series datasheet (Page 3, Version L2105), and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can SA16AH be used in place of SA16A in an existing design?
Yes, SA16AH is functionally identical to SA16A in all electrical parameters (VWM = 16 V, VBR = 17.8–21.8 V, VC = 28.8 V, IPPM = 18 A), with the sole difference being AEC-Q101 qualification - SA16AH carries the "H" suffix denoting automotive qualification, while SA16A does not. Both share the same DO-204AC (DO-15) package, pinout, and thermal specifications, enabling direct substitution where automotive reliability certification is required.
What is the junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) for SA16AH?
The datasheet does not specify RθJL for SA16AH; however, the "ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS" table provides steady-state power dissipation (PD) = 3 W at TL = 75°C with 9.5 mm lead lengths, implying a practical RθJL ≈ 16.7°C/W (calculated as (TJ,max − TL)/PD = (175 − 75)/3). This value aligns with typical DO-15 packaged TVS diodes and supports thermal design for continuous operation in sealed enclosures with controlled lead temperature.
SA16AH 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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20A
- 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)
SA16AH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA16AH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16AH 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 SA16AH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA16AH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA16AH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16AH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16AH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA16AH?
SA16AH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA16AH 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 SA16AH?
For technical support, including SA16AH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16AH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16AH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA16AH 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 SA16AH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16AH?
All SA16AH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16AH, 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 SA16AH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA16AH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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