Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16C
- Part No.:
- SA16C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 19.8V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,642
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Product details
Overview
SA16C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 16V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–21.8V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 28.8V clamping voltage (VC) at 18A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA16C datasheet, SA16C pinout, SA16C application, or SA16C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under 10/1000μs surge, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternatives for board-level surge protection design.
Technical Context
The SA16C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (17.8–21.8V). It clamps transients to ≤28.8V at 18A, limiting energy dissipation to 500W for non-repetitive 10/1000μs pulses. Its low leakage (<1μA @ 16V) ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on systems.
Designed for automotive-grade reliability, the SA16C meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements and features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002. Its DO-204AC package supports 70A single half-sine forward surge (8.3ms) and operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 / 21.8 V @ 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on above system nominal rail while avoiding false triggering |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V @ 18 A - Limits downstream IC voltage stress during 10/1000μs surge events |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge power handling capability per single non-repetitive pulse |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current preserves battery life in low-power automotive modules |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs, DC-DC converters) |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding compound |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: Cathode marked by band; anode and cathode terminals defined per polarity marking. Lead finish: pure tin, solderable per J-STD-002. Weight: ~0.400 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to ground or low-side reference | Enables standard unidirectional clamping from VCC-to-GND rail |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit point in forward bias; connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail) | Provides low-impedance path to ground during overvoltage, diverting surge away from load |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR - Clamps before transient propagates into sensitive analog or digital circuitry |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.4–1.6 - Minimizes overvoltage margin required for downstream IC absolute maximum ratings |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Compliant with IEC 61249-2-21 - Supports green manufacturing and end-of-life recycling requirements |
| High surge robustness | 70 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine) - Withstands repeated load dump or alternator ripple surges without degradation |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V battery-supplied ECUs exposed to ISO 7637-2 load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBAT and GND to clamp spikes up to 100V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by MCU and CAN transceivers to ≤28.8V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown. | Use Scenario: 24V industrial PLC analog input channels receiving signals from field transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on signal lines to absorb EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and cable-induced surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing transients before they reach precision op-amps or ADC front-ends. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | Power Supply Input Stage Protection |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in automotive lighting subjected to inductive kickback from relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS across driver output to clamp flyback voltage generated during switch-off. Use Value: Prevents MOSFET drain-source breakdown and extends driver IC lifetime under repetitive switching stress. | Use Scenario: Input stage of DC-DC converters powering infotainment systems, exposed to battery reversal and surge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on VIN rail ahead of input filter and controller IC. Use Value: Absorbs 500W surge energy without failure, preserving converter startup sequence and enabling fail-safe operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16A | Unidirectional, same VWM (16V), but lower PPK (400W); VC = 26.0V @ 15.4A | Lower surge rating limits use in high-energy load-dump scenarios | Select SMAJ16A only if system surge energy is confirmed ≤400W and layout allows tighter thermal management. |
| P6KE16CA | Bidirectional variant with same VWM (16V), but higher VC (33.2V @ 15.1A) and same 500W rating | Supports AC-coupled or bipolar signal paths; not suitable for DC rail clamping without polarity awareness | Choose P6KE16CA only when bidirectional protection is required (e.g., data lines, RS-485), not for unidirectional power rails. |
Compared with SMAJ16A and P6KE16CA, the SA16C offers superior clamping performance (28.8V vs. ≥26.0V/33.2V) at full 500W rating in a unidirectional configuration optimized for automotive DC power rails, with AEC-Q101 validation and tighter VBR tolerance.
Availability
SA16C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, LED driver modules, and DC-DC converter input stages requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and high-surge resilience.
Supply support for SA16C 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, industrial, and consumer markets.
The SA Series is designed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments-emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parameter tolerances, and robust surge handling in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the SA16C?
The SA16C has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.8 V to 21.8 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots while maintaining margin above its 16 V working stand-off voltage. The SA16C's VBR tolerance supports reliable clamping in 12V automotive systems where rail variations occur.
Is the SA16C AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, the SA16C is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Taiwan Semiconductor's ordering code suffix "H" (e.g., SA16CH) and documentation in SA Series Version L2105. This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and mechanical shock, validating suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis applications where reliability is critical.
What is the clamping voltage of the SA16C at rated surge current?
The SA16C clamps to a maximum of 28.8 V at 18 A peak pulse current (IPPM), corresponding to a 10/1000 μs waveform. This VC value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variation, enabling accurate overvoltage margining for downstream ICs such as microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, and power management ICs in 12V systems.
Does the SA16C have bidirectional capability?
No, the SA16C is a unidirectional TVS diode - indicated by its "C" suffix and cathode band marking. It conducts only in reverse bias above VBR and blocks forward current up to 3.5 V at 35 A. For bidirectional protection, Taiwan Semiconductor offers the SA16CA variant, which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities.
What package type does the SA16C use, and what are its key mechanical properties?
The SA16C uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards. Its molding compound meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating, and it passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing. The device weighs approximately 0.400 g and is rated for mounting on 10 × 10 mm copper pads per terminal for optimal thermal dissipation.
SA16C 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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 28.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- 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)
SA16C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA16C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16C 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 SA16C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA16C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA16C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA16C?
SA16C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA16C 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 SA16C?
For technical support, including SA16C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA16C 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 SA16C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16C?
All SA16C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16C, 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 SA16C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA16C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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