Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16CA
- Part No.:
- SA16CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,106
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA16CA 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, with 16V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–21.8V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 28.8V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 20A peak pulse current - used for ESD and surge protection in automotive lighting and industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA16CA datasheet, SA16CA pinout, SA16CA application, or SA16CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating curves, and direct alternative part comparisons for robust overvoltage protection design.
Technical Context
The SA16CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transients above ±17.8V in both polarities with sub-nanosecond response time (<5.0ns). Its VBR tolerance (±12%) and temperature coefficient of 19mV/°C ensure predictable turn-on across -55°C to +175°C junction range.
Designed for unclamped inductive load switching and fast electrical fast transients (EFT), it sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and maintains <1μA reverse leakage at 16V - enabling low-power standby compatibility in always-on automotive modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below system rail. |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 / 21.8 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable conduction onset during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V @ 20 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating per IEC 61000-4-5; supports Level 4 surge immunity compliance. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 16 V; minimizes quiescent current drain in battery-powered systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94V-0 flammability rating; cathode band marking indicates polarity for unidirectional variants only - SA16CA is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode | Bidirectional avalanche terminals | Interchangeable terminals; symmetrical clamping in both directions - no polarity dependency in PCB layout. |
| Leads | Mounting and thermal path | Pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability; support 10×10 mm copper pad thermal relief per JEDEC standards. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per stress test plan. |
| 5.0 ns response time (bidirectional) | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage - critical for CAN/LIN bus interface protection. |
| Low impedance surge resistance | Enables high-current diversion with minimal voltage overshoot; VC remains stable across 10–20A surge range. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - suitable for green manufacturing and export compliance. |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Systems | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs from load-dump and inductive kickback in headlamp modules. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail and ground near connector entry point. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 28.8V during 500W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 30V-rated drivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels against EFT bursts and field-wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role: Primary front-end protection on DIN-rail mounted I/O cards exposed to factory floor noise. Use Value: Sub-5ns response ensures clamping occurs before microcontroller GPIOs experience destructive overvoltage. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Smart Home Sensor Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN bus transceivers from battery reversal and alternator ripple-induced spikes. IC Role / Device Role: Differential protection between LIN line and chassis ground in BCM subassemblies. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping preserves signal integrity while absorbing ±1kV ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. | Use Scenario: Securing Z-Wave or Zigbee radio supply rails against electrostatic discharge during device handling. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff protection on 3.3V/5V power inputs of wireless sensor nodes. Use Value: <1μA leakage at 16V VWM avoids battery drain in multi-year battery-operated deployments. |
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 SMAJ16CA | Identical DO-204AC package, same 16V VWM and 28.8V VC, but rated for 400W PPK (vs. 500W). | Lower peak power rating reduces margin for repetitive surge events in harsh industrial settings. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for full 500W surge headroom. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE16CA | DO-201AD package (larger), 16V VWM, 28.8V VC, 1500W PPK - higher power but incompatible footprint. | Requires PCB redesign due to larger case size and different lead spacing; not drop-in. | Choose only when system-level surge energy exceeds 500W and board space allows DO-201AD mounting. |
Compared with SMAJ16CA and 1.5KE16CA, the SA16CA uniquely balances AEC-Q101 qualification, 500W capability, and DO-204AC compactness - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive modules where reliability and surge margin must coexist without layout change.
Availability
SA16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial PLC I/O protection, and body control module designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and consistent DO-204AC form factor.
Supply support for SA16CA 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, and rectifiers with global distribution and automotive qualification capabilities.
The SA Series is engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight VBR tolerances, and robust surge endurance in standard DO-204AC packaging.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA16CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA16CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.8 V at 20 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per IEC 61000-4-5 and guarantees that downstream circuitry sees no more than 28.8 V during a 500W transient event - a critical parameter for protecting 30V-rated power management ICs in automotive applications. The SA16CA datasheet confirms this performance across the full operating temperature range.
Is SA16CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect PCB layout?
The SA16CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities - no anode/cathode orientation is required during placement. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SA16A), the SA16CA has no cathode band marking and can be mounted in either direction on the PCB. This simplifies layout, eliminates polarity-check steps in automated assembly, and ensures symmetric protection for AC-coupled or floating signal lines such as LIN or CAN differential pairs.
Does SA16CA meet AEC-Q101 requirements, and what does that qualification cover?
Yes, SA16CA is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Taiwan Semiconductor's L2105 revision documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and ESD (HBM ≥8kV, CDM ≥1kV). It certifies suitability for automotive under-hood and cabin applications where long-term reliability under thermal, vibration, and electrical stress is mandatory - distinguishing SA16CA from commercial-grade TVS diodes not validated to automotive standards.
What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal derating behavior of SA16CA?
The SA16CA has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C and follows a linear derating curve starting at 25°C ambient: peak pulse power drops to 50% at +100°C and reaches zero at +175°C. Derating is defined per Figure 2 in the official datasheet and assumes mounting on 10×10 mm copper pads per terminal. This behavior enables use in engine-control units and lighting modules where ambient temperatures exceed 100°C - provided PCB thermal design meets the specified pad dimensions.
How does SA16CA compare to SA16A in terms of electrical performance and application use?
The SA16CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping, while SA16A is unidirectional and features a cathode band. Their VWM (16 V), VBR (17.8–19.7 V), and VC (26.0 V) are closely matched, but SA16A offers lower clamping voltage at same current. SA16CA is preferred for AC signal lines or floating rails (e.g., LIN bus), whereas SA16A suits DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed. Both share DO-204AC packaging and AEC-Q101 qualification - selection depends strictly on circuit topology, not performance hierarchy.
SA16CA 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:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20A
- 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)
SA16CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA16CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16CA 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 SA16CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA16CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA16CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA16CA?
SA16CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA16CA 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 SA16CA?
For technical support, including SA16CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA16CA 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 SA16CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16CA?
All SA16CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16CA, 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 SA16CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA16CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA16CA Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

