My Inquiry
My Account
onsemi SA16CA
- Part No.:
- SA16CA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,439
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA16CA from Fairchild Semiconductor is a 500 W bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, with 16 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 26.0 V clamping voltage (VC) at 19.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) on 10/1000 μs waveform - used for ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines of industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA16CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low incremental surge resistance, sub-5 ns response time, <1 μA leakage above 10 V, and DO-15 thermal derating compatibility with PCB layout constraints.
Technical Context
The SA16CA operates as a bipolar junction TVS device with glass-passivated construction, enabling symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions. Its electrical characteristics - including VRWM = 16 V, VBR min/max = 17.8/19.7 V at IT = 1.0 mA, and VC = 26.0 V at IPPM - apply identically in either polarity per manufacturer specification.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power on standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, with fast transient response (<5.0 ns for bidirectional types), low dynamic impedance, and junction temperature rating up to +175°C - supporting robust protection in automotive and industrial environments subject to repetitive surge events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 500 W on 10/1000 μs waveform - defines maximum single-event surge energy absorption capability without failure. |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage | 16 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks before entering avalanche conduction. |
| Breakdown Voltage | 17.8–19.7 V at 1.0 mA - onset voltage range where clamping begins; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| Clamping Voltage | 26.0 V at 19.2 A IPPM - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge, defining downstream component stress. |
| Leakage Current | <1.0 μA at 16 V - negligible standby power loss and minimal interference with high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| Response Time | <5.0 ns - enables effective suppression of fast transients such as ESD and lightning-induced surges. |
| Junction Temperature | +175°C max - supports operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 axial-leaded package with no cathode band (bidirectional configuration). Leads are electrically symmetric; polarity is not applicable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Surge current path terminal | Either lead conducts surge current bidirectionally; no fixed anode/cathode designation - simplifies PCB routing and eliminates orientation errors. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhances long-term reliability and moisture resistance in humid or contaminated environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line, 2 kV line-to-ground) surge compliance without external staging. |
| Sub-5 ns response time | Ensures clamping activation before transient energy couples into sensitive IC inputs or analog front-ends. |
| Symmetrical bidirectional clamping | Eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices or polarity-aware placement in AC-coupled or floating signal paths. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high-di/dt events, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers against induced surges from relay coil flyback and field wiring faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across input terminals to limit transient excursions below 26.0 V during 500 W surge events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to optocoupler input stages and microcontroller GPIO pins rated for ≤30 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceiver pins and sensor supply lines in body electronics modules exposed to load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter on 12 V rail and bidirectional data lines, responding within 5 ns to suppress spikes exceeding 100 V. Use Value: Maintains communication integrity during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events while adding <0.5 mm² PCB area vs. multi-stage alternatives. |
| AC-DC Adapter Secondary Side | RS-485 Transceiver Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Clamping output rectifier node and feedback sense lines in offline SMPS designs subjected to mains-borne surges and transformer ringing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector that activates at 17.8 V to divert surge current away from TL431 reference and optocoupler LED. Use Value: Enables compliance with UL 62368-1 Annex M without requiring additional MOVs or gas discharge tubes in compact adapters. |
Use Scenario: Protecting differential pair and common-mode nodes of isolated RS-485 transceivers in building automation networks with long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on A/B lines and GND-referenced node to suppress EFT bursts and lightning-induced common-mode transients. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity up to 10 Mbps by limiting differential overvoltage to <26 V while maintaining <1 pF parasitic capacitance at DC bias. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16CA | Same VRWM (16 V) and bidirectional function, but SMB package (surface-mount); 600 W peak pulse power; lower thermal resistance. | Better suited for high-density layouts and automated assembly; requires rework for through-hole replacement. | Select when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is required; verify pad thermal relief for >100× surge cycles. |
| P6KE16CA | Same DO-15 package and 16 V rating, but 600 W rating and higher clamping voltage (27.7 V at 17.3 A). | Higher VC reduces protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V systems but improves longevity under repeated moderate surges. | Prefer for cost-sensitive industrial controls where 27.7 V clamping remains within downstream IC tolerances and surge repetition is infrequent. |
Compared with SA16CA, SMBJ16CA offers superior power density and thermal performance in SMT designs, while P6KE16CA trades slightly higher clamping for greater surge endurance - making SA16CA the balanced choice for legacy through-hole industrial power supplies needing proven 500 W DO-15 reliability.
Availability
SA16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, AC-DC adapter secondary-side protection, and RS-485 communication ports requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy TVS portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.
The SAxxCA series was designed specifically for robust, cost-effective bidirectional surge protection in DC power distribution and interface circuits - emphasizing DO-15 manufacturability, repeatable clamping, and high-temperature reliability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA16CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA16CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 19.2 A on the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under controlled test conditions per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. The SA16CA maintains this clamping performance symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is the SA16CA suitable for protecting 3.3 V logic interfaces?
The SA16CA is not recommended for direct protection of 3.3 V logic interfaces because its 16 V reverse stand-off voltage and 26.0 V clamping voltage far exceed the absolute maximum ratings of typical 3.3 V ICs. It is intended for higher-voltage rails (e.g., 12 V, 24 V) or signal lines with sufficient voltage headroom. For 3.3 V systems, lower-voltage TVS devices such as SMAJ3.3A or USBLC6-2SC6 should be selected instead of the SA16CA.
Does the SA16CA have polarity markings on its package?
No, the SA16CA does not have a cathode band or polarity marking on its DO-15 package because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both leads are functionally identical, and the device provides symmetrical clamping behavior regardless of orientation. This eliminates installation errors and simplifies layout in AC-coupled or floating applications - a key design feature confirmed in the Fairchild SA5V0(C)A–SA170(C)A datasheet Rev. D.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the SA16CA?
The SA16CA has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of its official datasheet. This high-temperature rating allows reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments, enclosed industrial drives, and other high-ambient applications - provided PCB copper area and lead length comply with thermal derating curves shown in Figure 5 of the SA5V0(C)A–SA170(C)A documentation.
How does the SA16CA compare to unidirectional TVS diodes like SA16A?
The SA16CA differs from unidirectional variants such as SA16A by providing symmetrical clamping in both polarities, with no cathode band and identical VBR and VC specifications in forward and reverse directions. While SA16A protects only against negative transients on positive rails, the SA16CA safeguards AC signals, floating buses, and bidirectional data lines - making it essential for RS-485, CAN, and sensor excitation circuits where polarity reversal occurs. Its design intent is explicitly stated in the "Devices for Bipolar Applications" section of the datasheet.
SA16CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 19.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 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…
