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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16CAH
- Part No.:
- SA16CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,069
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Product details
Overview
SA16CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for automotive and industrial surge protection. It features a 16 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (PPK) at 10/1000 μs, clamping voltage of 26.0 V at 20.0 A IPPM, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the SA16CAH datasheet, SA16CAH pinout, SA16CAH application, or SA16CAH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and real-world ESD/EFT protection use cases - all critical for automotive module design, power rail hardening, and I/O interface transient resilience.
Technical Context
The SA16CAH is a silicon avalanche diode optimized for bidirectional transient suppression, with symmetrical VBR min/max (17.8–19.7 V) and identical electrical characteristics in both directions. Its low clamping voltage (26.0 V @ 20.0 A) ensures robust protection of downstream 12 V automotive electronics against ISO 7637-2 pulses and IEC 61000-4-4 EFT events.
It exhibits fast response time (<5.0 ns), <1 μA reverse leakage at 16 V, and a 175 °C maximum junction temperature - enabling reliable operation in under-hood environments. The device uses pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without clamping |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 17.8–19.7 V - Breakdown initiates within this range, defining precise overvoltage trip threshold |
| VC @ IPPM=20.0 A | 26.0 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability per single non-repetitive event |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near high-temperature sources (e.g., engine control units) |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current preserves low-power system standby integrity |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400 g mass and UL 94V-0 molding |
Pinout & Package
SA16CAH is a two-terminal bidirectional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. Polarity is not applicable - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable. Cathode band marking is omitted per bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals conduct equally during positive or negative transients - no polarity-dependent mounting required |
| Leads (tin-plated) | PCB interconnect interface | Solderable per J-STD-002; supports wave/reflow; passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress per AEC standard |
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC performance in both directions - eliminates polarity orientation errors in layout |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during surge events, enhancing protection margin for 12 V logic interfaces |
| Fast 5.0 ns response | Engages before most microsecond-scale transients fully develop - critical for CAN/LIN bus protection |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and environmental compliance requirements for global automotive supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping element across power input rails to limit voltage excursions to safe levels. Use Value: Withstands 500 W surges and clamps to 26.0 V, preventing damage to voltage regulators and microcontrollers rated for ≤30 V absolute maximum. | Use Scenario: Shielding high-speed CAN FD transceivers from ESD and coupled noise on vehicle wiring harnesses. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional shunt protector placed differential-mode across CAN_H/CAN_L lines. Use Value: Symmetrical 17.8–19.7 V VBR and 5.0 ns response ensure balanced clamping without signal distortion or common-mode shift. |
| Industrial Sensor Interface Protection | LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to long cables in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: Low-leakage (≤1 μA) TVS at front-end of signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity in precision measurement systems while suppressing IEC 61000-4-4 EFT bursts up to 4 kV. | Use Scenario: Preventing catastrophic failure of constant-current LED drivers due to inductive kickback from relay switching. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected clamp across driver output to absorb stored inductive energy. Use Value: 20.0 A peak pulse current rating and 26.0 V clamping enable reliable handling of 12 V system inductive transients without thermal runaway. |
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 | Same DO-214AC package; 16 V VWM, 17.8–19.7 V VBR, 26.0 V VC @ 20.0 A - identical clamping but lower PPK (400 W) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial/industrial, not automotive Tier-1 designs | Select when AEC-Q101 is not mandated and board space allows SMA footprint |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE16CA | Higher PPK (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, 16 V VWM, 17.8–19.7 V VBR - same clamping but 3× surge capacity | Higher thermal mass and longer lead time; used where extreme surge immunity (e.g., 12 V rail load dump) is prioritized over size | Select when 500 W is insufficient and PCB layout accommodates larger axial package |
Compared with SMAJ16CA and 1.5KE16CA, SA16CAH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 form factor, and 500 W surge rating - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive modules requiring certified reliability without sacrificing clamping performance.
Availability
SA16CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface hardening, and LED lighting surge protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA16CAH 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 was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight VBR tolerance, and consistent clamping across temperature extremes.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA16CAH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA16CAH indicates AEC-Q101 qualification - confirming that the device has passed rigorous automotive-grade stress tests including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) validation. SA16CAH is fully certified for use in automotive electronic control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.
Is SA16CAH unidirectional or bidirectional?
SA16CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode - its "CA" designation confirms symmetrical breakdown and clamping behavior in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional SA16A variants, SA16CAH has no cathode band marking and can be mounted without orientation concern, making it ideal for differential signal lines like CAN, LIN, or RS-485 where polarity reversal must not affect protection performance.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA16CAH under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of SA16CAH is 26.0 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform with a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.0 A. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - ensuring compatibility with 12 V automotive electronics rated for ≤30 V absolute maximum input.
Can SA16CAH replace SA16A in an existing design?
No - SA16CAH cannot directly replace SA16A because they differ fundamentally in polarity: SA16A is unidirectional (cathode-marked, forward-biased conduction), while SA16CAH is bidirectional (no polarity, symmetrical clamping). Substituting SA16CAH for SA16A would eliminate intended DC blocking behavior and may cause unintended conduction paths. Always verify circuit topology and signal polarity before interchange.
What packaging options are available for SA16CAH?
SA16CAH is supplied in DO-204AC (DO-15) package with two packing options: 3,500 units per tape-and-reel (standard for SMT-compatible axial feeders) and 1,500 units per ammo box (for manual or selective soldering processes). Both formats include green compound molding, date code (YWW), and factory code (F) per TSC's marking diagram - ensuring full traceability and process compatibility.
SA16CAH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA16CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA16CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16CAH 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 SA16CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA16CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA16CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA16CAH?
SA16CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA16CAH 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 SA16CAH?
For technical support, including SA16CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA16CAH 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 SA16CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16CAH?
All SA16CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16CAH, 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 SA16CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA16CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA16CAH Tags
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