Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16CH
- Part No.:
- SA16CH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA16CH.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 19.8V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,033
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Product details
Overview
SA16CH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a 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 18.0A peak pulse current - used to protect automotive power rails and microcontroller I/O against ESD and load dump.
For engineers reviewing the SA16CH datasheet, SA16CH pinout, SA16CH application, or SA16CH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms, thermal derating behavior, and direct alternatives for automotive-grade overvoltage protection design.
Technical Context
The SA16CH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (17.8–21.8V at 1mA test current), clamping transients to ≤28.8V at 18.0A. It features low dynamic impedance and sub-nanosecond response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR), enabling effective suppression of fast-rising ESD and inductive switching spikes.
Rated for TJ = –55°C to +175°C and qualified to AEC-Q101, the SA16CH supports automotive under-hood applications where high ambient temperature and long-term reliability are critical. Its DO-204AC package meets UL 94V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold. |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 17.8–21.8 V - Breakdown voltage range defining reliable avalanche initiation; ensures consistent turn-on across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM=18.0A | 28.8 V - Clamping voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform; defines single-event surge energy handling capability. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 16V; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ MAX | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in engine compartment environments without thermal shutdown. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive use per stress test standard including HTOL, TC, HAST, and ESD; supports PPAP compliance. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Weight ≈0.400g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to ground or low-side return path; carries forward surge current during bidirectional clamp events (not applicable for unidirectional SA16CH). |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail); conducts avalanche current when transient exceeds VBR, limiting voltage to VC. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood deployment with HTOL, temperature cycling, and ESD robustness testing. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave surges up to 1kV/42Ω. |
| <1.0ps response time | Enables clamping before ESD or fast transients propagate into sensitive logic, protecting CAN/LIN transceivers and MCU GPIOs. |
| UL 94V-0 molding compound | Ensures flame retardancy in enclosed automotive modules; supports safety-critical system certifications. |
| Low IR <1μA @ VWM | Prevents signal distortion or bias shift in high-impedance sensor interfaces and analog front-ends. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Microcontroller I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V battery line in engine control unit exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and LDO input to clamp transients before regulation stage. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤28.8V during 500W surge, preventing LDO overvoltage failure and ensuring MCU power integrity. |
Use Scenario: LIN bus transceiver pins subjected to ESD contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2 (±8kV). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA16CH mounted at connector entry point to shunt ESD current away from transceiver ESD diodes. Use Value: Sub-1.0ps response captures fast ESD rise time; clamping below 28.8V avoids transceiver latch-up or damage. |
| Industrial Sensor Interface | LED Driver Input Protection |
Use Scenario: 4–20mA loop-powered pressure sensor exposed to field wiring transients in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA16CH placed across supply inputs to protect op-amp and ADC front-end from induced surges. Use Value: Low 1μA leakage avoids loop current error; 175°C rating supports operation near hot motor drives. |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver input connected to 24V DC supply in outdoor signage subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA16CH installed upstream of buck controller to prevent overvoltage shutdown or MOSFET avalanche failure. Use Value: 500W rating handles repetitive 10/1000μs surges; DO-15 package allows through-hole mounting on high-current PCB traces. |
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 | Same VWM (16V), but lower PPK (400W); higher VC (33.0V at 12.3A); SMA package (SMT). | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suited for industrial PCB space-constrained designs, not automotive under-hood. | Select SMAJ16A only if board area is limited and AEC-Q101 is not required; verify clamping margin with downstream IC absolute max ratings. |
| 1.5KE16A | Same VWM (16V), higher PPK (1500W), larger DO-201AD package; VC = 26.0V at 57.7A; no AEC-Q101 data. | Higher surge capacity suits heavy industrial equipment; axial leads longer than DO-15, requiring layout adjustment. | Choose 1.5KE16A for non-automotive systems needing >500W headroom; confirm mechanical fit and thermal relief on PCB pads. |
Compared with SMAJ16A and 1.5KE16A, the SA16CH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 form factor, and precise 500W/28.8V clamping-making it the only drop-in solution for automotive Tier-1 power rail protection where qualification, size, and clamping accuracy are jointly constrained.
Availability
SA16CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and LED lighting systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.
Supply support for SA16CH 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 designed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in automotive power distribution networks, emphasizing robust clamping, high-temperature operation, and repeatable surge endurance.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of the SA16CH?
The SA16CH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's documentation (Version L2105), covering high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD robustness tests required for automotive under-hood deployment. This qualification applies directly to the SA16CH variant, not the entire SA series generically.
Does the SA16CH have bidirectional capability?
No - the SA16CH is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by absence of "C" or "CA" suffix and specification of VBR only for unidirectional configuration. Its cathode band marking confirms polarity-sensitive placement; it does not conduct or clamp in forward direction beyond VF ≈3.5V at 35A.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA16CH under standard test conditions?
The SA16CH has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.8 V at 18.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured using the 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range.
Can the SA16CH replace the SA16A in an existing design?
No - SA16CH and SA16A differ in key specifications: SA16CH is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for 500W, while SA16A has lower clamping voltage (26.0V) but no AEC-Q101 validation. Substituting SA16A in an automotive design voids qualification compliance and may reduce surge margin.
What packaging options are available for the SA16CH?
The SA16CH is supplied in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, available in 3,500-piece tape-and-reel format (ordering code SA16CH) and 1,500-piece ammo box format (ordering code SA16CHA0G), both with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards.
SA16CH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA16CH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA16CH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16CH 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 SA16CH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA16CH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA16CH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16CH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16CH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA16CH?
SA16CH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA16CH 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 SA16CH?
For technical support, including SA16CH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16CH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16CH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA16CH 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 SA16CH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16CH?
All SA16CH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16CH, 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 SA16CH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA16CH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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