Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA16H

Overview

SA16H 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 maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18A peak pulse current - designed for automotive-grade ESD and load-dump protection in power supply rails and signal lines.

For engineers reviewing the SA16H datasheet, SA16H pinout, SA16H application, or SA16H equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified TVS offers verified clamping performance, low leakage (<1μA @ 16V), sub-nanosecond response time, and robust 175°C junction temperature rating - critical for automotive infotainment, body control modules, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 compliance.

Technical Context

The SA16H 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 (10/1000μs waveform) while maintaining <1μA leakage at 16V. Its DO-204AC package supports lead-free soldering per J-STD-002 and meets UL 94V-0 flammability.

Designed for single-polarity surge suppression, SA16H does not support bidirectional operation (no "C" or "CA" suffix); its thermal derating follows Fig.2, with full 500W capability only at TA = 25°C and linear reduction above that temperature. Junction temperature range is –55°C to +175°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA16H uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking for polarity identification. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈0.400g. Mounting requires 10×10 mm copper pads per terminal for rated PD = 3W at TL = 75°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ16A and P6SMB16A, SA16H delivers AEC-Q101 assurance in the legacy DO-15 form factor, enabling drop-in replacement in mature automotive designs where DO-204AC is mechanically locked - while offering tighter clamping than SMAJ16A and lower thermal resistance than P6SMB16A due to axial lead geometry.

Availability

SA16H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, LED driver protection, and DC-DC converter input stages requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA16H 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 - headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, with global distribution and AEC-Q certified production lines.

The SA Series is TSC's automotive-grade TVS platform designed specifically for robust transient immunity in 12V/24V vehicle subsystems, emphasizing low clamping voltage, fast response, and long-term reliability under thermal and mechanical stress.

FAQ

What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of SA16H?

The SA16H is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code designation ("H" suffix) and documentation (SA SERIES Version L2105). This includes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per AEC-Q101 Rev D, making it suitable for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications where reliability is mandated.

Does SA16H support bidirectional transient suppression?

No, SA16H is a unidirectional TVS diode. Its datasheet specifies breakdown and clamping behavior only for reverse polarity; bidirectional operation requires an "SA16C" or "SA16CA" variant (not offered for SA16H). The cathode band marking confirms polarity-sensitive placement - incorrect orientation will prevent clamping during positive transients.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA16H and under what test condition?

The maximum clamping voltage of SA16H is 28.8 V, measured at 18 A peak pulse current using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transient events.

Can SA16H replace SA16 in an existing design?

Yes - SA16H is the AEC-Q101 qualified version of SA16, sharing identical electrical specifications (VWM, VBR, VC, PPK), DO-204AC package, and pinout. The "H" suffix denotes enhanced process control and qualification testing; no layout or schematic changes are required for drop-in replacement in automotive or industrial designs needing qualification evidence.

What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of SA16H in standard mounting?

RθJA for SA16H is not directly specified in the provided documentation. However, with 3 W steady-state power dissipation rated at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads per lead, typical RθJA for DO-204AC in that configuration is ~50–60°C/W. For precise thermal modeling, refer to TSC's thermal characterization data or perform board-level measurement under actual layout conditions.