Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA170A
- Part No.:
- SA170A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,021
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Product details
Overview
SA170A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 170 V working stand-off voltage, 189–209 V breakdown voltage at 1 mA test current, and 500 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs waveform. It clamps transients to ≤275 V at 0.1 A peak pulse current and exhibits <1 μA reverse leakage above 10 V, protecting automotive and industrial power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SA170A datasheet, SA170A pinout, SA170A application, or SA170A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity-aware packaging details, real-world clamping behavior under surge conditions, and validated alternatives for ESD and inductive switching protection in 12–48 V systems.
Technical Context
The SA170A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, designed for parallel connection across DC supply lines to shunt transient energy before it reaches downstream ICs. Its 170 V VWM ensures compatibility with nominal 150 V DC bus systems while maintaining margin against normal operating overvoltage.
It complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive use and features low dynamic impedance during clamping-evidenced by VC = 275 V at IPPM = 0.1 A-and fast response time (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR), enabling protection of sensitive gate drivers and microcontrollers against EFT and load dump events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR min/max | 189–209 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system overvoltage threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at IPPM = 0.1 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during defined 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak transient power dissipation capability per single non-repetitive 10/1000 μs pulse |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current at rated stand-off voltage, minimizing standby power loss |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating supporting under-hood automotive deployment |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 molding compound |
Pinout & Package
SA170A uses a two-terminal DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode band marking indicating the cathode terminal. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity must be observed during PCB placement to ensure correct orientation in unidirectional clamping configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) | Completes conduction path when transient exceeds VBR; must be routed with low-inductance trace to minimize clamping overshoot |
| Cathode | Connected to higher-potential side (e.g., supply rail or signal line) | Marked with band; accepts positive-going transients and conducts toward anode during overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per AEC standard |
| Low clamping voltage | VC = 275 V at 0.1 A ensures protected ICs experience <275 V stress during worst-case surge |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps rise-to-breakdown enables suppression before nanosecond-scale transients propagate into logic circuits |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive for environmentally constrained applications |
| High surge robustness | Withstands 70 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine) and 500 W PPK, suitable for load-dump and inductive kick scenarios |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Industrial DC Power Rail Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical system subjected to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump up to 120 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and ECUs to clamp surges before they reach power management ICs. Use Value: SA170A's 170 V VWM provides margin above 120 V pulse peak while clamping to ≤275 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated regulators and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: 48 V telecom or industrial PLC power input exposed to inductive switching transients from relay coils or solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on primary DC input, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs surges from nearby switching loads. Use Value: With 500 W peak power rating and 175 °C TJ max, SA170A sustains repeated surge events without thermal runaway in enclosed enclosures. |
| ESD-Sensitive Sensor Interface Protection | Lighting System Surge Immunity |
Use Scenario: LIN bus or analog sensor lines in automotive cabin modules subject to IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS (CJ ≈ 100 pF at VR = 0 V) placed at connector entry point to divert ESD current away from ADC inputs. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response ensures clamping initiates before ESD pulse edge couples into high-impedance sensor traces, preserving signal integrity. | Use Scenario: LED driver output stage in streetlight or commercial lighting exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Output-side TVS suppressing common-mode transients induced on 230 V AC-fed constant-current outputs. Use Value: 170 V VWM matches typical LED string forward voltage plus margin, while 275 V clamping prevents MOSFET drain overvoltage during surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170A | Same VWM (170 V), slightly higher VC (277 V @ 0.1 A); SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lacks axial lead mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Choose SMAJ170A only if board space constraints mandate SMT and vibration exposure is minimal |
| P6SMB170A | Identical VWM and VC specs; same DO-204AC package but rated for 600 W PPK (vs. SA170A's 500 W) | Higher surge margin supports infrequent but extreme transients (e.g., direct lightning coupling) | Select P6SMB170A where legacy design validation exists and 100 W extra headroom justifies cost premium |
Compared with SMAJ170A and P6SMB170A, the SA170A offers optimized cost-performance balance for automotive and industrial 170 V rail protection, with AEC-Q101 qualification and proven axial-mount reliability in high-shock environments-making it preferred for new designs requiring qualification traceability and mechanical durability.
Availability
SA170A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial power supplies, and LED lighting systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 compliance and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA170A 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 headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial applications, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parameter distribution, and robust surge endurance in axial packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA170A under standard surge conditions?
The SA170A clamps to a maximum of 275 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 0.1 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in the manufacturer's published electrical characteristics table. The clamping voltage directly determines the peak stress imposed on downstream components, making it critical for validating protection margins in 170 V rail designs.
Is SA170A suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, SA170A is a unidirectional TVS diode intended only for DC or single-polarity surge suppression. Its cathode-band marking and specified VBR/VWM values apply exclusively in the forward-blocking/reverse-conducting configuration. For bidirectional protection, select SA170CA (if available) or a purpose-built bidirectional variant-SA170A must not be used in AC-coupled or bipolar signal paths without external circuitry.
Does SA170A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SA170A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as stated in the product documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD robustness-validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive modules. The "A" suffix in SA170A denotes the AEC-Q101-compliant version, distinct from non-qualified SA170 variants.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for SA170A at its working voltage?
At its 170 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), SA170A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 μA at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage minimizes quiescent power loss in always-on systems and avoids false triggering in high-impedance monitoring circuits. Leakage remains within specification across the full operating temperature range of −55 °C to +175 °C.
Can SA170A be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No-SA170A is not characterized or recommended for parallel operation. Variations in VBR tolerance (189–209 V) and dynamic impedance can cause current imbalance during surge events, leading to thermal runaway in one device. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated TVS (e.g., P6SMB170A) or consult Taiwan Semiconductor's application guidance on staged protection topologies instead of paralleling SA170A units.
SA170A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 100mA
- 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)
SA170A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170A 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 SA170A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170A?
SA170A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170A 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 SA170A?
For technical support, including SA170A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170A 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 SA170A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170A?
All SA170A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170A, 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 SA170A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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