Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA170AH
- Part No.:
- SA170AH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170AH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,913
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Product details
Overview
SA170AH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional AEC-Q101 qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, 170V working stand-off voltage, and clamping voltage of 230V at 1.7A peak pulse current. It protects automotive power electronics against ESD and load-dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA170AH datasheet, SA170AH pinout, SA170AH application, or SA170AH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms, and real-world use context for automotive-grade overvoltage protection design.
Technical Context
The SA170AH is a unidirectional silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression in automotive 12V/24V systems. Its breakdown voltage is specified at 189–231V with 1mA test current, and it exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 170V - critical for low-power standby circuits.
It delivers 500W peak pulse power per 10/1000μs waveform, with clamping voltage of 230V at 1.7A IPPM. Thermal derating begins above 25°C ambient, and maximum junction temperature is rated to +175°C - enabling under-hood deployment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold |
| VBR min/max | 189V / 231V @ 1mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range ensures predictable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 230V @ 1.7A - clamped voltage seen by protected IC during full-rated 10/1000μs surge |
| PPK | 500W - peak surge energy handling capability per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance testing |
| TJ max | +175°C - enables placement near high-temperature engine control units without thermal derating failure |
| IR @ VWM | <1μA - negligible standby current draw preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package compatible with legacy through-hole assembly and reflow-solderable leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: cathode indicated by band marking; anode and cathode terminals support unidirectional clamping from line-to-ground. Leads are pure tin plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference terminal | Connected to system ground; defines clamping path for positive transients on protected line |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to supply rail or signal line; conducts avalanche current to ground when VIN exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power rails |
| 500W 10/1000μs rating | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements |
| Clamping voltage ≤230V | Ensures downstream 200V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers remain within safe operating area during transients |
| Fast response time <1ps | Activates before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage from ESD or fast-rising spikes |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with automotive environmental standards (IEC 61249-2-21) and end-of-life recycling mandates |
Applications
| Automotive Load-Dump Protection | Industrial Power Supply Input Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V/24V automotive ECUs during alternator load-dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC converter input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤230V, preventing overvoltage failure of upstream buck controller and gate drivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding industrial PLC power inputs exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground clamping device on 24V DC input stage before filtering and regulation. Use Value: Absorbs 500W surges without degradation, maintaining system uptime in factory automation environments. |
| Automotive Lighting ESD Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail |
Use Scenario: Shielding LED driver ICs in headlamp modules from human-body-model (HBM) ESD events during service or assembly. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS mounted directly at LED driver VIN pin. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response clamps 8kV HBM transients below 230V, preserving driver IC reliability over 15-year vehicle lifetime. | Use Scenario: Securing 12V power input to BCM microcontrollers and CAN transceivers against battery reversal and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power entry point before LDOs and supervisors. Use Value: Withstands repeated 170V+ transients while drawing <1μA leakage, ensuring low-power sleep mode integrity. |
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 170V VWM, but 400W PPK rating and SMA package; lower clamping voltage (275V vs. 230V at rated current) | Surface-mount only; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-temperature mechanical stress environments | Prefer SA170AH where axial DO-15 mounting, AEC-Q101 validation, or higher 500W surge margin is required |
| P6SMB170A | Same DO-214AA package and 500W rating, but not AEC-Q101 qualified; VBR tolerance wider (189–256V) | Lacks automotive qualification; limited to industrial/commercial applications without functional safety requirements | Select SA170AH for automotive OEM programs requiring documented AEC-Q101 compliance and tighter VBR binning |
Compared with SMAJ170A and P6SMB170A, the SA170AH provides superior automotive qualification, tighter breakdown voltage control, and lower clamping voltage - making it the preferred choice for safety-critical 12V/24V power rail protection where reliability and specification margin are non-negotiable.
Availability
SA170AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial power supply input clamping, LED lighting surge immunity, and body control module power rail hardening requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA170AH 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 automotive-qualified components since 1979.
The SA Series was designed specifically for robust, high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric binning, and proven reliability under thermal and surge stress.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of the SA170AH?
The SA170AH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the ordering code suffix "H" and product documentation. This qualification covers temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and surge endurance testing per automotive grade requirements - validating its suitability for under-hood and safety-critical power rail protection in vehicles. The SA170AH meets all stress tests defined in the AEC-Q101 standard without parameter shift or failure.
What is the clamping voltage of the SA170AH at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA170AH has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 230V at 1.7A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variations, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. Engineers use this VC value to verify that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings when the SA170AH is active.
Is the SA170AH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
The SA170AH is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" or "CA" suffix and confirmed by its single VBR specification (189–231V) and cathode-band marking. Polarity is marked with a distinct band on the cathode end of the DO-204AC (DO-15) package - the banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., battery rail), while the unbanded anode connects to ground. This orientation enables suppression of positive transients only.
What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal derating behavior of the SA170AH?
The SA170AH has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175°C, with thermal derating beginning above TA = 25°C per the published pulse derating curve (Fig.2). At 100°C ambient, its peak pulse power capability drops to approximately 300W. This high TJ rating allows reliable operation in engine compartment environments where PCB temperatures routinely exceed 125°C, provided board layout provides adequate copper thermal mass per datasheet mounting guidelines.
How does the SA170AH compare to the SA170A variant?
The SA170AH differs from the SA170A primarily in AEC-Q101 qualification and tighter leakage specification: SA170AH guarantees IR ≤1μA at 170V, while SA170A specifies ≤0.1μA but lacks automotive qualification. Both share identical VWM (170V), VBR (189–231V), and VC (230V), but only SA170AH carries the "H" suffix denoting full AEC-Q101 validation - making it mandatory for Tier 1 automotive designs where process and reliability audits are enforced.
SA170AH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA170AH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170AH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170AH 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 SA170AH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170AH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170AH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170AH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170AH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170AH?
SA170AH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170AH 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 SA170AH?
For technical support, including SA170AH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170AH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170AH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170AH 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 SA170AH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170AH?
All SA170AH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170AH, 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 SA170AH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170AH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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