Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA170C
- Part No.:
- SA170C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 210V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,153
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Product details
Overview
SA170C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with 170V working stand-off voltage, 189–231V breakdown voltage at 1mA test current, and 230V maximum clamping voltage at 1.7A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients in DO-204AC (DO-15) package.
For engineers reviewing the SA170C datasheet, SA170C pinout, SA170C application, or SA170C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under 10/1000μs surge, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and real-world protection use cases for 12–48V DC systems.
Technical Context
The SA170C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (189–231 V), limiting transient energy via low-impedance clamping to ≤230 V at 1.7 A. Its <1.0 ps response time ensures sub-nanosecond turn-on from 0 V to VBR, critical for safeguarding fast-switching MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O.
Designed for single-polarity DC lines, it features 1 μA max reverse leakage at 170 V, 175°C max junction temperature, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The device is rated for non-repetitive 500 W surges per 10/1000 μs waveform and derates linearly above 25°C ambient per Fig.2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA; sets upper limit for protected line voltage. |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 189–231 V - Breakdown voltage range defining reliable avalanche initiation threshold; used to verify margin over VWM. |
| VC @ IPPM=1.7 A | 230 V - Clamped voltage during full 500 W surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling at 10/1000 μs waveform; defines transient energy absorption capability. |
| TJMAX | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments with proper PCB copper area. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.400 g mass; compatible with legacy wave-solder processes. |
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 UL 94V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current path / ground reference | Connected to system ground or low-side return; carries surge current during clamping. |
| Cathode | Protected line input / high-side connection | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 12V rail); reverse-biased during normal operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard. |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR - Enables protection of nanosecond-scale transients before sensitive logic is damaged. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.12 - Tight voltage margin between breakdown and clamping ensures minimal overvoltage exposure to protected ICs. |
| Halogen-free construction | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 - Meets environmental compliance requirements for RoHS and green manufacturing. |
| High surge robustness | Withstands 70 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine) - Survives repetitive load-dump events in 12V vehicle electrical systems. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24V CAN bus power supply against ISO 7637-2 load dump pulses up to 120V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 24V rail and chassis ground to clamp transients before they reach CAN transceiver power pins. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤230V during 500W surge, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to TJA1055 or similar transceivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across optocoupler input terminals to shunt 1 kV EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4. Use Value: Sub-1ns response ensures clamping occurs before optocoupler LED forward voltage is exceeded, preserving signal integrity and isolation lifetime. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Protection | DC-DC Converter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED driver ICs (e.g., LM3409) from 100V+ transients on 48V bus in streetlight applications. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at converter input to absorb energy from lightning-induced surges on long outdoor wiring runs. Use Value: 500W rating handles multi-millisecond surges without thermal runaway; DO-15 package allows direct mounting near connector entry point. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection for buck controller ICs (e.g., MPQ4420A) in telecom power supplies subjected to repeated 10/1000μs surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on VIN pin to prevent gate oxide rupture in integrated high-side MOSFETs during line transients. Use Value: 170V VWM provides 20% margin over 48V nominal input, while 230V VC stays below 250V absolute max rating of most controllers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ170A | Same DO-214AC package; 170V VWM, 231V VC @ 1.7A, but bidirectional configuration by default. | Requires external polarity selection or series resistor for unidirectional use; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification. | Choose SMAJ170A only if bidirectional capability is needed or AEC-Q101 is not required. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE170A | Higher PPK (1500W), larger DO-201AD package, 170V VWM, 274V VC @ 5.5A - looser clamping ratio. | Better for higher-energy surges but requires more PCB area; less precise voltage control for tight-margin designs. | Select 1.5KE170A when surge energy exceeds 500W or when board space permits larger package. |
Compared with SMAJ170A and 1.5KE170A, SA170C offers AEC-Q101 validation, tighter clamping (230V vs. 231V/274V), and DO-15 compatibility with legacy through-hole assembly-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, automotive-qualified 170V rail protection where footprint and qualification are decisive.
Availability
SA170C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial sensor node inputs, and LED lighting drivers requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and DO-15 through-hole compatibility.
Supply support for SA170C 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, and power devices since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight VC/VBR ratios, and robust surge handling in standardized packages like DO-15.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA170C?
The SA170C is a unidirectional TVS diode, with cathode marked by a band on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. It conducts only during reverse overvoltage events on the cathode side, making it ideal for protecting positive DC rails referenced to ground. This differs from bidirectional variants like SA170CA, which lack polarity marking and protect both polarities.
Does SA170C meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, SA170C is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the SA Series datasheet (Version L2105). It has passed stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD per AEC-Q101 Rev D. The "H" suffix (e.g., SA170CH) explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, and SA170C falls within that qualified family.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA170C under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of SA170C is 230 V at 1.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the highest voltage seen by downstream components during a full-rated 500 W transient event.
Can SA170C be used in bidirectional applications?
No, SA170C is strictly unidirectional and must be installed with correct polarity-cathode toward the protected line. For bidirectional protection, Taiwan Semiconductor specifies the SA170CA variant, which uses symmetrical breakdown characteristics in both directions and omits the cathode band marking. Using SA170C in reverse-biased AC or bipolar configurations risks failure.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA170C above 25°C ambient?
SA170C's peak pulse power (PPK) derates linearly above 25°C ambient temperature, per Figure 2 in the datasheet. At 75°C ambient, PPK drops to approximately 375 W; at 125°C, it falls to ~250 W. This derating ensures safe operation within the 175°C maximum junction temperature limit when mounted on appropriate copper land patterns.
SA170C 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):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 304V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.7A
- 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)
SA170C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170C 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 SA170C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170C?
SA170C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170C 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 SA170C?
For technical support, including SA170C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170C 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 SA170C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170C?
All SA170C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170C, 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 SA170C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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