Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA170CA
- Part No.:
- SA170CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,027
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Product details
Overview
SA170CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 170V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 189–231V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 230V clamping voltage (VC) at 1.7A peak pulse current - used for ESD and surge protection in automotive lighting and industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA170CA datasheet, SA170CA pinout, SA170CA application, or SA170CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct replacement guidance for high-voltage transient suppression in 12V/24V/48V systems.
Technical Context
The SA170CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transients above ±189V in both polarities. Its VBR min/max range (189–231V) and VC of 230V at IPPM = 1.7A define its overvoltage response envelope under standardized 10/1000μs surges.
It features low leakage (<1μA @ 170V), a temperature coefficient of 230 mV/°C for VBR, and junction operating range from –55°C to +175°C - enabling use in under-hood automotive and industrial environments where thermal stability and low standby loss are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; sets system-level DC operating margin |
| VBR (min/max) | 189 / 231 V - guaranteed breakdown threshold range at 1 mA test current; defines clamping onset tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 230 V at 1.7 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure |
| PPK | 500 W - peak pulse power handling per ANSI/IEEE C62.35; validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in high-ambient engine bay or industrial enclosures |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off; minimizes quiescent power loss in battery-backed systems |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding and tin-plated leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; SA170CA is bidirectional and marked without polarity band per datasheet specification.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No polarity dependence - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity |
| Lead 1 | Terminal connection | Electrically identical to Lead 2; no functional distinction in bidirectional configuration |
| Lead 2 | Terminal connection | Matches Lead 1; enables placement without orientation constraints on PCB |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, lighting, and infotainment power rails |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line, 2 kV line-to-ground) without derating |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM performance in both directions - eliminates need for dual-device placement |
| Low IR & high TJ | <1 μA leakage at 170V and +175°C operation enable long-life deployment in sealed or thermally constrained modules |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for green manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive LED Headlamp Driver Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs from load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple in 12V/24V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input rail to clamp positive and negative spikes before they reach DC/DC controller and gate drivers. Use Value: Clamps 170V+ transients to ≤230V within nanoseconds, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in MOSFETs and buck controllers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers against EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) and surge coupling from adjacent motor circuits. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end transient suppressor on isolated input optocoupler or Schmitt trigger interface. Use Value: Limits induced voltage excursions to safe levels while maintaining <1μA leakage - avoids false triggering and preserves signal integrity. |
| 48V Mild Hybrid Power Distribution Unit | Smart Building Lighting Control Bus |
Use Scenario: Suppressing switching transients from DC-DC converters and contactors in 48V onboard networks (e.g., belt-driven starter generators). IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge protection on main 48V bus feed to MCU power supply and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Withstands repeated 500W pulses and operates up to +175°C - ensures reliability in high-power, thermally dense PDU modules. | Use Scenario: Protecting DALI or 0–10V analog dimming interfaces from electrostatic discharge and lightning-induced surges in commercial LED fixtures. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance, bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Symmetric clamping prevents polarity-sensitive failure modes and maintains compatibility with AC-coupled control signals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ170CA | Same VWM (170V), but SMB package (surface-mount); lower PPK (600W vs. SA170CA's 500W); higher IPPM (3.2A vs. 1.7A) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained designs with higher surge repetition rates | Select SMBJ170CA when board real estate is limited and thermal management allows SMT mounting. |
| P6SMB170CA | Identical DO-204AC package and VWM; same 500W rating; slightly higher VC (234V vs. 230V) and tighter VBR tolerance (189–215V vs. 189–231V) | Drop-in mechanical replacement; minor clamping voltage trade-off for improved consistency in production lots | Choose P6SMB170CA for legacy design refreshes requiring minimal validation effort and tighter VBR distribution. |
Compared with SMBJ170CA and P6SMB170CA, the SA170CA offers broader VBR tolerance (±22%) ideal for cost-sensitive automotive modules, while retaining full AEC-Q101 qualification and identical DO-15 through-hole compatibility - making it optimal for high-volume, thermally robust, and mechanically stable installations.
Availability
SA170CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial PLC inputs, 48V mild hybrid power distribution units, and smart building lighting control buses requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA170CA 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 Company (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.
The SA Series is designed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, wide temperature operation, and consistent clamping performance across voltage grades from 5V to 170V.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA170CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA170CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 230 V at 1.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value ensures downstream components see no more than 230 V during surge events, protecting sensitive ICs in 170 V nominal systems. The SA170CA's VC is confirmed in Table 4 of the L2105 datasheet revision.
Is SA170CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity indicated?
The SA170CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional SA-series parts (e.g., SA170), the SA170CA has no cathode band marking - its DO-204AC package is unpolarized, allowing installation in either orientation. This is explicitly stated in the "Devices for bipolar applications" section of the datasheet.
Does SA170CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and what does that cover?
Yes, SA170CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as noted in the FEATURES section and ORDERING INFORMATION (suffix "H" denotes qualification). AEC-Q101 certification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, UHAST, and mechanical shock - validating reliability for automotive under-hood and chassis applications. The SA170CA's +175°C TJ max and low IR support this qualification scope.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) for SA170CA, and under what conditions?
The SA170CA has a steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3 W at TL = 75°C, with lead lengths of 0.375" (9.5 mm) mounted on 10 × 10 mm copper pads per terminal. This rating applies only to continuous DC or low-frequency operation - not surge conditions. For transient suppression, the 500 W PPK rating governs short-duration energy handling, while PD limits sustained thermal loading in ambient-limited environments.
How does SA170CA differ from SA170A in terms of electrical performance?
The SA170CA differs from SA170A in three key ways: (1) SA170CA is bidirectional, while SA170A is unidirectional; (2) SA170CA has IR <1 μA at 170 V, whereas SA170A specifies IR <0.1 μA; (3) SA170CA's VC is 230 V at 1.7 A, versus SA170A's 208 V at 2.0 A. These differences reflect distinct clamping symmetry and leakage trade-offs inherent to their respective architectures - SA170CA prioritizes bipolar robustness, SA170A optimizes unidirectional low-clamp performance.
SA170CA 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:
- 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)
SA170CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170CA 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 SA170CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170CA?
SA170CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170CA 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 SA170CA?
For technical support, including SA170CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170CA 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 SA170CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170CA?
All SA170CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170CA, 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 SA170CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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