Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA170CAH
- Part No.:
- SA170CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,931
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Product details
Overview
SA170CAH 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, 170V working stand-off voltage (VWM), and clamps to ≤230V at 1.7A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<5.0ns), low leakage (<1μA @ VWM), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA170CAH datasheet, SA170CAH pinout, SA170CAH application, or SA170CAH equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, DO-15 mechanical dimensions, and automotive-compliant sourcing details - all critical for ESD/EFT protection design in engine control units, infotainment power rails, and body electronics.
Technical Context
The SA170CAH operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical breakdown characteristics in both polarities, enabling robust protection against voltage transients of either polarity without external polarity management. Its 189–231V breakdown range (VBR @ 1mA) and 230V maximum clamping voltage (VC @ 1.7A) define its overvoltage limiting window under standardized 10/1000μs surge conditions.
Designed for operation across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature, it features a 175°C maximum TJ rating and thermal derating per Fig.2, supporting high-reliability deployment in under-hood automotive environments. The device exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 170V VWM and a 230mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient, ensuring stable clamping performance across temperature extremes.
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 / 231 V @ 1 mA - Breakdown initiates within this range, defining turn-on threshold tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 230 V @ 1.7 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, directly limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs waveform |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Minimal leakage ensures negligible standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power converters, motor drivers) without thermal shutdown |
| Response time | <5.0 ns - Ensures suppression activation before transient energy damages sensitive logic or analog inputs |
Pinout & Package
SA170CAH uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking omitted due to bidirectional construction. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No polarity dependency - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity |
| Lead 1 | Terminal connection | Electrically identical to Lead 2; no functional distinction - enables flexible PCB layout |
| Lead 2 | Terminal connection | Electrically identical to Lead 1; symmetric conduction eliminates orientation constraints during assembly |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, ADAS sensors, and infotainment systems per stress test requirements |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b, and IEC 61000-4-4 EFT bursts without degradation |
| <5.0ns response time (bidirectional) | Activates faster than typical microcontroller GPIO or CAN transceiver input rise times, preventing latch-up or damage |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and IEC 61249-2-21, supporting green manufacturing and end-of-life recycling |
| DO-204AC (DO-15) package | Industry-standard axial footprint compatible with legacy through-hole assembly lines and automated insertion equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12V/24V supply rail of engine control modules from load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed upstream of LDO regulators and microcontrollers to clamp surges before they propagate into core logic. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤230V during 500W transients, maintaining regulator input within safe SOA and preventing MCU brownout or reset. | Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from inductive kickback when switching solenoids or relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element that diverts >1.7A surge current away from optocoupler input stages and level-shifting circuitry. Use Value: Sub-5ns response prevents transient-induced false triggering or permanent damage to isolation barriers and input comparators. |
| Automotive Infotainment USB Power Rail | Smart Lighting Driver ESD Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguards 5V USB VBUS line in head unit or display modules against hot-plug transients and ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device placed between connector and USB power switch IC to absorb ±15kV contact discharge energy. Use Value: Low 1μA leakage avoids loading the 5V rail during idle, while 230V clamping ensures USB PHY IC remains below absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Protects constant-current LED driver ICs in automotive exterior lighting from ESD and switching noise generated by PWM dimming circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across driver output terminals to clamp voltage spikes induced by cable inductance during rapid current transitions. Use Value: 175°C TJ rating allows mounting directly on LED driver PCBs near MOSFETs, eliminating need for remote placement or thermal derating penalties. |
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 | DO-214AA (SMB) package; 170V VWM; 230V VC @ 1.7A; same 500W rating but higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 50°C/W vs. DO-15's ~60°C/W) | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB redesign; better suited for space-constrained layouts where reflow compatibility is required | Select SMBJ170CA only if SMT assembly is mandatory and board real estate is limited - DO-15 offers superior mechanical robustness for vibration-prone automotive harness interfaces |
| P6KE170CA | DO-15 package; 170V VWM; 275V VC @ 1.2A; lower 600W rating but higher clamping voltage and no AEC-Q101 qualification | Legacy industrial use only; lacks automotive qualification and fails ISO 16750-2 temperature cycling compliance | Choose P6KE170CA only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated and clamping margin above 230V is acceptable |
Compared with SMBJ170CA and P6KE170CA, SA170CAH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical reliability, and 230V clamping at 1.7A - making it the only option validated for under-hood automotive deployment where thermal stability and surge repeatability are mission-critical.
Availability
SA170CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and smart lighting driver surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA170CAH 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 is designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight VBR tolerances, and robust DO-15 packaging for mechanical durability.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA170CAH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA170CAH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification, confirming the device has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD per automotive standards. SA170CAH is certified for use in engine compartments, transmission control modules, and other harsh-environment automotive subsystems where reliability is non-negotiable.
Is SA170CAH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
SA170CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it protects against transients of either polarity without requiring orientation during placement. Unlike unidirectional SA170A variants, SA170CAH has no cathode band marking - both leads are functionally identical, simplifying PCB layout and eliminating assembly errors related to polarity.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA170CAH under standard surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA170CAH is 230 V when subjected to a 10/1000μs waveform with a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.7 A. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Can SA170CAH replace SA170A in an existing design?
No - SA170CAH and SA170A are not interchangeable. SA170A is unidirectional with a cathode band and 275V clamping voltage at 0.1A, while SA170CAH is bidirectional with 230V clamping at 1.7A. Substituting SA170CAH for SA170A may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased circuits and violates polarity-dependent protection schemes.
What packaging options are available for SA170CAH?
SA170CAH is supplied in tape-and-reel format with 3,500 units per reel (ordering code SA170CAHH), optimized for automated through-hole insertion. Ammo box packaging (1,500 units) is also available under code SA170CAHA0G for manual or semi-automated assembly lines requiring smaller batch sizes.
SA170CAH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA170CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170CAH 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 SA170CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170CAH?
SA170CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170CAH 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 SA170CAH?
For technical support, including SA170CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170CAH 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 SA170CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170CAH?
All SA170CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170CAH, 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 SA170CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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