Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA18CAH
- Part No.:
- SA18CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 39.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,112
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA18CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 18V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 39.4V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 17.9A peak pulse current - designed for automotive-level ESD and EFT protection of power rails and signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CAH datasheet, SA18CAH pinout, SA18CAH application, or SA18CAH equivalent, this part delivers verified bidirectional clamping performance, low leakage (<1μA @ 18V), fast response (<5.0ns), and robust surge immunity per ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 - critical for CAN/LIN bus interfaces, automotive lighting drivers, and body control modules.
Technical Context
The SA18CAH operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transients above ±20.0V VBR in both polarities with no polarity marking required. Its silicon junction exhibits a temperature coefficient of 20mV/°C and maintains stable clamping up to TJ = 175°C.
It complies with AEC-Q101 stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and mechanical whisker resistance (JESD201 Class 2). The device sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and dissipates 3W steady-state power at TL = 75°C on 10×10mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without clamping; defines safe operating margin below VBR. |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 / 22.1 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on before downstream IC damage thresholds. |
| VC @ IPPM | 39.4 V @ 17.9 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform; validates immunity to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 18 V; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance nodes. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive placement without derating. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with tin-plated leads; compatible with wave and reflow soldering per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94V-0; cathode band not marked (bidirectional operation); weight ≈ 0.400 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction terminals | No polarity distinction; either lead serves as input/output for transient energy diversion in both directions. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use across temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress tests - enables direct integration into ASIL-B systems without additional qualification. |
| 5.0 ns response time (bidirectional) | Clamps transients within 5 nanoseconds from zero-crossing - faster than most microcontroller I/O response times, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.88) | Ratio of 39.4V/21.0V avg confirms efficient energy absorption with minimal overvoltage overshoot during surge events. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - supports green manufacturing and end-of-life compliance. |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Driver Protection | CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and MOSFETs from load-dump and inductive kickback in headlamp and tail lamp modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail (VBAT–GND) to clamp surges up to 120V for <100ms duration. Use Value: Prevents permanent failure of high-side switches and current-sense amplifiers during battery disconnection events per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CAN transceivers (e.g., TJA1042, SN65HVD230) against ESD and coupled noise on differential bus lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed between CANH/CANL and GND to shunt common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Maintains >2 Mbps data rate compliance after ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) due to sub-5ns response and low capacitance. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing 5V/3.3V supply inputs of microcontrollers and LIN transceivers in door modules and seat controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at board edge to absorb EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4, 4kV) before reaching LDOs and logic ICs. Use Value: Enables pass/fail certification without adding ferrite beads or RC filters - reduces BOM count and layout area. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from fast transients induced by nearby motor switching in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected between signal line and ground to limit voltage excursion to <40V during 10/1000μs surges. Use Value: Preserves ADC accuracy and prevents false triggers in 12-bit+ measurement systems by limiting overvoltage to <10% of full-scale range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same DO-214AC package; lower PPK (400W); VBR 20.0–22.2V; VC = 29.2V @ 13.7A | Limited to non-automotive industrial use - not AEC-Q101 qualified; lacks halogen-free certification | Select SMAJ18CA only for cost-sensitive consumer-grade designs where AEC-Q101 and 500W margin are unnecessary. |
| 1.5KE18CA | DO-201AD package; higher PPK (1500W); VBR 19.0–20.9V; VC = 27.7V @ 54.3A; larger footprint | Over-specified for PCB space-constrained automotive modules; requires larger thermal pads and longer trace routing | Choose 1.5KE18CA only when legacy board layouts mandate DO-201AD or when >1kW surge immunity is explicitly required. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the SA18CAH uniquely balances AEC-Q101 compliance, 500W capability, DO-15 form factor, and halogen-free construction - making it the optimal choice for new automotive electronics requiring compact, certified, and production-ready TVS protection.
Availability
SA18CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, CAN/LIN network nodes, body control modules, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for SA18CAH 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 MOSFETs - headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, with ISO/TS 16949-certified automotive production lines.
The SA Series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in automotive power and signal networks - emphasizing reliability under thermal cycling, vibration, and high-energy surge conditions.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA18CAH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA18CAH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev D requirements, including stress testing for high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock. SA18CAH is not merely "designed for automotive use" - it has passed all 18 AEC-Q101 test groups and is documented in TSC's official AEC-Q101 certificate, distinguishing it from standard SA18CA parts.
Is SA18CAH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
SA18CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode - it clamps transients equally in both directions with no cathode band or polarity marking. This is confirmed by its "CA" designation (per TSC documentation), symmetric VBR min/max values (20.0–22.1V), and explicit note that "electrical characteristics apply in both directions." No orientation is required during placement.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA18CAH under a 10/1000μs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage of SA18CAH is 39.4 V at 17.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per 10/1000μs waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is specified in the official TSC SA Series datasheet (Version L2105, Page 3) and validated across production lots - ensuring protected circuits remain below 40 V during worst-case surge events.
Does SA18CAH meet halogen-free and RoHS requirements?
Yes, SA18CAH meets both RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. TSC confirms this in the "FEATURES" section of the SA Series datasheet and specifies pure tin plating and UL 94V-0 molding compound - critical for compliance in EU and China RoHS markets.
Can SA18CAH replace SA18A in an existing design?
SA18CAH can replace SA18A only if AEC-Q101 qualification and 500W surge rating are required - SA18A is not AEC-Q101 qualified and has lower PPK (400W). Electrically, both share identical VWM (18V), VBR (20.0–22.1V), and VC (39.4V), but SA18CAH adds automotive-grade reliability, halogen-free materials, and traceable lot control - essential for Tier 1 automotive programs.
SA18CAH 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 39.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 17.9A
- 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)
SA18CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CAH 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 SA18CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CAH?
SA18CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CAH 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 SA18CAH?
For technical support, including SA18CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CAH 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 SA18CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CAH?
All SA18CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CAH, 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 SA18CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA18CAH Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

