onsemi SA18CARL
- Part No.:
- SA18CARL
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CARL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR DIODE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:41,390
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Product details
Overview
SA18CARL from onsemi is a bidirectional 500 W peak power MiniMOSORB™ Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for clamping high-energy transients in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18 V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 17.2 A peak pulse current, <1 µA leakage above 8.5 V, <1 ns response time, and UL 497B recognition for isolated loop circuit protection - deployed in industrial power supplies and medical equipment surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CARL datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. system operating voltage, 500 W single-pulse surge capability at 1 ms, bidirectional polarity tolerance, axial leaded Case 59 package compatibility with through-hole PCB layouts, and UL 497B certification for safety-critical isolation barriers.
Technical Context
The SA18CARL operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, conducting symmetrically during both positive and negative voltage transients to clamp excursions above ±29.2 V. Its low zener impedance and sub-nanosecond response ensure minimal overshoot during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
It is rated for nonrepetitive 500 W peak power at TL ≤ 25°C per 1 ms waveform (Figure 3), with thermal derating to 3.0 W steady-state at TL = 75°C and junction-to-lead thermal resistance of 33.3°C/W - requiring adequate lead length (3/8″) and board copper for sustained pulse handling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Power Dissipation | 500 W @ 1 ms pulse - handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge events without failure |
| Working Peak Reverse Voltage (VRWM) | 18 V - sets minimum system operating voltage threshold before clamping activates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) @ IPP | 29.2 V @ 17.2 A - defines maximum voltage seen by protected ICs during worst-case transient |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 20.0–22.1 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on within specified tolerance band |
| Response Time | < 1 ns - limits voltage overshoot during fast-rising ESD or EFT pulses |
| ESD Rating (HBM) | Class 3 (>16 kV) - exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 immunity requirements |
| UL Recognition | UL 497B (QVGV2) - certified for use in isolated loop protectors, not just flammability |
Pinout & Package
SA18CARL uses an axial-leaded Surmetic plastic package (Case 59-09), with cathode band marking indicating terminal polarity but no functional polarity due to bidirectional operation. Leads are corrosion-resistant, solderable, and rated for 230°C for 10 seconds at 1/16″ from case.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | Transient conduction path (negative half-cycle) | Connects to line or signal node requiring bidirectional overvoltage clamping |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | Transient conduction path (positive half-cycle) | Connects to same node as Anode - device functions identically in either orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 4 kV/2 Ω |
| UL 497B recognition | Validates suitability for safety-isolated circuits (e.g., telecom line interfaces, medical sensor inputs) |
| Low zener impedance | Minimizes clamping voltage rise under high di/dt transients, preserving downstream voltage margins |
| Temperature coefficient control | Specified VBR drift enables stable clamping performance across −55°C to +175°C operating range |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Medical Equipment Input Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V DC input rails of PLC modules against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff TVS diode placed directly across input terminals to clamp surges before upstream regulators. Use Value: 29.2 V clamping voltage provides ≥6.8 V margin below typical 36 V max input rating of industrial DC/DC converters. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding patient-connected analog front-end inputs in ECG monitors against defibrillator discharge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor on isolated sensor interface lines meeting IEC 60601-1 creepage/clearance and surge requirements. Use Value: UL 497B certification confirms compliance with isolated loop protector classification for life-critical medical isolation barriers. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Automotive Body Control Module |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceivers in building automation gateways connected to long outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on differential bus lines to absorb induced lightning surges before secondary protection stages. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents transients from propagating past the device, reducing need for additional RC filtering. |
Use Scenario: Clamping 12 V battery rail transients caused by alternator load dump in interior lighting control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Axial-leaded TVS mounted near connector entry point to shunt surge energy to chassis ground. Use Value: 500 W peak power rating meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements for automotive 12 V systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | Surface-mount SMB package; 600 W peak power; 28.7 V clamping @ 21.2 A | Requires rework for SMT assembly; better suited for space-constrained PCBs | Select when board real estate is limited and automated assembly is preferred over axial leads |
| P6SMB18CA | Same SMB package as SMBJ18CA but lower 600 W rating; 28.7 V clamping; higher leakage (5 µA @ VRWM) | Lacks UL 497B recognition; not certified for isolated loop protection | Acceptable for cost-sensitive consumer-grade surge suppression where safety certification is not required |
Compared with SA18CARL, SMBJ18CA offers higher surge rating and SMT compatibility but lacks UL 497B certification, while P6SMB18CA trades certification and low leakage for lower cost - making SA18CARL the only option qualified for safety-isolated industrial and medical applications requiring recognized protector status.
Availability
SA18CARL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, medical equipment input stages, telecom line interfaces, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA18CARL 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
onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and medical markets.
The SA5.0CA Series - including SA18CARL - was engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in safety-critical infrastructure, emphasizing UL-recognized isolation barrier protection, robust 500 W surge handling, and axial-leaded manufacturability for legacy and high-reliability systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA18CARL at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA18CARL has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at 17.2 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured using the 1 ms exponential waveform defined in Figure 3 of the datasheet. This value ensures protected circuits remain below critical overvoltage thresholds during standardized surge events, and it is guaranteed across temperature and production lots per onsemi's electrical characterization testing.
Is SA18CARL suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, SA18CARL is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS diode, with symmetrical breakdown and clamping behavior for both polarities. Its CA suffix denotes bidirectional operation, enabling direct placement across AC-coupled or floating data lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, or audio interfaces) without concern for orientation - unlike unidirectional variants such as SA18A.
Does SA18CARL have UL recognition, and what does it cover?
Yes, SA18CARL carries UL 497B recognition under file #E116110, category QVGV2, specifically for "protectors" - validating its use in isolated loop circuits. This goes beyond basic flammability testing and includes verification of strike voltage breakdown, endurance conditioning, dielectric withstand, and discharge performance, making it appropriate for medical and telecom isolation barriers.
What is the package type and lead configuration of SA18CARL?
SA18CARL is supplied in an axial-leaded Surmetic plastic package designated Case 59-09, with 5.8–7.6 mm body length, 2.6–3.6 mm diameter, and 0.71–0.86 mm lead diameter. The cathode band marks one lead but does not imply functional polarity due to bidirectional operation - both leads serve identical conduction paths during transient events.
How does SA18CARL compare to SA18CA in terms of packaging and ordering?
SA18CARL is the tape-and-reel variant of SA18CA, packaged in 5,000-unit reels for automated assembly, whereas SA18CA is supplied in 1,000-unit boxes for manual or low-volume placement. Both share identical electrical specifications, thermal ratings, and mechanical dimensions - the "RL" suffix solely indicates packaging format and does not affect performance or reliability.
SA18CARL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- -
- Series:
- *
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- -
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- -
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- -
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- -
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- -
- Power Line Protection:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
SA18CARL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CARL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CARL 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 SA18CARL reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CARL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18CARL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CARL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CARL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CARL?
SA18CARL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CARL 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 SA18CARL?
For technical support, including SA18CARL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CARL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CARL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CARL 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 SA18CARL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CARL?
All SA18CARL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CARL, 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 SA18CARL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CARL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA18CARL Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

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D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

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DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
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