Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20
- Part No.:
- SA20
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 24.7V, 10%, UNIDIRECTIONAL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,343
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Product details
Overview
SA20 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 20V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–27.1V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 35.5V clamping voltage (VC) at 14A peak pulse current - used to protect automotive and industrial power rails from ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA20 datasheet, SA20 pinout, SA20 application, or SA20 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification (H-suffix variant), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38), <1μA reverse leakage at 20V, and compatibility with 10×10 mm copper pad thermal layout per JEDEC standards.
Technical Context
The SA20 operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression in DC power lines. Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric protection with cathode-anode conduction path, and it exhibits a 25 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient - critical for stable clamping across -55°C to +175°C junction range.
It delivers 500W surge capability under standardized 10/1000μs waveform, with clamping response time <1.0 ps from 0V to VBR, and maintains ≤3.5V forward voltage at 35A surge - enabling robust protection of downstream MOSFETs, microcontrollers, and CAN/LIN bus interfaces without forward conduction interference.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without clamping |
| VBR min/max | 22.2–27.1 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable avalanche initiation above normal operating voltage |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.5 V @ 14 A - limits voltage seen by protected IC during 10/1000μs surge |
| PPK | 500 W - peak pulse power handling per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs event |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - negligible leakage current preserves system efficiency and battery life |
| TJ max | +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400 g mass and UL 94V-0 molding |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: cathode indicated by band-marked end; anode is unmarked lead. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink node | Connects to protected line; conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference/return node | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path for clamping loop integrity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option (SA20H) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test requirements |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR | ≈1.38 - tight voltage margin between breakdown and clamping improves system-level surge margin |
| Low thermal resistance | Enables 3W steady-state dissipation on 10×10 mm copper pads - supports sustained fault conditions |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU directives for green manufacturing and end-of-life processing |
| Fast avalanche response | <1.0 ps rise to VBR - prevents nanosecond-scale transients from propagating to sensitive nodes |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground, clamping surges before they reach LDOs or MCU power pins. Use Value: With 35.5V clamping at 14A and 175°C max junction temperature, SA20 prevents latch-up or burnout in engine control modules exposed to under-hood thermal stress. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 24V DC sensor inputs, absorbing EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4. Use Value: Sub-1μA leakage at 20V ensures minimal impact on input threshold detection, while 500W rating handles repetitive 5 kHz EFT coupling without degradation. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | DC Motor Controller Flyback Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED drivers in streetlight systems from lightning-induced surges on AC/DC front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across output capacitor to clamp voltage spikes during AC line disturbances. Use Value: 20V VWM aligns with typical 24V LED string operating range; 35.5V VC ensures driver ICs remain below absolute maximum ratings during 10/1000μs events. | Use Scenario: Absorbing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in robotics actuators during PWM switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Freewheeling path component across motor terminals, diverting flyback energy away from H-bridge MOSFETs. Use Value: 70A IFSM rating and 3.5V VF at 35A enable safe handling of high-current commutation spikes without forward conduction losses compromising efficiency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same DO-214AC package; 20V VWM, but bidirectional configuration and higher VC (32.4V @ 15.4A) | Requires polarity-insensitive placement; less suitable for DC rail where unidirectional clamping is preferred | Select SMAJ20A only if bipolar surge immunity (e.g., RS-485 lines) is required; SA20 offers lower leakage and tighter clamping for DC power |
| P6KE20A | DO-15 package, 20V VWM, but lower PPK (600W nominal), higher VC (34.4V @ 17.4A), and no AEC-Q101 option | Lacks automotive qualification and has wider VBR tolerance (22.2–26.8V vs. SA20's 22.2–27.1V) | Choose P6KE20A for cost-sensitive industrial use; SA20 preferred when AEC-Q101 compliance or tighter VBR consistency is mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ20A and P6KE20A, the SA20 provides superior thermal stability (175°C TJ max), lower leakage (<1μA), and a dedicated AEC-Q101-qualified variant (SA20H), making it optimal for automotive and high-reliability embedded power protection where long-term parametric drift must be minimized.
Availability
SA20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and LED driver overvoltage clamping requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.
Supply support for SA20 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 MOSFETs since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parametric tolerances, and robust thermal performance in legacy axial packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA20 under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The SA20 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 35.5 V at 14 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000μs waveform, as specified in the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table. This value ensures protected circuitry remains within safe operating limits during standardized surge events, and is measured with the device mounted on 10×10 mm copper pads per JEDEC guidelines.
Is the SA20 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes - the SA20H variant is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the ordering information in the datasheet. While the base SA20 part is not certified, SA20H meets all stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock, making it suitable for automotive powertrain and body electronics where reliability under harsh environmental conditions is mandatory.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for SA20 at its working stand-off voltage?
The SA20 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 μA at its 20 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), tested at TA = 25°C. This low leakage preserves system efficiency in battery-powered or always-on applications and minimizes false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits where even nanoamp-level currents could affect accuracy.
How does the SA20's breakdown voltage tolerance compare to similar DO-15 TVS diodes?
The SA20 has a VBR range of 22.2 V to 27.1 V at 1 mA test current - a ±11% tolerance centered on 24.65 V nominal. This is tighter than legacy P6KE-series devices (±15%) and matches industry-leading consistency for DO-15 packaged TVS diodes, ensuring predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature extremes.
Can the SA20 be used in bidirectional transient protection configurations?
No - the SA20 is a unidirectional TVS diode, designed for DC rail protection with defined cathode/anode polarity. For bidirectional applications such as AC lines or differential buses, the SA20A variant (which is bidirectional) or alternate series like SMAJ20A must be selected; using SA20 in reverse-biased mode risks permanent damage due to lack of symmetrical avalanche structure.
SA20 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 35.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- 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)
SA20 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20 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 SA20 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20?
SA20 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20 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 SA20?
For technical support, including SA20 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20 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 SA20 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20?
All SA20 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20, 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 SA20 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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