Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20AH
- Part No.:
- SA20AH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20AH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 43VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,249
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Product details
Overview
SA20AH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, 20V working stand-off voltage, and clamping voltage of 35.5V at 14A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<1.0ps), low leakage (<1μA @ 20V), and operates from –55°C to +175°C - used for automotive ESD and load-dump protection in engine control units.
For engineers reviewing the SA20AH datasheet, SA20AH pinout, SA20AH application, or SA20AH equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, DO-204AC terminal mapping, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, and direct alternatives with documented VWM, VC, and IPPM alignment.
Technical Context
The SA20AH employs a silicon avalanche junction structure optimized for unidirectional transient suppression. Its breakdown voltage is specified at 22.2–27.1V with 1mA test current, and it maintains stable clamping at 35.5V under 14A 10/1000μs pulses. Thermal derating follows a defined curve up to 175°C junction temperature.
It meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability requirements. Polarity is marked by cathode band; terminals are pure tin-plated per J-STD-002 solderability standard. No bidirectional operation is supported - only unidirectional surge shunting to ground.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets system-level overvoltage threshold. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 27.1 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA; defines minimum trigger margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.5 V @ 14 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance nodes. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables placement near hot components like power MOSFETs or ignition drivers. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial lead, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated, compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Weight: 0.400 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Input node for transient energy | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail); conducts surge current toward cathode when VAK exceeds VBR. |
| Cathode | Clamp reference and return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return; establishes clamping voltage relative to system GND; marked by band on body. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors per stress test requirements. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120V/500ms without degradation when properly heatsinked. |
| Clamping voltage ≤35.5V at 14A | Ensures downstream 3.3V/5V logic ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) remain below absolute maximum ratings during transients. |
| Response time <1.0ps | Activates before most semiconductor junctions can be damaged by ESD or fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback). |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and sensor supply lines from load-dump surges during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between 12V rail and ground, triggered within picoseconds to limit voltage excursion to ≤35.5V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3V MCU power domains during 120V/500ms load-dump events per ISO 7637-2. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24V digital input circuits from inductive kickback caused by solenoid or relay switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector across input terminals, absorbing 500W transient energy while maintaining <1μA leakage during normal operation. Use Value: Eliminates need for external RC snubbers; reduces BOM count and PCB area versus discrete Zener+capacitor solutions. |
| LED Headlamp Driver Protection | Automotive CAN Transceiver Interface |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding buck converter feedback and enable pins against ESD and board-level transients in automotive lighting modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on low-voltage control signals (e.g., PWM dimming lines), leveraging fast <1.0ps response to suppress nanosecond-scale ESD. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 8kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) without affecting PWM duty cycle accuracy or causing false triggering. | Use Scenario: Providing secondary-level surge immunity on CAN_H/CAN_L lines upstream of the transceiver, complementing integrated protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamping device with VC ≤35.5V ensuring transceiver common-mode voltage stays within ±40V absolute max rating. Use Value: Extends system-level surge immunity beyond ISO 11898-2 requirements, enabling robust communication in heavy-duty vehicle environments. |
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 | VWM = 20V, VC = 32.4V @ 15.4A, PPK = 400W, DO-214AC package | Lower peak power rating; smaller footprint but higher thermal resistance limits sustained surge duty cycle. | Select SMAJ20A only if board space is constrained and surge duty is non-repetitive; SA20AH preferred for automotive under-hood thermal cycling. |
| 1.5KE20A | VWM = 17V, VC = 27.7V @ 18.1A, PPK = 1500W, DO-201AD package | Higher power rating but wider VWM/VBR tolerance; not AEC-Q101 qualified; larger axial package. | Choose 1.5KE20A for industrial power supplies needing >500W headroom; SA20AH is optimal where AEC-Q101 compliance and precise 20V standoff are mandatory. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, SA20AH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 500W 10/1000μs rating, and tight 20V VWM in DO-204AC - making it the only option validated for automotive ECU front-end protection with full thermal and reliability traceability.
Availability
SA20AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial PLC input protection, and LED driver surge immunity requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA20AH 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 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 automotive-grade transient suppression, emphasizing AEC-Q101 reliability, tight parametric tolerances, and robust surge endurance in under-hood environments.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of SA20AH?
The SA20AH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code suffix "H" and documentation in Version L2105. This includes passing stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - confirming suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications.
Does SA20AH support bidirectional transient suppression?
No, SA20AH is a unidirectional TVS diode. Its cathode band marking and electrical specifications (e.g., forward voltage VF = 3.5V at 35A) confirm single-polarity operation. For bidirectional protection, SA20A - the "A"-suffix variant - must be selected instead.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA20AH under standard test conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of SA20AH is 35.5 V, measured at 14 A peak pulse current using the 10/1000 μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
How does SA20AH differ from SA20 in terms of reliability and application scope?
SA20AH adds AEC-Q101 qualification, enhanced whisker resistance (JESD201 Class 2), and tighter process controls versus standard SA20. These differences make SA20AH suitable for automotive safety-critical systems, whereas SA20 is restricted to commercial/industrial use where automotive reliability standards do not apply.
What packaging options are available for SA20AH?
SA20AH is supplied in DO-204AC (DO-15) package with two packing options: 3,500 units per tape-and-reel (ordering code SA20AH) and 1,500 units per ammo box (ordering code SA20AHA0G). Both options maintain full AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS/halogen-free compliance.
SA20AH 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:
- 43V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16A
- 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)
SA20AH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20AH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20AH 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 SA20AH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20AH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20AH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20AH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20AH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20AH?
SA20AH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20AH 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 SA20AH?
For technical support, including SA20AH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20AH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20AH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20AH 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 SA20AH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20AH?
All SA20AH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20AH, 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 SA20AH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20AH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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