Diodes Incorporated SA20A-T
- Part No.:
- SA20A-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20A-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,373
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Product details
Overview
SA20A-T from Diodes Incorporated is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, with 20V standoff voltage (VR), 22.2–24.5V breakdown range (VBR), 32.4V clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4A peak pulse current (IPP), and −65°C to +175°C operating temperature. It protects DC power rails and signal lines in industrial motor drives against ESD and lightning-induced surges.
For engineers reviewing the SA20A-T datasheet, SA20A-T pinout, SA20A-T application, or SA20A-T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000µs waveform, unidirectional polarity for DC-biased circuits, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating for lead-free assembly.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses glass-passivated silicon junction technology to achieve fast response time (<1.0 ps) and stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional configuration enables asymmetric protection on grounded-cathode DC paths without reverse conduction during normal operation.
The device is rated for 500W non-repetitive peak pulse power (tp = 1.0 ms, 10/1000 µs waveform), with thermal derating starting above TA = 25°C and full power limited to TL = 75°C at 9.5 mm lead length. Reverse leakage remains ≤3.0 µA at VR = 20 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 500 W - sustains single 10/1000 µs surge without failure; defines maximum transient energy absorption capability |
| Standoff Voltage (VR) | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for protected circuit DC bias |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 22.2–24.5 V @ 1.0 mA - onset of avalanche conduction; ensures reliable turn-on margin above VR |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 32.4 V @ IPP = 15.4 A - maximum voltage seen by downstream circuit during surge; determines protection level |
| Operating Temperature | −65°C to +175°C - supports deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial PLC, and outdoor power electronics |
| Package | DO-15 - axial-leaded, board-mounted form factor with 9.5 mm lead length; UL 94V-0 rated molded plastic case |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, cylindrical molded plastic case, cathode indicated by band marking. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208, RoHS compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Input/Line side | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current toward cathode during overvoltage event |
| Cathode | Ground/Reference side | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return path; establishes unidirectional clamping polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated die construction | Enables stable VBR and low leakage across temperature; eliminates risk of moisture-induced parameter drift |
| 500W peak pulse rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment interfaces |
| Fast response time | Sub-nanosecond turn-on ensures clamping initiates before sensitive ICs experience overstress |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Supports lead-free reflow profiles up to 260°C; eliminates Pb contamination risk in high-reliability assemblies |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | DC Power Supply Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate driver supply rails against switching transients and inductive kickback in 24–48 V servo drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VDD and GND, clamping positive surges only. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V, preventing latch-up or damage to isolated DC/DC controllers and optocouplers. | Use Scenario: Input-side surge suppression on 24 V DC power entry of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main DC bus prior to bulk capacitor and regulator stage. Use Value: Absorbs 500W pulses without degradation, maintaining system uptime during field wiring faults or lightning coupling. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
Use Scenario: Protection of LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins in under-dash modules exposed to load dump. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on 12 V supply rail, referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: Withstands 12 V system load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) while maintaining <3.0 µA leakage at nominal voltage. | Use Scenario: Shielded analog sensor interface (e.g., 4–20 mA loop or thermocouple input) in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on differential signal pair, grounded via common-mode choke. Use Value: Clamps ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) without distorting millivolt-level signals due to precise 20 V standoff. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| P6KE20A | Same 20 V VR, but lower 600 W peak power rating and larger DO-15 variant (P6KE series); higher VC = 34.4 V at 17.3 A | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 24 V systems with tight voltage tolerances | Select when legacy P6KE footprint compatibility is required and 34.4 V clamping is acceptable |
| SMAJ20A | Surface-mount SMA package; same 20 V VR and 32.4 V VC, but lower 400 W peak power and 12.3 A IPP | Not suitable for high-energy surge environments requiring full 500 W dissipation | Choose for space-constrained PCBs where 400 W surge rating suffices and through-hole mounting is not feasible |
Compared with P6KE20A and SMAJ20A, SA20A-T delivers superior energy handling (500 W) in a standard through-hole DO-15 package with tighter clamping (32.4 V), making it optimal for industrial 24 V systems demanding robust, cost-effective, and assembly-compatible surge protection.
Availability
SA20A-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, DC power supply inputs, automotive body control modules, and industrial sensor signal lines requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for SA20A-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The SAxxA series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for high-energy surge protection in industrial, automotive, and telecom infrastructure applications where reliability under harsh electrical stress is critical.
FAQ
What does the "-T" suffix indicate in SA20A-T?
The "-T" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging: 4,000 units per 13-inch reel, optimized for automated SMT placement despite the DO-15 part being axial-leaded. This format supports high-volume production with consistent feeding and reduced handling damage versus bulk packaging.
Is SA20A-T suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No. SA20A-T is unidirectional (indicated by "A" suffix, not "CA"). It conducts only during positive surges relative to cathode. For AC or bidirectional signal lines, use SA20CA-T, which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities with identical VR and VC ratings.
How does SA20A-T perform under elevated ambient temperature?
At TA = 75°C, its peak pulse power is derated to ~65% of 500 W (~325 W) per Figure 4. Steady-state power dissipation remains 1.0 W only at TL = 75°C with 9.5 mm leads; sustained operation above 75°C requires thermal modeling of PCB copper area and airflow.
Why is SA20A-T marked as "Not Recommended for New Design"?
Diodes Incorporated issued this designation because newer platforms (e.g., P6KE and SMAJ families) offer improved surge consistency, tighter parameter distributions, and broader qualification data. SA20A-T remains fully functional and supported for existing designs and legacy replacements, with no imminent obsolescence.
SA20A-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA20A-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20A-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20A-T 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 SA20A-T reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20A-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20A-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20A-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20A-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20A-T?
SA20A-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20A-T 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 SA20A-T?
For technical support, including SA20A-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20A-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20A-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20A-T 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 SA20A-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20A-T?
All SA20A-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20A-T, 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 SA20A-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20A-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA20A-T Tags

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