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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20C
- Part No.:
- SA20C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 24.7V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,628
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Product details
Overview
SA20C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in automotive and industrial power rails. It features a 20V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–27.1V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), 35.5V clamping voltage at 14A peak pulse current, and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with AEC-Q101 qualification available. It protects DC power inputs against EFT, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA20C datasheet, SA20C pinout, SA20C application, or SA20C equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage (<1μA @ 20V), thermal robustness to 175°C junction temperature, and compatibility with lead-free reflow and J-STD-002 solderability requirements.
Technical Context
The SA20C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (22.2–27.1V) and clamping transients to ≤35.5V at 14A. Its fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) ensures protection before downstream ICs experience overstress.
Rated for 500W peak pulse power (10/1000μs), it sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3ms half-sine) and exhibits a 25mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient - critical for stable clamping across automotive temperature ranges (−55°C to +175°C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 27.1 V @ 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on above system operating voltage with margin against tolerance drift. |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.5 V @ 14 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000μs surge; defines maximum stress seen by protected ICs. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge energy handling capability per single transient event per JEDEC standard waveform. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage at rated stand-off, minimizing standby power loss in battery-critical systems. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Axial-leaded, RoHS-compliant, halogen-free package with UL 94V-0 molding compound. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Polarity is unidirectional: anode (unmarked end), cathode (banded end).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Input reference / ground return path | Connected to system ground or low-side rail; completes conduction path during reverse-biased surge clamp. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Protected line connection | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 24V supply rail); conducts surge current to ground when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option (SA20CH) | Validated for automotive powertrain and chassis applications requiring zero-failure reliability under thermal cycling and vibration. |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.33 | Low overvoltage margin ensures minimal headroom between clamping and IC absolute maximum ratings - critical for 24V system protection. |
| 1.0ps response time (0V → VBR) | Engages faster than most microcontroller I/O or CAN transceiver response times, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rating | Self-extinguishing epoxy prevents fire propagation in high-energy fault conditions - required for industrial safety certifications. |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Eliminates risk of conductive tin whisker growth in long-life deployments (e.g., telecom infrastructure, railway controls). |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 24V rail and chassis ground to clamp transients before they reach PMICs and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits peak rail voltage to ≤35.5V during 500W surges, preserving 36V-rated input stages of buck controllers and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: 24V digital input modules receiving signals from field sensors subject to EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete TVS on each input channel, shunting fast transients (<1ns rise) before signal conditioning op-amps or optocoupler drivers. Use Value: Sub-1ps response prevents false triggering or latch-up in isolated input receivers while maintaining <1μA leakage at 24V nominal. |
| LED Driver Supply Rail Protection | Motor Drive Gate Driver Bias Protection |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers powered from 12–48V supplies in street lighting, where lightning-induced surges propagate via AC mains coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-line TVS on DC bus input, upstream of bulk capacitors and controller ICs. Use Value: 500W rating absorbs multi-cycle 10/1000μs surges without degradation; 175°C TJ rating supports sealed, thermally constrained outdoor housings. |
Use Scenario: Isolated gate driver bias supplies (e.g., 15V) in BLDC inverters subjected to shoot-through-induced voltage spikes and Miller capacitance coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local clamping device on gate driver VDD rail, placed adjacent to driver IC to minimize loop inductance. Use Value: Low clamping voltage (35.5V) prevents overvoltage damage to driver IC's internal LDO and level shifters during 100ns–1μs transients. |
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 (Littelfuse) | Same DO-214AC package; 20V VWM, 32.4V VC @ 15.4A; lower PPK (400W); no AEC-Q101 variant. | Lower surge rating limits use in ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a automotive testing; suitable for commercial-grade 24V I/O protection. | Select SMAJ20A only if 400W surge capacity suffices and AEC-Q101 is not required. |
| P6SMB20A (ON Semiconductor) | DO-214AA package; 20V VWM, 32.4V VC @ 15.4A; 600W PPK; AEC-Q101 qualified; higher IR (5μA @ 20V). | Higher leakage may impact ultra-low-power sensor nodes; larger SMB package requires more PCB area than DO-15. | Choose P6SMB20A when higher 600W surge margin is needed and board space allows SMB footprint. |
Compared with SA20C, SMAJ20A offers smaller footprint but reduced surge margin and no automotive qualification, while P6SMB20A delivers higher power handling and AEC-Q101 compliance at the cost of increased leakage and larger package size - making SA20C optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding automotive and industrial 24V rail protection.
Availability
SA20C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power inputs, industrial PLC digital I/O modules, LED driver supply rails, and motor drive gate driver bias protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA20C 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, MOSFETs, and bipolar transistors for industrial and automotive markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications - emphasizing low clamping voltage, AEC-Q101 qualification, and robust thermal performance up to 175°C junction temperature.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA20C at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA20C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 35.5 V at 14 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events and is confirmed in the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table for the SA20C part number.
Is SA20C unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
The SA20C is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package - the banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., 24V rail), and the unmarked end connects to ground. Bidirectional variants in the SA series use "CA" suffixes (e.g., SA20CA), which SA20C does not carry.
Does SA20C meet automotive qualification standards?
The base SA20C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the SA20CH variant - identical in electrical and mechanical specifications except for extended reliability testing - is fully AEC-Q101 qualified. The "H" suffix denotes automotive qualification, and SA20CH is recommended for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS modules requiring certified component reliability.
What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal derating behavior of SA20C?
The SA20C has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C and follows a linear derating curve above 25°C ambient, as shown in Figure 2 of the datasheet. At 100°C ambient, its peak pulse power rating drops to approximately 325W, and at 150°C, it falls to ~125W - a critical consideration for enclosed, high-temperature deployments like under-hood automotive modules.
How does SA20C compare to SA20A in terms of breakdown voltage and application suitability?
The SA20C has a VBR range of 22.2–27.1 V, while SA20A specifies 22.2–24.5 V - a tighter tolerance optimized for precision clamping where overvoltage margin must be minimized. SA20C's wider VBR spread provides greater manufacturing yield and cost efficiency for general-purpose 24V rail protection, whereas SA20A suits designs requiring guaranteed early turn-on below 24.5V.
SA20C 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):
- 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)
SA20C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20C 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 SA20C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20C?
SA20C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20C 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 SA20C?
For technical support, including SA20C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20C 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 SA20C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20C?
All SA20C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20C, 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 SA20C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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