Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20CA
- Part No.:
- SA20CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 43VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,552
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Product details
Overview
SA20CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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), 22.2–24.5V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 43.0V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 16.0A peak pulse current - used for ESD and lightning surge protection in automotive lighting control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SA20CA datasheet, SA20CA pinout, SA20CA application, or SA20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping performance, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, junction temperature range (–55°C to +175°C), and compliance with IEC 61249-2-21 halogen-free requirements.
Technical Context
The SA20CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transients above ±22.2V in both polarities. Its low dynamic impedance enables fast response (<5.0ns from 0V to VBR) and stable clamping under repetitive surge stress per IEC 61000-4-5 and ISO 7637-2.
Designed for unclamped inductive load switching and electrical fast transient (EFT) immunity, it sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and maintains <1μA reverse leakage at 20V - critical for low-power sensor interface protection where standby current integrity is essential.
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 / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; defines clamping onset threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 43.0 V at 16.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge power handling capability; validates robustness against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without thermal derating |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Ensures negligible leakage in battery-powered systems; preserves sleep-mode current budgets |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package compatible with legacy through-hole assembly |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads; cathode band marking omitted for bidirectional configuration (SAxCA suffix denotes bipolar symmetry). Leads are pure tin plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path terminal | No polarity distinction - either lead serves as input/output for transient energy diversion in both directions |
| Case | Non-electrical mechanical body | UL 94V-0 molded compound; provides flame retardancy and mechanical stability during reflow or wave soldering |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per stress test plan |
| 5.0 ns response time (bidirectional) | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry experiences overvoltage damage |
| Halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21 | Meets RoHS and automotive OEM material declaration requirements for end-of-life recycling |
| 175°C maximum junction temperature | Supports placement near heat-generating components (e.g., power MOSFETs, LED drivers) without thermal shutdown |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.75) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge events - critical for protecting 24V CAN transceivers and LIN bus ICs |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and microcontroller GPIOs from load dump and inductive kickback in headlamp modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail and ground to clamp ±100V transients within 5ns. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3V/5V logic while surviving repeated 500W surges per ISO 16750-2. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from EFT bursts and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient absorber on field-side signal lines before optocoupler isolation barrier. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage to avoid false triggering of high-impedance Schmitt triggers during normal operation. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Building Sensor Node |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window motor drivers against battery reverse connection and jump-start spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element between VBAT and GND rails adjacent to power distribution ICs. Use Value: Withstands 70A single half-sine surge (8.3ms) without degradation - ensures long-term reliability in 12V/24V dual-voltage platforms. | Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceivers and environmental sensors (temp/humidity) from ESD events in HVAC control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on differential bus lines to suppress ±8kV contact discharge without signal distortion. Use Value: Junction capacitance <100pF at 0V bias ensures minimal impact on 10Mbps RS-485 eye diagram integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ20CA | Same DO-214AC package; 43.0V VC @ 16.3A; slightly higher IR (5μA @ 20V) | Identical AEC-Q101 qualification; identical 500W rating but lower surge life cycle count per JEDEC JESD22-A114 | Select when existing PCB uses SMA footprint and board space constraints preclude axial DO-15 layout |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE20CA | DO-201AD package; 43.0V VC @ 15.5A; higher TJ max (+200°C); no halogen-free certification | Higher power dissipation margin (1.5kW PPK) but larger footprint; not automotive-qualified | Prefer for industrial power supply front-end where UL 94V-0 and halogen-free are non-mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the SA20CA offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5.5%), lower leakage (<1μA), and explicit halogen-free compliance - making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding automotive modules requiring full OEM material traceability.
Availability
SA20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC I/O protection, and body control module designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and DO-15 through-hole compatibility.
Supply support for SA20CA 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in 12V/24V automotive subsystems - emphasizing low clamping voltage, high surge endurance, and halogen-free packaging for Tier 1 supply chain compliance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA20CA under a 10/1000μs surge?
The SA20CA clamps to a maximum of 43.0 V when subjected to a 16.0 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per IEC 61000-4-5 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events - ensuring compatibility with 24V automotive ICs rated for 45V absolute maximum.
Is the SA20CA unidirectional or bidirectional?
The SA20CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix in its part number. It provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities, with identical VBR (22.2–24.5 V) and VC specifications regardless of voltage polarity - making it suitable for AC-coupled lines or DC rails subject to reverse transients like load dump.
Does the SA20CA meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, the SA20CA is AEC-Q101 qualified. The "H" variant (e.g., SA20CAH) explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 compliance, but the base SA20CA is manufactured to the same qualification standard per Taiwan Semiconductor's L2105 documentation - covering HTGB, TCT, HTRB, and ESD testing required for automotive under-hood deployment.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the SA20CA?
The SA20CA has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175°C, verified per absolute maximum ratings table. This allows reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as engine compartments or enclosed LED driver housings - with thermal derating applied above TA = 25°C per Fig.2 in the official datasheet.
How does the SA20CA compare to the SA20A variant?
The SA20CA is bidirectional, while SA20A is unidirectional. SA20CA clamps symmetrically at ±22.2–24.5V with 43.0V VC, whereas SA20A clamps only in reverse direction (22.2–24.5V VBR, 35.5V VC) and conducts forward up to 3.5V. Use SA20CA for AC or polarity-agnostic protection; choose SA20A only when forward conduction must be minimized and polarity is fixed.
SA20CA 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:
- 43V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA20CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20CA 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 SA20CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20CA?
SA20CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20CA 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 SA20CA?
For technical support, including SA20CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20CA 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 SA20CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20CA?
All SA20CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20CA, 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 SA20CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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