Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20CAH
- Part No.:
- SA20CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 43VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,426
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Product details
Overview
SA20CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for automotive and industrial surge protection. It features a 20 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (PPK) at 10/1000 µs, clamping voltage of 43.0 V at 16.0 A IPPM, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the SA20CAH datasheet, SA20CAH pinout, SA20CAH application, or SA20CAH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and real-world ESD/EFT protection use cases - all critical for automotive power rail and signal line hardening.
Technical Context
The SA20CAH is a silicon avalanche diode engineered for bidirectional transient suppression, with symmetrical VBR and VC characteristics in both polarities. Its low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.75) and sub-5 ns response time ensure rapid voltage limiting during fast transients such as ISO 7637-2 pulses or IEC 61000-4-4 EFT bursts.
It meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress test (uHAST), confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments. The device exhibits <1 µA reverse leakage at 20 V and a 23 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient, enabling stable clamping across wide thermal ranges.
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 @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range ensuring reliable turn-on before system damage |
| VC @ IPPM | 43.0 V @ 16.0 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, defining maximum stress on downstream ICs |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak surge power handling per single non-repetitive event, compliant with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs, engine control units) without derating |
| IR @ VWM | <1 µA - Negligible standby current draw, critical for always-on automotive modules |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94V-0 molding and J-STD-002 solderability |
Pinout & Package
SA20CAH is a two-terminal bidirectional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. Polarity is not applicable - terminals are symmetric and interchangeable. Cathode band marking is omitted per bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Provides identical clamping in both directions; connects across protected line and ground (or between differential lines) |
| Leads (tin-plated) | PCB interface | Compatible with standard wave/reflow soldering; passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors |
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled signals, CAN bus lines, and ungrounded power rails |
| 500 W surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (50 V, 500 ms) and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (0.5 kW) surges |
| Fast response time | <5.0 ns turn-on ensures clamping before sensitive logic or analog circuitry experiences overvoltage |
| Low leakage & high TJ | <1 µA IR at 20 V and +175 °C operation support low-power always-on systems in harsh thermal environments |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between VBAT and GND to clamp spikes up to ±100 V. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤43.0 V during 500 W surges, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and LDOs. | Use Scenario: Hardening high-speed CAN FD physical layer against ESD and EFT events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed differentially across CANH–CANL lines to suppress common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping preserves signal integrity while meeting ISO 11898-2 EMC immunity requirements. |
| Industrial Sensor Interface Protection | LED Driver Input Surge Mitigation |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA or RS-485 sensor nodes connected to long cables in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected line-to-ground on analog input or communication ports to absorb induced lightning surges. Use Value: 20 V VWM allows compatibility with 24 V industrial buses while clamping below IC absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Preventing failure of constant-current LED drivers exposed to mains switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at AC/DC input stage to divert surge energy before rectifier and controller ICs. Use Value: 500 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges common in commercial lighting installations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA | Same VWM (20 V), lower PPK (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; intended for commercial-grade PCBs with space constraints | Select when board area is limited and automotive qualification is not required |
| P6SMB20CA | Same VWM (20 V), same PPK (600 W), SMB package, AEC-Q101 option available (P6SMB20CAHE3/54) | Higher IPPM (32.4 A) and lower VC (32.4 V), but larger footprint than DO-15 | Select when lower clamping voltage and higher surge margin are prioritized over axial lead compatibility |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and P6SMB20CA, the SA20CAH uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 axial form factor, and precise 500 W/43.0 V clamping - making it optimal for legacy automotive harness interfaces and through-hole production lines requiring proven reliability.
Availability
SA20CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor node deployment, and LED driver manufacturing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge protection.
Supply support for SA20CAH 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, and rectifiers, with global distribution and automotive-grade process validation.
The SA Series is designed specifically for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and lighting applications - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, high-temperature operation, and repeatable clamping performance under real-world surge conditions.
FAQ
What does the "H" suffix in SA20CAH signify?
The "H" suffix in SA20CAH explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification per the manufacturer's ordering code specification. This means the SA20CAH has undergone full stress testing - including HTOL, temperature cycling, and uHAST - and is certified for use in automotive electronic control units, body modules, and ADAS subsystems where reliability under thermal and mechanical stress is mandatory.
Is SA20CAH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
SA20CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode, confirmed by its "CA" designation (C = bidirectional, A = AEC-Q101). No cathode band is present - both terminals are functionally identical. This enables symmetric clamping across any two points, such as CANH/CANL or AC power inputs, without orientation concerns during assembly.
What is the clamping voltage of SA20CAH under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SA20CAH clamps to a maximum of 43.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 16.0 A under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Can SA20CAH replace SA20A in an existing design?
No - SA20CAH and SA20A are not interchangeable. SA20A is unidirectional (no "C"), lacks AEC-Q101 qualification ("H"), and has different clamping (35.5 V vs. 43.0 V) and breakdown (22.2–24.5 V vs. 22.2–27.1 V) specs. Substituting SA20CAH for SA20A introduces bidirectional behavior and qualification overhead that may affect circuit timing or layout validation.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SA20CAH?
The SA20CAH has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175 °C, verified per AEC-Q101 testing. This allows direct mounting on high-temperature PCB zones - such as near power converters or engine compartment controllers - without thermal derating, provided PCB copper area and ambient airflow meet datasheet thermal resistance guidelines.
SA20CAH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA20CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20CAH 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 SA20CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20CAH?
SA20CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20CAH 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 SA20CAH?
For technical support, including SA20CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20CAH 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 SA20CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20CAH?
All SA20CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20CAH, 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 SA20CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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