Diodes Incorporated SA20CA-T
- Part No.:
- SA20CA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20CA-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,000
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Product details
Overview
SA20CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bi-directional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, with 20V reverse standoff voltage (VR), 22.2–24.5V breakdown range (VBR), 32.4V max clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4A peak pulse current (IPP), and −65°C to +175°C operating temperature. It protects DC power rails and I/O lines in industrial motor drives against ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA20CA-T datasheet, SA20CA-T pinout, SA20CA-T application, or SA20CA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 500W 10/1000µs pulse rating, DO-15 through-hole mounting compatibility, thermal derating above 75°C ambient, and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating per J-STD-020C Level 1 moisture sensitivity.
Technical Context
The SA20CA-T uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1.0 ps) and stable clamping under repetitive surge conditions. Its bi-directional architecture enables symmetrical protection of AC-coupled signals or floating bus lines without polarity constraints.
Designed for unclamped inductive load switching and telecom line interface protection, it maintains <3.0 µA reverse leakage at VR and exhibits +23 mV/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - critical for thermal stability in high-temperature industrial enclosures.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 500 W (10/1000 µs waveform, non-repetitive) |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VR) | 20 V (maximum working voltage before clamping initiates) |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 22.2–24.5 V @ 1.0 mA (guaranteed conduction threshold) |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 32.4 V @ 15.4 A IPP (voltage seen by protected circuit during surge) |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 15.4 A (surge current handled at rated VC) |
| Operating Temperature | −65°C to +175°C (enables use in under-hood automotive or furnace controller environments) |
| Package | DO-15 (through-hole, 9.5 mm lead length, UL 94V-0 molded plastic) |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, cylindrical molded plastic case with cathode band marking omitted for bi-directional configuration; leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208; weight ≈0.4 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path | No polarity dependence - either lead connects to protected node; clamps both positive and negative transients identically |
| Case | Non-electrical mechanical body | UL 94V-0 flame-retardant thermoset; provides mechanical robustness and creepage clearance per IEC 61000-4-5 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated die construction | Enables stable VBR over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift |
| 500W peak pulse power rating | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV surge) protection on 24V control inputs without external series impedance |
| Bi-directional clamping | Protects AC signal paths (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus stubs) without requiring dual unidirectional devices |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Ensures lead-free assembly compatibility and eliminates whisker risk in long-life industrial deployments |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Control | RS-485 Communication Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate driver enable lines and feedback sensing inputs exposed to MOSFET switching noise and back-EMF coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor placed across 24V logic supply rail and ground. Use Value: Limits coupled surges to ≤32.4V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to isolated gate drivers (e.g., Si823x) and analog front-end ICs. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on differential data lines in factory-floor PLC-to-sensor networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS connected between A/B lines and local ground, symmetrically clamping ±15kV ESD and 2 kV lightning-induced transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 32.4V clamping level while preserving common-mode rejection ratio of RS-485 transceivers (e.g., MAX1487). |
| AC-DC Power Supply Input | Automotive Body Control Module |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 12V auxiliary output of offline flyback converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across output capacitor to clamp rectifier reverse recovery spikes and load dump transients. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500W pulses without degradation, enabling compliance with EN 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity tests. | Use Scenario: Protection of LIN bus transceiver inputs in door module ECUs subjected to battery disconnect transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device placed between LIN pin and chassis ground, handling ±35V load dump events. Use Value: Clamps transients within 1 ps, limiting voltage excursion to 32.4V and ensuring continued operation of TJA1020 transceivers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| P6KE20CA | Same 20V VR and DO-15 package; 600W peak power (vs. 500W); higher VC = 36.8V @ 16.3A | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for low-voltage ICs but supports longer surge duration | Select when system-level surge test requires >500W headroom and protected ICs tolerate ≥36.8V transient exposure |
| SMBJ20CA | Same 20V VR; SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 600W rating; VC = 32.4V @ 18.5A | Requires PCB re-layout for SMT; better thermal dissipation in automated assembly | Select for new designs targeting automated manufacturing and higher reliability via reduced lead inductance |
Compared with SA20CA-T, P6KE20CA offers higher surge energy handling at the cost of elevated clamping voltage, while SMBJ20CA delivers identical clamping performance in a more compact, thermally efficient SMT package - making it preferable for space-constrained or high-volume production.
Availability
SA20CA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, RS-485 communication interfaces, AC-DC power supply inputs, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SA20CA-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 SAxxCA series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppressor portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective board-level surge protection in industrial automation, power conversion, and automotive subsystems.
FAQ
Is SA20CA-T suitable for protecting CAN bus lines?
Yes - its bi-directional clamping, 32.4V clamping voltage, and fast response time make it appropriate for CAN FD physical layer protection against ESD and short-duration transients. However, total capacitance (~200 pF) may limit use in high-speed (>5 Mbps) CAN implementations where lower-capacitance TVS devices are preferred.
What does the "-T" suffix indicate in SA20CA-T?
The "-T" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging: 4,000 units per 13-inch reel, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly. This differs from "-B" (bulk packaging) and ensures consistent feeding, reduced handling damage, and traceability in high-volume production environments.
How does SA20CA-T perform under repeated surge stress?
SA20CA-T is rated for non-repetitive pulses per JEDEC standards. While it withstands single 500W surges reliably, repeated application requires derating per Figure 4: at 125°C ambient, peak pulse power drops to ~300W. For repetitive surge environments, thermal management and pulse duty cycle must be validated per application requirements.
Why is SA20CA-T marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?
Diodes Incorporated issued this advisory due to obsolescence planning - newer platforms like SMBJ20CA offer superior power density, tighter VBR tolerance, and SMT compatibility. SA20CA-T remains fully functional and supported for legacy repair and existing production, but new designs should evaluate modern alternatives for long-term supply assurance.
SA20CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
SA20CA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20CA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20CA-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 SA20CA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20CA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20CA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20CA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20CA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20CA-T?
SA20CA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20CA-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 SA20CA-T?
For technical support, including SA20CA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20CA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20CA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20CA-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 SA20CA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20CA-T?
All SA20CA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20CA-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 SA20CA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20CA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA20CA-T Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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