Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20CH
- Part No.:
- SA20CH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20CH.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 24.7V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,542
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Product details
Overview
SA20CH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 20V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–27.1V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 35.5V clamping voltage (VC) at 14A peak pulse current - designed for automotive-grade ESD and load-dump protection in power supply rails and I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA20CH datasheet, SA20CH pinout, SA20CH application, or SA20CH equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified TVS offers verified 500W surge capability per 10/1000μs waveform, sub-1ps response time from 0V to VBR, <1μA reverse leakage above 10V, and UL 94V-0 molded compound - critical for robust front-end protection in automotive ECUs and industrial controllers.
Technical Context
The SA20CH operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when transient voltage exceeds its 22.2–27.1V breakdown range at 1mA test current. Its clamping action limits downstream voltage to ≤35.5V at 14A IPPM under standardized 10/1000μs surge, enabling reliable protection of 24V system nodes against ISO 7637-2 pulses and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD events.
Designed for automotive environments, it features AEC-Q101 qualification, −55°C to +175°C operating junction temperature, and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability. Polarity is marked by cathode band; no internal series resistance or integrated filtering is present - it functions solely as a passive shunt clamp.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction; sets upper limit for protected circuit's normal operating rail. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 27.1 V @ 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation window; ensures predictable turn-on before sensitive ICs exceed absolute max ratings. |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.5 V @ 14 A - clamped voltage during full 500W surge; defines worst-case stress seen by downstream components during transient. |
| PPK | 500 W - peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform; validates compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a severity levels. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - reverse leakage at 20V; negligible power loss and signal interference in standby or low-power modes. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in engine bay or under-hood automotive locations without derating. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400g mass; compatible with legacy through-hole assembly and manual rework. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, cathode indicated by band-marked end. 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 | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes shunt path during overvoltage event. |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24V rail); conducts avalanche current to anode when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing - required for ECU, body control, and ADAS module integration. |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands repetitive or single high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 without degradation - eliminates need for external current-limiting resistors in many 24V systems. |
| Clamping voltage ≤35.5V at 14A | Ensures protected ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) remain below 40V absolute maximum rating during worst-case surge. |
| Response time <1.0 ps (0V → VBR) | Faster than semiconductor switching times - prevents voltage overshoot from propagating past the TVS into sensitive analog or digital circuitry. |
| RoHS & halogen-free (IEC 61249-2-21) | Complies with global environmental directives and enables use in export-controlled automotive and industrial equipment. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24V supply inputs of engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between battery rail and local regulator input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤35.5V, preventing damage to LDOs and MCU power domains during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20mA current loop receivers and analog sensor front-ends from EFT and ESD coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1μA) TVS mounted directly at connector entry point. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with minimal offset error while suppressing >1kV EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4. |
| LED Lighting Driver Input Protection | RS-485 Transceiver Bus Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED drivers from inductive kickback during MOSFET switching in automotive headlamps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-ps) unidirectional clamp across input capacitor terminals. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500W surge energy without thermal runaway, preserving driver IC lifetime under repeated switching stress. |
Use Scenario: Guarding RS-485 transceiver A/B lines against lightning-induced surges and hot-plug transients in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not applicable; SA20CH used on VCC-supply side only for common-mode suppression. Use Value: Prevents latch-up in transceivers by clamping supply rail to ≤35.5V during ±1kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
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 | Same DO-214AC package, 20V VWM, but bidirectional; 32.4V VC @ 15.4A; 400W rating. | Supports AC-coupled or differential-line protection; unsuitable for DC rail clamping where polarity matters. | Select SMAJ20A only when bidirectional surge immunity is required - SA20CH provides lower clamping and higher power for unidirectional 24V systems. |
| 1.5KE20A | DO-201AD package, 20V VWM, 34.6V VC @ 14.5A, 1500W rating but larger footprint and higher IR (5μA). | Higher surge margin but incompatible with space-constrained PCB layouts; less suitable for automated SMT assembly. | Choose 1.5KE20A only if 1500W peak power is mandatory and board area permits axial DO-201AD placement - SA20CH offers better density and leakage for automotive modules. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the SA20CH delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, 500W surge capacity, ultra-low leakage (<1μA), and compact DO-15 form factor - making it the preferred choice for volume automotive electronics requiring validated reliability and tight voltage clamping.
Availability
SA20CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface protection, and LED driver input safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA20CH 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, and power devices since 1979.
The SA Series was developed specifically for automotive and industrial transient suppression, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, high-temperature reliability, and precise clamping performance in harsh electromagnetic environments.
FAQ
What is the AEC-Q101 qualification status of the SA20CH?
The SA20CH is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code suffix "H", confirming completion of stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. This qualification applies to the exact SA20CH part number and is documented in Taiwan Semiconductor's SA Series qualification report L2105 - essential for automotive Tier 1 suppliers requiring PPAP compliance.
Does the SA20CH have bidirectional capability?
No, the SA20CH is a unidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by its designation (no "C" or "CA" suffix), cathode-band marking, and electrical specifications limited to forward surge current (IFSM = 70A) and reverse breakdown behavior. Bidirectional variants in the SA Series carry "C" or "CA" suffixes (e.g., SA20C); using SA20CH on AC or differential lines risks failure during negative transients.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA20CH under surge conditions?
The SA20CH has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 35.5 V at 14 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per 10/1000μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lot - not typical - and defines the absolute upper voltage seen by downstream circuitry during full-rated surge events.
Can the SA20CH replace the SMAJ20A in existing designs?
No direct replacement: SA20CH is unidirectional in DO-15 package; SMAJ20A is bidirectional in DO-214AC. Pin-to-pin compatibility does not exist due to differing footprints and polarity requirements. Layout redesign is required - SA20CH demands cathode-to-rail orientation, whereas SMAJ20A mounts symmetrically. Clamping and leakage differ meaningfully; validation per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 is mandatory.
What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of the SA20CH?
Taiwan Semiconductor does not publish RθJA for the SA20CH in the SA Series datasheet L2105. Thermal performance is characterized via steady-state power dissipation (PD = 3 W at TL = 75°C with 9.5mm lead length), not junction-to-ambient resistance. For thermal modeling, use the provided derating curve (Fig.2) and assume standard DO-15 mounting on 10×10 mm copper pads per terminal - no RθJA value is specified or inferable from available data.
SA20CH 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:
- -
- 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)
SA20CH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20CH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20CH 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 SA20CH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20CH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20CH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20CH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20CH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20CH?
SA20CH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20CH 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 SA20CH?
For technical support, including SA20CH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20CH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20CH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20CH 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 SA20CH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20CH?
All SA20CH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20CH, 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 SA20CH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20CH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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