Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA30CAH

Overview

SA30CAH 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 30V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 33.3–40.7V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 53.3V clamping voltage (VC) at 9.8A peak pulse current - used for ESD and surge protection in automotive lighting and power supply inputs.

For engineers reviewing the SA30CAH datasheet, SA30CAH pinout, SA30CAH application, or SA30CAH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct replacement guidance for industrial and automotive transient protection design.

Technical Context

The SA30CAH is a bidirectional avalanche diode designed to clamp transient overvoltages in both polarities without polarity dependence. Its VBR range (33.3–40.7V) and VC of 53.3V at 9.8A ensure robust protection for 24V automotive systems while maintaining low leakage (<1μA at 30V).

It operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature, supports 70A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine), and meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements - confirming suitability for under-hood and engine-control module applications where reliability under thermal cycling and mechanical shock is critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA30CAH is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking omitted due to bidirectional symmetry. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ30CA and P6SMB30CA, SA30CAH offers AEC-Q101 qualification, tighter clamping (53.3V vs. 64.3V), and proven reliability in automotive thermal cycles - making it the preferred choice for safety-critical 24V systems despite identical package form factor.

Availability

SA30CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial PLC input protection, HVAC motor control, and smart building sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability.

Supply support for SA30CAH 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 power management, protection devices, and automotive-grade components since 1979.

The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, wide temperature operation, and consistent clamping performance across production lots - directly addressing system-level surge immunity requirements.

FAQ

What does the "H" suffix in SA30CAH signify?

The "H" suffix in SA30CAH indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification - meaning the device has passed rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life. This certification confirms SA30CAH is approved for use in automotive electronic control units, lighting modules, and other safety-relevant systems where component reliability is mandated by OEM specifications.

Is SA30CAH unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit placement?

SA30CAH is a bidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "CA" suffix (C = bidirectional, A = AEC-Q101). It clamps transients equally in both polarities, so no anode/cathode orientation is required during PCB placement. This simplifies layout in AC-coupled or floating signal paths - such as CAN bus stubs or differential sensor lines - where polarity reversal could otherwise cause misprotection with unidirectional devices like SA30A.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA30CAH under standard test conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA30CAH is 53.3 V, measured at 9.8 A peak pulse current using the 10/1000μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and represents the highest voltage seen downstream during worst-case surge events - enabling accurate selection of downstream IC voltage ratings and power stage MOSFET drain-source breakdown margins.

How does SA30CAH compare to SA30A in terms of electrical performance and application scope?

SA30CAH is bidirectional and AEC-Q101 qualified, whereas SA30A is unidirectional and not AEC-Q101 certified. SA30CAH has identical VWM (30V) and VBR (33.3–40.7V) but slightly higher clamping voltage (53.3V vs. 48.4V for SA30A) due to bidirectional structure. Use SA30CAH where polarity-agnostic protection is needed (e.g., data lines, AC inputs); choose SA30A only for cost-sensitive DC rail protection where orientation control is feasible and automotive qualification is unnecessary.

Can SA30CAH be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMAJ30A in an existing design?

SA30CAH can replace SMAJ30A only if the circuit topology supports bidirectional clamping - for example, across a floating line or between two rails. It must not be substituted in series with DC-biased signals (e.g., single-ended UART lines) without verifying that reverse conduction during normal operation won't disrupt biasing. Always confirm layout compatibility, thermal dissipation, and clamping voltage margin - SA30CAH's 53.3V VC is 4.9V higher than SMAJ30A's 48.4V, which may exceed downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.