Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA33C
- Part No.:
- SA33C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA33C.pdf
- Description:
- 500W, 40.8V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,281
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Product details
Overview
SA33C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 33V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 36.7–44.9V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 58.1V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 8.8A peak pulse current - designed for automotive and industrial ESD/inductive load protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA33C datasheet, SA33C pinout, SA33C application, or SA33C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal polarity mapping, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, and real-world use cases in lighting control, power supply input stages, and CAN bus interface protection.
Technical Context
The SA33C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, optimized for fast transient suppression in DC power rails and signal lines. Its 1.0ps response time from 0V to VBR enables protection against ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2 and electrical fast transients per IEC 61000-4-4.
It features a 175°C maximum junction temperature, -55°C to +175°C operating range, and meets RoHS and halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. The device sustains 70A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and exhibits <1μA reverse leakage above 10V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 33 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR min/max | 36.7 V / 44.9 V @ 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on within defined tolerance before clamping begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 58.1 V @ 8.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability under standardized surge waveform |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current preserves low-power circuit integrity |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 molding |
Pinout & Package
SA33C uses a two-terminal DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode band marking indicating the cathode terminal. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002; polarity must be observed during PCB layout to ensure correct unidirectional clamping direction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Positive-side connection in unidirectional configuration | Connected to protected line (e.g., VBUS, signal line); conducts only when cathode is > anode by ≥VBR |
| Cathode | Ground-reference or return path | Marked with band; tied to system ground or lower-potential rail to enable clamping to reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands repetitive or single high-energy transients common in 12V/24V vehicle systems |
| <1.0ps response time (0V → VBR) | Engages before ESD pulses damage sensitive CMOS inputs or communication transceivers |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rated epoxy | Meets safety standards for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment enclosures |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Ensures long-term reliability of tin-plated leads under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Lighting Driver Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBAT and GND to clamp surges exceeding 33V. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤58.1V, preventing damage to LDOs, microcontrollers, and CAN transceivers downstream. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LED driver ICs in streetlight ballasts exposed to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across input capacitor to absorb flyback energy from relay or MOSFET switching. Use Value: Absorbs 500W surges without degradation, maintaining stable 33V rail integrity during frequent on/off cycling. |
| RS-485 Transceiver Interface | DC Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding half-duplex RS-485 nodes in factory automation networks from EFT and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional SA33C placed on VCC line upstream of transceiver to suppress common-mode overvoltage. Use Value: Sub-1ps response ensures clamping occurs before transceiver internal ESD structures fail, preserving data integrity. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 36V-rated DC-DC converters in telecom power systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter on input rail, coordinating with MOVs and fuses in multi-stage protection architecture. Use Value: 58.1V clamping allows safe margin below converter's absolute maximum input rating while sustaining 500W peak energy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ33A | Same DO-214AC package (SMA), 33V VWM, 53.3V VC @ 9.8A; slightly lower clamping but higher IPPM | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB redesign; better thermal dissipation in high-density layouts | Select SMAJ33A if board space is constrained and reflow assembly is used. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE33A | DO-201AD package, 33V VWM, 53.3V VC @ 9.8A, 1500W PPK rating; larger footprint and higher surge capacity | Higher-power legacy design where 1.5kW surge headroom is required beyond 500W | Choose 1.5KE33A for industrial motor drives needing extended surge endurance at same VWM. |
Compared with SMAJ33A and 1.5KE33A, the SA33C offers identical VWM and tighter VBR tolerance (36.7–44.9V vs. ±5%), lower clamping voltage than 1.5KE33A, and axial DO-15 compatibility with through-hole manufacturing - making it optimal for cost-sensitive automotive modules and legacy industrial controls.
Availability
SA33C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial lighting drivers, RS-485 interface hardening, and DC power supply input staging requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA33C 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 robust transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parameter tolerances, and high-temperature reliability up to 175°C junction temperature.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA33C and how is it marked?
The SA33C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode-band polarity marking on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package body. The banded end is the cathode and must be connected toward the system ground or lower-potential reference rail. This configuration ensures clamping occurs only when the anode exceeds cathode voltage by ≥36.7V, protecting positive-rail circuits. SA33C does not support bidirectional operation - for bipolar applications, SA33CA would be required.
Is SA33C AEC-Q101 qualified and what does that mean for automotive use?
Yes, SA33C is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed accelerated stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, high-temperature reverse bias, and mechanical shock - validating its reliability in automotive under-hood and cabin environments. This qualification supports deployment in engine control units, body control modules, and infotainment power supplies where failure modes must meet ISO 26262 functional safety expectations. SA33C's 175°C TJ max and -55°C to +175°C operating range align directly with AEC-Q101 requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA33C and at what test condition is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA33C is 58.1V, measured at 8.8A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standardized 10/1000μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream components during worst-case transient events. It is derived from the device's dynamic impedance and avalanche characteristics, and remains stable across its full operating temperature range due to its low 42 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient.
How does SA33C compare to SA33A in terms of breakdown voltage and application suitability?
SA33C has a VBR range of 36.7–44.9V at 1mA test current, while SA33A specifies 36.7–40.6V - indicating tighter upper-bound tolerance for SA33A. SA33C's wider VBR spread allows broader manufacturing yield but requires verification of clamping margin in critical designs. Both share identical VWM (33V), VC (58.1V), and PPK (500W), so SA33A is preferred where precise turn-on consistency is needed (e.g., precision sensor power rails), whereas SA33C suits general-purpose protection where cost and availability are prioritized.
Can SA33C be used in bidirectional signal line protection such as USB or CAN bus?
No, SA33C is strictly unidirectional and unsuitable for bidirectional signal line protection like USB or CAN bus without additional circuitry. Its cathode-band marking and asymmetric IV curve only allow clamping in one polarity. For bidirectional protection on differential buses, SA33CA (the bidirectional variant) or dedicated bidirectional TVS arrays such as TPD4E001DPYR must be used. Using SA33C on a bidirectional line risks incomplete protection during negative transients and potential device failure.
SA33C 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):
- 33V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 36.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 58.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 8.8A
- 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)
SA33C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA33C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA33C 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 SA33C reliable?
The price and inventory of SA33C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA33C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA33C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA33C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA33C?
SA33C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA33C 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 SA33C?
For technical support, including SA33C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA33C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA33C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA33C 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 SA33C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA33C?
All SA33C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA33C, 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 SA33C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA33C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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