Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA36C

Overview

SA36C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, 36V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 40.0–48.9V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and clamping voltage of 64.5V at 8.1A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD and inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SA36C datasheet, SA36C pinout, SA36C application, or SA36C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity marking guidance, clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms, thermal derating behavior, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives - all critical for robust overvoltage protection design in 12V/24V systems.

Technical Context

The SA36C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, designed to clamp transient voltages above its VBR while maintaining low leakage (<1μA @ 36V). Its 10/1000μs waveform rating reflects industry-standard lightning/surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5.

Thermal performance is defined by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and derated peak power above 25°C ambient, with steady-state dissipation limited to 3W when mounted on 10×10 mm copper pads. The device exhibits a 46 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient, enabling predictable voltage shift across operating temperature ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package with axial leads: Cathode indicated by a band on one end; anode is unmarked lead. 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 SA36C, SMAJ36A offers SMT compatibility but sacrifices 100W surge headroom and requires layout redesign, while P6KE36CA provides bidirectional protection and higher IPPM at the cost of slightly reduced VWM margin for unidirectional DC rail use.

Availability

SA36C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial PLCs, LED lighting systems, and DC motor controllers requiring stable component supply and consistent surge immunity performance.

Supply support for SA36C 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 high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, robust surge handling, and tight parametric consistency across voltage grades - with SA36C targeting 24V system rail protection.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of the SA36C?

The SA36C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode indicated by a band on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. When installed correctly - cathode toward the protected line and anode to ground - it clamps positive transients only. Reverse connection renders it non-functional for overvoltage protection, so orientation must match schematic symbol and PCB silkscreen markings. The SA36C datasheet confirms this polarity in the marking diagram and mechanical drawings.

Does the SA36C meet AEC-Q101 qualification?

The base SA36C part is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the SA36CH variant - identical in electrical specs and DO-204AC packaging - is fully AEC-Q101 certified for automotive applications. This qualification includes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD robustness. Engineers specifying SA36C for automotive use should select SA36CH to ensure compliance with ISO/TS 16949 and vehicle-level reliability requirements.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA36C under standard test conditions?

The SA36C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 64.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 8.1 A using the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and appears in the "Maximum clamping voltage VC@IPPM" row of the SA Series datasheet Table for SA36. It defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.

Can the SA36C be used in bidirectional signal line protection?

No - the SA36C is strictly unidirectional and unsuitable for bidirectional signal lines. For symmetrical transient suppression (e.g., RS-485, CAN, or AC-coupled sensors), the SA36CA variant must be used. SA36CA shares the same VWM, VBR, and clamping specs but features bidirectional conduction and dual-band marking. Using SA36C on a bidirectional line risks failure during negative transients due to lack of reverse conduction path.

How does the SA36C's thermal derating affect its surge capability at elevated ambient temperatures?

The SA36C's 500W peak pulse power rating applies only at TA = 25°C; it must be linearly derated above that temperature per Figure 2 in the SA Series datasheet. At 85°C ambient, its usable PPK drops to approximately 325W - meaning the same 10/1000μs surge would require either reduced amplitude or shorter duration to avoid junction overheating. Designers must consult the pulse derating curve to validate margin in high-temperature enclosures.