Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA51CAH
- Part No.:
- SA51CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA51CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 82.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,036
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Product details
Overview
SA51CAH 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 51V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 56.7–69.3V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 91.1V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 5.7A peak pulse current - deployed for ESD and lightning surge protection in automotive lighting control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SA51CAH datasheet, SA51CAH pinout, SA51CAH application, or SA51CAH equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low leakage (<1μA @ 51V), fast response (<5ns), and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with high-reliability PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The SA51CAH is a silicon avalanche diode designed for bidirectional transient suppression, operating symmetrically in both polarities with identical VBR min/max (56.7–69.3V) and VC (91.1V) specifications. It meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements for automotive underhood environments.
Its thermal design supports junction temperatures from –55°C to +175°C, with steady-state power dissipation of 3W at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads. The device exhibits a VBR temperature coefficient of ±66 mV/°C, enabling predictable voltage drift over temperature in harsh ambient conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 51 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping initiates; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 56.7–69.3 V - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM=5.7A | 91.1 V - clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; defines worst-case stress on downstream ICs |
| PPK | 500 W - peak pulse power handling per IEC 61000-4-5; qualifies for Level 4 surge immunity |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - ultra-low leakage at operating voltage; avoids signal integrity degradation in high-impedance nodes |
| Response Time | <5 ns - time from 0V to VBR under bidirectional surge; critical for protecting fast logic interfaces |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables placement near heat sources in engine control units |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded plastic case with UL 94V-0 rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry terminal in forward bias; cathode reference in reverse | Bidirectional symmetry means either lead serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - no fixed polarity marking required |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit terminal in forward bias; primary clamping node in reverse | Band denotes conventional cathode; for SA51CAH, band identifies terminal used for polarity-sensitive layout referencing in unidirectional variants - not functional in CA version |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive underhood use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock per Rev G standard |
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC performance in both directions eliminates need for polarity-aware routing in differential bus protection |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage margin between clamp onset and peak clamped level - reduces stress on protected ICs |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for green manufacturing and end-of-life processing |
| High surge robustness | Withstands 70A IFSM (8.3ms half-sine) - supports protection of inductive loads like solenoids and relays |
Applications
| Automotive LED Headlamp Driver Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LED driver ICs from load dump and jump-start surges in 12V automotive systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail inputs to clamp transients before they reach buck controller and gate drivers. Use Value: Withstands 500W 10/1000μs pulses and operates up to +175°C - maintains protection integrity during prolonged engine heat soak. | Use Scenario: Shields CAN transceivers from EFT bursts and coupling noise on vehicle body harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed differentially across CAN_H/CAN_L lines to suppress common-mode transients without distorting signal edges. Use Value: Sub-5ns response and symmetrical clamping preserve signal integrity while meeting ISO 16750-2 pulse 5a/b immunity requirements. |
| Smart Building Lighting Control Interface | Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Midspan Surge Guard |
Use Scenario: Guards DALI or 0–10V dimming interface ICs against induced surges from nearby AC mains switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected between signal line and ground to shunt fast ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2) and slower EFT (IEC 61000-4-4). Use Value: <1μA leakage at 51V prevents false triggering in high-impedance analog control paths. | Use Scenario: Installed on PoE data pairs upstream of PD controller to absorb surges entering via Ethernet cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element referenced to local ground, absorbing mode-specific transients on twisted-pair lines. Use Value: DO-15 package allows through-hole mounting on midspan injectors with IPC Class 3 reliability and UL 94V-0 flame resistance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ51CA | Same VWM (51V), lower PPK (400W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires rework for SMT assembly; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-vibration environments | Select when board space is constrained and automated placement is available |
| P6SMB51CA | Same VWM (51V), same PPK (600W), SMB package (SMT), higher IPPM (12.3A) | Larger footprint than DO-15; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification - limited to industrial, not automotive | Select for higher surge margin where automotive qualification is not required |
Compared with SMAJ51CA and P6SMB51CA, the SA51CAH provides AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-15 through-hole robustness essential for automotive underhood deployment, while maintaining precise 51V stand-off and 91.1V clamping - balancing reliability, regulatory compliance, and legacy manufacturability.
Availability
SA51CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial CAN networks, smart building control interfaces, and PoE midspan injectors requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SA51CAH 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 devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive and industrial markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive electronics, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, wide VWM coverage (5–170V), and robust DO-15 packaging for underhood durability.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SA51CAH?
The "CA" suffix in SA51CAH denotes bidirectional configuration - meaning the device clamps transients equally in both polarities, unlike unidirectional "A" variants. This makes SA51CAH ideal for differential signal line protection such as CAN, LIN, or RS-485 buses where polarity reversal may occur. The "H" confirms AEC-Q101 qualification.
Is SA51CAH suitable for protecting 48V automotive systems?
No - SA51CAH has a 51V working stand-off voltage (VWM), making it appropriate for 12V and 24V nominal automotive systems. For 48V architectures, TSC offers higher-voltage variants like SA70CAH (70V VWM) or SA85CAH (85V VWM). Using SA51CAH in a 48V system risks premature clamping and excessive leakage current during normal operation.
What is the maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) rating for SA51CAH?
The SA51CAH is rated for 5.7A maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) at the 10/1000μs waveform, corresponding to its 500W peak pulse power (PPK) rating. This value is derived from VC = 91.1V and IPPM = PPK / VC, and is validated per IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions with derating above 25°C ambient per Fig.2 in the datasheet.
Does SA51CAH require a heatsink for continuous operation?
No - SA51CAH is not intended for continuous power dissipation. Its 3W steady-state rating applies only at TL = 75°C with specified 10×10 mm copper pads; normal operation is transient-only. Heatsinking is unnecessary unless subjected to repetitive surges exceeding derated limits - in which case layout optimization (copper area, trace width) suffices.
How does the clamping voltage (VC) of SA51CAH compare to competing 51V TVS diodes?
SA51CAH specifies VC = 91.1V at IPPM = 5.7A, yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of ~1.45 - competitive with industry benchmarks. For example, SMAJ51CA has VC = 87.1V but lower PPK (400W); P6SMB51CA has VC = 85.0V but lacks AEC-Q101. SA51CAH's balance of low VC, high PPK, and qualification makes it optimal for automotive-critical nodes where both performance and compliance matter.
SA51CAH 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):
- 51V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 56.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 82.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 6.3A
- 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)
SA51CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA51CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA51CAH 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 SA51CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SA51CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA51CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA51CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA51CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA51CAH?
SA51CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA51CAH 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 SA51CAH?
For technical support, including SA51CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA51CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA51CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA51CAH 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 SA51CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA51CAH?
All SA51CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA51CAH, 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 SA51CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA51CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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