onsemi SA54CA
- Part No.:
- SA54CA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA54CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 54VWM 87.1VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,450
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Product details
Overview
SA54CA from Fairchild Semiconductor is a bidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients in bipolar signal/power lines. It features a 54 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 60–66.3 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 87.1 V clamping voltage (VC) at 5.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the SA54CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device serves as a robust, low-leakage (≤1 µA at VRWM) surge protection component for industrial I/O, telecom interfaces, and DC power rails where bidirectional transient immunity and fast response (<5 ns) are required.
Technical Context
The SA54CA employs a glass-passivated junction for stable avalanche performance and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping in both polarities without external polarity management, making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power on the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform and maintains clamping integrity under repetitive surges up to 4 pulses per minute, with thermal derating above 75 °C ambient and full operation up to TJ = +175 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 µs) | 500 W - sustains high-energy lightning/surge events without failure |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage (VRWM) | 54 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 60–66.3 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 87.1 V at 5.7 A IPPM - limits downstream voltage stress during surge |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPPM) | 5.7 A - maximum transient current the device safely diverts |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | ≤1 µA at 54 V - ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity |
| Junction Temperature Range | +175 °C max - supports operation in high-temperature industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
SA54CA is housed in a DO-15 axial leaded package with no cathode band (bidirectional configuration). Leads are 0.375" long for standard PCB mounting and thermal dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche terminals | No polarity marking; either lead functions identically in surge conduction path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature |
| Fast response time | ≤5.0 ns for bidirectional mode - clamps transients before sensitive circuitry responds |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high-current surges, improving protection margin |
| Excellent clamping capability | VC/VBR ratio of ~1.45 - tight clamping window relative to breakdown threshold |
| High junction temperature rating | +175 °C operation - enables use in engine control units, power supplies, and enclosed industrial enclosures |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Telecom Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 4–20 mA current-loop sensors from induced surges on factory floor wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across loop terminals to clamp ±kV-level transients. Use Value: Prevents sensor IC damage while maintaining <1 µA leakage to avoid loop current error. |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers connected to outdoor cabling from lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge shunt on differential bus lines (A/B) before transceiver input. Use Value: 87.1 V clamping ensures transceiver stays within absolute maximum ratings during 5.7 A surge events. |
| DC Power Rail Protection | Automotive Body Control Module |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 48 V battery-fed subsystems (e.g., HVAC actuators) against load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on main supply rail to absorb energy and limit rail voltage excursion. Use Value: 500 W rating handles short-duration, high-power transients without thermal runaway. |
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus nodes and switch inputs in body electronics exposed to automotive ESD and battery transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on LIN data line and wake-up input pins. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices, reducing BOM count and board space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ54CA (ON Semiconductor) | DO-214AA package, 600 W rating, slightly lower VC (84.5 V @ 6.2 A) | Higher power density but requires SMT layout; less suited for through-hole legacy designs | Select when upgrading to surface-mount and higher surge margin is needed |
| P6KE56CA (Littelfuse) | DO-15 package, 600 W rating, VRWM = 56 V, VC = 93.6 V @ 5.4 A | Higher clamping voltage reduces protection margin for 54 V systems | Prefer only if VRWM tolerance allows 56 V standoff and system can tolerate 93.6 V clamping |
Compared with SMBJ54CA and P6KE56CA, the SA54CA offers tighter clamping (87.1 V) in the legacy DO-15 through-hole form factor, balancing proven reliability, thermal robustness, and compatibility with existing industrial PCBs.
Availability
SA54CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and DC power rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for SA54CA 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance analog and discrete semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy TVS portfolio remains widely deployed and supported.
The SA54CA belongs to the SAxx(C)A family of 500 W DO-15 TVS diodes engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive surge protection where bidirectional clamping and thermal resilience are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA54CA under peak pulse conditions?
The SA54CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 87.1 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 5.7 A on the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and ensures downstream components remain within safe voltage limits during surge events. The SA54CA achieves this clamping performance while maintaining low incremental resistance and thermal stability up to +175 °C junction temperature.
Is the SA54CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect its circuit placement?
The SA54CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities without requiring orientation during placement. Unlike unidirectional variants, it has no cathode band and can be installed in either direction across a differential line or floating node. This simplifies layout and eliminates polarity-related assembly errors in applications like RS-485 or LIN bus protection where voltage reversals occur.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the SA54CA, and how does it impact thermal design?
The SA54CA has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C, enabling use in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or sealed industrial enclosures. Its power dissipation is rated at 1.0 W with 0.375" lead length at TA = 75 °C, and derates linearly above that point. Designers must ensure adequate PCB copper area and airflow to maintain junction temperature below +175 °C during sustained surge duty cycles.
How does the SA54CA compare to the SA54A in terms of functionality and application?
The SA54CA is the bidirectional version of the SA54A, which is unidirectional. While both share identical VRWM (54 V), VBR (60–66.3 V), and power rating (500 W), the SA54CA clamps transients of either polarity, whereas the SA54A only protects against reverse-polarity surges and requires correct cathode orientation. Use SA54CA for AC-coupled, floating, or differential signals; use SA54A only for DC rails with defined polarity and known surge direction.
Does the SA54CA meet industry-standard surge test requirements such as IEC 61000-4-5?
Yes, the SA54CA's 500 W peak pulse power rating on the 10/1000 µs waveform aligns with Level 3 and Level 4 requirements of IEC 61000-4-5 for surge immunity testing. Its 87.1 V clamping voltage and 5.7 A IPPM enable effective protection against combination wave surges (1.2/50 µs voltage, 8/20 µs current) when properly integrated with series impedance. System-level validation is still required, but the SA54CA provides the foundational clamping performance needed for compliance.
SA54CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 54V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 60V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 87.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
SA54CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA54CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA54CA 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 SA54CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA54CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA54CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA54CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA54CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA54CA?
SA54CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA54CA 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 SA54CA?
For technical support, including SA54CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA54CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA54CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA54CA 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 SA54CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA54CA?
All SA54CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA54CA, 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 SA54CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA54CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA54CA Tags

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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