onsemi SA6.0A

Overview

SA6.0A from onsemi is a unidirectional 500 W peak power MiniMOSORB Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed to protect voltage-sensitive circuits against high-energy transients. It features a 6.0 V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 10.3 V clamping voltage at 48.5 A peak pulse current (IPP), and sub-1 ns response time. It is commonly used in power supplies and industrial control systems requiring robust overvoltage protection.

For engineers reviewing the SA6.0A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping performance at rated IPP, VRWM margin relative to operating voltage, UL 497B certification for isolated loop protection, low zener impedance, and axial leaded Surmetic package compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly.

Technical Context

The SA6.0A operates as a unidirectional Zener-based TVS diode, conducting only during reverse overvoltage events above its breakdown threshold. Its clamping action begins at 6.67 V (min VBR @ 10 mA) and limits transient energy by shunting surge current to ground while maintaining VC ≤ 10.3 V at IPP = 48.5 A.

It is thermally rated for 3.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL ≤ 75°C with 33.3 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance, and supports forward surge currents up to 70 A (8.3 ms half-sine). The device meets Class 3 ESD immunity (>16 kV HBM) and is UL 497B recognized for isolated loop circuit protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA6.0A is housed in an axial-leaded Surmetic plastic package (Case 59AA), with cathode identified by a polarity band. Leads are tin-plated, solderable, and rated for 260°C for 10 seconds at 1/16 inch from case.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SA6.0A, SMAJ6.0A offers SMD convenience but sacrifices UL 497B compliance and exact pin-compatible replacement, while 1.5KE6.8A provides higher surge rating but compromises clamping precision and VRWM alignment for tight 6 V systems.

Availability

SA6.0A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, medical equipment input stages, and communication system surge protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for SA6.0A 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The SA6.0A belongs to the MiniMOSORB TVS family, engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh industrial and medical environments where UL 497B certification, low clamping voltage, and axial-leaded mechanical robustness are critical.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SA6.0A at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA6.0A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 10.3 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 48.5 A, measured per the 1.0 ms exponential waveform defined in Figure 4 of the datasheet. This value is guaranteed across temperature and ensures predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream components. The SA6.0A maintains this clamping performance with low zener impedance and fast response, making it suitable for protecting sensitive 6 V logic rails.

Is SA6.0A certified for use in safety-critical isolated circuits?

Yes, the SA6.0A carries UL 497B recognition (File #E116110, QVGV2 category) for isolated loop circuit protection - a requirement for many industrial and medical applications. This certification covers tests including strike voltage breakdown, endurance conditioning, dielectric withstand, and discharge validation. The SA6.0A is explicitly included in the UL-recognized SA5.0A–SA170A series, confirming its suitability for safety-isolated interfaces where transient suppression must meet regulatory compliance.

What package type does SA6.0A use, and what are its mechanical dimensions?

The SA6.0A uses the axial-leaded Surmetic plastic package designated Case 59AA, with overall dimensions of 5.80–7.60 mm length (A), 2.60–3.60 mm diameter (B), and 0.71–0.86 mm lead diameter (D). The cathode is marked by a visible band, and leads are tin-plated for solderability. This package supports manual or wave soldering at 260°C for 10 seconds at 1/16 inch from the case body, and is optimized for high-reliability through-hole mounting in demanding environments.

How does SA6.0A compare to SA5.0A in terms of breakdown voltage and application suitability?

The SA6.0A has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 6.67 V at 10 mA, versus 6.0 V for the SA5.0A, making it better suited for 6 V nominal systems where tighter VRWM margin is needed. Its clamping voltage (10.3 V) is lower than SA5.0A's 9.2 V, but its higher VRWM reduces leakage at typical operating voltages. The SA6.0A is preferred when protecting 6 V rails with headroom for tolerance drift, whereas SA5.0A targets 5 V systems with stricter clamping constraints.

Does SA6.0A support high-volume automated assembly, and is it RoHS compliant?

Yes, the SA6.0AG variant is Pb-free and RoHS-compliant, qualified for standard reflow and wave soldering processes per J-STD-020. Its axial lead configuration supports both manual insertion and automated through-hole placement, and the Surmetic package ensures mechanical stability during thermal cycling. Aetrix Electronics stocks SA6.0AG in tape-and-reel (SA6.0ARLG, 5000 units/reel) and box formats (1000 units/box), enabling scalable production deployment of the SA6.0A across diverse manufacturing environments.