onsemi SA6V0A

Overview

SA6V0A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 6.0 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 6.67–7.37 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 10.3 V clamping voltage (VC) at 48.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature.

For engineers reviewing the SA6V0A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device is selected for robust surge immunity in industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and telecom interface protection where fast clamping (<1.0 ps response), low leakage (<600 µA at VRWM), and high peak pulse power are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The SA6V0A employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for unidirectional transient suppression on 10/1000 µs waveforms. Its clamping behavior is defined by low incremental surge resistance and tight VBR tolerance (±5.5% typical), enabling predictable voltage limiting during ESD or lightning-induced surges.

It operates with a maximum reverse leakage of 600 µA at 6.0 V, supports non-repetitive forward surge currents up to 70 A (8.3 ms half-sine), and maintains stable performance across -65 °C to +175 °C storage and operating junction temperatures.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA6V0A is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by a color band. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is the banded end and serves as the reference node for clamping action in unidirectional configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ6.0A and P6KE6.8A, SA6V0A delivers superior clamping voltage (10.3 V) and tighter VBR range (6.67–7.37 V), making it optimal for designs requiring minimal let-through voltage and high surge fidelity in 24 V industrial systems.

Availability

SA6V0A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and telecom interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for SA6V0A 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 of high-performance analog and discrete semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy TVS portfolio remains widely deployed and supported.

The SA6V0A belongs to Fairchild's SAxV0A family of 500 W unidirectional TVS diodes, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability overvoltage protection in DC-powered industrial and transportation systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SA6V0A and how is it measured?

The clamping voltage of SA6V0A is 10.3 V, measured at 48.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the maximum voltage that appears across the SA6V0A terminals during a worst-case transient event, ensuring downstream components see no more than 10.3 V. The test condition is defined in the SA6V0A datasheet and aligns with IEC 61000-4-5 testing methodology.

Is SA6V0A bidirectional or unidirectional?

SA6V0A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor, indicated by the absence of "C" in its part number suffix. It functions like a Zener diode in reverse bias and blocks forward current until breakdown occurs. Bidirectional variants (e.g., SA6V0CA) are explicitly marked with "CA" and conduct in both directions. SA6V0A must be installed with correct polarity-cathode toward the protected line-to operate as intended.

What package type does SA6V0A use and what are its mounting considerations?

SA6V0A uses the DO-15 axial-leaded package with a color band marking the cathode. It requires through-hole mounting with 0.375" lead length for rated 1.0 W steady-state power dissipation at 75 °C ambient. For thermal reliability, leads should be formed per JEDEC standards, and board layout must provide adequate copper area for heat spreading. No reflow profile applies-it is not surface-mount compatible.

How does SA6V0A compare to SA6V0CA in terms of electrical performance?

SA6V0A and SA6V0CA share identical VRWM (6.0 V), VBR (6.67–7.37 V), and PPPM (500 W), but differ fundamentally in conduction behavior: SA6V0A is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias, while SA6V0CA is bidirectional and clamps symmetrically in both polarities. SA6V0CA has no cathode band and exhibits matched clamping in positive and negative directions-making it suitable for AC or floating signal lines where polarity is undefined.

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for SA6V0A and why does it matter?

The maximum operating junction temperature for SA6V0A is +175 °C, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This high TJ rating allows the SA6V0A to remain functional in under-hood automotive applications, industrial motor drives, and enclosed power supplies where ambient temperatures exceed 100 °C. Maintaining operation at elevated temperatures ensures consistent clamping performance and prevents thermal runaway during repeated surge events.