onsemi SA6V5A

Overview

SA6V5A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 6.5 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 7.22–7.98 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 11.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 44.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature.

For engineers reviewing the SA6V5A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom power supply rails where fast response (<1.0 ps), low leakage (<600 µA at VRWM), and stable clamping under 10/1000 µs surges are required.

Technical Context

The SA6V5A employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for high-energy transient suppression. Its unidirectional architecture provides asymmetric conduction-low forward voltage drop during normal operation and rapid avalanche breakdown above VBR to clamp damaging transients.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power on the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform with 11.2 V clamping at 44.7 A, and maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage above 10 V. Thermal performance is rated for 1.0 W steady-state dissipation at 75 °C ambient with 0.375" lead length.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA6V5A is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package with cathode indicated by a color band. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode. Polarity must be observed for correct unidirectional clamping orientation in series with the protected line.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ6.5A and P6KE6.8A, the SA6V5A offers a balanced trade-off: identical DO-15 through-hole fit for legacy designs, proven 500 W capability, and optimal 6.5 V VRWM for 5 V system interfaces-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability replacements where leaded mounting is retained.

Availability

SA6V5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and telecom power supply output clamping requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for SA6V5A 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Its TVS portfolio emphasized ruggedness, consistency, and broad industry qualification.

The SA6V5A belongs to Fairchild's SAxVxC(A) family of 500 W unidirectional TVS diodes, engineered for high-reliability surge protection in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where thermal stability and repeatable clamping performance are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA6V5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The SA6V5A clamps to a maximum of 11.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 44.7 A on the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees that downstream circuitry sees no more than 11.2 V during such transients. The SA6V5A achieves this with low incremental resistance, ensuring predictable voltage limiting across its operational life.

Is the SA6V5A suitable for bidirectional transient protection?

No, the SA6V5A is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional protection. Its electrical characteristics apply only in reverse bias; forward conduction follows standard silicon diode behavior. For bidirectional applications, the SA6V5CA variant-identical in all parameters except symmetrical breakdown in both polarities-must be used instead of the SA6V5A.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for the SA6V5A at its rated VRWM?

At its 6.5 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), the SA6V5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current of 600 µA at 25 °C. This value is confirmed in the manufacturer's Electrical Characteristics table and remains well below levels that would affect power budgeting in low-current systems such as battery-powered sensors or always-on microcontrollers.

Can the SA6V5A replace the SA6V0A in an existing design?

The SA6V5A can replace the SA6V0A only if the system's operating voltage margin allows a 0.5 V increase in VRWM-from 6.0 V to 6.5 V-and if the slightly higher clamping voltage (11.2 V vs. 10.3 V) does not violate downstream IC absolute maximum ratings. Both share DO-15 packaging and identical thermal ratings, but their VBR and VC values differ measurably and must be validated per application.

What is the junction temperature limit and how does it impact PCB layout for the SA6V5A?

The SA6V5A has a maximum operating junction temperature of +175 °C, enabling use in high-ambient environments like engine compartments. To maintain reliability, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area and thermal vias for the DO-15 leads-especially the cathode-to dissipate 1.0 W at 75 °C ambient. Insufficient copper will cause premature thermal runaway during sustained surge events.