onsemi SA6V5CA

Overview

SA6V5CA 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 power and signal lines. 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 SA6V5CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails, industrial I/O interfaces, and automotive body electronics where fast response (<5 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge immunity are required.

Technical Context

The SA6V5CA is a unidirectional/bidirectional TVS diode family member with glass-passivated junction construction, enabling stable performance under repetitive surge stress. Its bidirectional configuration (denoted by "CA" suffix) ensures symmetrical clamping in both polarities, with electrical characteristics valid in either direction.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power on the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, exhibits <1.0 μA reverse leakage above 10 V, and achieves sub-5 ns response time from 0 V to breakdown-critical for protecting sensitive downstream circuitry against fast-rising transients such as EFT and lightning-induced surges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA6V5CA is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package with no cathode band (standard for bidirectional TVS devices). Leads are tinned and suitable for wave or reflow soldering. Thermal resistance (RθJA) is 125 °C/W with 0.375" lead length at TA = 75 °C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ6.5CA and P6KE6.8CA, the SA6V5CA offers the lowest clamping voltage (11.2 V) among DO-15 bidirectional 6.5 V-class TVS diodes, delivering superior protection margin for 5 V and 3.3 V logic-supplied peripherals while retaining axial-leaded serviceability and thermal robustness.

Availability

SA6V5CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, RS-485 communication systems, and DC motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA6V5CA 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 power semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its TVS portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.

The SA6V5CA belongs to Fairchild's SAxVxC(A) series of 500 W DO-15 TVS diodes, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-surge-immunity applications where reliability under harsh thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SA6V5CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA6V5CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 11.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 44.7 A on the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage the device allows across its terminals during surge conduction, ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits. The SA6V5CA maintains this clamping performance consistently due to its low incremental surge resistance and glass-passivated junction.

Is the SA6V5CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity indicated?

The SA6V5CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by the "CA" suffix in its part number and explicit documentation stating "Electrical Characteristics apply in both directions." Unlike unidirectional variants, it has no cathode band on the DO-15 package - a deliberate design to indicate symmetrical behavior. This makes the SA6V5CA ideal for protecting AC signals, floating buses, or any node where voltage polarity reversal may occur during transients.

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the SA6V5CA?

The SA6V5CA has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This high thermal limit enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments, industrial enclosures with limited airflow, and high-power density designs where ambient temperatures exceed 105 °C. Derating curves confirm usable power dissipation up to this junction temperature when mounted with standard 0.375" lead length.

How does the SA6V5CA compare to the SA6V0CA in terms of voltage ratings?

The SA6V5CA has a higher reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM) of 6.5 V versus 6.0 V for the SA6V0CA, with corresponding VBR min/max values of 7.22–7.98 V versus 6.67–7.37 V. Its clamping voltage is also higher (11.2 V vs. 10.3 V), reflecting the trade-off between stand-off margin and clamping headroom. Engineers select SA6V5CA when system nominal voltage tolerances require tighter margin above 6.0 V, such as in 6.3 V regulated supplies or noise-prone 12 V rail monitoring.

Can the SA6V5CA be used in place of a P6KE6.8CA?

The SA6V5CA and P6KE6.8CA share the DO-15 package and bidirectional functionality but differ in key parameters: SA6V5CA has VRWM = 6.5 V and VC = 11.2 V, while P6KE6.8CA specifies VRWM = 6.8 V and VC = 12.0 V. They are not direct replacements due to differing voltage thresholds; substituting SA6V5CA for P6KE6.8CA may result in premature conduction in 6.8 V systems. Always verify stand-off and clamping margins against the protected circuit's voltage tolerances before interchange.