onsemi SA90A
- Part No.:
- SA90A
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,582
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Product details
Overview
SA90A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power lines and signal interfaces. It features a 90 V reverse stand-off voltage (VRWM), 100–111 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 146 V clamping voltage at peak pulse current, and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature - deployed in industrial power supplies and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SA90A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge, low leakage (<3.4 μA at VRWM), fast response time (<1.0 ps), thermal derating behavior, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.
Technical Context
The SA90A employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for high-energy transient suppression on DC rails. Its unidirectional architecture provides asymmetric conduction: low-leakage blocking above 90 V and rapid avalanche clamping below 146 V during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform with 32.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and maintains stable operation across -65 °C to +175 °C storage and junction temperature ranges - supporting harsh-environment deployments without derating penalties below 75 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 500 W - sustains single high-energy transients common in ISO 7637-2 automotive load-dump tests |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage (VRWM) | 90 V - maximum continuous DC voltage before significant leakage; sets operating margin for 72–80 V nominal systems |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 100–111 V @ 1.0 mA - defines guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 146 V @ 32.5 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge; enables 150 V-rated component selection |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | <3.4 μA @ 90 V - negligible standby power loss; avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits |
| Junction Temperature (TJ) | +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial motor drive applications without thermal shutdown |
| Package | DO-15 - industry-standard axial leaded package with cathode band marking; compatible with wave-solder and hand-solder processes |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated, epoxy-encapsulated diode with cathode indicated by color band. Standard lead length 0.375″; leads tinned for solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to system ground or return path; carries full surge current during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); voltage referenced to anode during avalanche conduction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable long-term reliability and reduced parameter drift under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps rise time from 0 V to VBR - clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience overstress |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high di/dt events; improves clamping consistency across pulse amplitudes |
| Excellent clamping capability | 146 V VC at 32.5 A ensures <10% overvoltage margin for 130 V-rated downstream components |
| JEDEC-compliant surge rating | 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) supports inrush current handling during hot-plug or capacitor charging |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial DC Power Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of 24 V and 48 V battery-fed control modules against load dump and jump-start transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between battery input and DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤146 V, preventing damage to 150 V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers in power management ICs. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on programmable logic controller (PLC) backplane power rails exposed to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS shunting energy from relay coil flyback and contact arcing. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining ≤3.4 μA leakage to avoid false resets in low-power monitoring circuitry. |
| Telecom DC Feeds | Renewable Energy Inverters |
|
Use Scenario: Input protection for PoE-powered remote radios and base station controllers receiving 48–57 V DC via outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role: First-line defense against induced lightning surges entering via Ethernet or auxiliary power lines. Use Value: Clamps within 1 ps to hold voltage below 146 V, preserving integrity of isolated DC-DC converters and Ethernet PHYs. |
Use Scenario: DC-link protection in solar string inverters where PV array inputs face rapid voltage transients during partial shading or arc faults. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected TVS on MPPT input stage to limit overvoltage during open-circuit fault recovery. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 500 W while operating reliably at +175 °C junction temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ90A | Same DO-15 package, identical VRWM (90 V), but higher clamping voltage (150 V) and lower IPPM (30.3 A) | Suitable for less aggressive surge environments; may require upstream current limiting for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a compliance | Prefer SA90A when clamping headroom is critical; choose SMAJ90A if supply chain diversification is prioritized |
| Vishay 1.5KE91A | Higher peak power (1500 W), larger DO-201AE package, same VBR range (101–112 V), but slower response (~1 ns) | Better suited for high-energy, low-frequency surges (e.g., AC mains coupling); not drop-in due to footprint mismatch | Select SA90A for space-constrained DO-15 layouts; use 1.5KE91A only when board redesign accommodates larger body and leads |
Compared with SMAJ90A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90A offers tighter clamping (146 V vs. 150 V/156 V), faster response (<1 ps vs. ~1 ns), and optimal fit for legacy DO-15 footprints - making it preferred for automotive and industrial designs requiring precise voltage limiting without layout changes.
Availability
SA90A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial DC power input, telecom DC feeds, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA90A 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 devices, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy TVS portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.
The SA90A belongs to Fairchild's SAxxA series of 500 W unidirectional TVS diodes, engineered specifically for high-reliability DC rail protection in environments demanding wide temperature operation and repeatable clamping performance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA90A under maximum rated surge current?
The SA90A exhibits a clamping voltage (VC) of 146 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 32.5 A on a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream circuitry sees no more than 146 V during worst-case transient events - a critical specification for protecting 150 V-rated power MOSFETs and gate drivers in the SA90A's target applications.
Is the SA90A bidirectional or unidirectional?
The SA90A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor, indicated by the absence of the "C" suffix in its part number. It conducts only in reverse bias (cathode positive relative to anode) during overvoltage events and blocks forward current like a standard rectifier diode. Bidirectional variants in this family carry the "CA" suffix (e.g., SA90CA) and conduct symmetrically in both directions.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the SA90A?
The SA90A has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C, as specified in Fairchild's datasheet Rev. D. This rating allows reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments, industrial motor drives, and other high-temperature applications without thermal derating - provided PCB copper area and ambient conditions support adequate heat dissipation from the DO-15 package.
Does the SA90A meet automotive transient immunity standards?
Yes, the SA90A is routinely applied in automotive designs compliant with ISO 7637-2, particularly for Load Dump (Pulse 5a) protection on 24 V and 48 V systems. Its 500 W peak pulse power rating, 146 V clamping voltage, and ability to sustain 32.5 A surge current align with the energy requirements of Pulse 5a waveforms - though system-level validation including layout parasitics and upstream impedance remains essential.
How does the SA90A compare to the SA90CA variant?
The SA90A is unidirectional, while the SA90CA is its bidirectional counterpart. The SA90CA provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - ideal for AC-coupled signal lines or differential buses - whereas the SA90A is optimized for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed. Their electrical parameters (VRWM, VBR, VC) are matched, but SA90CA exhibits identical behavior in forward and reverse bias, unlike the SA90A's rectifying behavior.
SA90A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 90V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 100V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 146V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.4A
- 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
SA90A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90A 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 SA90A reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA90A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90A?
SA90A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90A 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 SA90A?
For technical support, including SA90A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90A 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 SA90A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90A?
All SA90A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90A, 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 SA90A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA90A Tags

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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