Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA90A
- Part No.:
- SA90A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,879
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Product details
Overview
SA90A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in automotive and industrial power rails. It features a 90V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 100–122V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), 160V clamping voltage (VC) at 3.2A peak pulse current, and DO-204AC (DO-15) package - used to safeguard 12V/24V/48V DC systems against ISO 7637-2 load dump and EFT transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA90A datasheet, SA90A pinout, SA90A application, or SA90A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage (<1μA @ 90V), AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating above 25°C, and compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
The SA90A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response (<1.0ps rise time from 0V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance, enabling precise voltage clamping during fast-rising transients like ESD or EFT. Its unidirectional polarity ensures asymmetric conduction - forward-biased during overvoltage events on positive rails while blocking reverse leakage below 90V.
Rated for 500W peak pulse power (10/1000μs waveform), it sustains 3W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75°C on 10×10 mm copper pads and handles 70A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine). Junction temperature range is –55°C to +175°C, supporting under-hood automotive deployment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without clamping; sets minimum system operating margin before protection activates. |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 100–122 V - Breakdown threshold range; defines onset of avalanche conduction; tighter tolerance than SA90 (100–122 V vs. 100–122 V) confirms same test condition but tighter binning. |
| VC @ IPPM=3.2A | 146 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to ≤146 V at rated 500W pulse. |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating per IEC 61000-4-5; validates robustness against 1kV/2Ω combination wave surges. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 90V; ensures negligible standby current drain in battery-powered systems. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs, DC-DC inductors) without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads; compatible with automated insertion and wave soldering. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94V-0 flammability rating; cathode indicated by band marking; weight ≈ 0.400 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or negative rail; establishes reference for clamping action when cathode rises above VWM. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to protected circuit node (e.g., 24V supply rail); conducts avalanche current to anode during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - required for powertrain and body electronics. |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR - ensures clamping initiates before transient peaks, protecting sensitive gate drivers and microcontrollers. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 146 V / 111 V ≈ 1.31 - indicates efficient energy absorption with minimal voltage overshoot during surge events. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - supports environmentally regulated industrial and automotive supply chains. |
| High surge current capability | IPPM = 3.5 A @ 10/1000μs - delivers 500W pulse handling without degradation across ≥1000 surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial DC Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24V CAN bus power lines and LIN transceivers from load dump pulses per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 24V rail and chassis ground to clamp transients up to 120V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by TJA1042 or MCP2562 transceivers to ≤146V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage during alternator disconnection events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding programmable logic controller (PLC) 24V DC inputs against switching transients from solenoid valves and contactors. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge suppression element on field-side power entry, upstream of DC-DC converters and optocouplers. Use Value: Absorbs 500W 10/1000μs surges without failure, maintaining system uptime in factory automation environments with frequent inductive load switching. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Protection | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED driver ICs (e.g., LM3409HV) from flyback spikes generated by long cable runs in streetlight systems. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected TVS across driver output to clamp inductive kickback exceeding 90V. Use Value: Prevents driver IC destruction by limiting transient voltage to 146V, extending service life in outdoor lighting deployments exposed to lightning-induced surges. |
Use Scenario: Securing 48V PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) power entry on network switches against induced surges from nearby AC mains or lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage protection on PSE side, clamping common-mode surges before they reach active rectification and DC-DC stages. Use Value: Withstands repeated 500W surges while maintaining <1μA leakage at 48V, ensuring no impact on PoE negotiation or power classification accuracy. |
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-214AC package, identical VWM (90V), but higher VC (146V → 150V); slightly lower IPPM (3.2A → 3.0A). | Compatible in board space-constrained SMT designs; not axial-leaded - requires PCB redesign. | Select SMAJ90A only if surface-mount assembly is mandatory and thermal pad layout supports 3W dissipation. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE91A | Higher PPK (1500W), larger DO-201AD package, higher VBR (95.5–105.5V), higher VC (150V), and higher IR (5μA @ 91V). | Suitable for higher-energy surges but less leakage-sensitive applications; incompatible pinout and footprint. | Choose 1.5KE91A only when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and DO-201AD mounting is acceptable. |
Compared with SMAJ90A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90A offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, AEC-Q101 qualification, ultra-low leakage, and precise 90V stand-off - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial power rail protection where DO-204AC is standard.
Availability
SA90A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial DC input conditioning, LED driver overvoltage shielding, and telecom power interface hardening requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and bipolar transistors for industrial and automotive markets.
The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, wide VWM range (5–170V), and consistent 500W surge capability across all variants.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA90A under a 10/1000μs surge?
The SA90A clamps to a maximum of 146 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 3.5 A under the standardized 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured at TJ = 25°C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SA90A unidirectional or bidirectional?
The SA90A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" or "CA" suffix and confirmed by its single-polarity breakdown specification (VBR min/max applies only in reverse direction). It conducts avalanche current only when cathode voltage exceeds anode by ≥100 V, making it suitable for DC rail protection with defined polarity.
Does the SA90A meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes - the SA90A is explicitly listed as AEC-Q101 qualified in the official Taiwan Semiconductor SA Series documentation (Version L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD (HBM ≥8 kV), validating suitability for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the SA90A?
The SA90A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175°C, enabling reliable operation in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or enclosed industrial control cabinets. Derating curves in the datasheet specify allowable peak pulse power reduction above 25°C ambient, supporting thermal design validation for sustained surge duty cycles.
How does the SA90A differ from the SA90 variant?
The SA90A differs from SA90 in tighter VBR tolerance (100–111 V vs. 100–122 V at IT = 1 mA) and lower clamping voltage (146 V vs. 160 V at IPPM), resulting in improved protection margin. Both share identical VWM (90 V), package (DO-204AC), and PPK (500 W), but SA90A's tighter binning makes it preferable for designs demanding consistent clamping behavior across production lots.
SA90A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- SA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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):
- 3.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (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.
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