Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA90CA
- Part No.:
- SA90CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,337
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Product details
Overview
SA90CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 90V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 100–122V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 160V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 3.2A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<5.0ns), low leakage (<1μA @ 90V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA90CA datasheet, SA90CA pinout, SA90CA application, or SA90CA equivalent, this device is selected for ESD and electrical fast transient (EFT) immunity in automotive powertrain sensors, industrial PLC I/O modules, and LED driver input stages where bidirectional clamping and high surge robustness are required.
Technical Context
The SA90CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transients above ±100V in both polarities. Its VBR range (100–122V @ 1mA) and VC of 160V @ 3.2A define its clamping window under 10/1000μs surge conditions, while its TJ max of 175°C supports under-hood automotive environments.
Designed per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, it exhibits <1μA reverse leakage at 90V, a temperature coefficient of 121 mV/°C for VBR, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - confirming suitability for high-reliability soldered interconnects in harsh thermal cycling applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR min/max | 100 / 122 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche initiation range defining turn-on threshold tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 160 V @ 3.2 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability per single non-repetitive 10/1000μs waveform |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible standby leakage ensuring minimal system power loss at rated stand-off |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Junction temperature limit enabling operation in engine control units and motor drive enclosures |
| Response time | <5.0 ns - Time to clamp bidirectional transients, critical for protecting high-speed interface ICs |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry terminal in forward bias; cathode reference in reverse | Bidirectional symmetry means either lead serves as reference point - no polarity marking required for CA variants |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit terminal in forward bias; clamping node in reverse | Band denotes conventional cathode orientation but functionally identical to anode in bidirectional operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including powertrain and body electronics per stress test requirements |
| 500W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without degradation |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR (100–122V), VC (160V), and IPPM (3.2A) in both directions - eliminates polarity concerns in AC-coupled lines |
| Low 121 mV/°C VBR tempco | Stable clamping threshold across -55°C to +175°C, reducing design margin uncertainty in thermal-varying systems |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally regulated supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain Sensors | Industrial PLC Digital Input Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting crankshaft/camshaft position sensor signal lines from load dump and alternator ripple-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed at connector interface to clamp ±100V+ spikes before reaching ASIC front-end. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in Hall-effect sensor ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤160V during 500W surges. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24V DC digital input channels from inductive kickback when switching solenoids or relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element on field-side PCB traces, upstream of optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Enables reliable operation under IEC 61000-4-4 EFT bursts (4kV, 5kHz) with sub-5ns response and no leakage-induced false triggering. |
| LED Driver Input Stage | Automotive Infotainment USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED driver ICs against line transients during cold-crank or jump-start events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on DC input rail (90V VWM) to absorb 12V/24V system overvoltage surges. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 90V, avoiding quiescent current increase that would compromise low-power standby modes. | Use Scenario: Providing secondary-level ESD protection on USB VBUS and D+/D− lines in head unit designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device placed after primary common-mode choke to handle differential-mode ESD. Use Value: Symmetric 100–122V VBR ensures equal protection on both data lines without skew, supporting USB 2.0 signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ90CA (Bourns) | Same DO-214AA package; 90V VWM, 100–122V VBR, 160V VC @ 3.2A - identical clamping performance but higher junction capacitance (150pF vs. SA90CA's ~50pF) | Less suitable for high-frequency signal lines due to higher parasitic capacitance affecting rise time | Select SA90CA when lower capacitance is needed for fast-edge signals; SMBJ90CA preferred if board space allows larger SMC footprint |
| P6SMB90CA (Littelfuse) | DO-214AA package; 90V VWM, 100–122V VBR, 160V VC @ 3.2A - same electrical specs but rated for 600W PPK (vs. 500W), with tighter VBR tolerance (±5% vs. ±10%) | Higher PPK margin supports longer surge durations; tighter VBR improves predictability in precision clamping circuits | Choose P6SMB90CA for extended surge duration compliance; SA90CA remains optimal for cost-sensitive AEC-Q101 automotive programs with validated qualification |
Compared with SMBJ90CA and P6SMB90CA, the SA90CA offers AEC-Q101 qualification out-of-box, lower junction capacitance for signal integrity, and DO-15 through-hole compatibility - making it ideal for legacy automotive harness interfaces and industrial control boards requiring proven reliability and ease of manual rework.
Availability
SA90CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain systems, industrial PLC I/O protection, and LED driver input-stage surge suppression requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SA90CA 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, and power MOSFETs since 1979.
The SA Series is designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight thermal stability, and robust surge endurance in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA90CA under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The SA90CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 160 V at 3.2 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SA90CA maintains this VC consistently across its operating temperature range.
Is the SA90CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect its use in circuit design?
The SA90CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - confirmed by identical VBR (100–122 V), VC (160 V), and IPPM (3.2 A) specifications for positive and negative transients. This eliminates polarity marking constraints and simplifies placement on AC-coupled or floating signal lines, such as automotive sensor outputs or industrial fieldbus interfaces, where voltage reversals may occur.
Does the SA90CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and what does that entail for automotive use?
Yes, the SA90CA is AEC-Q101 qualified - verified per the full stress test suite including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and mechanical shock. This qualification confirms its suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics applications where reliability under thermal cycling, humidity, and vibration is mandatory. The "H" suffix in ordering codes (e.g., SA90CAH) explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 compliance, and SA90CA itself carries this qualification per TSC documentation.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the SA90CA, and how does it impact thermal design?
The SA90CA has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175°C, allowing operation in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or enclosed motor drives. This rating enables designers to size heatsinking or trace copper area based on steady-state power dissipation (PD = 3 W at TL = 75°C), while maintaining safe margins even during repeated surge events - provided PCB layout follows TSC's recommended 10 × 10 mm copper pads per lead.
How does the SA90CA compare to the SA90A variant in terms of electrical performance and application suitability?
The SA90CA is bidirectional with symmetric clamping, whereas the SA90A is unidirectional (anode-cathode asymmetry). SA90CA has identical VWM (90 V), VBR (100–122 V), and VC (160 V) in both directions, while SA90A only clamps in reverse - making SA90CA mandatory for AC or bipolar signal paths. Both share the same DO-204AC package, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 500W rating, but SA90CA's bidirectional behavior avoids polarity-dependent failures in noisy automotive harnesses.
SA90CA 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SA90CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90CA 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 SA90CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA90CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90CA?
SA90CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90CA 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 SA90CA?
For technical support, including SA90CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90CA 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 SA90CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90CA?
All SA90CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90CA, 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 SA90CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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