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STMicroelectronics SPV1520N
- Part No.:
- SPV1520N
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Diodes
- Package:
- TO-263-3, D2PAK (2 Leads + Tab), TO-263AB
- Datasheet:
-
SPV1520N.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE GEN PURP 20V 16A D2PAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,071
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Product details
Overview
SPV1520N from STMicroelectronics is a cool bypass switch designed for photovoltaic panel bypass protection, featuring 20 V reverse voltage rating, 16 A maximum forward current, 120 mV forward voltage drop at 10 A/125 °C, ultra-low 100 μA reverse leakage at 20 V/125 °C, and 8 kV ESD HBM robustness.
For engineers reviewing the SPV1520N datasheet, SPV1520N pinout, SPV1520N application, or SPV1520N equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal resistance (4 °C/W), junction temperature range (–40 to 150 °C), VFQFPN (6×5×0.75 mm) package compatibility, and IEC61000-4-5 surge immunity (2 kV).
Technical Context
The SPV1520N operates as a unidirectional, low-loss bypass path in series-connected PV strings, activated during partial shading to prevent hot-spot damage. Its silicon-based cool switch architecture replaces standard Schottky diodes with significantly lower conduction loss and superior thermal stability under high ambient conditions.
It functions without external control-passively conducting when forward-biased and blocking up to 20 V in reverse-while maintaining sub-100 μA leakage even at 125 °C junction temperature, eliminating thermal runaway risk in solar farm deployments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max reverse voltage (VR) | 20 V - supports standard PV string voltages without breakdown under reverse bias during shading. |
| Max forward current (IF) | 16 A - handles full-string current in residential and commercial solar arrays. |
| Forward voltage (VF) | 120 mV @ 10 A, 125 °C - reduces power loss to ≤1.2 W per device, minimizing self-heating and extending field life. |
| Reverse leakage (IR) | 100 μA @ 20 V, 125 °C - prevents thermal runaway by limiting parasitic heating in high-temp desert installations. |
| Junction temp range (TJ) | –40 to 150 °C - enables operation in extreme ambient environments including rooftop and ground-mount solar farms. |
| Thermal resistance (RTH(j-c)) | 4 °C/W - allows efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour, supporting compact layout without heatsinks. |
| ESD rating (HBM) | 8 kV - ensures robustness during handling and assembly in automated PV module production lines. |
Pinout & Package
The SPV1520N is housed in a thermally enhanced VFQFPN (6 × 5 × 0.75 mm) 8-lead package with exposed thermal pad. The package uses a dual-side cooling structure: top-side leads and bottom-side thermal pad both contribute to thermal dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pads 1–4, 6–7) | Forward current input terminal | Multi-pad anode design lowers bond wire inductance and spreads current across PCB copper area for uniform thermal distribution. |
| Cathode (Pad 5 + Exposed Pad) | Forward current output / thermal reference node | Large-area cathode pad serves as primary heat sink interface; soldered directly to internal ground plane for <4 °C/W RTH(j-c). |
| NC (Pad 8) | No connect | Unused terminal; must remain unconnected and un-soldered to avoid mechanical stress or unintended coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low VF at high temperature | 120 mV @ 10 A/125 °C - cuts conduction loss by >40% vs. legacy Schottky diodes, directly increasing energy harvest. |
| Controlled reverse leakage | 100 μA @ 20 V/125 °C - eliminates thermal runaway risk in high-irradiance, high-ambient conditions typical of arid solar sites. |
| High surge immunity | 2 kV IEC61000-4-5 - withstands lightning-induced transients on long PV string runs without degradation. |
| Robust ESD tolerance | 8 kV HBM - survives electrostatic discharge during module lamination, transport, and field installation. |
| Extended junction temperature | 150 °C max TJ - enables reliable operation in sealed, non-ventilated PV junction boxes where ambient exceeds 100 °C. |
Applications
| Photovoltaic Module Bypass | Solar Farm String Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrated into PV module junction boxes to shunt current around shaded or damaged cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive bypass switch activated automatically under reverse bias from neighboring cell string voltage. Use Value: Prevents hot-spot formation and permanent cell degradation while maintaining >98% string-level power output under partial shading. | Use Scenario: Deployed across multi-MW utility-scale solar farms with long DC string lengths (>1000 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fail-safe thermal protection element that remains stable under sustained 125 °C ambient and 2 kV surge events. Use Value: Reduces unscheduled maintenance by >70% compared to standard Schottky solutions due to suppressed thermal runaway and extended lifetime. |
| Residential Rooftop Systems | Building-Integrated PV (BIPV) |
Use Scenario: Used in compact, space-constrained residential inverters and micro-inverter modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-profile, surface-mount bypass switch enabling high-density PCB layouts with minimal thermal footprint. Use Value: Enables 30% smaller junction box volume while maintaining full 16 A current rating and thermal margin. | Use Scenario: Embedded in façade-integrated PV panels where ventilation is absent and operating temperatures exceed 110 °C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally stable bypass element rated for continuous operation at 150 °C junction temperature. Use Value: Eliminates need for derating or forced cooling, preserving BIPV aesthetic integrity and electrical performance over 25-year service life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bypass switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STPS16M100CG | 100 V VR, 16 A IF, VF = 520 mV @ 10 A/25 °C - higher conduction loss, no 125 °C VF spec. | Limited to lower-voltage strings; unsuitable for high-temp reliability-critical solar farms. | Select only if system VR < 100 V and thermal management includes active cooling. |
| Vishay VS-16CTQ045 | 45 V VR, 16 A IF, VF = 480 mV @ 10 A/25 °C, IR = 2 mA @ 45 V/125 °C - 20× higher leakage than SPV1520N. | Risk of thermal runaway above 85 °C ambient; requires oversized heatsinking. | Acceptable only in cooled, low-irradiance installations with strict thermal monitoring. |
Compared with STPS16M100CG and VS-16CTQ045, the SPV1520N delivers 77% lower conduction loss at operating temperature and 20× lower reverse leakage, enabling passive thermal design and eliminating thermal runaway in unventilated PV enclosures.
Availability
SPV1520N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for photovoltaic module bypass, solar farm string protection, and building-integrated PV systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SPV1520N 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and renewable energy markets.
The SPV1520N belongs to ST's Cool Switch portfolio-engineered specifically for high-reliability, high-efficiency photovoltaic bypass protection with emphasis on thermal resilience and field longevity.
FAQ
What is the recommended PCB footprint for SPV1520N?
The official recommended footprint specifies a 6.6 mm × 3.6 mm thermal pad with 0.9 mm × 1.2 mm solder mask openings for each of the eight terminals. A minimum 2 oz copper pour beneath the exposed cathode pad is required to achieve the specified 4 °C/W thermal resistance.
Does SPV1520N require a gate driver or control signal?
No. The SPV1520N is a passive, two-terminal device with no gate or control pins. It conducts automatically when forward-biased (anode > cathode by >120 mV) and blocks up to 20 V in reverse, functioning identically to a diode but with superior thermal and leakage characteristics.
Can SPV1520N replace standard Schottky diodes in existing PV designs?
Yes-mechanically and electrically compatible with standard 8-lead VFQFPN footprints-but requires validation of thermal layout due to its lower VF and higher current density. No circuit redesign is needed; however, junction box airflow and copper area should be verified against the 150 °C TJ limit.
Is SPV1520N compliant with RoHS and REACH?
Yes. The SPV1520N carries ECOPACK®2 certification (per STMicroelectronics' environmental compliance program), meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, including SVHC screening and lead-free termination (Pb-free, NiPdAu plating).
SPV1520N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-3, D2PAK (2 Leads + Tab), TO-263AB
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Technology:
- Standard
- Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max):
- 20 V
- Current - Average Rectified (Io):
- 16A
- Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If:
- 140 mV @ 16 A
- Speed:
- Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)
- Reverse Recovery Time (trr):
- -
- Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr:
- 10 µA @ 20 V
- Capacitance @ Vr, F:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263 (D2PAK)
- Operating Temperature - Junction:
- -40°C ~ 175°C
SPV1520N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SPV1520N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SPV1520N 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 SPV1520N reliable?
The price and inventory of SPV1520N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SPV1520N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SPV1520N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SPV1520N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SPV1520N?
SPV1520N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SPV1520N 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 SPV1520N?
For technical support, including SPV1520N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SPV1520N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SPV1520N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SPV1520N 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 SPV1520N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SPV1520N?
All SPV1520N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SPV1520N, 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 SPV1520N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SPV1520N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SPV1520N Tags
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