STMicroelectronics TPA180RL

Overview

TPA180RL from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional Trisil™ thyristor surge protection device in DO-15 package, designed for telecom line-level transient suppression. It features 180 V stand-off voltage (VRM), 235 V dynamic breakover voltage (VBO), 14 mA minimum holding current (IH), 50 A repetitive peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), and 25 pF capacitance at 50 V - enabling robust lightning protection in analog/digital xDSL and ISDN line cards.

For engineers reviewing the TPA180RL datasheet, TPA180RL pinout, TPA180RL application, or TPA180RL equivalent, this device is selected for fail-safe short-circuit clamping in GR-1089 Core Level 1/2 and ITU-T K20/K21-compliant telecom interfaces where low leakage (<2 µA), stable VBO over temperature, and UL497B/UL1459 certification are required.

Technical Context

TPA180RL operates as a voltage-triggered bidirectional crowbar device: it remains high-impedance below VRM (180 V), triggers into low-impedance conduction upon exceeding dynamic VBO (235 V), and sustains conduction until current falls below IH (14 mA min). Its fail-safe short-circuit mode ensures continued protection even after multiple surges.

Thermal design relies on DO-15's Rth(j-a) = 100 °C/W (with recommended footprint) and Rth(j-l) = 60 °C/W, supporting reliable operation under repeated 50 A pulses. Capacitance (25 pF @ 50 V) and leakage (≤2 µA @ 180 V) are optimized to minimize signal distortion on voice/data lines while meeting FCC Part 68 and IEC61000-4-5 immunity requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPA180RL is housed in a DO-15 axial-leaded package (JEDEC standard), with two terminals: Anode (A) and Cathode (K). The device is bidirectional - both terminals function identically under reverse polarity, eliminating orientation constraints during PCB placement.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional telecom surge protection applications.

Compared with TPA180RL, TPA180 offers identical protection performance in ammopack form for low-volume builds, while SMTPA180 delivers the same clamping behavior in a compact SMB package - making it ideal for modern telecom modules where board area and assembly automation are prioritized over axial lead flexibility.

Availability

TPA180RL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog line cards (xDSL), digital line cards (T1/E1), and central office equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full traceability for telecom infrastructure programs.

Supply support for TPA180RL 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, specializing in power management, protection devices, and automotive-grade ICs - with over 40 years of experience in telecom and industrial protection solutions.

TPA180RL belongs to ST's Trisil™ series, engineered specifically for fail-safe, bidirectional surge suppression in telecommunication infrastructure - targeting compliance with GR-1089, ITU-T K20/K21, and FCC Part 68 standards.

FAQ

What is the fail-safe behavior of TPA180RL during end-of-life?

TPA180RL fails in a short-circuit mode, maintaining low-impedance clamping even after repeated surge events. This ensures continued overvoltage protection and prevents open-circuit failure that could expose downstream circuitry - a key requirement for UL1459 and FCC Part 68 certification in telecom interfaces.

Does TPA180RL require a series current-limiting resistor?

Yes - a series resistor is required to limit follow current after triggering and ensure device returns to high-impedance state once surge energy dissipates. Typical values range from 12.5 Ω to 20 Ω depending on line voltage and GR-1089 level; exact value must be calculated using the device's holding current (14 mA min) and system DC voltage.

How does TPA180RL compare to standard TVS diodes in telecom protection?

Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, TPA180RL provides symmetric bidirectional clamping without polarity sensitivity. It also offers higher surge current handling (50 A vs. typical 30–40 A for same package) and intrinsic fail-safe shorting - whereas TVS diodes may degrade to high-impedance or leaky states after overstress.

Is TPA180RL RoHS and REACH compliant?

Yes - TPA180RL is manufactured in STMicroelectronics' ECOPACK®-compliant DO-15 package with lead-free second-level interconnects. It meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC requirements, and carries the appropriate marking on inner box labels per JEDEC JESD97.