Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA170CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA170CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 145VWM 234VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in the P4SMA series, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 170 V standoff voltage (VWM), 189 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 234 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (PPPM) capability with a 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in industrial sensor interfaces and automotive ECUs for ESD and load-switching surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA170CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA170CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA170CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA170CA-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package dimensions, clamping behavior under transient stress, thermal derating curves, and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade sourcing details aligned with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow requirements.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering identical clamping performance in forward and reverse directions - critical for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during 10/1000 µs transients.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a typical thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. Derating above 25 °C ambient follows a linear curve per Figure 2, maintaining 300 W peak pulse power capability up to ~91 V and 400 W below that threshold.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 170 V - Maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe DC/AC RMS operating margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 162–179 V at 1 mA - Voltage at which device transitions from high-impedance to low-impedance clamping state; tight tolerance supports predictable protection thresholds. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 234 V at IPPM = 1.3 A (10/1000 µs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during surge; determines downstream component voltage stress. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Maximum transient energy dissipation capability; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge events. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | <1.0 µA at 170 V - Minimal standby current draw; preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on circuits. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; sets thermal design limits for PCB pad layout and airflow requirements. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; compatible with automated pick-and-place. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional operation | Enables clamping during positive- or negative-going transients without polarity dependency - eliminates orientation errors during assembly. |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; symmetrical with anode in bidirectional operation | Provides identical clamping voltage magnitude in both directions - essential for protecting balanced lines like RS-485 or CAN FD physical layers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR (162–179 V), VC (234 V), and IPPM (1.3 A) in both polarities - simplifies layout for AC or differential signal protection. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Validated surge handling for IEC 61000-4-5 open-circuit test waveforms - protects against lightning-induced surges in industrial fieldbus nodes. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Rated for unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - eliminates bake-out requirement prior to reflow, reducing manufacturing cost and risk. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available as HE3/HM3 variants - confirms reliability for automotive under-hood applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Glass passivated junction | Stable leakage (<1 µA) and repeatable breakdown over 1000+ surge cycles - ensures long-term protection integrity in mission-critical systems. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp ±1 kV EFT bursts and 0.5 kV surge events before reaching ADC front-end. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤234 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs operating at 3.3 V supply rails. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor drivers against battery dump and load-dump transients in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V power rail and LIN signal line, coordinated with upstream fuse and downstream LDO. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, enabling compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 35 V peak. |
| Telecom DSL Line Card | Consumer Smart Home Hub |
Use Scenario: Shielding ADSL/VDSL line drivers and SLIC components from lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage transient suppressor ahead of gas discharge tube (GDT) and secondary TVS array in multi-stage protection architecture. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response captures initial surge edge, limiting let-through voltage to downstream GDT trigger threshold (≈300 V). |
Use Scenario: Securing USB-C PD data lines and 5 V/9 V power inputs against ESD events from user contact and nearby switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp (CJ ≈ 30 pF at 0 V) placed adjacent to USB controller IC pins. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <234 V while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance - preserving 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ170CA | Same VWM (170 V) and bidirectional configuration, but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM rating; higher IPPM (2.2 A) | Larger footprint (4.57 × 3.94 mm vs. 5.28 × 4.50 mm); better thermal dissipation on large copper areas | Select when board space allows larger package and higher surge margin is required beyond 400 W. |
| 1.5SMC170CA | Same VWM and bidirectionality, but SMC package (DO-214AB); 1500 W PPPM; 10× higher IPPM (11.2 A) | Substantially larger (7.11 × 6.22 mm); requires heavier copper pour; not suitable for dense layouts | Choose only for high-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets) where PCB real estate permits. |
Compared with P4SMA170CA-E3/5A, SMBJ170CA offers higher surge capacity in a slightly smaller body but demands more stringent thermal management, while 1.5SMC170CA delivers industrial-grade robustness at the cost of significant board area - making P4SMA170CA-E3/5A optimal for space-constrained commercial and automotive interior electronics.
Availability
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, automotive body control modules, telecom DSL line cards, and consumer smart home hubs requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant commercial-grade sourcing, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility.
Supply support for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A 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
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications demanding robust transient suppression in compact surface-mount packages - engineered for automotive, industrial, and communications equipment where consistent clamping performance and JEDEC-compliant manufacturability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA170CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA170CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 234 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 1.3 A. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88367 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is P4SMA170CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and qualified to commercial-grade specifications. While it is not AEC-Q101 certified in this specific suffix, Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions (e.g., P4SMA170CAHE3_A) in the same P4SMA family. For non-safety-critical automotive interior modules, P4SMA170CA-E3/5A may be used subject to system-level validation - but P4SMA170CAHE3_A is required for qualified under-hood or safety-relevant designs.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA170CA-E3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics for positive and negative voltage excursions. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA170A), which function only in one direction and require correct polarity placement on PCB.
How does the thermal resistance of P4SMA170CA-E3/5A affect PCB layout?
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges, designers must allocate adequate copper area and consider airflow - undersized pads increase thermal impedance, accelerating derating and potentially triggering thermal runaway during sustained transient activity.
What is the meaning of the "E3/5A" suffix in P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
The "E3" indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads; "5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units - optimized for high-volume SMT assembly. This differs from "E3/61", which uses 7-inch reels with 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications.
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 145V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 162V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 234V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA170CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA170CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA170CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA170CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA170CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA170CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA170CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA170CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA170CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA170CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA170CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA170CA-E3/5A, 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 P4SMA170CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA170CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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