Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA170CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA170CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA170CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 145VWM 234VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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 and power lines. It features a 170 V standoff voltage (VWM), 190 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps to ≤234 V at 1.3 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA170CA-M3/5A datasheet, P4SMA170CA-M3/5A pinout, P4SMA170CA-M3/5A application, or P4SMA170CA-M3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal resistance data, and validated alternative parts for ESD and lightning transient protection design.
Technical Context
The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM).
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power per the 10/1000 µs waveform standard, derated to 300 W above 91 V, and exhibits a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 120 °C/W - requiring careful PCB copper pad layout (0.2" × 0.2") to sustain repetitive surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 170 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 190–210 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche conduction onset range; ensures predictable clamping threshold across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤234 V at IPPM = 1.3 A (10/1000 µs) - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; determines downstream IC survivability. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - energy-handling capacity for single transient events; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 µA at VWM - minimal standby current; avoids signal distortion or battery drain in high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient; mandates ≥5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal for sustained power dissipation. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 2.54 mm lead pitch; compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow), halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; common node for bidirectional conduction path | Connected to line being protected; no polarity marking required for CA devices - symmetric operation enables AC/differential use. |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; second terminal of bidirectional structure | Paired with Anode to form symmetrical avalanche junction; both terminals function identically under reverse or forward transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC signals, RS-485 buses, and transformer-coupled interfaces without polarity awareness or external diode pairing. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge testing with margin; sustains repetitive transients at 0.01% duty cycle when properly heatsinked. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature; eliminates parameter drift due to moisture ingress or surface contamination. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | HM3 suffix variant meets automotive-grade reliability requirements for engine control, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power rails. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, inductive kickback); improves clamping fidelity vs. MOVs or polymer TVS. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD or LIN bus transceivers and analog front-ends from load dump, jump-start, and ESD events in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair or supply rail to clamp transients before they reach sensitive PHY or ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under ±25 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 40 V/100 ms load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without latch-up or degradation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and 0–10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS shunting induced transients from long cables or relay switching noise onto precision instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: Limits input voltage to ≤234 V during 1.3 A surge, preventing damage to 24 V-rated op-amps and ensuring measurement continuity after transient clearance. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Device USB/DisplayPort ESD Guarding |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHYs, DSL line drivers, and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device in multi-stage protection network, coordinated with GDT or polymer PTC for high-energy diversion. Use Value: Responds in <1 ps to sub-nanosecond transients; clamps 10/1000 µs surges to safe levels while preserving signal bandwidth up to 100 MHz. |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for USB 2.0 data lines, HDMI hot-plug detection, or DisplayPort AUX channels in laptops and monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈50 pF at 0 V) bidirectional suppressor placed directly at connector to intercept ESD before reaching controller IC. Use Value: Adds <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance per line; maintains signal rise time integrity while passing ±15 kV air/±8 kV contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4). |
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/VBR/VC specs but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating; RθJA = 80 °C/W | Better thermal performance for higher-duty-cycle environments; requires more PCB area | Select when board space permits and >400 W surge margin is needed without redesigning layout. |
| 1.5KE170CA | Through-hole DO-201 package; same 170 V VWM; 1500 W PPPM; higher leakage (5 µA max at VWM) | Higher energy handling but incompatible with SMT-only assembly; slower response than surface-mount variants | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or where manual repair/rework is preferred over automated placement. |
Compared with SMBJ170CA and 1.5KE170CA, the P4SMA170CA-M3/5A offers optimal balance of compact size, 400 W surge capability, and low-profile SMT compatibility - making it ideal for space-constrained, high-volume consumer and industrial PCBs where thermal management is achieved via copper pour rather than component footprint.
Availability
P4SMA170CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line surge suppression, and consumer USB/DisplayPort ESD guarding requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA series is engineered for cost-effective, high-volume transient suppression in consumer, industrial, and automotive electronics - delivering standardized TVS performance in compact SMA packages with AEC-Q101 qualification options.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA170CA-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 234 V at its specified peak pulse current of 1.3 A under the 10/1000 µs waveform condition. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88367) and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a standardized surge event. The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A achieves this clamping with low dynamic impedance, ensuring consistent protection across production units.
Is P4SMA170CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A itself carries the M3 suffix (halogen-free, RoHS-compliant commercial grade) but is not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the HM3 variant (e.g., P4SMA170CAHM3_A/I) which is fully AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. For non-automotive industrial or consumer designs, the P4SMA170CA-M3/5A remains appropriate; always verify qualification status via the full ordering code before deployment in automotive systems.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended PCB layout for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A?
The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W, measured with 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain reliability under repetitive surges, designers must implement these minimum pad dimensions and avoid excessive trace length or narrow routing. The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A datasheet explicitly states that derating curves (Figure 2) assume this layout - deviations reduce safe operating energy.
How does the bidirectional design of P4SMA170CA-M3/5A affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional nature of P4SMA170CA-M3/5A means it has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation - ideal for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential pairs (e.g., RS-485), or transformer-isolated interfaces. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the P4SMA170CA-M3/5A eliminates risk of incorrect orientation during assembly and simplifies schematic symbol usage, as a single two-terminal device suffices for symmetrical transient suppression.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA at its 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), tested at TA = 25 °C. This low leakage ensures minimal impact on high-impedance signal paths and prevents measurable power loss in battery-powered or precision analog circuits. The P4SMA170CA-M3/5A maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range per the datasheet's electrical characteristics table.
P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA170CA-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A?
P4SMA170CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA170CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA170CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA170CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA170CA-M3/5A?
All P4SMA170CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA170CA-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA170CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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