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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA20A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA20A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA20A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,339
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA20A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping transient overvoltages on power and signal lines. It features a 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 21.0 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 27.7 V clamping voltage at 14.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power capability with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA20A-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA20A-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA20A-E3/5A application, or P4SMA20A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected device's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), unidirectional polarity marking, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA20A-E3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown range (19.0–21.0 V at 1 mA test current). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at 17.1 V), while fast response time (<1.0 ns) enables suppression of ESD and inductive switching transients before damage occurs.
Thermally, it relies on PCB copper pad area for heat dissipation, with RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W. Derating applies above TA = 25 °C per Fig. 2; maximum junction temperature is 150 °C. The cathode band identifies polarity, and the device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; sets operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; defines minimum overvoltage triggering point under standardized test conditions. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 27.7 V at IPPM = 14.4 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; must remain below downstream device's absolute max rating. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustained energy absorption capacity for single 10/1000 µs transients; derates to 300 W above 91 V devices (not applicable here). |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | <1.0 µA at VWM - Ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; constrains layout and ambient operating conditions for reliability. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 0.208" length, 0.177" width, and 0.090" height; compatible with JEDEC-standard reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package with two terminals: anode and cathode. Cathode identified by a visible band on the body; polarity critical for unidirectional operation. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when voltage exceeds VBR. |
| Anode | Reference/ground return | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes clamping loop during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) without degradation in standard layouts. |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable, repeatable breakdown voltage and low leakage across temperature and lifetime, critical for automotive-grade reliability. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Supports lead-free reflow soldering without preconditioning; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk in production. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | While P4SMA20A-E3/5A is commercial grade, the _HE3 suffix variant is AEC-Q101 qualified - enabling drop-in qualification path for automotive designs. |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Ensures solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 2, supporting long-term field reliability. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Automotive Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and logic inputs against inductive kickback from solenoids and relay coils in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between MOSFET gate and source to clamp negative transients and prevent gate oxide rupture. Use Value: Clamping at 27.7 V ensures gate-source voltage stays within ±20 V absolute maximum rating of common logic-level MOSFETs. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 0–5 V throttle position sensor) from load dump and jump-start transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated TVS on signal line to ground, absorbing >100 A pulses without forward conduction or latch-up. Use Value: 17.1 V VWM provides 2.9 V margin above nominal 5 V rail while allowing full dynamic range before clamping activates. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer USB Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on +24 V DC input rails of PoE-powered network switches exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role: Primary-line TVS shunting surge energy to chassis ground before reaching DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: 400 W PPPM handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 1 kHz duty cycle when paired with appropriate upstream filtering. |
Use Scenario: ESD and cable discharge protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 host ports in set-top boxes and smart displays. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional suppressor between VBUS and ground, blocking reverse leakage while clamping 8 kV HBM ESD events. Use Value: Sub-1 µA leakage at 17.1 V prevents battery drain in always-on USB peripherals; fast <1 ns response captures ESD before IC damage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A (Bourns) | Same VWM (17.1 V), higher PPPM (600 W), larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (0.236" × 0.157") | Better surge handling but requires larger PCB footprint; not direct drop-in due to different pad layout and thermal mass. | Select SMBJ20A when higher surge margin is required and board space allows larger package; verify thermal relief design for 600 W pulse. |
| 1.5SMC20A (ON Semiconductor) | Identical VWM/VBR/VC specs, same SMA package, but rated for 1500 W PPPM (10/1000 µs) and higher IPPM (65.2 A) | Higher surge rating suits harsher environments (e.g., railway or utility metering); identical footprint enables retrofit without layout change. | Choose 1.5SMC20A for applications demanding extended surge endurance beyond 400 W, especially where field failure history shows marginal margin with P4SMA20A-E3/5A. |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5SMC20A, the P4SMA20A-E3/5A offers optimized cost-performance balance for mid-tier industrial and consumer applications, with verified manufacturability in high-volume SMT lines and RoHS compliance out-of-box - whereas SMBJ20A trades size for power, and 1.5SMC20A delivers higher surge headroom in identical form factor.
Availability
P4SMA20A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive sensor interface, telecom power supply input, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply, consistent tape-and-reel delivery (7500 pcs per 13" reel), and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA20A-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific performance.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-volume applications - balancing clamping performance, thermal robustness, and automated assembly compatibility across automotive, industrial, and communications markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA20A-E3/5A under standard test conditions?
The P4SMA20A-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per industry-standard surge testing and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for ensuring downstream components like microcontrollers or MOSFETs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The P4SMA20A-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P4SMA20A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA20A-E3/5A is a commercial-grade part and not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the P4SMA20AHE3_A variant (with HE3 suffix) that is fully AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. While the P4SMA20A-E3/5A shares identical electrical specifications and SMA packaging, its qualification status limits deployment to non-safety-critical automotive subsystems unless validated per customer-specific requirements. For certified automotive designs, the P4SMA20A-E3/5A should be replaced with the HE3 version.
What does the "-E3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA20A-E3/5A?
The "-E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This format supports high-speed SMT placement and aligns with IPC-7351 standards for SMA (DO-214AC) footprints. The P4SMA20A-E3/5A is distinct from variants like -E3/61 (1800 pcs on 7" reel) or -HE3_A (AEC-Q101 qualified with revision code A).
How does thermal performance affect the P4SMA20A-E3/5A's surge capability?
The P4SMA20A-E3/5A's surge rating assumes mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal; reducing pad area increases RθJA beyond the typical 120 °C/W, causing junction temperature to rise faster during repetitive pulses and triggering earlier derating per Fig. 2. At 100 °C ambient, its peak pulse power drops to ~240 W - meaning sustained surge stress requires careful thermal layout validation. The P4SMA20A-E3/5A's RθJL of 30 °C/W further emphasizes the need for low-impedance thermal paths to ground planes.
Can the P4SMA20A-E3/5A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the P4SMA20A-E3/5A is strictly unidirectional, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the "CA" suffix (e.g., P4SMA20CA), which uses symmetrical internal structure to clamp in both polarities. Using the P4SMA20A-E3/5A in reverse-biased signal paths risks forward conduction and failure; its datasheet explicitly defines parameters only for unidirectional use, including IFSM = 40 A and VF = 3.5 V at 25 A.
P4SMA20A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14.4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
P4SMA20A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA20A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA20A-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 P4SMA20A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA20A-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 P4SMA20A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA20A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA20A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA20A-E3/5A?
P4SMA20A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA20A-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 P4SMA20A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA20A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA20A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA20A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA20A-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 P4SMA20A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA20A-E3/5A?
All P4SMA20A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA20A-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 P4SMA20A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA20A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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