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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA20CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA20CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,715
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 22.2 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 33.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 14.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA20CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA20CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA20CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA20CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated SMT placement, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compliance with UL 497B surge protector classification.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transient overvoltage events, leveraging an avalanche junction to divert surge current away from protected circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating polarity-sensitive layout constraints.
Designed for low-inductance PCB mounting on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, it delivers stable 400 W pulse handling up to TJ = 150 °C with derating above 25 °C ambient. The glass-passivated chip junction ensures robust ESD immunity and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off) | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown, min) | 22.2 V at 1 mA - Guaranteed avalanche initiation voltage; ensures predictable turn-on timing during fast transients. |
| VC (Clamping, max) | 33.2 V at 14.4 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; critical for IC-level overvoltage margining. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power dissipation capability; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges (1 kV/2 Ω). |
| IPPM | 14.4 A - Corresponding peak pulse current at VC; determines required PCB trace width and pad thermal mass. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design limits for sustained surge duty cycles. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; informs heatsinking requirements for high-duty-cycle applications. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking - symmetrical anode/cathode terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (positive polarity) | Accepts surge current during positive-going transients; connects to line being protected. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (negative polarity) | Accepts surge current during negative-going transients; completes bidirectional conduction path. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM performance in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware routing or orientation verification. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance - suitable for ADAS sensor modules and body control units. |
| UL 497B recognized | Underwriters Laboratory file E136766 - certifies compliance for use in telecom and industrial surge-protected equipment requiring safety agency approval. |
| MSL Level 1 | Moisture sensitivity level per J-STD-020 - supports unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking, reducing manufacturing overhead. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhanced stability of leakage current and breakdown voltage over time and temperature - improves long-term field reliability in harsh environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and inductive switching transients in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across differential signal pair or supply rail to limit transient excursions below IC absolute maximum ratings. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs during 12 V system load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a), maintaining functional safety integrity. |
Use Scenario: Shielding digital input/output channels of programmable logic controllers from EFT/burst noise and lightning-induced surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt suppressor installed at connector entry point to divert >1 kV transients before reaching isolation barriers or microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity standards without adding complex active protection circuitry. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer USB/Display Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs, DSL line drivers, and PoE injectors against induced surges from nearby AC wiring or lightning coupling in outdoor telecom cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed on twisted-pair lines to clamp common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity up to 100 MHz. Use Value: Maintains <1.5 pF junction capacitance (per datasheet Fig. 4 at VWM) to avoid signal distortion on 10/100BASE-TX links. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge protection on USB 2.0 data lines and HDMI/DisplayPort differential pairs in smart TVs and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary clamping device downstream of primary GDT or polymer PTC, providing precise low-voltage clamping for sensitive SerDes receivers. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to ≤33.2 V while supporting 14.4 A peak current - sufficient to absorb residual energy after primary protection stages. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | Same VWM (20 V) and bidirectional function, but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM, higher IPPM (32.4 A), RθJA = 85 °C/W. | Higher power handling suits higher-energy surges; larger footprint may conflict with dense layouts. | Select when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability and board space allows SMB footprint. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Through-hole DO-201 package; same VWM/VC specs but lower thermal performance (RθJA ≈ 150 °C/W); rated for 1500 W PPPM. | Not suitable for automated SMT assembly; used in legacy or high-reliability through-hole designs. | Choose only for manual assembly or where through-hole mechanical robustness is prioritized over density. |
Compared with P4SMA20CA-E3/5A, SMBJ20CA offers higher surge capacity in a slightly larger SMT package, while 1.5KE20CA provides legacy through-hole compatibility at the cost of automation readiness and thermal efficiency - making P4SMA20CA-E3/5A optimal for modern high-density automotive and industrial SMT designs requiring AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O conditioning, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant sourcing, and AEC-Q101 qualification.
Supply support for P4SMA20CA-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-effective, high-volume transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom applications - engineered for automated assembly, AEC-Q101 compliance, and UL-recognized safety certification.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA20CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA20CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 33.2 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88367 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The P4SMA20CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is P4SMA20CA-E3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA20CA-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay's documentation, confirming its suitability for automotive electronic systems including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors. The "HE3" and "HM3" variants explicitly denote AEC-Q101 qualification, and the base P4SMA20CA-E3/5A shares the same die and process - confirmed by Vishay's ordering information table indicating AEC-Q101 availability for P4SMA20CA across suffixes. P4SMA20CA-E3/5A meets temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance requirements defined in the AEC-Q101 standard.
What package type does P4SMA20CA-E3/5A use, and what are its key mechanical features?
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A uses the SMA (DO-214AC) surface-mount package, measuring 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Its low-profile design supports automated pick-and-place, and the molding compound meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Unlike unidirectional variants, P4SMA20CA-E3/5A has no cathode band marking due to its bidirectional symmetry - a key layout consideration for PCB design. The package is MSL Level 1 compliant, allowing unlimited floor life before reflow.
How does the bidirectional functionality of P4SMA20CA-E3/5A affect circuit protection design?
The bidirectional functionality of P4SMA20CA-E3/5A eliminates polarity dependence, enabling placement across AC-coupled lines, differential pairs, or floating rails without orientation constraints. This simplifies layout, reduces BOM count versus using two unidirectional devices, and ensures consistent clamping for both positive and negative transients - critical in applications like RS-485, CAN FD, or audio line protection. Electrical characteristics including VBR, VC, and IPPM apply identically in both directions, as confirmed in the "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS" section of the Vishay datasheet for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A.
What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal resistance of P4SMA20CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C and a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. These values define its thermal envelope: at 25 °C ambient, it can dissipate up to 3.3 W continuously (PD), and its pulse power derates linearly above that temperature per Figure 2 in the datasheet. The P4SMA20CA-E3/5A thermal performance is optimized for standard FR-4 PCBs without additional heatsinking in most surge-protection applications.
P4SMA20CA-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):
- 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)
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA20CA-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 P4SMA20CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA20CA-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 P4SMA20CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA20CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA20CA-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 P4SMA20CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA20CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA20CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA20CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA20CA-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 P4SMA20CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA20CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA20CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA20CA-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 P4SMA20CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA20CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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