Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J10AHM3_A/I

Overview

SMA5J10AHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 10 V standoff Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 500 W peak pulse power, 17.0 V clamping voltage at 29.4 A surge current, and -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature. It protects MOSFETs and signal lines in automotive sensor units against inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I datasheet, SMA5J10AHM3_A/I pinout, SMA5J10AHM3_A/I application, or SMA5J10AHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 10 V stand-off voltage, 17.0 V clamping performance at 29.4 A, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and halogen-free RoHS compliance per ordering suffix HM3.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in reverse-biased configuration, triggering at breakdown voltage (V_BR = 11.1–12.3 V) to limit transient overvoltage across protected circuit nodes. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective suppression of 10/1000 µs waveform surges without thermal runaway.

Designed for surface-mount placement on PCBs with minimum 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power dissipation with R_θJA = 80 °C/W and meets MSL Level 1 reflow profile (260 °C peak). The matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 22-B102 whisker testing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and polarity indicated by cathode band.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMA5J10AHM3_A/I, SMA5J10AHE3_A/I lacks halogen-free and AEC-Q101 validation-critical for automotive Tier 1 supply chains-while SMA5J10A-M3/5A offers identical performance in alternate packaging, enabling drop-in substitution where reel size and quantity align with production planning.

Availability

SMA5J10AHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial motor drive inputs, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for SMA5J10AHM3_A/I 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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with global manufacturing and quality systems certified to ISO/TS 16949 and IATF 16949.

The SMA5J series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial applications, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free compliance, and consistent 500 W surge handling in the SMA footprint.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?

The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 17.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 29.4 A under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range.

Is the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via the HM3 suffix, indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and validation to automotive reliability standards. It is specified for under-hood and body-control module applications where transient immunity and long-term stability are required. The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I meets all applicable stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling.

What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMA5J10AHM3_A/I?

The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J10AHM3_A/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It distinguishes this variant from non-automotive versions (e.g., E3 or M3) and confirms compliance with automotive material restrictions and reliability testing. The "A/I" portion specifies the revision code and packaging format (13" reel, 7500 pcs). The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I is traceable to Vishay's qualified production lot system.

How does the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SMA5J10CA?

The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I is unidirectional and intended for DC-coupled lines referenced to ground, whereas SMA5J10CA is bidirectional and suited for AC or floating signal paths. The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I exhibits forward conduction behavior (V_F = 3.5 V at 25 A), while SMA5J10CA clamps symmetrically in both directions. Their breakdown voltages differ: SMA5J10AHM3_A/I is 11.1–12.3 V, SMA5J10CA is 12.2–13.5 V. Selection depends on circuit topology-not interchangeability.

What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J10AHM3_A/I, and how does it affect layout design?

The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This value assumes minimum recommended pad layout per Vishay's datasheet; reducing pad area increases thermal impedance and may require derating. Layout must maintain adequate copper area and avoid thermal isolation to sustain 500 W pulse capability. The SMA5J10AHM3_A/I's R_θJL is 25 °C/W, confirming efficient heat transfer to PCB leads.