Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J14AHM3/H

Overview

SMA5J14AHM3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 14 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 15.6–17.2 V breakdown range (V_BR), 23.2 V clamping voltage at 21.6 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform). It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J14AHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J14AHM3/H pinout, SMA5J14AHM3/H application, or SMA5J14AHM3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 21.6 A surge, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 80 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp, activated when reverse voltage exceeds its 15.6–17.2 V breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at 14 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ps), critical for protecting sensitive downstream circuitry from ESD and inductive switching transients.

Rated for 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), it delivers 23.2 V clamping at 21.6 A while maintaining low incremental surge resistance. The device is qualified to AEC-Q101, uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with cathode band marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J14AHE3/H and SMA6J14A-M3/5A, the SMA5J14AHM3/H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and precise 500 W/23.2 V clamping in the standard SMA outline-making it optimal for space- and compliance-constrained automotive electronics where both environmental and reliability certifications are mandatory.

Availability

SMA5J14AHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC feeder line hardening requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMA5J14AHM3/H 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SMA5J series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-power-density, surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments-including under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J14AHM3/H and how is it measured?

The SMA5J14AHM3/H has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 23.2 V, measured at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 21.6 A using a 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number 88875, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. The SMA5J14AHM3/H maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SMA5J14AHM3/H qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J14AHM3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix and explicit listing in Vishay's automotive-grade ordering codes. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and ESD per AEC-Q101 requirements. This makes the SMA5J14AHM3/H suitable for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power rails where automotive reliability certification is mandatory.

What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMA5J14AHM3/H?

The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J14AHM3/H denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It distinguishes the part from commercial-grade variants (e.g., E3/M3) and confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, MSL Level 1 reflow capability (260 °C peak), and automotive reliability standards. The "H" prefix signals AEC-Q101, while "M3" specifies halogen-free materials.

Can the SMA5J14AHM3/H replace SMA5J14A-E3/61 in existing designs?

The SMA5J14AHM3/H is not a direct drop-in replacement for SMA5J14A-E3/61 due to differences in qualification and material content: SMA5J14AHM3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified and halogen-free, whereas SMA5J14A-E3/61 is commercial-grade RoHS-compliant only. While electrical parameters match, PCB layout remains compatible-but system-level validation is required if upgrading to automotive-grade reliability or halogen-free compliance.

What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J14AHM3/H and how does it affect layout?

The SMA5J14AHM3/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value directly impacts PCB copper pour design: reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias increases junction temperature during repeated surges. For sustained surge duty, designers should follow Vishay's recommended mounting pad layout to maintain safe T_J ≤ 150 °C in the SMA5J14AHM3/H.