Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J15CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J15CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 24.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 20.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J15CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J15CA-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J15CA-E3/5A application, or SMA5J15CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and long-term reliability under repetitive transient stress.
Clamping performance is characterized by a low dynamic impedance (derived from VC/IPPM ≈ 1.19 Ω), fast response time (<1 ns), and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) when mounted per recommended pad layout - critical for sustaining surge energy in compact PCB designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal swing range for protected line. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V - breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 20.5 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling with standard 10/1000 μs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; negligible loading on high-impedance sensor or communication lines. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint and 2.29 mm height; compatible with J-STD-020 MSL level 1 reflow. |
Pinout & Package
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A uses a two-terminal SMA (DO-214AC) package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional device construction. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on instantaneous polarity of surge; no DC bias dependency. |
| Cathode Band (absent) | Polarity indicator | Not present - confirms bidirectional functionality; eliminates risk of incorrect orientation during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded sensor outputs without external circuitry. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 20.5 A while limiting voltage to ≤24.4 V - sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave. |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable VBR over temperature and lifetime, reduces parameter drift, and improves humidity resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and single reflow at peak 260 °C - simplifies manufacturing flow and eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants are qualified per AEC-Q101; E3/5A variant shares identical die and construction - supports automotive qualification traceability. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine control modules exposed to load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤24.4 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V ADC front-ends while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 15 V bias. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS on A/B differential pair and common-mode bus. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/0.5 kA combination wave to <25 V within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD suppression on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines after primary TVS array, targeting system-level robustness. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp positioned adjacent to connector to reduce stub length. Use Value: Adds <10 pF junction capacitance at 0 V (per Fig. 4), avoiding signal degradation while delivering 500 W surge margin beyond IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV air discharge. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage clamping on 12 V DC input rails of embedded controllers subjected to automotive load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across bulk capacitor to absorb transient energy before it reaches regulator IC. Use Value: Handles 500 W peak power with 24.4 V clamping - keeps downstream 12 V LDO input below absolute maximum rating during 35 V/100 ms load dump pulses. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J15CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package; same thermal and surge ratings. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free compliance is mandated by OEM or regional environmental policy. | Direct material substitution when halogen-free requirement applies; no design or layout change needed. |
| SMA6J15CA-E3/5A | 600 W PPPM rating (vs. 500 W), higher IPPM (24.4 A), same VWM/VBR/VC; larger thermal mass but same SMA footprint. | Supports higher-energy threats (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5); may be preferred in harsher environments or where margin extension is required. | Drop-in replacement only if board layout accommodates slightly higher thermal dissipation; verify derating above 25 °C. |
Compared with SMA5J15CA-E3/5A, SMA5J15CA-M3/5A offers identical protection performance with halogen-free materials, while SMA6J15CA-E3/5A increases surge margin by 20 % at the cost of higher junction temperature rise - enabling longer surge duration tolerance in demanding industrial deployments.
Availability
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMA5J15CA-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, power density, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained applications - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ISO 7637 and IEC 61000-4-x threats is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J15CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.5 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88875 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMA5J15CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is constructed using the same die and packaging process as AEC-Q101-qualified variants (e.g., SMA5J15CAHE3_A), making it suitable for automotive use when qualified per customer-specific requirements. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, supports 260 °C reflow, and delivers 500 W surge capability aligned with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is commonly deployed in body control modules and sensor interfaces where full AEC-Q101 certification is not mandated at part level.
Does SMA5J15CA-E3/5A have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMA5J15CA-E3/5A does not feature a cathode band or any polarity marking on its SMA (DO-214AC) package. This absence confirms its bidirectional design - both terminals are functionally identical and conduct equally during positive or negative transients. The lack of marking eliminates orientation errors during automated placement and simplifies layout for differential or AC-coupled signal lines.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA when biased at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 15 V, measured at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal loading on high-impedance nodes such as sensor outputs or precision reference lines. The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A maintains leakage below 5 μA up to 125 °C, supporting stable operation in thermally demanding environments.
How does SMA5J15CA-E3/5A compare to unidirectional variants like SMA5J15A-E3/5A?
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, whereas SMA5J15A-E3/5A is unidirectional and conducts only during reverse-biased surges. The SMA5J15CA-E3/5A replaces two unidirectional devices in AC or differential applications, reducing BOM count and PCB area. Its breakdown voltage range (16.7–18.5 V) and clamping (24.4 V) match SMA5J15A-E3/5A's reverse characteristics, but SMA5J15CA-E3/5A adds forward conduction capability for bipolar threat mitigation.
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J15CA-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 SMA5J15CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J15CA-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 SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A?
SMA5J15CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J15CA-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 SMA5J15CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J15CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J15CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J15CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J15CA-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 SMA5J15CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J15CA-E3/5A?
All SMA5J15CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J15CA-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 SMA5J15CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J15CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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