Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J15-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J15-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J15-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J15-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 24.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 20.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J15-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J15-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J15-E3/5A application, or SMA5J15-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 15 V reverse stand-off rating, 24.4 V clamping performance under 20.5 A surge, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and suitability for automated SMT placement on PCBs with minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (16.7–18.5 V), it rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and robust ESD immunity.
Designed for single-polarity DC rails, SMA5J15-E3/5A delivers consistent clamping response across -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range, with thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling reliable operation under sustained surge stress when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 V / 18.5 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V - Clamped voltage during 20.5 A 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; determines survivability against lightning/inductive spikes |
| IPPM | 20.5 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current (10/1000 µs); used for layout copper sizing |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal derating boundary for high-ambient designs |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; guides heatsinking requirements on standard FR-4 |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; cathode band denotes polarity; no marking on bi-directional variants (not applicable here).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; completes shunt path during overvoltage events |
| Cathode | High-side surge input | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply); carries full surge current into anode during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable reverse leakage (<1.0 µA at 15 V) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive electronics use including engine control units and body modules |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for sensitive MOSFETs and ICs |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; suitable for high-reliability industrial and telecom applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 15 V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by microcontroller power pins to ≤24.4 V during 20.5 A transients, preventing latch-up or permanent damage. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC inputs against ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF typical) TVS on signal line to ground, preserving signal integrity up to 1 MHz. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) within nanoseconds while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance to signal path. |
| Consumer USB Power Input Protection | Telecom DC Feeder Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing 5 V/9 V USB PD input stages in portable chargers and docking stations against hot-plug surges and reverse polarity faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on VBUS line upstream of buck converter, referenced to system ground. Use Value: Withstands 500 W surges without degradation, maintaining 15 V hold-off to prevent false triggering during normal operation. | Use Scenario: Protecting -48 V DC feeder lines in base station power supplies from lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-connected TVS pair (anode-to-cathode) across feed line and return, clamping differential transients. Use Value: Delivers 24.4 V clamping at 20.5 A with <25 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance, enabling efficient heat transfer to copper pour. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J15AHE3/5A | AEC-Q101 qualified version with identical electrical specs; HE3 suffix indicates enhanced whisker resistance (JESD 201 Class 2) | Required for automotive safety-critical modules where extended whisker reliability is mandated | Select SMA5J15AHE3/5A only if AEC-Q101 compliance documentation and Class 2 whisker testing are contractually required |
| SMC5J15A-E3/57T | Same VWM/VC but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher IFSM (100 A vs. 40 A) and lower RθJA (40 °C/W) | Better suited for high-surge industrial motor drives where 100 A 8.3 ms surge rating is needed | Choose SMC5J15A-E3/57T only when board space allows larger footprint and 100 A IFSM is required for legacy design continuity |
Compared with SMA5J15-E3/5A, SMA5J15AHE3/5A offers identical clamping performance with enhanced mechanical reliability for automotive, while SMC5J15A-E3/57T trades smaller size for higher surge endurance and thermal efficiency-neither is pin-compatible due to different package outlines (DO-214AC vs. DO-214AB).
Availability
SMA5J15-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer USB power input circuits requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for SMA5J15-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 high-reliability and automotive-grade solutions.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained SMT applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where rapid clamping and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA5J15-E3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMA5J15-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 20.5 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals under specified test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads), and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J15-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its operational temperature range.
Is the SMA5J15-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J15-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems. Its glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and guaranteed performance from -55 °C to +150 °C make it appropriate for under-hood and cabin environments. While the E3 suffix denotes commercial-grade qualification, the SMA5J15-E3/5A shares identical electrical specifications with AEC-Q101-qualified variants like SMA5J15AHE3/5A, and Vishay's documentation confirms its suitability for automotive transient protection per ISO 7637-2.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in SMA5J15-E3/5A?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This format aligns with Vishay's ordering nomenclature where E3 identifies environmental compliance and packaging grade, and /5A defines the reel size and quantity. The SMA5J15-E3/5A is not AEC-Q101 certified-its HE3 counterpart is required for that qualification level.
How does the SMA5J15-E3/5A compare to bi-directional TVS diodes like SMA5J15CA?
The SMA5J15-E3/5A is unidirectional and intended for DC power line protection where polarity is fixed, whereas SMA5J15CA is bi-directional and suited for AC or floating signal lines. Key differences include polarity marking (cathode band on SMA5J15-E3/5A, no marking on SMA5J15CA), reverse leakage (1.0 µA max at 15 V for SMA5J15-E3/5A vs. doubled ID limit for low-VWM bi-directionals), and application scope. The SMA5J15-E3/5A cannot replace SMA5J15CA in AC-coupled circuits without risk of forward conduction during negative half-cycles.
What PCB layout guidelines apply to the SMA5J15-E3/5A for optimal thermal and electrical performance?
For optimal performance, mount the SMA5J15-E3/5A on minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the Vishay datasheet for thermal derating and surge current handling. Avoid narrow traces between the device and ground/power planes; use direct polygon pours to minimize inductance and thermal resistance. Ensure solder mask openings fully expose copper pads, and maintain ≥0.5 mm clearance from adjacent components to prevent arcing during high-energy transients. These practices ensure the SMA5J15-E3/5A achieves its rated 500 W pulse power and 80 °C/W thermal resistance.
SMA5J15-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.6A
- 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)
SMA5J15-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J15-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J15-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 SMA5J15-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J15-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 SMA5J15-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J15-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J15-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J15-E3/5A?
SMA5J15-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J15-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 SMA5J15-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J15-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J15-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J15-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J15-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 SMA5J15-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J15-E3/5A?
All SMA5J15-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J15-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 SMA5J15-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J15-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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