Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J15HE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J15HE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J15HE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J15HE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 15 V standoff voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown range (VBR), 24.4 V clamping voltage at 20.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform. It is AEC-Q101 qualified and used to protect automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and power supply inputs against ESD and load dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J15HE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J15HE3/5A pinout, SMA5J15HE3/5A application, or SMA5J15HE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C maximum junction temperature, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode that enters controlled breakdown above its VWM to clamp transient voltages while diverting surge current away from protected circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
The SMA5J15HE3/5A delivers low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of fast-rising transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD events. Thermal resistance is specified at RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W, supporting operation up to 150 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets minimum system rail margin for reliable standby operation. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1 mA test current; defines threshold at which clamping initiates under surge conditions. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V - Clamped voltage at 20.5 A peak pulse current; determines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream ICs during surge. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power dissipation capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; quantifies single-event energy handling capacity. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained PCB layouts. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Cathode band marked; blocks forward current until breakdown, suitable for DC-biased protection paths only. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads. Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. AEC-Q101 qualified; HE3 suffix denotes automotive-grade qualification per JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry point | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line (e.g., ground or return path); must be placed downstream of series impedance for optimal clamping. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased terminal | Connected to higher-potential side (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts avalanche current when transient exceeds VWM. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable leakage current (<1.0 µA at VWM) and consistent VBR across temperature and lifetime. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS sensors requiring high-reliability surge immunity. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at peak temperature up to 260 °C without preconditioning-ideal for high-volume SMT production. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving clamping precision and reducing stress on protected MOSFETs or microcontrollers. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power input of engine control unit (ECU) against load dump pulses per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery rail and local regulator input to clamp transients before they reach LDO or MCU. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤24.4 V during 350 W/100 ms load dump event, preventing brownout or latch-up in downstream 5 V logic supplies. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output line of pressure sensor in factory automation PLC module from inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across sensor output and ground to absorb fast transients induced by nearby solenoid actuation. Use Value: Clamps sub-100 ns spikes to <25 V within 1 ns, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy and avoiding false trigger in analog monitoring circuits. |
| DC Power Supply Input Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding primary-side input of isolated DC/DC converter in PoE-powered network switch. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between +48 V input and chassis ground to shunt surges from Ethernet cable coupling or hot-swap events. Use Value: Handles 500 W peak pulse without degradation, maintaining <1.0 µA leakage at 15 V to avoid unnecessary quiescent current draw. | Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceiver pins on telecom base station line card exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete TVS mounted directly at connector interface to limit common-mode transients before entering differential receiver stage. Use Value: Provides 24.4 V clamping level compatible with ±12 V RS-485 common-mode range, ensuring receiver remains within absolute maximum ratings during 1 kV/1.2/50 µs surge. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ15A | Same DO-214AC package, identical VWM = 15 V and PPPM = 400 W (lower than SMA5J15HE3/5A's 500 W); VC = 24.4 V at 20.5 A. | Rated for 400 W only; less margin for high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a in 24 V systems. | Select SMA5J15HE3/5A when full 500 W capability is required for automotive or industrial surge compliance. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC15A | DO-214AB (SMC) package - larger footprint (7.11 × 6.22 mm vs. 4.50 × 2.79 mm); same VWM, VBR, and VC, but higher thermal mass and RθJA = 40 °C/W. | Requires more PCB area; better suited for high-temperature ambient designs where junction-to-ambient cooling is critical. | Choose SMA5J15HE3/5A for space-constrained SMT layouts; choose 1.5SMC15A only if board-level thermal management favors larger package. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the SMA5J15HE3/5A offers superior power density (500 W in SMA footprint), AEC-Q101 qualification out-of-box, and optimized thermal resistance for compact automotive and industrial PCBs-making it the preferred choice where space, reliability, and high-energy surge margin are jointly prioritized.
Availability
SMA5J15HE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and high-power-density transient protection.
Supply support for SMA5J15HE3/5A 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 reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, lightning, and load dump events is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SMA5J15HE3/5A?
The SMA5J15HE3/5A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode. Its cathode is identified by a visible band on the DO-214AC (SMA) package body. This polarity means it conducts only when the cathode is at a higher potential than the anode-making it suitable for DC-biased protection paths such as positive power rail to ground. The SMA5J15HE3/5A does not conduct in reverse bias below VWM, ensuring minimal leakage during normal operation.
Does the SMA5J15HE3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SMA5J15HE3/5A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation and the "HE3" suffix designation. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge robustness-validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics. The SMA5J15HE3/5A is rated for operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, aligning with automotive environmental requirements.
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J15HE3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMA5J15HE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.5 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. Engineers use this parameter to verify that downstream components-such as 24 V-rated regulators or 3.3 V MCU I/O buffers-remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings when the SMA5J15HE3/5A is active.
How does the SMA5J15HE3/5A differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SMA5J15CA?
The SMA5J15HE3/5A is unidirectional and intended for DC-coupled protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., +12 V rail to ground), whereas SMA5J15CA is bi-directional and used in AC or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN). The SMA5J15HE3/5A exhibits forward conduction behavior like a rectifier below VBR, while SMA5J15CA clamps symmetrically in both directions. Their VWM and VC values differ accordingly-SMA5J15HE3/5A has VWM = 15 V, while SMA5J15CA has VWM = 15 V but dual-polarity clamping.
What packaging and moisture sensitivity level applies to the SMA5J15HE3/5A?
The SMA5J15HE3/5A is supplied in 13-inch plastic tape and reel (package code "5A") containing 7500 units per reel. It meets Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it has unlimited floor life and can withstand peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C without baking or special handling-ideal for high-throughput SMT assembly lines. The device uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
SMA5J15HE3/5A 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J15HE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J15HE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J15HE3/5A 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 SMA5J15HE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J15HE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J15HE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J15HE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J15HE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J15HE3/5A?
SMA5J15HE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J15HE3/5A 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 SMA5J15HE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J15HE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J15HE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J15HE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J15HE3/5A 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 SMA5J15HE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J15HE3/5A?
All SMA5J15HE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J15HE3/5A, 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 SMA5J15HE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J15HE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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