Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J16CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J16CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J16CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J16CA-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 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 26.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 19.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed to protect automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O circuits against ESD and load dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J16CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J16CA-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J16CA-E3/5A application, or SMA5J16CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surges, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both forward and reverse directions, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified between 17.8 V and 19.7 V at 1 mA test current. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns) enable effective suppression of fast-rising transients such as ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4).
The device is rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow 260 °C). Its glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads ensure robust solderability and long-term reliability in automotive and industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V automotive systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.8 V / 19.7 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA; ensures consistent turn-on across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V - Clamped voltage at 19.2 A peak pulse current; limits downstream IC stress during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 μs); supports protection against high-energy inductive switching surges. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad per terminal for full rating. |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - Extended temperature capability enables use in engine bay and industrial control enclosures. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional - no polarity marking; symmetrical two-terminal construction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (Terminal 1) | Surge current entry point (bidirectional) | Either terminal accepts transient current in either direction; no cathode band marking required. |
| Anode/Cathode (Terminal 2) | Surge current exit point (bidirectional) | Completes symmetrical conduction path; terminals are electrically interchangeable in layout. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust immunity to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) in 12 V vehicle systems. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Compatible with standard lead-free SMT assembly processes without moisture sensitivity handling. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | HE3/HM3 suffix variants meet automotive reliability requirements; this E3/5A variant is commercial-grade. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Improves long-term stability and leakage performance under humidity and thermal cycling stress. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from battery line transients and ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding within <1 ns to limit overvoltage. Use Value: Maintains VC ≤ 26.0 V during 19.2 A surges, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs while supporting AEC-Q100 system-level compliance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges and inductive kickback from solenoids/relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end transient suppressor on 24 V DC input channels, shunting energy before it reaches optocouplers or MCU GPIOs. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and operates from –55 °C to +150 °C, enabling reliable operation in uncontrolled cabinet environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side surge protection on Ethernet PHY power rails and low-voltage bias lines in PoE-powered equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting clamp limiting transient overshoot on 3.3 V/5 V auxiliary supplies feeding communication ICs. Use Value: Low VC/VWM ratio (26.0 V / 16 V = 1.625) ensures tight clamping margin without false triggering during normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Output rail protection in wall adapters and USB-C PD chargers subject to plug/unplug transients and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on regulated 5 V/9 V/12 V outputs, absorbing residual energy after primary MOV/fuse stages. Use Value: SMA package allows compact placement near connectors; 80 °C/W RθJA enables thermal management with minimal PCB area. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J16CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and thermal performance. | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM or regional regulations. | Choose SMA5J16CA-M3/5A if halogen-free bill-of-materials is required; otherwise SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is fully interchangeable. |
| SMA6J16CA-E3/5A | 600 W peak pulse power rating (vs. 500 W), same VWM, VBR, and package; higher IPPM (22.5 A) and VC (27.7 V). | Provides enhanced surge margin for designs facing higher-energy threats (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b), but with slightly elevated clamping voltage. | Select SMA6J16CA-E3/5A only when 600 W rating is explicitly required; SMA5J16CA-E3/5A remains optimal for cost-sensitive 500 W applications. |
Compared with SMA5J16CA-M3/5A, the SMA5J16CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance; compared with SMA6J16CA-E3/5A, it delivers lower-cost 500 W protection with tighter clamping (26.0 V vs. 27.7 V), making it preferred for 12 V automotive and industrial I/O where margin suffices.
Availability
SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial digital I/O protection, and telecom line interface applications requiring stable component supply, consistent lot-to-lot clamping performance, and support for high-volume SMT assembly.
Supply support for SMA5J16CA-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 qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained SMT applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against repetitive and single-event surges is critical.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J16CA-E3/5A?
The SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMA5J16A), it has no cathode band marking and can be mounted without orientation concern-ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal paths where polarity is undefined.
Does SMA5J16CA-E3/5A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
No-SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is a commercial-grade variant with RoHS compliance (E3 suffix). For AEC-Q101 qualification, select the HE3 or HM3 suffix versions (e.g., SMA5J16CAHE3_A/I), which undergo additional stress testing per automotive reliability standards while retaining identical electrical parameters.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J16CA-E3/5A and at what current is it specified?
The SMA5J16CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 19.2 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
How does the thermal resistance of SMA5J16CA-E3/5A affect PCB layout?
The SMA5J16CA-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W, which assumes mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To achieve rated 500 W pulse power, PCB layout must provide these minimum pad dimensions and avoid excessive thermal isolation-otherwise derating is required per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Can SMA5J16CA-E3/5A replace SMA5J16A in a design?
No-SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is bidirectional, while SMA5J16A is unidirectional and includes a cathode band. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is appropriate for AC or floating lines; SMA5J16A suits DC-biased lines where polarity is fixed. Their VBR, VWM, and VC values differ slightly due to test condition variations, so direct replacement is not assured without system-level validation.
SMA5J16CA-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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 19.2A
- 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)
SMA5J16CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J16CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J16CA-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 SMA5J16CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J16CA-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 SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J16CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J16CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J16CA-E3/5A?
SMA5J16CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J16CA-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 SMA5J16CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J16CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J16CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J16CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J16CA-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 SMA5J16CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J16CA-E3/5A?
All SMA5J16CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J16CA-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 SMA5J16CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J16CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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