Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J17C-E3/61

Overview

SMA5J17C-E3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 17 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 27.6 V at 18.1 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification - used in automotive sensor interface protection.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J17C-E3/61 datasheet, SMA5J17C-E3/61 pinout, SMA5J17C-E3/61 application, or SMA5J17C-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, 500 W surge rating, DO-214AC thermal performance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), AEC-Q101 compliance, and low leakage (<1 µA at 17 V).

Technical Context

This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with electrical characteristics defined across reverse and forward directions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and fast response (<1 ns), while the low incremental surge resistance enables effective clamping during ESD and lightning-induced transients.

The device is rated for TJ = –55 °C to +150 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads, and meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). It is RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), JESD201 Class 1A whisker-tested, and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood and ADAS applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, bi-directional - no polarity marking; symmetrical terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J17C-E3/61, SMA5J17CA-E3/61 offers identical protection performance with standardized bi-directional nomenclature, while SMCJ17CA provides higher surge capacity and lower thermal resistance at the cost of increased size - enabling trade-offs between space-constrained layouts and ruggedness-critical designs.

Availability

SMA5J17C-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN bus nodes, consumer USB ports, and telecom DSL line protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.

Supply support for SMA5J17C-E3/61 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, thermally demanding applications - particularly targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems requiring robust, AEC-Q101-compliant overvoltage protection.

FAQ

What does the "C" in SMA5J17C-E3/61 signify?

The "C" in SMA5J17C-E3/61 explicitly denotes a bi-directional configuration, confirming symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities. This distinguishes it from uni-directional variants (e.g., SMA5J17A), and aligns with Vishay's naming convention where "CA" suffixes also indicate bi-directionality. The SMA5J17C-E3/61 delivers identical VWM (17 V), VBR (18.9–20.9 V), and VC (27.6 V) in either direction - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns.

Is SMA5J17C-E3/61 AEC-Q101 qualified?

Yes, SMA5J17C-E3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the HE3-suffix variants and supported by the E3/61 variant's inclusion in the same qualified family. The device undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life per AEC-Q101 standards - making it suitable for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is mandatory.

What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J17C-E3/61 and how is it measured?

The clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J17C-E3/61 is 27.6 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.1 A under a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the maximum voltage that appears across the device during a 500 W transient event - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings. The measurement follows ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and is validated at TA = 25 °C with specified PCB mounting conditions (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads).

Does SMA5J17C-E3/61 have polarity markings on the package?

No, SMA5J17C-E3/61 has no polarity markings - consistent with its bi-directional design. Unlike uni-directional TVS diodes (which feature a cathode band), this device uses symmetrical terminals and functions identically regardless of orientation on the PCB. The DO-214AC (SMA) case is unmarked, eliminating layout constraints and reducing risk of incorrect placement during automated assembly - a key advantage for differential signal protection and floating bus interfaces.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of SMA5J17C-E3/61 and how does it affect derating?

The typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of SMA5J17C-E3/61 is 80 °C/W when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. This value determines how much the device's peak pulse power must be reduced as ambient temperature rises - for example, at 85 °C ambient, the 500 W rating derates to approximately 320 W per Vishay's Fig. 2 curve. Proper PCB copper area and thermal vias are essential to maintain performance in sustained surge or high-temperature environments like automotive under-hood applications.