Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J17-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J17-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J17-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 30.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J17-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 17 V standoff voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown range (VBR), 27.6 V clamping voltage at 18.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform). It is widely used to protect MOSFETs and ICs in automotive power supplies against load dump and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J17-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J17-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J17-E3/5A application, or SMA5J17-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device triggered by overvoltage events exceeding its reverse standoff threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while its low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during fast transients (response time <1.0 ns).
The device is rated for 500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions, with thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation in compact PCB layouts with minimal copper area.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 18.9 V / 20.9 V - Measured at 1.0 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on within tight tolerance band. |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.6 V - Clamping voltage at 18.1 A peak pulse current; determines maximum voltage seen by protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); defines survivability against common automotive and industrial surges. |
| IPPM | 18.1 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to VC; used to size series impedance and verify clamp margin. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal derating limits for sustained surge duty cycles. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard pad layout; informs heatsinking requirements. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, unidirectional polarity indicated by cathode band marking. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H), compliant with UL 94 V-0.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts when transient exceeds VWM. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown voltage and low leakage (<1.0 µA) across temperature and lifetime. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| Low profile DO-214AC package | Enables high-density PCB layouts and supports automated pick-and-place with industry-standard feeders. |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Meets J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistant. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator overshoot. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp transients above 17 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤27.6 V during 500 W surges, preventing damage to downstream regulators and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected between signal line and ground, leveraging fast response (<1 ns) to suppress sub-microsecond transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 17 V, avoiding DC offset or loading errors in precision measurement paths. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Stage | MOSFET Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding buck converter inputs against back-EMF from relay coils and motor drivers in embedded power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge shunt on input capacitor node, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 µs transients up to 18.1 A. Use Value: Withstands ≥1000 surges at rated power due to robust silicon junction and low Rsurge, extending system MTBF. | Use Scenario: Preventing gate oxide rupture in high-side N-channel MOSFETs caused by Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode tied between gate and source, activated only during overvoltage excursions beyond 17 V. Use Value: Fast clamping (≤1 ns) limits dv/dt stress on gate dielectric, preserving long-term reliability without affecting normal PWM timing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J17AHE3/5A | AEC-Q101 qualified version with identical electrical specs; same DO-214AC package and marking code 5BR. | Required for automotive production where component-level qualification is mandated (e.g., Tier 1 BOMs). | Select SMA5J17AHE3/5A when full AEC-Q101 traceability and extended reliability testing are contractually required. |
| SMC5J17A-E3/57T | Same VWM/VC specs but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W) and 600 W PPPM. | Better suited for high-repetition-rate surges or elevated ambient temperatures (>85 °C) where DO-214AC thermal limits are exceeded. | Choose SMC5J17A-E3/57T when board space allows and thermal performance must exceed 500 W derated operation. |
Compared with SMA5J17-E3/5A, SMA5J17AHE3/5A adds formal AEC-Q101 certification without electrical change, while SMC5J17A-E3/57T trades footprint for higher surge endurance and lower thermal resistance-enabling longer surge hold times or operation in hotter environments.
Availability
SMA5J17-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC-DC converter designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101-aligned quality assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J17-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 fast response, repeatable clamping, and robust surge handling are critical.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SMA5J17-E3/5A?
The SMA5J17-E3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, with polarity indicated by a cathode band on the DO-214AC package. When installed correctly-with the banded end toward the protected line-it blocks 17 V in reverse bias and clamps transients above ~18.9 V. This configuration prevents forward conduction during normal operation while enabling rapid avalanche breakdown during overvoltage events. The SMA5J17-E3/5A does not function as a bidirectional device.
Does the SMA5J17-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
The SMA5J17-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and manufactured to commercial-grade specifications. While it shares the same silicon die and package as the AEC-Q101-qualified SMA5J17AHE3/5A, the -E3/5A suffix denotes commercial grade without formal AEC-Q101 test documentation. For automotive production, specify SMA5J17AHE3/5A. The SMA5J17-E3/5A remains suitable for non-safety-critical automotive prototyping and industrial applications where qualification is not mandated.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA5J17-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMA5J17-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.6 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 18.1 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a full-power transient event. Designers use this parameter to verify that downstream components-such as LDOs, MCUs, or gate drivers-remain within their absolute maximum ratings during surge conditions.
Can the SMA5J17-E3/5A be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the SMA5J17-E3/5A is strictly unidirectional and unsuitable for bidirectional signal line protection. Bidirectional operation requires symmetrical breakdown in both polarities, which is only provided by CA-suffixed variants like SMA5J17CA. Using SMA5J17-E3/5A on AC-coupled or differential lines risks forward conduction during negative half-cycles, potentially damaging the diode or distorting signals. For bidirectional protection, select SMA5J17CA or equivalent dual-diode configurations.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended pad layout for the SMA5J17-E3/5A?
The SMA5J17-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the Vishay datasheet. To achieve this rating, use minimum recommended pad dimensions per the DO-214AC outline drawing, avoid excessive solder mask coverage on thermal pads, and ensure adequate internal copper planes for heat spreading. Exceeding 150 °C junction temperature invalidates surge rating guarantees.
SMA5J17-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):
- 17V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18.9V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 30.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16.4A
- 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)
SMA5J17-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J17-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J17-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 SMA5J17-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J17-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 SMA5J17-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J17-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J17-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J17-E3/5A?
SMA5J17-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J17-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 SMA5J17-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J17-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J17-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J17-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J17-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 SMA5J17-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J17-E3/5A?
All SMA5J17-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J17-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 SMA5J17-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J17-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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