Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 32.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20A-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20A-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J20A-E3/5A application, or SMA5J20A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include verified clamping performance under 15.4 A surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VWM = 20 V, it avalanches at VBR (min 22.2 V, max 24.5 V @ 1 mA), limiting transient energy by diverting surge current to ground. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures stable clamping up to 32.4 V at IPPM = 15.4 A (10/1000 µs).
Thermal design relies on RθJA = 80 °C/W (typ.) and RθJL = 25 °C/W (typ.), enabling operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The glass-passivated junction and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity rating support robust reflow soldering at 260 °C peak.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V rail protection. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V @ 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V @ 15.4 A - clamped voltage during 500 W transient; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage stress. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity compliance. |
| IFSM | 40 A - non-repetitive forward surge rating (8.3 ms half-sine); enables use in DC power input stages with inrush or fault currents. |
| Junction Temp | –55 °C to +150 °C - wide operating range suitable for under-hood automotive and industrial ambient conditions. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by a band on the body; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; must route with low-inductance path to earth or chassis ground. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal / clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V supply); band-marked end; carries full surge current during transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMA package | Enables high-density PCB layouts and compatibility with standard 7" or 13" tape-and-reel SMT feeders (E3/5A = 7500 pcs/reel). |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term reliability and stable VBR drift < ±5 % over lifetime under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Permits single-reflow soldering without baking; peak temperature tolerance up to 260 °C per J-STD-020. |
| RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU; lead-free matte tin plating compatible with Pb-free and SnPb assembly processes. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 20 V. Use Value: Clamps to ≤32.4 V at 15.4 A, preventing damage to downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers rated for 36 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules exposed to field wiring ESD and inductive kick. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF) unidirectional TVS on 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output lines. Use Value: Fast response time and 32.4 V clamping prevent latch-up or gate oxide rupture in op-amps and ADC drivers during 8 kV contact ESD events. |
| Consumer DC Adapter Interface | Telecom PoE Power Feed Protection |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression for USB-C PD adapters and wall-mounted AC/DC converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS on secondary-side 12–20 V DC output rails to absorb coupling transients from primary-side switching noise. Use Value: 500 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges from nearby relay switching; RoHS/E3 compliance supports global market access. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side protection on IEEE 802.3af/at Power over Ethernet (PoE) powered devices (PDs) receiving 44–57 V DC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on PoE interface inputs to limit voltage overshoot during hot-swap insertion or cable discharge events. Use Value: 20 V VWM allows use on auxiliary bias rails (e.g., 12 V control logic) derived from PoE, with 32.4 V clamping preserving logic-level integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CA-E3/5A | Bidirectional variant; symmetric VBR (22.2–24.5 V) in both polarities; no polarity marking. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where reverse voltage may occur. | Select only if bidirectional clamping is needed; not a drop-in replacement due to polarity and layout implications. |
| SMBJ20A-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC specs but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; higher IPPM = 23.3 A; RθJA = 65 °C/W. | Better thermal dissipation for high-duty-cycle surges; requires larger PCB pad area (6.0 mm × 5.0 mm vs. 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm). | Choose when sustained surge repetition or higher ambient temperature demands lower thermal resistance. |
Compared with SMA5J20A-E3/5A, the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A enables symmetrical protection without polarity constraints but sacrifices unidirectional leakage optimization, while the SMBJ20A-E3/52 trades compactness for enhanced thermal margin and surge current headroom - both require layout review and are not pin-compatible replacements.
Availability
SMA5J20A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial sensor signal line protection, and consumer DC adapter interface applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives.
Supply support for SMA5J20A-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, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained SMT designs, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where fast clamping, low leakage, and reflow robustness are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J20A-E3/5A under maximum surge conditions?
The SMA5J20A-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 15.4 A using a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during transient events - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SMA5J20A-E3/5A RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the SMA5J20A-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as indicated by the "E3" suffix per Vishay's ordering nomenclature. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and it passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing - making it suitable for both Pb-free and SnPb reflow processes without compromise in reliability or wetting performance.
Does the SMA5J20A-E3/5A have AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, the SMA5J20A-E3/5A is not AEC-Q101 qualified. That qualification applies only to variants with "HE3" or "HM3" suffixes (e.g., SMA5J20AHE3_A). The E3/5A version is commercial-grade, rated for –55 °C to +150 °C operation but not certified to the extended stress test requirements of AEC-Q101 - users requiring automotive qualification must select the HE3-suffixed part number.
What is the mounting pad layout recommendation for the SMA5J20A-E3/5A?
Vishay specifies a minimum pad layout of 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads for each terminal of the SMA5J20A-E3/5A to achieve rated thermal and surge performance. Deviating from this layout reduces power derating capability and increases junction temperature rise - especially critical when operating near the 150 °C TJmax limit or under repeated surge conditions.
How does the SMA5J20A-E3/5A differ from the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
The SMA5J20A-E3/5A is unidirectional with cathode band marking and optimized reverse leakage (<1.0 µA at 20 V), while the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with identical VBR in both directions and no polarity marking. Their electrical parameters match closely, but the CA version cannot replace the A version in DC-biased circuits without verifying reverse conduction behavior and leakage impact on system bias networks.
SMA5J20A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.4A
- 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)
SMA5J20A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20A-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 SMA5J20A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20A-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 SMA5J20A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20A-E3/5A?
SMA5J20A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20A-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 SMA5J20A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J20A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20A-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 SMA5J20A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20A-E3/5A?
All SMA5J20A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20A-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 SMA5J20A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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