Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20AHM3/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20AHM3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20AHM3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,756
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20AHM3/H 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 at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20AHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J20AHM3/H pinout, SMA5J20AHM3/H application, or SMA5J20AHM3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 500 W surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance (HM3 suffix), and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR (22.2–24.5 V), it avalanches to limit transient energy across protected circuitry. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching spikes.
Designed for surface-mount automated placement, the device uses a glass passivated chip junction and matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. It meets MSL level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) and supports operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - precise avalanche initiation range ensures predictable turn-on |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - clamping voltage during 500 W 10/1000 µs surge defines protected circuit stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capacity determines survivability against IEC 61000-4-5 surges |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enables use in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - thermal resistance informs PCB copper pad sizing for sustained surge duty cycles |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - cathode band marked; blocks forward conduction, clamps reverse transients only |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity indicated by cathode band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping node | Marked end; connected to protected line - conducts surge current to anode during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction | HM3 suffix confirms compliance with environmental regulations and JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance |
| Low profile SMA package | Enables high-density PCB layouts and compatibility with standard SMT pick-and-place equipment |
| Glass passivated junction | Improves long-term stability and moisture resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows single-reflow assembly without dry-pack or baking requirements (peak 260 °C) |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp surges above 24.5 V. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and clamps at 32.4 V, preventing damage to downstream regulators and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt protector on signal line to divert sub-100 ns ESD strikes before reaching ADC input. Use Value: Fast response and low clamping voltage preserve signal integrity while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15 kV air). |
| DC-DC Converter Input Protection | Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding buck converter inputs against inductive kickback from upstream relays or solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS absorbing 10/1000 µs surges induced by mechanical switching. Use Value: 15.4 A IPPM and 32.4 V VC ensure MOSFET gate drivers remain within safe operating area during fault conditions. | Use Scenario: Clamping voltage spikes on high-side gate drive traces caused by Miller effect and parasitic inductance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS near gate driver output to suppress >20 V transients before reaching Si MOSFET gate oxide. Use Value: 20 V VWM aligns with typical 15–18 V gate drive rails, enabling early clamping without false triggering. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20AHE3/H | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Suitable for commercial/industrial use where automotive qualification is not required | Select when halogen content or automotive reliability testing is not mandated |
| SMCJ20A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger SMC (DO-214AB) package, same VWM/VBR/VC | Better suited for higher-energy surges; requires more PCB area and different footprint | Choose when system-level surge tests exceed 500 W and board space allows larger package |
Compared with SMA5J20AHM3/H, SMA5J20AHE3/H offers identical clamping performance without halogen-free or AEC-Q101 assurance, while SMCJ20A delivers triple the surge power in a physically larger package - making SMA5J20AHM3/H optimal for space-constrained, automotive-qualified 500 W protection.
Availability
SMA5J20AHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial power supplies, and sensor interface circuits requiring stable component supply with halogen-free, AEC-Q101-qualified TVS protection.
Supply support for SMA5J20AHM3/H 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - particularly targeting automotive subsystems, industrial controls, and telecom infrastructure where robustness and regulatory compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J20AHM3/H under a 500 W surge?
The SMA5J20AHM3/H clamps at 32.4 V when subjected to its rated 500 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This occurs at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A, as specified in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. The clamping voltage directly determines the maximum stress imposed on downstream components during transient events, making it critical for validating safe operating margins in designs using the SMA5J20AHM3/H.
Is SMA5J20AHM3/H qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J20AHM3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix and documentation in Vishay's official datasheet. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and surge endurance - validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics. The "HM3" designation explicitly denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101-qualified construction for the SMA5J20AHM3/H.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SMA5J20AHM3/H?
The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J20AHM3/H indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It also confirms compliance with JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 reflow capability (260 °C peak). This distinguishes SMA5J20AHM3/H from non-automotive variants like SMA5J20A-E3 and ensures full regulatory and reliability alignment for demanding applications.
How does the SMA5J20AHM3/H differ from bidirectional TVS diodes?
The SMA5J20AHM3/H is unidirectional, meaning it blocks forward current and clamps only reverse transients - identified by a cathode band marking. Bidirectional versions (e.g., SMA5J20CA) conduct in both directions and lack polarity marking. This makes SMA5J20AHM3/H appropriate for DC power lines where polarity is fixed, whereas bidirectional types suit AC or floating signal lines. Electrical parameters like VBR and VC apply only in reverse for SMA5J20AHM3/H.
What is the thermal resistance of SMA5J20AHM3/H, and how does it affect layout?
The SMA5J20AHM3/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" x 0.2" (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value guides PCB copper pour sizing: reducing RθJA requires larger or thermally connected pads. For repeated surge events, exceeding TJ max of +150 °C must be avoided - so layout must balance surge energy, duty cycle, and ambient temperature to keep the SMA5J20AHM3/H within safe thermal limits.
SMA5J20AHM3/H Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J20AHM3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20AHM3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20AHM3/H 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 SMA5J20AHM3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20AHM3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20AHM3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20AHM3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20AHM3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20AHM3/H?
SMA5J20AHM3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20AHM3/H 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 SMA5J20AHM3/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J20AHM3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20AHM3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20AHM3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20AHM3/H 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 SMA5J20AHM3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20AHM3/H?
All SMA5J20AHM3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20AHM3/H, 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 SMA5J20AHM3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20AHM3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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