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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20CA-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 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, sensor interfaces, and automotive ECUs against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20CA-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J20CA-E3/5A application, or SMA5J20CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W) and maximum junction temperature of 150 °C support reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions when mounted per recommended pad layout.
The SMA5J20CA-E3/5A exhibits fast response time (<1 ps), low incremental surge resistance, and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). It is rated for non-repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 500 W and complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - Ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lots; guarantees turn-on within specified tolerance. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 500 W surge; limits stress on downstream ICs such as CAN transceivers or microcontrollers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a in automotive environments. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to 500 W clamping; determines minimum trace width and PCB copper area required. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive locations with ambient up to 125 °C after derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. No polarity marking - bidirectional operation confirmed by CA suffix.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; no cathode band marking; enables placement without orientation check in automated assembly. |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic body provides UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; requires 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal for rated power dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and humidity exposure; eliminates need for conformal coating in industrial environments. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and single-reflow at 260 °C peak; eliminates baking requirements prior to SMT assembly. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge events; protects 3.3 V/5 V logic rails when used with series impedance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants available; enables direct qualification reuse for automotive applications requiring component-level reliability validation. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN bus power rails in body control modules from load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between VBAT and ground, absorbing >500 W transients without failure. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or destruction of 24 V-rated transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), maintaining communication integrity. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output lines, limiting fault voltage to ≤32.4 V during ESD or cable discharge. Use Value: Maintains sensor accuracy by preventing input-stage damage from field-induced surges up to 500 W, reducing field return rates. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 VBUS (5 V) and D+/D− lines in set-top boxes against contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on VBUS rail; clamps 8 kV HBM ESD pulses within nanoseconds while preserving 5 V regulation. Use Value: Eliminates need for additional series resistors or ferrites by achieving <100 ps response and sub-35 V clamping at 15 A. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across differential pair, shunting common-mode surges exceeding 1 kV while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.21 immunity standards using single-device solution instead of multi-stage protection networks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 500 W); same VWM/VC; smaller junction area. | Limited to lower-energy transients (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 0.5 kV); not suitable for automotive load dump. | Select SMA5J20CA-E3/5A where 500 W surge margin is required; SMAJ20CA only if space or cost constraints dominate and energy levels are verified below 400 W. |
| SMCJ20CA | Same electrical specs but larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W. | Better thermal performance allows higher duty-cycle operation; requires larger PCB footprint (7.11 mm × 6.22 mm vs. 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm). | Choose SMA5J20CA-E3/5A for space-constrained designs; SMCJ20CA where sustained surge repetition or higher ambient temperatures demand lower thermal resistance. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and SMCJ20CA, the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A delivers optimal balance of 500 W surge capacity, compact SMA footprint, and MSL Level 1 process compatibility - making it preferred for high-density automotive and industrial PCBs where board area and reflow robustness are critical.
Availability
SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, and telecom line cards requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade traceability.
Supply support for SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5JxxA/CA series was developed to deliver high-power transient suppression in minimal SMT footprints for next-generation automotive and industrial control systems demanding AEC-Q101 readiness and zero orientation sensitivity.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
The SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMA5J20A), it has no cathode band marking and is intended for AC-coupled or floating-line applications such as differential data buses or dual-rail power domains. This behavior is confirmed by the "CA" suffix in the part number and documented in Vishay's Electrical Characteristics table.
Does the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
The SMA5J20CA-E3/5A itself is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade (E3 suffix), but AEC-Q101 qualification is available through Vishay's HE3 and HM3 variants (e.g., SMA5J20CAHE3_A/I). These qualified versions undergo stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, TCT, and ESD, enabling use in automotive powertrain and chassis modules. The base SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is widely deployed in automotive infotainment and body electronics where full qualification is not mandated.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A and how is it measured?
The SMA5J20CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A using a 10/1000 µs standard surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variations per Vishay's datasheet Table 1 and reflects worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry during a 500 W transient event. It is not derived from simulation but validated via calibrated surge generator testing.
Can the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMA5J20A?
No - the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is electrically and physically incompatible as a drop-in replacement for unidirectional types like SMA5J20A. While both share identical VWM, VBR, and package, the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A lacks polarity marking and conducts equally in both directions, which may short bias networks or disrupt DC-coupled circuits. Unidirectional use requires explicit cathode identification and forward-biased blocking capability absent in the CA variant.
What PCB layout guidance applies to the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A for optimal thermal performance?
Vishay specifies mounting the SMA5J20CA-E3/5A on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve rated 500 W pulse power. Trace width should exceed 1.5 mm, and thermal vias (≥4 × 0.3 mm) under each pad are recommended for sustained surge duty cycles. The SMA5J20CA-E3/5A's RθJA of 80 °C/W assumes this layout; reduced copper area increases junction temperature and risks premature thermal runaway during repeated transients.
SMA5J20CA-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):
- 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)
SMA5J20CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5J20CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
SMA5J20CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J20CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5J20CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20CA-E3/5A?
All SMA5J20CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20CA-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 SMA5J20CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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