Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 500 W peak pulse power, 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), and clamping voltage of 32.4 V at 15.4 A peak pulse current. It protects signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor units and industrial control interfaces against ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20CAHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J20CAHE3/5A application, or SMA5J20CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transient events, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism with glass-passivated junction. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical electrical characteristics in both polarities - critical for AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
Designed for high-power-density surface-mount protection, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform while maintaining thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature without derating on standard PCB layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 18–20 V nominal rails. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamped voltage at 15.4 A peak pulse; limits downstream IC stress during 500 W transient events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform; supports robust protection in automotive load-dump and ISO 7637-2 scenarios. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint and 2.29 mm height; compatible with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Two-terminal bidirectional device in SMA (DO-214AC) package; no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, with whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 2.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical avalanche behavior in either direction; connects across protected line and reference (e.g., signal pair or AC rail). |
| Cathode Band (absent) | Polarity indicator | No band marking - confirms bidirectional construction; terminals are functionally interchangeable in circuit layout. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - required for engine control, ADAS sensor, and infotainment modules. |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhances long-term stability and moisture resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives; critical for high-humidity industrial deployments. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., EFT bursts), improving clamping precision for sensitive analog front-ends. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and single reflow at 260 °C peak - eliminates baking requirements and simplifies SMT line integration. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD and LIN bus transceivers from load dump and battery reverse connection transients in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair (CAN_H/CAN_L) to clamp common-mode surges without disrupting DC bias. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 32.4 V clamping threshold during 500 W pulses, preventing transceiver latch-up or permanent damage per ISO 16750-2. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on each input line referenced to 24 V supply rail, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 15.4 A. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles without degradation due to low incremental resistance and 150 °C thermal rating. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Interface | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB-C PD controller ICs and level shifters from ESD events and AC adapter plug-in transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS on VBUS and CC lines, operating within ±20 V window to avoid interfering with PD negotiation voltages. Use Value: 20 V VWM allows full USB-C PD 20 V mode operation while clamping ESD to <32.4 V - preserving PHY functionality per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers exposed to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS across tip/ring pairs in line card interface, leveraging symmetrical clamping to preserve signal balance. Use Value: 500 W rating meets GR-1089-CORE Category A/B requirements for central office equipment without requiring series impedance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM environmental policy. | Choose SMA5J20CA-M3/5A only if halogen-free content is contractually required; otherwise SMA5J20CAHE3/5A offers same performance with broader supply chain traceability. |
| SMCJ20CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VC but higher PPPM = 1500 W; larger SMC (DO-214AB) package (7.11 mm × 6.22 mm). | Used where higher surge energy tolerance is needed (e.g., main power input vs. signal line); requires PCB layout change. | Select SMA5J20CAHE3/5A for space-constrained signal-level protection; upgrade to SMCJ20CAHE3/5A only when 1500 W rating is verified necessary per IEC 61000-4-5 test plan. |
Compared with SMA5J20CA-M3/5A, SMA5J20CAHE3/5A provides identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance; compared with SMCJ20CAHE3/5A, it trades 1000 W lower pulse power for 45 % smaller footprint - optimizing board area in dense sensor node designs.
Availability
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor units, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter interfaces requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J series is designed specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial applications, balancing 500 W surge capability with SMA package manufacturability and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A under maximum rated surge current?
The SMA5J20CAHE3/5A clamps to 32.4 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards and confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. The clamping voltage defines the maximum voltage seen by downstream circuitry during transient events, making it critical for ensuring IC survival in automotive and industrial environments. The SMA5J20CAHE3/5A maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD immunity required for automotive electronic systems. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and bidirectional clamping make it appropriate for under-hood sensors, body control modules, and ADAS interfaces. The "HE3" suffix explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay's ordering nomenclature, confirming that SMA5J20CAHE3/5A meets automotive reliability standards.
How does the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A differ from unidirectional variants like SMA5J20AHE3/5A?
The SMA5J20CAHE3/5A is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping in both polarities - essential for protecting AC-coupled signals, differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485), or floating references. In contrast, SMA5J20AHE3/5A is unidirectional with a cathode band marking and conducts only in reverse bias. Electrically, SMA5J20CAHE3/5A has identical VWM (20 V), VBR, and VC ratings but lacks polarity marking and supports forward conduction during negative transients. This makes SMA5J20CAHE3/5A the correct choice where voltage polarity is undefined or alternating.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMA5J20CAHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 25 °C/W when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. These values assume minimum recommended pad layout per Vishay's DO-214AC specification. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges, designers must allocate sufficient copper area and avoid thermal bottlenecks - especially important in automotive applications where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C. The SMA5J20CAHE3/5A's RθJL enables effective heat transfer through solder joints into internal ground/power planes.
Does the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A require special handling or storage conditions?
No special handling beyond standard ESD-safe practices is required for the SMA5J20CAHE3/5A. It is rated MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it has unlimited floor life and withstands peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C without baking. The matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 for solderability, and whisker resistance is certified per JESD 201 Class 2. As an AEC-Q101 qualified part, SMA5J20CAHE3/5A also undergoes humidity exposure testing, eliminating concerns about moisture sensitivity during storage or assembly.
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A?
SMA5J20CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J20CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20CAHE3/5A?
All SMA5J20CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20CAHE3/5A, 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 SMA5J20CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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