Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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 at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O ports, and telecom line drivers against ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I application, or SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62), AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, 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 to divert surge current away from protected circuitry. Its bidirectional structure ensures symmetrical clamping in both polarities, eliminating need for polarity-aware layout - critical for AC-coupled or differential signal lines.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W, with junction temperature rated from –55 °C to +150 °C. The device is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, supporting automotive under-hood and industrial control applications requiring long-term reliability under thermal cycling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating 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 - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs such as CAN transceivers or ADC front-ends. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surge immunity when properly mounted. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount package with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm thermal pad footprint; enables automated placement and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per AEC standard. |
| RoHS & Halogen-Free | Compliant per HM3 suffix - meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free requirements (IEC 61249-2-21). |
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. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals function identically; bidirectional conduction allows placement without orientation check on PCB. |
| Case (cathode band absent) | Thermal and electrical reference | No cathode band marking - confirms bidirectional configuration; case serves as thermal interface to PCB copper pour. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), and ungrounded power rails without polarity constraints. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Supports robust IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV open-circuit voltage with 2 Ω source impedance in industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces exposed to harsh thermal and vibration profiles. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets automotive OEM material compliance requirements and supports environmentally responsible manufacturing and end-of-life recycling. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C) | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile compatibility without baking - reduces production overhead in high-volume SMT lines. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay environments subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input to limit transient overvoltage. Use Value: Clamps 32.4 V at 15.4 A, preserving signal integrity while surviving repeated 100 V/50 ms load dump events per ISO 16750-2. |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins (A/B) from ESD and lightning-induced surges in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-side transient suppressor mounted directly at connector entry point to shunt common-mode surges before reaching transceiver. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal protection on both A and B lines without polarity sensitivity, maintaining differential signaling integrity. |
| Telecom DSL Line Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding ADSL/VDSL line driver ICs from induced surges on outdoor telephone wiring exposed to lightning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression stage upstream of GDT or MOV secondary protection, absorbing fast-rising transients. Use Value: 10/1000 µs waveform response enables effective energy absorption before slower protectors activate, reducing let-through voltage. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage transient suppression on 24 V wall adapters powering smart home hubs and IoT gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection after fuse and primary MOV, clamping residual spikes that bypass bulk suppression. Use Value: Low clamping ratio (1.62×VWM) prevents overvoltage stress on downstream DC-DC controllers and LDOs during surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CAHE3_A/I | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant without halogen-free certification (E3 vs HM3); no JESD201 Class 2 whisker test. | Approved for commercial/industrial use; not specified for automotive under-hood deployment per AEC-Q101. | Select when halogen-free requirement is waived and automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
| SMCJ20CAHM3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W vs 80 °C/W) and 1500 W PPPM rating. | Used where higher surge energy handling (>500 W) or improved thermal derating is required, e.g., main power rail protection. | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 500 W or board layout allows larger footprint for enhanced reliability. |
Compared with SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I, SMA5J20CAHE3_A/I offers identical clamping performance but lacks halogen-free and AEC-Q101 validation, while SMCJ20CAHM3_A/I provides superior thermal and surge capacity at the cost of increased board area - making SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial edge nodes requiring certified compliance.
Availability
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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 rapid response, bidirectional symmetry, and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current of 15.4 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in Vishay's datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024, Document Number 88875. The clamping voltage remains consistent across both polarities due to the device's bidirectional architecture, ensuring reliable protection for AC-coupled or differential signal paths in designs using the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I.
Is SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HM3" suffix and confirmed in Vishay's ordering information and thermal characteristics section. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and solderability per AEC-Q101 Rev D. This qualification makes the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I suitable for automotive subsystems including body control modules, infotainment interfaces, and ADAS sensor signal conditioning where sustained operation from –40 °C to +125 °C ambient is required.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. Specifically, "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, "M" signifies halogen-free molding compound, and "3" confirms RoHS compliance per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. This suffix also implies JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity - all verified for the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I in Vishay's official documentation.
How does SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I differ from unidirectional variants like SMA5J20A?
The SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I is bidirectional, meaning it clamps symmetrically in both forward and reverse directions, whereas SMA5J20A is unidirectional with a cathode band and only clamps in reverse. This makes the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I ideal for AC signal lines, differential buses, or floating grounds where polarity cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, SMA5J20A supports 40 A IFSM surge current (unidirectional only), while SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I has no IFSM rating - a functional distinction tied directly to its bidirectional design.
What PCB layout guidance applies to SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I for optimal thermal performance?
For rated 500 W pulse power handling, Vishay specifies mounting the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, with internal or external copper pours connected to enhance heat dissipation. Trace width should be ≥ 1.0 mm, and thermal vias (≥ 4×0.3 mm diameter) are recommended beneath each pad to inner ground planes. This layout ensures the device maintains its RθJA = 80 °C/W thermal resistance and avoids premature thermal runaway during repetitive surge events involving the SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I.
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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:
- 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)
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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 SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I?
SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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 SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I 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 SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I?
All SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I, 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 SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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