Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20CAHM3/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20CAHM3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20CAHM3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20CAHM3/H 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), 32.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), making it suitable for automotive sensor interface and industrial I/O line protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20CAHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J20CAHM3/H pinout, SMA5J20CAHM3/H application, or SMA5J20CAHM3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free RoHS compliance, 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 transients, with symmetrical breakdown behavior in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for protecting sensitive MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins.
The SMA5J20CAHM3/H is rated for TJ = –55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (260 °C peak reflow). Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W) and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL = 25 °C/W) support reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamped voltage at 15.4 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs); limits stress on downstream components during ESD or load dump events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 24 V systems. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak pulse current supported at VC; directly determines minimum series impedance required for effective clamping. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures without derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-020 and JESD 22-B102. Bidirectional construction means no polarity marking; terminals are symmetric and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (both ends) | Surge current path | Identical bidirectional terminals; either end connects to protected line, other to ground or reference plane-no orientation dependency. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485) without external polarity management. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance-required for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and single-reflow processing at 260 °C peak, eliminating moisture sensitivity handling for high-volume SMT lines. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting Hall-effect and pressure sensor outputs from load-dump-induced transients in 12 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input to clamp ±30 V spikes. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V tolerant MCU inputs while maintaining signal integrity below 20 V normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current-loop receiver circuits from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient suppressor connected across loop input terminals to shunt energy before reaching precision op-amp front-end. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 20 V, avoiding offset error in µA-level current measurement while surviving 500 W surge pulses. |
| Telecom Line Card Protection | Consumer USB Port ESD |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY differential pairs and PoE detection circuitry against lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS applied across each twisted pair to clamp mode-common transients without disrupting 100 MHz data signaling. Use Value: Junction capacitance <100 pF at 0 V bias ensures minimal signal attenuation and return loss degradation up to 100 MHz. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+/D– lines behind primary polymer-based TVS in portable devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed adjacent to connector to absorb >8 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time captures initial ESD edge before IC-level clamp activates, reducing cumulative stress on internal ESD structures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CAHE3/H | RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | Acceptable where halogen content is unrestricted (e.g., non-automotive industrial use). | Select SMA5J20CAHM3/H when halogen-free compliance is mandated by OEM or regional environmental regulations. |
| SMA6J20CAHM3/H | 600 W PPPM, higher IPPM (17.5 A), identical VWM/VC and package; larger die size increases thermal mass. | Better suited for systems requiring higher surge immunity (e.g., 12 V battery rail protection in commercial vehicles). | Choose SMA5J20CAHM3/H where 500 W rating suffices and board space or cost optimization is prioritized. |
Compared with SMA5J20CAHE3/H and SMA6J20CAHM3/H, the SMA5J20CAHM3/H uniquely balances halogen-free compliance, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compact 500 W surge capability in the standard SMA footprint-ideal for space-constrained automotive modules needing full environmental certification.
Availability
SMA5J20CAHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line cards, and consumer USB port ESD protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J20CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive qualification.
The SMA5JxxCA family delivers high-power-density TVS protection in compact surface-mount packages, engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive electronics and rugged industrial control systems.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMA5J20CAHM3/H?
The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J20CAHM3/H denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads, meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It also confirms AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive applications. The "H" indicates tape-and-reel packaging per 7-inch reel (1800 units), and "/H" is the revision code per Vishay's ordering nomenclature. This distinguishes SMA5J20CAHM3/H from non-halogen-free variants like HE3.
Is SMA5J20CAHM3/H suitable for protecting CAN FD bus lines?
Yes, SMA5J20CAHM3/H is suitable for CAN FD bus protection due to its bidirectional clamping, low leakage (<1.0 µA at 20 V), and junction capacitance under 100 pF at zero bias-preserving signal integrity up to 5 Mbps. Its 32.4 V clamping voltage provides margin above CAN FD's ±40 V fault tolerance, and AEC-Q101 qualification validates robustness in automotive ECU environments where SMA5J20CAHM3/H is commonly deployed.
How does SMA5J20CAHM3/H differ from unidirectional SMA5J20A variants?
SMA5J20CAHM3/H is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode band marking, whereas SMA5J20A is unidirectional with a marked cathode end and forward conduction capability (IFSM = 40 A). SMA5J20CAHM3/H has no specified IFSM and must not be used in DC forward-biased paths. Its VBR range (22.2–24.5 V) applies identically in both directions, enabling AC or floating-line protection where SMA5J20A would require careful polarity alignment.
What PCB layout guidance applies to SMA5J20CAHM3/H for optimal surge performance?
For optimal surge performance, mount SMA5J20CAHM3/H using the recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal as specified in the Vishay datasheet. Minimize trace length between the TVS and protected node, avoid vias in the surge path, and connect both terminals directly to low-impedance ground/power planes. Thermal relief should be avoided on pads to ensure maximum heat dissipation during repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses, preserving the device's 500 W rating.
Does SMA5J20CAHM3/H require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?
Yes, SMA5J20CAHM3/H requires derating above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet. At 85 °C ambient, its peak pulse power drops to ~350 W (70 % of 500 W), and at 125 °C, it falls to ~200 W (40 %). This derating is essential for sustained surge duty cycles in engine bay or industrial control cabinet applications. Designers must verify worst-case junction temperature using RθJA = 80 °C/W and actual power dissipation to ensure TJ remains ≤150 °C.
SMA5J20CAHM3/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:
- -
- 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/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20CAHM3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20CAHM3/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 SMA5J20CAHM3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20CAHM3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20CAHM3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20CAHM3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20CAHM3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20CAHM3/H?
SMA5J20CAHM3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20CAHM3/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 SMA5J20CAHM3/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J20CAHM3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20CAHM3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20CAHM3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20CAHM3/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 SMA5J20CAHM3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20CAHM3/H?
All SMA5J20CAHM3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20CAHM3/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 SMA5J20CAHM3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20CAHM3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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