Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients 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 maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM). It is used to protect automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O lines against ESD and inductive switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20C-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20C-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J20C-E3/5A application, or SMA5J20C-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, 500 W surge rating with 10/1000 µs waveform, AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, and DO-214AC thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W).
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical electrical characteristics in forward and reverse directions per J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow profile (260 °C peak). Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting sensitive MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins.
The device is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, supports 8.3 ms half-sine surge current up to 40 A (uni-directional only), and exhibits 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, ensuring minimal standby power impact in always-on automotive modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; sustains high-energy transients without failure. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads; guides PCB thermal layout. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, bi-directional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H), cathode band absent per bi-directional designation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient conduction path | No fixed polarity; conducts equally in both directions when voltage exceeds ±VBR; requires no orientation during placement. |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | DO-214AC molded body provides UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and mechanical robustness for automated SMT assembly. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines (e.g., CAN, RS-485) without polarity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces under temperature cycling and humidity testing. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge events in industrial motor drives. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C) | Supports lead-free reflow soldering without pre-baking, reducing manufacturing complexity for high-volume automotive PCBAs. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay modules exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤32.4 V during 500 W surges, preventing ADC saturation and latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V systems. | Use Scenario: Shielding PLC digital input channels from inductive kickback when switching solenoids or relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS connected across input terminals to absorb reverse EMF and ESD. Use Value: Withstands 15.4 A peak pulse current while maintaining <1.0 µA leakage at 20 V, preserving signal integrity in 24 V DC systems. |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Consumer USB Port ESD Guard |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceiver bus lines in base station backhaul equipment subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired TVS devices on differential pair (A/B) to clamp common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetric 22.2–24.5 V VBR ensures balanced clamping, minimizing skew and data corruption during 10/1000 µs events. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines behind primary protection in portable media players. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional TVS placed adjacent to connector to shunt ±15 kV contact discharge. Use Value: 32.4 V clamping voltage prevents damage to 3.3 V PHY transceivers while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CA-E3/5A | Identical electrical specs and packaging; CA suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional version per Vishay nomenclature (SMA5J20C-E3/5A is functionally equivalent to SMA5J20CA-E3/5A per document 88875). | No functional difference; both intended for bi-directional line protection. | Select SMA5J20CA-E3/5A if ordering system requires explicit CA suffix for traceability or internal part numbering alignment. |
| SMCJ20CA | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W) and 1500 W PPPM. | Better suited for higher-energy surges or higher ambient temperatures where DO-214AC thermal limits are exceeded. | Choose SMCJ20CA only when PCB layout allows larger footprint and surge energy exceeds 500 W; otherwise SMA5J20C-E3/5A offers optimal space/power density. |
Compared with SMA5J20CA-E3/5A (identical function) and SMCJ20CA (higher-power variant), SMA5J20C-E3/5A delivers best-in-class power density for space-constrained automotive and industrial PCBs requiring AEC-Q101 compliance and MSL Level 1 assembly compatibility.
Availability
SMA5J20C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom RS-485 transceivers, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMA5J20C-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, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting AEC-Q101-compliant automotive subsystems and industrial controls where compact size and repeatable clamping performance are critical.
FAQ
What does the "C" in SMA5J20C-E3/5A signify?
The "C" suffix in SMA5J20C-E3/5A indicates a bi-directional configuration, meaning the device clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities. This is confirmed in Vishay document 88875, which states "for bi-directional devices use CA suffix (e.g. SMA5J40CA)" and lists SMA5J20C-E3/5A in the bi-directional table with symmetric VBR, VC, and leakage specifications. The SMA5J20C-E3/5A functions identically to SMA5J20CA-E3/5A.
Is SMA5J20C-E3/5A AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, SMA5J20C-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as stated in the "MECHANICAL DATA" section of Vishay document 88875: "Base P/NHE3 – RoHS compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified" and "Note (1) AEC-Q101 qualified". Though the E3 suffix denotes commercial grade, the device family-including SMA5J20C-E3/5A-is explicitly certified per AEC-Q101 for automotive use.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J20C-E3/5A and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J20C-E3/5A is 32.4 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A using a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is listed in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table under "MAXIMUM CLAMPING VOLTAGE AT IPPM" for the SMA5J20A row, which applies to SMA5J20C-E3/5A as a bi-directional variant of the same breakdown family.
Does SMA5J20C-E3/5A have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMA5J20C-E3/5A has no polarity markings. As a bi-directional TVS diode, it is symmetrical and lacks a cathode band-unlike uni-directional variants which feature a band denoting the cathode end. This is explicitly noted in the "MECHANICAL DATA" section: "no marking on bi-directional types", confirming that SMA5J20C-E3/5A can be placed without orientation constraints.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended mounting for SMA5J20C-E3/5A?
SMA5J20C-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table. This pad layout is mandatory to achieve rated 500 W pulse power; smaller pads increase thermal impedance and reduce surge capability. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 for lead-free reflow.
SMA5J20C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 35.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14A
- 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)
SMA5J20C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20C-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 SMA5J20C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20C-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 SMA5J20C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20C-E3/5A?
SMA5J20C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20C-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 SMA5J20C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J20C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20C-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 SMA5J20C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20C-E3/5A?
All SMA5J20C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20C-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 SMA5J20C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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