Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20C-E3/61
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20C-E3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20C-E3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,795
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20C-E3/61 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, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20C-E3/61 datasheet, SMA5J20C-E3/61 pinout, SMA5J20C-E3/61 application, or SMA5J20C-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional surge protection capability, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, enabling robust protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), critical for suppressing ESD and lightning-induced surges before sensitive circuitry is damaged.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. Its low incremental surge resistance supports high-current transient handling while maintaining tight clamping voltage control under repetitive stress conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating window for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream components to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power dissipation capability; enables survival of high-energy transients per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak pulse current supported with 10/1000 µs waveform; determines surge current handling capacity. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design margin for PCB layout and power derating. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - No floor life limitation; suitable for standard SMT reflow without dry pack or baking. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package with two terminals: anode and cathode. Bi-directional construction means no polarity marking; terminals are functionally symmetric and interchangeable in circuit placement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; common terminal in bi-directional configuration | Connected to line being protected; forms symmetrical clamping path with cathode during either polarity surge. |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; common terminal in bi-directional configuration | Connected to reference (e.g., ground or return); completes bidirectional clamping loop with anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without polarity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, infotainment, and ADAS sensor interfaces requiring high reliability. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of leakage current (<1.0 µA) and breakdown voltage tolerance across temperature and lifetime. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM) | 1.62 - Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge events, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected ICs. |
| Matte tin lead finish | Complies with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and MEMS pressure sensors from load dump and ESD in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground to shunt transients before reaching PHY layer. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 12 V/24 V system surges by limiting clamped voltage to ≤32.4 V while surviving 500 W pulses. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs exposed to motor switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line protector across A/B bus pairs, leveraging symmetry to handle ±15 kV ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Prevents receiver input damage during 4 kV contact ESD events with sub-nanosecond response and <1.0 µA leakage at 20 V. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Telecom DSL Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes from human-body-model ESD and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional clamp placed directly at connector, minimizing trace inductance impact. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to 32.4 V during 8 kV air discharge while adding negligible signal distortion due to symmetric structure. | Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on ADSL/VDSL line cards subjected to lightning-induced longitudinal surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection device bridging tip/ring to ground, coordinated with gas discharge tube secondary stage. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W energy per ITU-T K.20/K.21 standards, enabling compliance with Class B telecom surge immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20CA-E3/61 | Identical electrical specs and packaging; CA suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional version per Vishay naming convention. | No functional difference; SMA5J20C-E3/61 and SMA5J20CA-E3/61 refer to same device - "C" implies bi-directional in this family. | Select SMA5J20CA-E3/61 if ordering system requires explicit CA suffix for clarity in BOMs or procurement systems. |
| SMCJ20CA | Same VWM/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 thermally constrained environments where board space allows larger footprint. | Choose SMCJ20CA only when surge energy exceeds 500 W capability or when thermal management demands lower junction rise per watt. |
Compared with SMA5J20C-E3/61, SMA5J20CA-E3/61 is identical in function and form, while SMCJ20CA offers higher power handling at the cost of increased PCB area and different thermal behavior - making SMA5J20C-E3/61 optimal for space-constrained, cost-sensitive, AEC-Q101-compliant designs.
Availability
SMA5J20C-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial communication ports, and consumer USB protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 qualification, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for SMA5J20C-E3/61 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 efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-density surface-mount transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where compact size, bi-directional symmetry, and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory design requirements.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J20C-E3/61?
SMA5J20C-E3/61 is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor, meaning it functions identically in both polarities and has no cathode band marking. This allows it to protect AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or ungrounded circuits without orientation constraints during placement - a key distinction from uni-directional variants like SMA5J20A-E3/61.
Does SMA5J20C-E3/61 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SMA5J20C-E3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in Vishay's official datasheet revision 24-Oct-12. This qualification validates its reliability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces under extended temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress conditions.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J20C-E3/61 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J20C-E3/61 is 32.4 V at 15.4 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events.
Is SMA5J20C-E3/61 RoHS compliant and lead-free process compatible?
Yes, SMA5J20C-E3/61 carries the E3 suffix indicating RoHS compliance and matte tin plating. It is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering with a maximum peak temperature of 260 °C per J-STD-020, and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing requirements.
How does the thermal resistance of SMA5J20C-E3/61 affect PCB layout?
SMA5J20C-E3/61 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. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges, designers must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length or isolation that increases thermal impedance beyond this baseline.
SMA5J20C-E3/61 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-E3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20C-E3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20C-E3/61 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-E3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20C-E3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20C-E3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20C-E3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20C-E3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20C-E3/61?
SMA5J20C-E3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20C-E3/61 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-E3/61?
For technical support, including SMA5J20C-E3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20C-E3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20C-E3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20C-E3/61 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-E3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20C-E3/61?
All SMA5J20C-E3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20C-E3/61, 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-E3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20C-E3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J20C-E3/61 Tags

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