Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20CHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J20CHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J20CHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,983
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J20CHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal 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 (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power rails against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20CHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20CHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J20CHE3/5A application, or SMA5J20CHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 15.4 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, with electrical characteristics defined identically for forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing ESD and fast-rising transients per IEC 61000-4-2 and ISO 16750-2.
The device is rated for continuous operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow 260 °C), and uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse stand-off voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating window for protected circuit. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA test current - ensures reliable breakdown initiation within tight tolerance for predictable clamping onset. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or CAN transceivers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a surges in automotive systems. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint and 2.29 mm height; optimized for high-density PCB layouts. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic case with two coplanar leads; no polarity marking for bi-directional configuration; terminals are matte tin-plated for solderability and whisker resistance (JESD 201 Class 2).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional surge conduction path | No functional polarity - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; enables single-device protection of AC or floating lines. |
| Case (plastic body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Non-conductive housing; thermal path relies on lead-to-PCB copper pad conduction (RθJA = 80 °C/W typical). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive electronics including engine control, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power supplies. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift in harsh environments. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving protection 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 without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JS709A halogen-free requirements for green manufacturing. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump (ISO 16750-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed at power entry point before LDOs or DC-DC converters. Use Value: Clamps 32.4 V at 15.4 A, limiting input stress to <33 V and preserving downstream 36 V-rated regulators. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog modules from field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional shunt protector across signal and return lines to divert common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetric clamping ensures equal protection regardless of transient polarity, eliminating need for dual unidirectional devices. |
| Telecom DC Power Input | Consumer USB Power Delivery Port |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered network switches against induced surges on 48 V DC input rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS placed upstream of primary DC-DC stage to absorb line-to-ground energy. Use Value: 500 W PPPM rating handles repetitive surges up to 10/1000 µs without degradation, supporting long-term field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary surge protection on VBUS line of USB-C PD ports beyond internal controller limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp limiting VBUS overshoot during hot-plug or cable ESD events. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time prevents latch-up in USB PD controllers by clamping before internal protection triggers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J20AHE3/5A | Uni-directional variant; includes cathode band marking and forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V @ 25 A). | Requires correct polarity orientation; unsuitable for AC or floating differential lines. | Select only when protecting DC rails with known polarity and where forward conduction must be blocked. |
| SMCJ20CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W). | Better sustained surge handling; requires 7.1 mm × 6.2 mm board area vs. SMA's 5.3 mm × 4.5 mm. | Choose when system-level testing shows thermal derating issues with SMA5J20CHE3/5A under repeated surges. |
Compared with SMA5J20AHE3/5A and SMCJ20CAHE3/5A, the SMA5J20CHE3/5A uniquely combines bi-directional symmetry, compact DO-214AC footprint, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring polarity-agnostic protection.
Availability
SMA5J20CHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface development, and telecom DC power input protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMA5J20CHE3/5A 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series was developed specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in automotive and industrial applications, balancing compact size, AEC-Q101 compliance, and 500 W surge capability in standard SMT packages.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J20CHE3/5A?
The SMA5J20CHE3/5A is a bi-directional TVS diode with no polarity marking on the DO-214AC package. Its symmetrical construction allows identical clamping behavior in both forward and reverse directions, making it ideal for protecting AC-coupled signals, floating buses, or bidirectional data lines without concern for orientation during placement.
Does SMA5J20CHE3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SMA5J20CHE3/5A carries the HE3 suffix, confirming AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev D. This includes rigorous testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD robustness - validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics where reliability is mission-critical.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J20CHE3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMA5J20CHE3/5A clamps to a maximum of 32.4 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform with a peak pulse current of 15.4 A. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during standardized surge events.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 in SMA5J20CHE3/5A?
The HE3 suffix indicates AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, whereas E3 denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance only (JESD 201 Class 1A). For automotive or high-reliability industrial use, SMA5J20CHE3/5A is required; SMA5J20CE3/5A would not satisfy automotive qualification mandates.
What PCB layout guidance applies to SMA5J20CHE3/5A for optimal thermal performance?
For rated 500 W pulse handling, Vishay specifies mounting SMA5J20CHE3/5A on minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Use thermal vias under pads if board layer count permits, and avoid narrow traces between the device and ground/power planes to maintain low impedance surge paths.
SMA5J20CHE3/5A 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J20CHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20CHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J20CHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J20CHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20CHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20CHE3/5A transactions.
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SMA5J20CHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J20CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J20CHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20CHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20CHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J20CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J20CHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20CHE3/5A?
All SMA5J20CHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20CHE3/5A, 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 SMA5J20CHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J20CHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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