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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J20-E3/5A

Name: SMA5J20-E3/5A
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SMA5J20-E3/5A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SMA5J20-E3/5A

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AC, SMA

Datasheet:: SMA5J20-E3/5A.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC

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Product details

Overview

SMA5J20-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor 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 (V_WM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 32.4 V clamping voltage at 15.4 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J20-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J20-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J20-E3/5A application, or SMA5J20-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs transients, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 80 °C/W), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds V_BR (22.2–24.5 V) to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at 20 V) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for safeguarding MOSFET gates and IC inputs against ESD and inductive switching spikes.

Designed for surface-mount implementation in space-constrained environments, the SMA5J20-E3/5A delivers 500 W peak pulse power dissipation per 10/1000 µs waveform while maintaining low incremental surge resistance and meeting MSL Level 1 reflow requirements (260 °C peak). Its cathode band marking enables unambiguous polarity identification during assembly.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins
V_BR (min/max)	22.2 V / 24.5 V - Voltage range at which device enters avalanche conduction at 1 mA test current
V_C @ I_PPM	32.4 V - Clamping voltage observed at 15.4 A peak pulse current, defining worst-case protected node voltage
P_PPM	500 W - Peak transient power it can absorb without failure under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform
I_PPM	15.4 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current it safely clamps at V_C = 32.4 V
T_J max	150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments
R_θJA	80 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient, guiding PCB copper pad sizing for thermal management

Pinout & Package

DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, 0.208" × 0.157" body, cathode band marking on one end. Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002 solderability standards.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / Surge return path	Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; carries full surge current during clamping
Cathode (banded end)	Reverse-biased voltage sensing node	Connected to protected line's high-side; defines V_WM and triggers avalanche conduction above V_BR

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA) across temperature and lifetime
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock
MSL Level 1 rating	Enables single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns (peak 260 °C)
Low-profile DO-214AC package	0.090" height enables use in compact power modules and sensor housings with tight Z-axis constraints
RoHS-compliant E3 suffix	Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, eliminating risk of tin whisker-induced short circuits

Applications

Automotive Power Line Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (110 V, 400 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between power rail and chassis ground to limit voltage excursion below 33 V. Use Value: Prevents permanent damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers by clamping surges within 1 ns while sustaining 500 W peak power.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS on 4–20 mA loop output line to suppress ESD events and field-wiring induced transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 20 V, ensuring sub-0.1% error in precision current-loop measurements.
DC-DC Converter Input Stage	MOSFET Gate Driver Protection
Use Scenario: Input-side surge suppression for 24 V input buck converters in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp upstream of input filter capacitors and controller IC. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W transients without derating at 85 °C ambient, preserving converter uptime in electrically noisy plant environments.	Use Scenario: Gate protection for N-channel power MOSFETs driving solenoids or relays in motor control H-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF) clamp between gate and source to prevent dv/dt-induced turn-on and oxide rupture. Use Value: Limits gate-source voltage to ≤32.4 V during inductive kickback, avoiding irreversible gate oxide breakdown.

Automotive Power Line Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (110 V, 400 ms).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between power rail and chassis ground to limit voltage excursion below 33 V.

Use Value: Prevents permanent damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers by clamping surges within 1 ns while sustaining 500 W peak power.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS on 4–20 mA loop output line to suppress ESD events and field-wiring induced transients.

Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 20 V, ensuring sub-0.1% error in precision current-loop measurements.

DC-DC Converter Input Stage

MOSFET Gate Driver Protection

Use Scenario: Input-side surge suppression for 24 V input buck converters in factory automation controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp upstream of input filter capacitors and controller IC.

Use Value: Absorbs 500 W transients without derating at 85 °C ambient, preserving converter uptime in electrically noisy plant environments.

Use Scenario: Gate protection for N-channel power MOSFETs driving solenoids or relays in motor control H-bridges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF) clamp between gate and source to prevent dv/dt-induced turn-on and oxide rupture.

Use Value: Limits gate-source voltage to ≤32.4 V during inductive kickback, avoiding irreversible gate oxide breakdown.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMA5J20AHE3/5A	AEC-Q101 qualified variant with identical electrical specs; HE3 suffix denotes enhanced whisker resistance (JESD 201 Class 2)	Required for automotive safety-critical modules where extended whisker reliability is mandated	Select SMA5J20AHE3/5A when compliance with AEC-Q101 and JESD 201 Class 2 is explicitly required
SMCJ20A-E3/57T	Same V_WM/V_BR but higher P_PPM (1500 W); larger DO-214AB (SMC) package (0.265" × 0.235")	Suitable for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., 48 V industrial buses) where board space allows larger footprint	Choose SMCJ20A-E3/57T only if system-level surge testing requires >500 W clamping capability

Compared with SMA5J20-E3/5A, the SMA5J20AHE3/5A offers identical protection performance with enhanced process reliability for automotive deployment, while the SMCJ20A-E3/57T trades smaller size for triple the surge power handling-making SMA5J20-E3/5A optimal for cost- and space-sensitive 12–24 V applications requiring AEC-Q101 alignment without Class 2 whisker mandates.

Availability

SMA5J20-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC-DC converter input stages requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMA5J20-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, and transient protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive qualification.

The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-power-density surface-mount surge suppression in automotive and industrial systems, balancing low profile, AEC-Q101 compliance, and robust 500 W transient handling in the DO-214AC footprint.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J20-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?

The SMA5J20-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 15.4 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at T_A = 25 °C with devices mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J20-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its operational temperature range.

Is the SMA5J20-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J20-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designed for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems. Its construction features glass-passivated junctions, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and MSL Level 1 reflow capability-ensuring reliability under vibration, thermal cycling, and under-hood temperature extremes. The SMA5J20-E3/5A meets these requirements without derating up to 150 °C junction temperature.

What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in SMA5J20-E3/5A?

The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This format ensures compatibility with high-speed pick-and-place equipment and satisfies environmental compliance requirements for commercial and automotive production. The SMA5J20-E3/5A uses matte tin plating and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability standards per its DO-214AC molding compound.

How does the SMA5J20-E3/5A differ from bi-directional variants like SMA5J20CA?

The SMA5J20-E3/5A is unidirectional, meaning it conducts only in reverse bias above V_BR and blocks forward current beyond its low forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A). In contrast, SMA5J20CA is bi-directional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities-suited for AC lines or differential signal pairs. The SMA5J20-E3/5A includes a cathode band for polarity identification; bi-directional types have no marking. Electrical parameters such as V_WM and V_C are defined differently for each configuration.

What PCB layout guidance applies to the SMA5J20-E3/5A for optimal thermal and surge performance?

For optimal performance, the SMA5J20-E3/5A must be mounted on minimum recommended copper pads: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) per terminal, as specified in the Vishay datasheet. This pad area ensures adequate heat dissipation (R_θJA = 80 °C/W) and current handling during 15.4 A surge events. Avoid narrow traces or thermal reliefs on TVS connections; direct low-inductance paths to ground planes improve clamping speed. The SMA5J20-E3/5A benefits from symmetric layout to minimize parasitic inductance in the surge current path.

SMA5J20-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:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

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)

SMA5J20-E3/5A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMA5J20-E3/5A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J20-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 SMA5J20-E3/5A reliable?

The price and inventory of SMA5J20-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 SMA5J20-E3/5A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J20-E3/5A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J20-E3/5A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J20-E3/5A?

SMA5J20-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMA5J20-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 SMA5J20-E3/5A?

For technical support, including SMA5J20-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J20-E3/5A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J20-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMA5J20-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 SMA5J20-E3/5A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J20-E3/5A?

All SMA5J20-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J20-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 SMA5J20-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMA5J20-E3/5A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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