Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J26A-M3/5A

Overview

SMA5J26A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 26 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 28.9–31.9 V breakdown voltage (V_BR at 1 mA), 42.1 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 11.9 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating - deployed to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power rails.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J26A-M3/5A datasheet, SMA5J26A-M3/5A pinout, SMA5J26A-M3/5A application, or SMA5J26A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (<1 μA leakage at 26 V), then rapidly avalanches when transients exceed V_BR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤42.1 V at 11.9 A (10/1000 μs waveform). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.

Designed for surface-mount use in space-constrained layouts, the SMA5J26A-M3/5A delivers MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, 260 °C lead-free reflow compatibility, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - supporting reliable long-term operation in automotive-grade (AEC-Q101 optional) and industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SMA5J26A-M3/5A uses the standard SMA (DO-214AC) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm body, 2.54 mm lead pitch, and cathode identification via a visible band on one end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J26A-E3/5A and SMCJ26A-M3, the SMA5J26A-M3/5A uniquely balances halogen-free compliance, compact SMA footprint, and verified 500 W surge capability - making it optimal for space-constrained, environmentally regulated 24 V system designs.

Availability

SMA5J26A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom DC input surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.

Supply support for SMA5J26A-M3/5A 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.

The SMA5J series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where rapid clamping and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J26A-M3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The SMA5J26A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 42.1 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 11.9 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SMA5J26A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range up to +150 °C.

Is the SMA5J26A-M3/5A halogen-free and RoHS-compliant?

Yes, the SMA5J26A-M3/5A carries the "M3" suffix, indicating it is both halogen-free and RoHS-compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. This material specification satisfies stringent environmental requirements for automotive and industrial OEMs, including those aligned with IPC-1752A and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance standards. The SMA5J26A-M3/5A achieves this without sacrificing electrical performance or thermal robustness.

What does the "/5A" in SMA5J26A-M3/5A indicate?

The "/5A" denotes the preferred packaging configuration: 7500 units per 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel, optimized for high-volume automated SMT assembly. This differs from "/61", which indicates 1800 units per 7-inch reel. Both share identical electrical and mechanical specifications; the suffix solely identifies reel size and quantity - critical for production planning and feeder setup when deploying the SMA5J26A-M3/5A in manufacturing.

Can the SMA5J26A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional applications?

No, the SMA5J26A-M3/5A is strictly unidirectional, as confirmed by its part number suffix "A" and cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants carry the "CA" suffix (e.g., SMA5J26CA). Using SMA5J26A-M3/5A in reverse-biased configurations risks failure due to lack of symmetrical avalanche characteristics. For AC-coupled or dual-polarity signal lines, the SMA5J26A-M3/5A must be replaced with a verified bidirectional part.

What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J26A-M3/5A, and how does it affect layout?

The SMA5J26A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe operation at full 500 W surge ratings, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area and thermal vias - undersized pads will elevate junction temperature beyond the 150 °C limit. The SMA5J26A-M3/5A's R_θJL of 25 °C/W further emphasizes the need for solid thermal connection to internal ground planes.