Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A

Overview

SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.4–7.07 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), 54.3 V clamping voltage at 9.2 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A application, or SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 10.9), MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, and verified performance under 10/1000 µs surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<800 µA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports rapid energy dissipation during ESD or lightning-induced surges.

The device is rated for TJ = –55 °C to +150 °C operation and exhibits RθJA = 80 °C/W thermal resistance. Its 500 W PPPM rating applies to 10/1000 µs waveform with derating above TA = 25 °C, and it meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry eliminates cathode/anode identification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J5.0CA-E3/5A, the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A adds AEC-Q101 qualification without changing electrical specs, while SMA6J5.0CAHE3/5A trades footprint compatibility for 20 % higher surge capacity-requiring layout revision but enabling longer field life in harsh environments.

Availability

SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN networks, consumer USB PD ports, and telecom DSL line protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 traceability.

Supply support for SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific optimization.

The SMA5J series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and communications systems where fast clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A clamps to a maximum of 54.3 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 9.2 A under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its operational temperature range.

Is the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via its "HE3" suffix. It has undergone stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and accelerated life testing per AEC-Q101 requirements. The SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A is commonly deployed in body control modules, ADAS camera interfaces, and powertrain sensors where transient immunity and long-term reliability are critical.

Does the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A have polarity markings on the package?

No, the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A does not feature polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Its symmetrical construction means both terminals perform identically under positive or negative transients-no cathode band or other orientation indicator is present. This simplifies placement in PCB layouts where polarity reversal is possible or undefined, such as across differential signal pairs or AC-coupled lines.

What is the maximum leakage current of the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A at its stand-off voltage?

The SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 800 µA at its 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at TA = 25 °C. This low leakage ensures minimal loading on sensitive analog or low-power digital circuits-such as sensor bias networks or microcontroller I/O lines-while maintaining effective clamping readiness. Leakage remains well below 1 mA across the full operating temperature range.

Can the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMA5J5.0AHE3/5A?

No-the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A is bidirectional and cannot substitute for unidirectional types like SMA5J5.0AHE3/5A in DC-biased applications where forward conduction must be blocked. While both share identical VWM and PPPM ratings, the unidirectional version conducts only in reverse and blocks forward current, whereas the SMA5J5.0CAHE3/5A conducts equally in both directions. Substitution requires verifying that the protected circuit tolerates bidirectional conduction.