Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I

Overview

SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.4–7.07 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤9.2 V at 54.3 A peak surge current. It is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive-grade reliability.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I datasheet, SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I pinout, SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I application, or SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, low clamping voltage under 54.3 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector using an avalanche junction structure, responding within picoseconds to transients induced by inductive switching or ESD events. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical electrical characteristics in both polarities, with no polarity marking required on the SMA package.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power handling per the 10/1000 μs waveform standard (IEC 61000-4-5), and its low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion without significant voltage overshoot. Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J5.0AHE3_A/H, SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I adds AEC-Q101 qualification and halogen-free construction for automotive use; compared with SMCJ5.0CA, it trades 3× lower power rating for 40% smaller footprint and tighter thermal constraints - ideal for space-constrained, automotive-grade 5 V rail protection.

Availability

SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial CAN networks, and consumer USB power delivery systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance and halogen-free materials.

Supply support for SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I 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 high-reliability, high-power-density solutions.

The SMA5J series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for compact, high-surge-capability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I?

The SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical anode/cathode terminals - no polarity marking is present on the SMA package. This allows direct placement across any two points needing transient suppression without orientation constraints, such as differential signal pairs or AC-coupled lines. Its electrical characteristics apply identically in both directions, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet section "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS".

Does SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes, SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HM3" suffix and explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet's Mechanical Data section. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD, validating its suitability for automotive electronic control units, sensor modules, and infotainment systems. The HM3 variant also meets halogen-free and RoHS requirements.

What is the maximum clamping voltage for SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I under surge conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I is 9.2 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 54.3 A, tested with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88875) and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 5 V logic interfaces and microcontrollers.

How does the thermal performance of SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I affect PCB layout?

SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe operation at full 500 W surge rating, designers must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length or isolation. The datasheet specifies this pad layout as minimum recommended - reducing pad size increases junction temperature and may derate surge capability significantly above 25 °C ambient.

Can SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes like SMA5J5.0A?

No - SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional variants like SMA5J5.0A in DC-biased circuits where forward conduction must be blocked. While both share identical VWM (5.0 V) and similar VBR, the unidirectional version includes a cathode band and conducts only in reverse, whereas SMA5J5.0CAHM3/I clamps equally in both directions. Substitution requires verifying circuit topology supports bidirectional behavior, especially in power rail or single-ended signal protection.