Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J6.0HE3/5A

Overview

SMA5J6.0HE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 6.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.67–7.37 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 48.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤10.3 V at rated surge current. It is AEC-Q101 qualified and used in automotive power rail protection.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J6.0HE3/5A pinout, SMA5J6.0HE3/5A application, or SMA5J6.0HE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 10.3 V clamping voltage under 48.5 A surge, RoHS-compliant AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-214AC thermal resistance (R_θJA = 80 °C/W), 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: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR (6.67–7.37 V), it avalanches to limit transient energy by diverting surge current to ground. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<800 µA at 6.0 V).

Designed for single-polarity DC rails, it supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and maintains operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The DO-214AC package provides 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance under standard PCB mounting conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band at one end; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002 solderability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J6.0HE3/5A, SMA5J6.0A-E3/5A offers identical electrical specs but omits AEC-Q101 validation-reducing cost where automotive certification isn't required; SMA6J6.0AHE3/5A delivers 20 % higher peak power in the same footprint, enabling robustness upgrades without layout changes.

Availability

SMA5J6.0HE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power distribution systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMA5J6.0HE3/5A 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 high-reliability, high-power-density solutions.

The SMA5J series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial applications, delivering AEC-Q101-qualified surge robustness in the compact DO-214AC package.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A under maximum rated surge current?

The SMA5J6.0HE3/5A clamps to a maximum of 10.3 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 48.5 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during transient events. The SMA5J6.0HE3/5A achieves this via controlled avalanche breakdown in its glass-passivated silicon junction.

Is the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and specifically designed for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. Its –55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature range, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and validated surge endurance meet stringent automotive reliability requirements. The SMA5J6.0HE3/5A carries the HE3 suffix denoting AEC-Q101 qualification.

What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMA5J6.0HE3/5A?

The "HE3" suffix in SMA5J6.0HE3/5A identifies the part as RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified, distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants like SMA5J6.0A-E3/5A. The "H" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, "E3" confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. This suffix directly maps to Vishay's internal material categorization for automotive-grade TVS diodes.

How does the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SMA5J6.0CA?

The SMA5J6.0HE3/5A is unidirectional and intended for DC power line protection where polarity is fixed; it blocks forward current until breakdown and conducts surge current only in reverse. In contrast, SMA5J6.0CA is bi-directional, symmetrically clamping both positive and negative transients-used in AC lines or data buses. The SMA5J6.0HE3/5A has a cathode band marking; SMA5J6.0CA has no polarity marking.

What PCB layout guidance applies to the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A for optimal thermal performance?

For optimal thermal performance, mount the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in Vishay's datasheet Figure 2 derating curve. Use minimum 2 oz copper and thermal vias under pads if board layer count permits. This layout achieves the rated 500 W peak pulse power and maintains R_θJA ≈ 80 °C/W. Avoid narrow traces or isolated pads that increase thermal resistance for the SMA5J6.0HE3/5A.