Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J7.5HE3/61

Overview

SMA5J7.5HE3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features 7.5 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 8.33–9.21 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 12.9 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 100 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform-used in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 datasheet, SMA5J7.5HE3/61 pinout, SMA5J7.5HE3/61 application, or SMA5J7.5HE3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix (JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for transient suppression in DC-biased circuits. Its unidirectional configuration enables forward conduction during overvoltage events while maintaining low leakage (<1.0 µA at 7.5 V) and fast response time under 1 ns, with clamping action triggered when reverse voltage exceeds V_BR.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJA = 80 °C/W and R_θJL = 25 °C/W, supporting reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. The DO-214AC package provides mechanical robustness, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package with cathode band marking on one end; leads are matte tin-plated for solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J7.5A-E3/61 and SMC5J7.5AHE3/61, the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-214AC footprint efficiency, and Class 2 whisker resistance-making it optimal for space-constrained automotive modules requiring zero field failures.

Availability

SMA5J7.5HE3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom DC power feeders requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.

Supply support for SMA5J7.5HE3/61 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 TVS devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive-grade validation.

The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained applications-specifically targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems exposed to ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-5, and lightning-induced surges.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of the SMA5J7.5HE3/61?

The SMA5J7.5HE3/61 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode. Its cathode is marked with a band on the DO-214AC package body, and it conducts in the forward direction during clamping events. This configuration allows it to protect DC-biased lines where only positive-going transients require suppression-such as 12 V automotive power rails. The SMA5J7.5HE3/61 does not conduct in reverse bias until the breakdown voltage is exceeded.

Is the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation and the HE3 suffix designation. This qualification validates its reliability under automotive temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge stress conditions. The SMA5J7.5HE3/61 is routinely deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor nodes where failure modes must meet stringent zero-defect requirements.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 and under what test condition?

The SMA5J7.5HE3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 12.9 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 100 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case surge events. Engineers use this parameter to verify that downstream components-such as microcontrollers or CAN transceivers-remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during clamping.

How does the HE3 suffix differ from the E3 suffix in the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 part number?

The HE3 suffix in SMA5J7.5HE3/61 indicates RoHS compliance plus AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing. In contrast, the E3 suffix (e.g., SMA5J7.5A-E3/61) denotes RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance but no automotive qualification. The HE3 variant is intended for mission-critical automotive applications where long-term intermetallic growth and field reliability are non-negotiable, while E3 serves commercial and industrial uses.

What PCB layout guidance applies to the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 for optimal thermal performance?

For rated thermal performance, the SMA5J7.5HE3/61 must be mounted on minimum recommended pad layout: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, per Vishay's datasheet. These pads provide adequate heat spreading to achieve the specified R_θJA of 80 °C/W. Reducing pad size increases junction temperature and reduces surge current capability-especially critical in repetitive surge scenarios. The SMA5J7.5HE3/61 thermal design must also avoid nearby heat sources and ensure uninterrupted copper planes beneath both terminals.