Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61

Overview

SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 9.0 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 10.0–11.1 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 15.4 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 5.0 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to safeguard automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O circuits against ESD and load dump transients.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 datasheet, SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 pinout, SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 application, or SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix designation, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%) and fast response time (<1 ns), while low R_surge minimizes voltage overshoot during 8.3 ms surge events.

The device is rated for T_J = −55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 at 260 °C peak reflow. Thermal resistance is 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation under repeated transient stress when mounted per recommended pad layout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.

Compared with SMAJ9.0CA-E3/61 and SMCJ9.0CA-E3/73, the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 delivers optimal balance of high 500 W surge rating, compact SMA footprint, and AEC-Q101-ready construction - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring robust, drop-in-capable protection.

Availability

SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer audio line protection, and telecom DSL line interfaces requiring stable component supply and consistent surge performance across production batches.

Supply support for SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting AEC-Q101-compliant automotive subsystems and industrial control equipment where compact size and repeatable clamping performance are essential.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 under standard surge conditions?

The SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 15.4 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at 5.0 A peak pulse current. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards and reflects the actual voltage seen by downstream circuitry during transient suppression - critical for ensuring compatibility with 12 V-rated interface ICs and microcontrollers.

Is the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 is qualified for automotive use when ordered with the HE3 or HM3 suffix (e.g., SMA5J9.0CAHE3_A). While the -E3/61 variant itself is commercial grade, its construction - including glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and −55 °C to +150 °C operating range - aligns with AEC-Q101 requirements. Designers should specify the HE3 suffix for certified automotive-grade units.

How does the bidirectional design of the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 affect its PCB layout?

The SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, simplifying PCB layout by eliminating cathode alignment checks. Engineers can place it symmetrically across differential lines (e.g., RS-485 A/B) or ungrounded signal pairs without concern for directionality - reducing assembly errors and enabling reuse across AC-coupled and floating interface designs.

What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61, and how does it impact derating?

The SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 80 °C/W and junction-to-lead (R_θJL) of 25 °C/W. These values require derating of peak pulse power above 25 °C ambient, per Figure 2 in the datasheet - for example, at 85 °C ambient, usable P_PPM drops to ~350 W. Proper copper pad sizing (0.2" × 0.2") is essential to achieve published ratings.

Does the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?

Yes, the SMA5J9.0CA-E3/61 carries the -E3 suffix, indicating RoHS-compliance per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. It uses matte tin-plated leads and UL 94 V-0 molding compound. For halogen-free compliance, the -M3 suffix variant (e.g., SMA5J9.0CA-M3/61) is available - both variants share identical electrical specifications and mechanical dimensions.