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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ120A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ120A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ120A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ120A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 120 V standoff voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown range at 1 mA, clamps transients to ≤193 V at 1.6 A peak pulse current, and delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform) - ideal for safeguarding MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial motor drives and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ120A-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ120A-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ120A-E3/5A application, or SMAJ120A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated placement, AEC-Q101 qualification readiness (via HE3 suffix variants), low 1.0 μA leakage at 120 V, and thermal resistance of 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient - all critical for high-reliability surge protection design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that remains non-conductive below 120 V (VWM) and rapidly avalanches above its 133–147 V breakdown threshold (VBR) to limit transient energy. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, enabling consistent clamping performance across repetitive surge events.
The device uses a single PN junction in SMA (DO-214AC) package with cathode band marking, optimized for low-inductance PCB layout. With a maximum clamping voltage of 193 V at 1.6 A (10/1000 μs), it provides defined voltage limiting for circuits where downstream components have ≤200 V absolute maximum ratings - such as gate drivers, CAN transceivers, and microcontroller I/O protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for protected line's nominal DC voltage. |
| VBR (min/max) | 133 V / 147 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range defining reliable turn-on threshold under standardized test conditions. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤193 V at 1.6 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream components. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; defines transient energy absorption capacity per event. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports protection against inductive kickback in power switching. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; informs derating requirements for sustained power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by a band on the body; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink node | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when voltage exceeds VBR. |
| Anode (unbanded end) | Reference/return path | Typically tied to system ground or lower-potential rail; completes clamping path during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges without external series impedance. |
| Low 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM | Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variants available | Confirms reliability for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term parameter stability under thermal cycling and humidity stress. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate driver ICs and bootstrap FETs against inductive flyback spikes during PWM switching in 24 V/48 V BLDC inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between high-side gate and source, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Limits transient overshoot to ≤193 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 200 V-rated MOSFETs while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 24 V nominal bus. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN transceiver inputs and microcontroller GPIOs from load dump and jump-start transients in door module ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS on 12 V supply rail upstream of LDO regulators and communication ICs. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W pulses per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a without degradation, leveraging 150 °C max junction rating for under-dash thermal environments. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on -48 V DC telecom rectifier outputs exposed to lightning-induced surges on distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected cathode-to-rail, anode-to-ground to clamp negative-going transients. Use Value: Maintains ≤193 V clamping at 1.6 A while exhibiting only 1.0 μA leakage at -48 V, avoiding regulator dropout or false resets. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog front-end amplifiers and ADC inputs in 4–20 mA loop-powered pressure sensors subjected to ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed directly at connector entry point, shunting transients before signal conditioning stage. Use Value: Provides sub-200 V clamping with fast response (<1 ns), preserving signal integrity in millivolt-level sensor outputs without adding measurable noise or offset. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120A-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free compliance is mandated in final product certification. | Choose M3/5A when environmental compliance (e.g., IEC 61249-2-21) overrides commercial-grade E3 preference. |
| SMAJ120AHE3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified version with same VWM, VBR, and VC; differs in qualification testing and traceability documentation. | Required for automotive OEM designs needing PPAP submission and zero-defect reliability validation. | Specify HE3_A/I only when automotive qualification and full traceability are contractually required. |
Compared with SMAJ120A-M3/5A, the SMAJ120A-E3/5A offers standard commercial-grade compliance without halogen restrictions; versus SMAJ120AHE3_A/I, it lacks AEC-Q101 validation but provides cost and lead-time advantages for industrial and telecom applications where automotive qualification is unnecessary.
Availability
SMAJ120A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, and telecom power feed applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and high-volume tape-and-reel delivery (7500 pcs per 13″ reel).
Supply support for SMAJ120A-E3/5A 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability systems - targeting industrial automation, automotive subsystems, and infrastructure equipment where robustness against ESD, lightning, and inductive switching is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ120A-E3/5A under standard surge conditions?
The SMAJ120A-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1.6 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and ensures predictable voltage limiting for downstream components with 200 V absolute maximum ratings. The SMAJ120A-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ120A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The SMAJ120A-E3/5A itself is a commercial-grade part and not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the pin-compatible SMAJ120AHE3_A/I variant with full AEC-Q101 qualification. For non-safety-critical automotive modules where qualification is not mandated, the SMAJ120A-E3/5A may be used - but designers must validate reliability independently. The SMAJ120A-E3/5A shares identical electrical parameters and SMA package with its qualified counterpart.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in SMAJ120A-E3/5A?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads, while "5A" specifies the packaging format: 7500 pieces per 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel. This contrasts with "E3/61", which uses 7-inch reels with 1800 units. The SMAJ120A-E3/5A is fully compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place equipment and meets J-STD-002 solderability requirements.
How does the thermal performance of SMAJ120A-E3/5A affect its surge handling capability?
The SMAJ120A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. Since its 400 W peak pulse rating assumes short-duration events (≤50 ms), thermal mass dominates during single surges - but repetitive surges require derating per Figure 2 in the datasheet. At 100 °C ambient, the SMAJ120A-E3/5A must be limited to ~250 W average pulse power to maintain TJ ≤150 °C.
Can SMAJ120A-E3/5A be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No - SMAJ120A-E3/5A is explicitly a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" suffix (versus "CA" for bidirectional). Its cathode band marks the polarity-sensitive terminal, and it conducts only in reverse breakdown. For bidirectional protection at 120 V standoff, the SMAJ120CA variant must be used. Substituting SMAJ120A-E3/5A in a bidirectional configuration would result in forward conduction and potential failure during normal operation.
SMAJ120A-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ120A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ120A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ120A-E3/5A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SMAJ120A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ120A-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ120A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ120A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ120A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ120A-E3/5A?
SMAJ120A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ120A-E3/5A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SMAJ120A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ120A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ120A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ120A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ120A-E3/5A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SMAJ120A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ120A-E3/5A?
All SMAJ120A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ120A-E3/5A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SMAJ120A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ120A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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