Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ120A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ120A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ120A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ120A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in 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 and sensor interfaces in industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ120A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ120A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ120A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ120A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated placement, 150 °C max junction temperature, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that remains high-impedance below VWM = 120 V and rapidly avalanches above VBR = 133–147 V to limit surge energy. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) across -55 °C to +150 °C.
Designed for repetitive transient suppression, it sustains 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads, with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W - enabling reliable operation in compact, thermally constrained PCB layouts without active cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 133–147 V at 1.0 mA - precise avalanche threshold defining turn-on sensitivity |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤193 V at IPPM = 1.6 A - limits downstream voltage stress during surge events |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity for lightning or inductive-switching transients |
| IFSM (Surge Current) | 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - withstands single-event high-current faults without failure |
| TJmax | +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard 2-pin SMD footprint with cathode band marking |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; dimensions: 4.50 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal (reverse-biased configuration) | Connected to protected line; conducts only during reverse avalanche (unidirectional mode) |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal; marked with band | Typically tied to ground or lower-potential rail; defines polarity and clamping reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles high-energy transients from inductive load switching without degradation |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for industrial and automotive supply chains |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, ISO 7637-2) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path (HM3 variant) | Enables drop-in qualification upgrade for automotive applications without redesign |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and DC bus sensing circuits against inductive kickback from relay coils and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between MOSFET source and ground to shunt surge current away from sensitive control ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤193 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 100 V-rated gate drivers used in 48 V systems. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on power input rail upstream of LDO regulators to absorb >100 V, 100 ms load dump pulses. Use Value: Withstands 40 A surge current and maintains <1 μA leakage at 120 V, ensuring low quiescent power in always-on modules. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for 48 V telecom rectifiers exposed to lightning-induced surges on AC mains or PoE lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on DC output rail, coordinated with MOVs and fuses for staged overvoltage defense. Use Value: 400 W pulse rating and 120 °C/W thermal resistance allow operation on standard FR4 without heatsinking in 1U chassis. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to long cables in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS (typ. <100 pF) placed directly at connector to suppress EFT and ESD without distorting mV-level signals. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV ESD contact discharge to <193 V within <1 ns, preserving ADC accuracy and avoiding false triggers in 24-bit sigma-delta converters. |
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-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3) | Preferred for commercial-grade cost-sensitive designs where halogen-free is not mandated | Select E3 for non-automotive industrial use; verify halogen content requirements in final BOM |
| SMAJ120AHM3_A/I | Identical specs plus AEC-Q101 qualification; HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free + automotive grade | Required for automotive ECUs, body controllers, and ADAS power domains needing PPAP documentation | Choose HM3 when automotive qualification, extended temperature validation, or traceable lot data are mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ120A-M3/5A, the E3 variant offers identical protection performance at lower cost for non-automotive use, while the HM3 variant adds AEC-Q101 validation and full automotive traceability - making it suitable for safety-critical vehicle subsystems without changing layout or circuit design.
Availability
SMAJ120A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and repeatable surge immunity performance.
Supply support for SMAJ120A-M3/5A 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 reliability, power efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting industrial automation, automotive electronics, and telecom infrastructure where consistent clamping behavior and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ120A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ120A-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 193 V at its specified peak pulse current of 1.6 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured under standardized test conditions with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads and confirms the device's ability to limit voltage stress on downstream components during surge events. The SMAJ120A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ120A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The SMAJ120A-M3/5A itself is commercial-grade and halogen-free (M3 suffix), but not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the pin-compatible SMAJ120AHM3_A/I variant - identical in all electrical and mechanical specifications - which is fully AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. For automotive designs, SMAJ120A-M3/5A serves as a cost-effective pre-qualification option or for non-safety-critical subsystems.
How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in SMAJ120A-M3/5A?
The M3 suffix in SMAJ120A-M3/5A indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliant but standard brominated flame-retardant molding compound. Both share identical electrical ratings, thermal performance, and package dimensions. The SMAJ120A-M3/5A meets stricter environmental mandates such as JEDEC J-STD-201 Class 2 whisker resistance and is preferred for green electronics initiatives.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SMAJ120A-M3/5A?
The SMAJ120A-M3/5A has a maximum junction temperature (TJmax) of +150 °C and an operating junction/storage temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance values - RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W - enable reliable operation in high-ambient environments like engine bays or enclosed industrial enclosures when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Does SMAJ120A-M3/5A require a heatsink for 400 W pulse handling?
No, SMAJ120A-M3/5A achieves its 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs) using standard 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal - no external heatsink required. Its low RθJL of 30 °C/W allows efficient heat transfer to the PCB. For repetitive surges or elevated ambient temperatures, derating per Figure 2 in the datasheet is advised, but the SMAJ120A-M3/5A is optimized for standalone PCB-level thermal management.
SMAJ120A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ120A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ120A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ120A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ120A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ120A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ120A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ120A-M3/5A?
SMAJ120A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ120A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ120A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ120A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ120A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ120A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ120A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ120A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ120A-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ120A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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