Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ120CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ120CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients up to 193 V at 1.6 A peak pulse current, with 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 120 V stand-off voltage, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ120CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ120CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ120CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ120CAHE3/5A equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, bidirectional surge protector for automotive power lines, sensor interfaces, and industrial control I/O where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are required.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified at 133–147 V (min/max) at 1 mA test current, and clamps to ≤193 V at 1.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM). Its 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 30 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance support operation up to +150 °C junction temperature under defined PCB pad conditions.
The device features glass-passivated junction construction, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. It is rated for non-repetitive surge events with 0.01% duty cycle and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 of the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 133–147 V at 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction; ensures predictable turn-on behavior. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤193 V at 1.6 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during surge; determines maximum stress on downstream components. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 400 W - Surge energy handling capability under standard 10/1000 μs waveform; reduced to 300 W for devices ≥78 V (per note). |
| Leakage Current (ID) | ≤1.0 μA at 120 V - Low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance circuits. |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC specification. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking (unlike unidirectional variants which feature cathode band). Dimensions: 4.50 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); terminals are matte tin-plated for lead-free soldering compatibility.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Either end accepts positive or negative transient; no polarity dependency-simplifies layout and eliminates orientation errors during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges in automotive and industrial environments. |
| Fast response time (<1 ns) | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) experience overvoltage damage. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns-no baking required prior to SMT processing. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Confirms compliance with automotive stress-test requirements including HTGB, H3TRB, and temperature cycling. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs, body control modules, and lighting drivers from load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between power rail and ground, absorbing energy from ISO 16750-2 load dump (up to 35 V) and ISO 7637-2 pulses. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤193 V during 1.6 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in downstream MOSFETs and regulators. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature, position) connected to ADC inputs in PLCs and factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF at 0 V) shunt protector across differential or single-ended signal lines exposed to EFT and surge coupling. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity with <1.0 μA leakage at 120 V, while clamping fast transients before they corrupt 12–16-bit measurement accuracy. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Securing −48 V or +24 V telecom power supplies against lightning-induced surges entering via PoE or external power feeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on input stage, coordinated with upstream MOVs and downstream DC/DC converters to meet IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 kA). Use Value: Delivers 400 W pulse handling with ≤193 V clamping, reducing stress on secondary-side regulation and enabling smaller, more reliable front-end designs. |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools from commutation spikes generated by brushed DC or BLDC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized bidirectional clamp at motor driver output or feedback node, suppressing >100 V spikes with sub-ns response. Use Value: Prevents false triggering of overvoltage protection and extends lifetime of optocouplers and level-shifters in noisy motor-control environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101); identical electrical specs and package. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select when cost-sensitive commercial design requires same clamping performance without automotive certification overhead. |
| SMCJ120CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VC, but higher 1500 W PPPM rating and larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; 2× footprint area. | Used where higher surge energy (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 6 kV) or longer surge duration demands greater power dissipation. | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W capability-requires PCB layout change due to larger SMC package. |
Compared with SMAJ120CAHE3/5A, SMAJ120CA-M3/5A offers identical protection performance without AEC-Q101 validation, while SMCJ120CAHE3/5A delivers triple the surge power in a physically larger package-enabling higher-energy applications at the cost of board space.
Availability
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power input stages requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent surge immunity performance across production batches.
Supply support for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A 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, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications-including automotive, industrial, and telecom-where low-profile packaging and repeatable clamping behavior are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ120CAHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ120CAHE3/5A clamps to a maximum of 193 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 1.6 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 and Table on page 2 of Vishay document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ120CAHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ120CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified (indicated by the HE3 suffix) and specifically intended for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. It passes rigorous stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. The SMAJ120CAHE3/5A meets automotive environmental and reliability requirements without derating.
What is the difference between SMAJ120CAHE3/5A and SMAJ120AHE3/5A?
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is bidirectional, with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no polarity marking, whereas SMAJ120AHE3/5A is unidirectional and features a cathode band. Their VWM (120 V), VBR (133–147 V), and VC (193 V) are identical, but SMAJ120AHE3/5A conducts forward current in one direction only. The SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is selected when protection is needed against AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic transients.
Does SMAJ120CAHE3/5A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes-the SMAJ120CAHE3/5A achieves its rated 400 W peak pulse power only when mounted on minimum recommended copper pads: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) per terminal. Smaller pads reduce thermal dissipation and lower actual surge capability. Layout must also minimize trace inductance between the SMAJ120CAHE3/5A and protected node to preserve sub-ns response. Thermal relief patterns are discouraged.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A?
The SMAJ120CAHE3/5A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +150 °C, with an operating junction and storage temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C. This allows reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. Derating of peak pulse power begins above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88390, and the SMAJ120CAHE3/5A remains functional up to its TJmax.
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ120CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ120CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ120CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ120CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ120CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ120CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ120CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ120CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ120CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ120CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ120CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ120CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ120CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ120CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ120CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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