Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 120 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 193 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.6 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed on power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transients: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR (133–147 V), it avalanches to limit surge energy via low incremental surge resistance and fast sub-nanosecond response. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping in both polarities - critical for AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
Thermally, it sustains 150 °C junction temperature with RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, enabling reliable operation under repetitive 0.01% duty-cycle surges up to 400 W below 78 V (300 W above). The glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 133–147 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures consistent turn-on across production lots and temperature |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 193 V at IPPM = 1.6 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; determines downstream component stress |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - surge energy handling capacity per JEDEC standard waveform; derates linearly above 25 °C |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA max at VWM - negligible standby current; avoids battery drain or signal distortion in low-power systems |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD; ordering code suffix HE3 confirms qualification |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); MSL Level 1, peak reflow 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; common node in bidirectional configuration | No polarity marking - symmetric conduction in both directions; terminals are interchangeable for PCB layout |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; common node in bidirectional configuration | No band or marking on bidirectional variants - eliminates orientation errors during automated placement |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both polarities - protects AC signals, differential buses, and ungrounded sensors without polarity constraints |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) on properly laid out PCBs with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics - supports long-term deployment in vehicles with 15+ year service life expectations |
| Low profile SMA package | Enables high-density routing on compact PCBs; compatible with standard 8 mm tape-and-reel feeders for high-speed pick-and-place |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable leakage and breakdown characteristics over time and temperature - critical for mission-critical industrial control systems |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial CAN Transceiver Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus and power window motor drivers from load dump and inductive kickback in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on VBAT-supplied IC inputs and MOSFET gate drive lines. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤193 V during 12 V system load dump events, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in protected ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CANH/CANL pins of ISO 11898-2 transceivers against ESD and coupled surges in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed differentially across CAN bus lines, referenced to ground. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV ring wave surges (IEC 61000-4-5) without distorting signal integrity. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver |
|
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of 48 V telecom DC-DC converters against lightning-induced surges on building wiring. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage clamp on input bulk capacitor rail, upstream of primary-side controller. Use Value: Absorbs 300 W surge energy (10/1000 μs) while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 48 V nominal - no standby power penalty. |
Use Scenario: Shielding BLDC motor gate drivers in smart washing machines from back-EMF spikes during commutation. IC Role / Device Role: Localized clamp across half-bridge high-side and low-side driver supply rails. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to 600 V spikes, limiting voltage overshoot to 193 V and preserving driver IC lifetime under repeated switching stress. |
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 variant; same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; differs only in material composition | Required where halogen-free compliance is mandated (e.g., EU public infrastructure projects) | Select SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I for automotive OEM programs; choose SMAJ120CA-M3/5A for industrial green procurement policies |
| SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; 1500 W PPPM rating; higher thermal mass and lower RθJA (60 °C/W) | Suitable for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets) where board space allows | Use SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I for space-constrained automotive modules; upgrade to SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I when >400 W surge immunity is required |
Compared with SMAJ120CA-M3/5A, the SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance, while SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I delivers 3.75× higher surge power handling at the cost of 2.5× footprint - enabling trade-offs between miniaturization and ruggedness in system-level design.
Availability
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN networks, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I 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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection needs in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - balancing surge robustness, SMT compatibility, and qualification rigor.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.6 A, measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is verified per JEDEC standards. The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via its "HE3" suffix. It meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD robustness. The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is commonly deployed in body control modules, lighting drivers, and infotainment power supplies where sustained reliability under vibration and thermal cycling is mandatory.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I has no polarity marking and identical electrical behavior in both directions, so either terminal may connect to line or return - eliminating orientation checks during assembly. This simplifies layout for differential signal protection (e.g., CAN, RS-485) and reduces risk of misplacement in high-volume SMT lines. The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I's symmetric structure also avoids ground-reference dependency in floating systems.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I?
The SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.3 W at TA = 50 °C on an infinite heatsink. In typical surface-mount applications with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, derating applies above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet. This PD rating governs continuous leakage-related heating, not transient surge handling - the SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is intended for intermittent overvoltage events, not DC power regulation.
Does SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I require special handling during reflow soldering?
No special handling beyond standard SMT processes is required for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, allowing unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH and supporting peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C. The matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102, ensuring reliable wetting and joint formation using standard lead-free solder pastes and profiles.
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- 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_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I?
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I, 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_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ120CAHE3_A/I Tags

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