Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ120CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ120CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ120CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,073
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ120CAHM3/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 standoff voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), 193 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.6 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform) - suitable for automotive power line and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ120CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ120CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ120CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ120CAHM3/I equivalent, this device serves as a halogen-free, AEC-Q101 qualified TVS for bidirectional surge suppression in high-reliability 12 V–24 V systems where low clamping voltage, fast response (<1 ns), and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical electrical characteristics in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction enables stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance, while the SMA package supports automated SMT placement and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, with thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. It is rated for operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse stand-off voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 147 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown voltage window ensures consistent triggering across production lots |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 1.6 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress to protected ICs or MOSFETs |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - peak pulse power handling capacity determines survivability against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated standoff voltage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss |
| TJ max | +150 °C - extended junction temperature rating supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; compatible with J-STD-020 reflow profiles |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), bidirectional configuration - no polarity marking; symmetrical two-terminal construction with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; conducts surge current bidirectionally when voltage exceeds ±VBR |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic molded body provides electrical isolation and transfers heat to PCB copper pads; no internal thermal pad |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and HTRB testing - required for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3 suffix) | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and JEDEC J-STD-201 Class 2 whisker resistance - supports green manufacturing and long-term supply chain compliance |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands repetitive surges per ISO 7637-2 without degradation - enables single-device protection for 12 V CAN/LIN bus lines and power inputs |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - protects 150 V-rated MOSFETs and 130 V-input DC-DC controllers |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without pre-baking - reduces manufacturing complexity and cost |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional clamping device placed at board-level input filter stage. Use Value: Clamps 120 V system surges to ≤193 V within nanoseconds, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream PMICs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 μA) TVS placed adjacent to connector to shunt ESD and switching noise. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity with negligible offset error while suppressing ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Telecom DC Power Input | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive |
|
Use Scenario: Input protection for PoE-powered network switches and base stations operating from 48 V DC supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge limiter after primary MOV, absorbing residual energy from lightning-induced surges. Use Value: 300 W capability above 78 V allows staged protection architecture with coordinated let-through energy <10 mJ. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine control boards). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across motor terminals to limit flyback voltage spikes during PWM commutation. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) prevents MOSFET avalanche failure during rapid turn-off; 150 °C TJ rating accommodates enclosed thermal 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant without halogen-free certification; uses standard SnPb-free matte tin plating | Approved for commercial/industrial use; not certified to JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Select when halogen-free requirement is not mandated and cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification needs |
| SMBJ120CAHM3/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 20 % larger footprint and 10 % higher RθJA (130 °C/W) | Better surge energy absorption due to higher PPPM (600 W), but requires more PCB area and has lower thermal efficiency | Choose when higher single-pulse robustness is prioritized over space-constrained layouts or thermal performance |
Compared with SMAJ120CAHM3/I, SMAJ120CAHE3/I offers identical protection performance without halogen-free assurance, while SMBJ120CAHM3/I trades compact size and superior thermal dissipation for greater surge margin - making the SMAJ120CAHM3/I optimal for space-limited AEC-Q101 designs needing balanced power density and reliability.
Availability
SMAJ120CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom DC inputs, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ120CAHM3/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 is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where precise clamping, AEC-Q101 validation, and halogen-free compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the 'HM3' suffix indicate in SMAJ120CAHM3/I?
The HM3 suffix in SMAJ120CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and AEC-Q101 qualification. It confirms compliance with automotive reliability standards and environmental regulations, distinguishing it from commercial-grade E3 or HE3 variants. SMAJ120CAHM3/I is specifically intended for under-hood and safety-critical applications where material content and long-term stability are rigorously controlled.
Is SMAJ120CAHM3/I unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMAJ120CAHM3/I is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor, as indicated by the 'CA' suffix. It provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics in either polarity. This makes SMAJ120CAHM3/I ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or any application where polarity reversal or bipolar surges must be suppressed without external circuitry.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ120CAHM3/I and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ120CAHM3/I is 193 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.6 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream components during a surge event, ensuring compatibility with 200 V-rated MOSFETs and 175 V-input power management ICs. SMAJ120CAHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Can SMAJ120CAHM3/I be used in place of SMAJ120A (unidirectional) in a circuit?
No - SMAJ120CAHM3/I is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SMAJ120A is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substituting SMAJ120CAHM3/I for SMAJ120A may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased circuits or compromise protection in rectified paths. SMAJ120CAHM3/I should only replace unidirectional parts if the application inherently requires symmetrical surge suppression and the DC bias allows reverse conduction. Always verify layout and bias conditions before substitution.
Does SMAJ120CAHM3/I meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SMAJ120CAHM3/I is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code structure and documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and accelerated life testing - validating its suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics. The HM3 suffix further certifies halogen-free content and whisker resistance, fulfilling Tier 1 supplier requirements for modern vehicle platforms.
SMAJ120CAHM3/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:
- 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:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ120CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ120CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ120CAHM3/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 SMAJ120CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ120CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ120CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ120CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ120CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ120CAHM3/I?
SMAJ120CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ120CAHM3/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 SMAJ120CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ120CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ120CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ120CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ120CAHM3/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 SMAJ120CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ120CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ120CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ120CAHM3/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 SMAJ120CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ120CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ120CAHM3/I Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

