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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,197
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 12 V standoff voltage (VWM), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 20.1 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and telecom line protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ12CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ12CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ12CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low leakage (<1.0 μA at 12 V), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness via HE3/HM3 variants.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transients exceeding its breakdown threshold (13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA), it rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction, diverting surge energy away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repetitive surges.
Designed for surface-mount assembly in SMA (DO-214AC) package, SMAJ12CA-E3/5A delivers fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and thermal performance validated up to TJ = 150 °C. It meets UL 497B recognition and complies with JESD22-B102 solderability standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping onset. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed bidirectional avalanche initiation range; ensures symmetric protection in both polarities. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 19.9 V at 20.1 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge; enables safe operation of 15 V logic or analog rails. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 20.1 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current handled without degradation; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) compliance. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Surge energy absorption capacity with 10/1000 μs waveform; sufficient for automotive load-dump and inductive switching events. |
| ID (Max Reverse Leakage) | <1.0 μA at 12 V - Negligible standby power loss and minimal signal distortion in high-impedance sensor or data lines. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Junction temperature limit enabling use in under-hood automotive or industrial environments without derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.50 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink (bidirectional) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts surge current in either direction when VPP exceeds VBR. |
| Cathode | Transient current sink (bidirectional) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; functionally identical to Anode in CA-series devices; no band marking. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both polarities - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in AC-coupled or differential signal paths. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Rated per 10/1000 μs waveform - withstands high-energy transients from relay coil decay or ESD coupling without failure. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66) | 19.9 V / 12 V - Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs while maintaining margin above normal operating rail. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - enables standard SMT handling without dry-pack or baking requirements. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 suffix variants available - supports automotive-grade deployment in body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and LIN interface pins from load dump and jump-start transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed directly at connector entry point, clamping spikes before they reach PHY layer. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 12 V system surges up to ±200 V; enables compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a without additional filtering. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on optocoupler input side, absorbing inductive kickback from solenoid/valve drivers. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤20 V during 1 A/50 ms transients, preventing opto-LED damage and ensuring deterministic state detection. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer USB Port ESD Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver terminals in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair (A/B) and common-mode (GND), suppressing common- and differential-mode transients. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/42 Ω combination wave to <25 V within <1 ns, preserving data integrity and meeting ITU-T K.20 immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protecting USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in smart home hubs from human-body-model (HBM) ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (CJ ≈ 200 pF at 0 V) shunt device mounted adjacent to connector, routing ESD current to chassis ground. Use Value: Withstands ±15 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2 while adding <0.5 dB insertion loss at 480 MHz - no USB 2.0 eye diagram degradation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A | Unidirectional; cathode band marked; VF = 3.5 V @ 25 A (forward conduction only) | Requires polarity-aware PCB layout; unsuitable for AC or floating differential signals | Select only when protecting DC-biased single-ended lines where forward conduction must be blocked. |
| SMBJ12CA-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC but higher PPPM = 600 W; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (4.57 × 3.94 mm) | Higher surge margin for harsher environments; requires larger pad layout and 20% more board area | Choose when legacy designs require >400 W rating or existing SMB footprint is fixed. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA-E3/5A, SMAJ12A-E3/5A lacks bidirectional symmetry and mandates polarity alignment, while SMBJ12CA-E3/52 trades compactness for enhanced surge headroom - making SMAJ12CA-E3/5A optimal for space-constrained, polarity-agnostic protection in automotive and industrial edge nodes.
Availability
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ12CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime under real-world surge stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ12CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated 20.1 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream 15 V-rated ICs. The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance bidirectionally due to its symmetrical junction design.
Is SMAJ12CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - while the base SMAJ12CA-E3/5A is commercial-grade, it shares identical electrical and mechanical specifications with AEC-Q101-qualified variants (e.g., SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I). Its 150 °C max junction temperature, robust surge capability, and UL 497B recognition make it suitable for under-dash and engine-compartment-adjacent modules when paired with appropriate thermal design. The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A itself is commonly used in pre-qualification stages and non-safety-critical automotive subsystems.
How does SMAJ12CA-E3/5A differ from unidirectional SMAJ12A-E3/5A?
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics in both polarities and no polarity marking, whereas SMAJ12A-E3/5A is unidirectional with a visible cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias. The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A supports AC-coupled, differential, or floating signal lines without orientation constraints - critical for RS-485, CAN, or audio interfaces. SMAJ12A-E3/5A offers forward voltage specification (3.5 V @ 25 A), which SMAJ12CA-E3/5A does not.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A at its standoff voltage?
At its 12 V standoff voltage (VWM) and 25 °C ambient, the SMAJ12CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor circuits and minimizes standby power loss in battery-operated devices. The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A maintains leakage below 5 μA even at 150 °C junction temperature, ensuring stability across industrial operating ranges.
Does SMAJ12CA-E3/5A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - to achieve rated 400 W surge performance, Vishay specifies mounting SMAJ12CA-E3/5A on minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Short, wide traces to ground/power planes reduce inductance and prevent voltage overshoot during fast transients. Thermal relief should be minimized to maintain low RθJA (120 °C/W). The SMAJ12CA-E3/5A's DO-214AC outline requires precise stencil aperture design for reliable solder joint formation.
SMAJ12CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CA-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 SMAJ12CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CA-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 SMAJ12CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ12CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CA-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 SMAJ12CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CA-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 SMAJ12CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ12CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CA-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 SMAJ12CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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