Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12CA-M3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12CA-M3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12CA-M3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA test current, and clamps to ≤19.9 V at 20.1 A peak pulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform - protecting sensitive ICs and MOSFETs in automotive and industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12CA-M3/61 datasheet, SMAJ12CA-M3/61 pinout, SMAJ12CA-M3/61 application, or SMAJ12CA-M3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional surge suppression capability, 400 W peak pulse power rating at ≤78 V, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45), and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction per M3 suffix.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional CA configuration, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients.
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) up to 78 V, derating to 300 W above that threshold, with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W and maximum junction temperature of +150 °C. It meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and supports reflow soldering up to 260 °C peak.
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 breakdown range ensuring reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤19.9 V at IPPM = 20.1 A - Limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs surge, critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic interface protection. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Sustains high-energy transients without failure when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| ID (Max Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA at VWM - Negligible standby current, preserving signal integrity and system power budget. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments with elevated ambient temperatures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Low-profile surface-mount package compatible with automated placement and IPC-7351 standard footprints. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Terminal 1 | One side of symmetrical PN junction; connects to protected line or node requiring bidirectional clamping. |
| Cathode | Terminal 2 | Other side of symmetrical PN junction; forms low-impedance path to ground or reference during either polarity transient. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) when properly laid out, reducing need for cascaded protection stages. |
| Low clamping voltage (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes voltage overshoot across protected ICs, improving margin for 12 V-rated components like automotive microcontrollers. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial end equipment without compromising surge performance. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profiles without baking, simplifying manufacturing logistics. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial RS-485 Communication Port |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and door module MCUs from load dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between LIN line and ground to clamp ±100 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers rated for only ±40 V absolute maximum, extending field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers connected to long cable runs exposed to EFT and surge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across A/B differential pair to suppress common-mode surges while maintaining signal integrity up to 10 Mbps. Use Value: Maintains data link uptime by limiting voltage excursion to <20 V during 4 kV IEC 61000-4-5 surges, avoiding receiver saturation. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Interface | Telecom DSL Line Card Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding MCU GPIOs and gate drivers controlling BLDC fans or compressors from back-EMF spikes during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected from motor control signal line to chassis ground to absorb repetitive 100–500 V, 10/1000 μs inductive spikes. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubbers or optocouplers in cost-sensitive white goods, reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for ADSL/VDSL line interface ICs against lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping device on tip/ring lines before transformer coupling and integrated line driver/receiver. Use Value: Limits surge energy delivered to downstream components, enabling use of smaller secondary protectors and lower-cost isolation transformers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA-E3/61 | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs M3). | Approved for commercial-grade industrial use; not qualified for halogen-free regulatory mandates (e.g., JEDEC J-STD-709). | Select when halogen-free requirement is not enforced and cost optimization is prioritized. |
| SMAJ12CAHM3_A/H | AEC-Q101 qualified variant with identical VWM/VC/PPPM; same M3 halogen-free construction plus automotive qualification. | Required for under-hood automotive modules where component-level AEC-Q101 validation is mandatory. | Choose for automotive OEM designs needing full qualification traceability and extended temperature validation. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA-M3/61, the E3 version offers identical surge performance at lower cost for non-automotive applications, while the HM3_A/H variant adds AEC-Q101 qualification for mission-critical automotive deployments - neither is pin-compatible with different packages, but all share SMA (DO-214AC) footprint and bidirectional functionality.
Availability
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial communication ports, consumer appliance motor controls, and telecom line card protection requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 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 and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series targets robust transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount designs, optimized for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where high pulse power and low clamping voltage are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ12CA-M3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V at its specified peak pulse current of 20.1 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 and Table 1 in Vishay Document 88390, confirming consistent voltage limiting behavior for downstream circuit protection. The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 achieves this with a clamping ratio of approximately 1.45 relative to its minimum breakdown voltage.
Is SMAJ12CA-M3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified. For non-safety-critical automotive modules (e.g., infotainment or interior lighting), it is widely used; however, for engine bay or ADAS-related applications, the AEC-Q101-qualified variant SMAJ12CAHM3_A/H is required. The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 shares identical electrical specs and package with the qualified version, differing only in test certification scope.
How does the bidirectional design of SMAJ12CA-M3/61 affect its PCB layout?
The bidirectional nature of SMAJ12CA-M3/61 eliminates polarity orientation constraints during placement - no cathode band marking exists, and either terminal may connect to the protected line or ground reference. This simplifies layout for differential or AC-coupled traces and avoids assembly errors. The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 requires symmetric 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal to sustain its 400 W rating, per Vishay's recommended mounting pad layout.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 at its stand-off voltage?
At its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ12CA-M3/61 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at 25 °C, as specified in Table 1 of Vishay Document 88390. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity on high-impedance nodes and minimizes quiescent power loss in battery-powered systems. The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 maintains this spec across its full operating temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C), with gradual increase per datasheet derating curves.
Can SMAJ12CA-M3/61 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMAJ12A-M3/61?
No - SMAJ12CA-M3/61 is strictly bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SMAJ12A-M3/61 is unidirectional with a cathode band and forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A). Substituting them risks improper clamping on DC-biased lines or failure to conduct during negative transients. The SMAJ12CA-M3/61 must only replace other CA-suffixed variants; its circuit role is fundamentally different from unidirectional counterparts despite matching VWM and VC values.
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 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-M3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 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-M3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CA-M3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CA-M3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CA-M3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CA-M3/61?
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CA-M3/61 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-M3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CA-M3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CA-M3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CA-M3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CA-M3/61 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-M3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CA-M3/61?
All SMAJ12CA-M3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CA-M3/61, 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-M3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CA-M3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ12CA-M3/61 Tags

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