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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal/power lines. It features 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18.2 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), protecting ICs and MOSFETs in automotive and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12C-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ12C-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ12C-E3/5A application, or SMAJ12C-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional TVS behavior, DO-214AC mechanical data, RoHS-compliant packaging, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection design-in.
Technical Context
The SMAJ12C-E3/5A operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical breakdown characteristics in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR (13.3–16.3 V) and low incremental surge resistance under repetitive 10/1000 µs transients.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and withstands solder reflow up to 260 °C for 40 s.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal swing margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.0 V - Clamped voltage at 18.2 A peak pulse current; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage exposure. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); supports robust surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| IPPM | 18.2 A - Peak pulse current capability; sets minimum trace width and PCB copper pad requirements (0.2 × 0.2″). |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 16.3 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1 mA test current; guarantees reliable turn-on across manufacturing lot and temperature. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at 12 V; negligible loading on high-impedance sensor or communication lines. |
| TJ range | –55 °C to +150 °C - Full operational junction temperature range; validated for under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, bi-directional configuration with no polarity marking - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Bi-directional avalanche junction - either terminal serves as cathode or anode depending on transient polarity; no PCB orientation dependency. |
| Case (cathode band absent) | Mounting interface | No cathode band marking - confirms bi-directional construction; requires no silkscreen polarity indicator on PCB layout. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional suppression | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded sensor outputs without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 (10/1000 µs) surge immunity up to 4 kV open-circuit voltage in standard test setups. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term parameter stability and low leakage drift over temperature and lifetime, critical for automotive-grade reliability. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile compatibility (peak 260 °C), eliminating bake requirements prior to assembly. |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD201 Class 1A, supporting high-reliability production. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting engine coolant temperature and pressure sensor outputs from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground to clamp ±200 V spikes within 1 ns. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and ADC front-ends while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 12 V nominal. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired SMAJ12C-E3/5A devices on A/B lines to symmetrically clamp common-mode and differential transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 22 V clamping threshold during 1 kA surge events, preserving bus timing margins and avoiding false logic states. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control | Telecom Power Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs driving brushed DC motors in washing machines from inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional TVS placed directly at MCU pin to absorb sub-100 ns switching spikes. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to 22.0 V during 18.2 A transients, preventing permanent I/O port damage without adding signal delay. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge protection for 12 V DC input rails in VoIP gateways exposed to telecom line surges per GR-1089-CORE. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on DC input before DC-DC converter, absorbing repetitive 400 W pulses. Use Value: Sustains 400 W peak power at 0.01% duty cycle without thermal runaway, enabling compact board area vs. MOV-based solutions. |
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-E3/5A | Identical electrical specs and DO-214AC package; "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional variant per Vishay naming convention (C = bi-directional, A = tighter VBR tolerance). | No functional difference - used interchangeably where bi-directionality and 12 V VWM are required. | Select SMAJ12CA-E3/5A when documentation or BOM standards require explicit "CA" designation for bi-directional compliance verification. |
| SMBJ12C-E3/5A | Same VWM (12 V) and VC (22.0 V), but higher PPPM (600 W) and IPPM (27.3 A) in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package. | Better suited for higher-energy surges (e.g., 10/1000 µs >400 W) but requires 30% larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Choose SMBJ12C-E3/5A only if system-level testing confirms >400 W surge energy; otherwise SMAJ12C-E3/5A provides optimal size/performance balance. |
Compared with SMAJ12C-E3/5A, SMAJ12CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance with formalized bi-directional labeling, while SMBJ12C-E3/5A trades compact DO-214AC size for higher surge capacity - selection depends strictly on layout space constraints and measured surge energy requirements.
Availability
SMAJ12C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, consumer appliance motor control, and telecom DC input stages requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMAJ12C-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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMAJ series is engineered specifically for surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-surge environments - emphasizing low clamping voltage, bi-directional symmetry, and AEC-Q101 readiness for automotive electronics.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix in SMAJ12C-E3/5A indicate?
The "C" suffix in SMAJ12C-E3/5A explicitly denotes a bi-directional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both forward and reverse directions. This is confirmed in Vishay Document 88390, which states "For bi-directional use C or CA suffix (e.g. SMAJ10C, SMAJ10CA)" and specifies that electrical characteristics apply in both directions - a key distinction from uni-directional "A" variants. SMAJ12C-E3/5A has no polarity marking and requires no orientation during placement.
Is SMAJ12C-E3/5A RoHS compliant and qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMAJ12C-E3/5A is RoHS compliant (per 2002/95/EC) and manufactured with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards. While the base "E3" suffix indicates commercial-grade RoHS compliance, it is not AEC-Q101 qualified - that status applies only to "HE3" suffix variants (e.g., SMAJ12CHE3/5A). For non-automotive industrial or consumer applications, SMAJ12C-E3/5A meets full environmental and reliability requirements as documented in Vishay's 88390 specification sheet.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ12C-E3/5A and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ12C-E3/5A is 22.0 V, measured at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.2 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain below their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events - a parameter directly verified in Table 1 of Vishay Document 88390.
How does SMAJ12C-E3/5A differ from SMAJ12A-E3/5A?
SMAJ12C-E3/5A is bi-directional with symmetrical breakdown and no polarity marking, whereas SMAJ12A-E3/5A is uni-directional with a cathode band and forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V at 25 A). The "C" variant clamps transients regardless of polarity, making it suitable for AC or floating lines; the "A" variant only protects against reverse-polarity surges and conducts forward current. Their VWM (12 V) and VC (22.0 V) are identical, but circuit role and PCB layout requirements differ fundamentally.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature for SMAJ12C-E3/5A?
SMAJ12C-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on the recommended 0.2 × 0.2″ copper pad layout. Its maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) is +150 °C, with storage range extending from –55 °C to +150 °C - fully supporting under-hood automotive and industrial ambient conditions as specified in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" and "MAXIMUM RATINGS" sections of Vishay Document 88390.
SMAJ12C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.2A
- 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)
SMAJ12C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12C-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 SMAJ12C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12C-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 SMAJ12C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12C-E3/5A?
SMAJ12C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12C-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 SMAJ12C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ12C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12C-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 SMAJ12C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12C-E3/5A?
All SMAJ12C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12C-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 SMAJ12C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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