Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ13A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ13A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ13A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ13A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. It features a 13 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 14.4–15.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 21.5 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18.6 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ13A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ13A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ13A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ13A-M3/5A equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs, industrial I/O modules, and sensor interface circuits where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and AEC-Q101-compliant reliability are required.
Technical Context
The SMAJ13A-M3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while its low incremental surge resistance enables precise clamping at 21.5 V under 18.6 A transient current.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and qualified to AEC-Q101 when ordered with HM3 suffix - though SMAJ13A-M3/5A itself is commercial-grade with M3 halogen-free marking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 14.4 V / 15.9 V at 1 mA - Tight breakdown window ensures predictable turn-on without premature leakage or delayed clamping. |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.5 V at 18.6 A - Clamps transients to ≤21.5 V, limiting downstream IC stress during 400 W 10/1000 μs surges. |
| IPPM | 18.6 A - Peak surge current capability compatible with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) testing on 12 V lines. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Sustains 400 W non-repetitive pulse power, derated to 300 W above 78 V per spec. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount footprint (5.28 mm × 4.93 mm) optimized for automated placement and 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad thermal relief. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band on one end; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current path / low-side reference | Connected to ground or lower-potential node; forms return path during clamping. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased input / protected line connection | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 12 V supply or sensor output); conducts when Vin > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 surge events up to 1 kV on 12 V DC lines without degradation. |
| 21.5 V clamping voltage at 18.6 A | Provides <2.7× VWM clamping ratio, ensuring protected ICs see minimal overvoltage during worst-case transients. |
| Fast response time (<1 ns) | Activates before most microcontrollers or analog front-ends can be damaged by ESD or inductive kickback. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Compatible with standard lead-free PCB assembly processes without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Fulfills environmental compliance requirements for global industrial and automotive OEM supply chains. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V power rail and LIN bus lines in BCMs from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between fused 12 V supply and local regulator input. Use Value: Clamps transients to 21.5 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V LDOs and MCU I/O pins rated for ≤30 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to common ground. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by optocoupler input and series current-limiting resistor to safe levels during 1 kV/2 Ω surge tests. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board | Automotive Sensor Interface (e.g., ABS wheel speed) |
Use Scenario: Guards microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers connected to brushed DC motor H-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across motor coil terminals and near MCU I/O pins handling PWM feedback signals. Use Value: Suppresses inductive kickback spikes up to 400 W, eliminating false resets and MOSFET avalanche failure. |
Use Scenario: Protects differential Hall-effect sensor outputs from ESD and cable discharge events in chassis-mounted units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed on PCB near sensor connector, with cathode tied to signal line and anode to shield/ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 21.5 V clamping level, preserving analog accuracy and avoiding comparator latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ13A-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3). | Preferred for commercial-grade designs where halogen-free material is not mandated. | Select SMAJ13A-E3/5A if environmental compliance allows standard RoHS without halogen restriction. |
| SMAJ13AHE3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM; same SMA package. | Required for automotive safety-critical modules needing certified reliability (e.g., ADAS, powertrain). | Choose SMAJ13AHE3_A/I when automotive qualification and long-term field reliability validation are mandatory. |
Compared with SMAJ13A-M3/5A, the E3 variant offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance, while the HE3 variant adds AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive deployment-neither is pin-compatible in the sense of guaranteed drop-in replacement without qualification, but all share identical SMA footprint and unidirectional polarity.
Availability
SMAJ13A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and consumer appliance motor control systems requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ13A-M3/5A 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed for surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability DC power and signal line applications across automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ13A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ13A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.6 A, measured using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures that downstream components connected to the protected line experience no more than 21.5 V during surge events, making SMAJ13A-M3/5A suitable for safeguarding 12 V systems with ICs rated for ≤30 V absolute maximum ratings.
Is SMAJ13A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
No - SMAJ13A-M3/5A is a commercial-grade, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant part but not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring formal qualification, the functionally identical SMAJ13AHE3_A/I or SMAJ13AHM3_A/I variants must be used. SMAJ13A-M3/5A may be deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, but full AEC-Q101 validation requires the HE3/HM3 suffix versions.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ13A-M3/5A from junction to ambient?
The typical thermal resistance from junction to ambient (RθJA) for SMAJ13A-M3/5A is 120 °C/W when mounted on the minimum recommended pad layout (0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal). This value assumes still air conditions and guides thermal design for sustained power dissipation; for higher reliability in elevated ambient temperatures, PCB copper area and airflow should be increased to reduce effective RθJA below 100 °C/W.
How does the breakdown voltage tolerance of SMAJ13A-M3/5A affect circuit design?
SMAJ13A-M3/5A specifies a breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 14.4 V to 15.9 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance. This tight window ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots, allowing designers to set VWM = 13 V with confidence that clamping initiates reliably above normal operating voltage while avoiding false triggering during ripple or noise. The tolerance supports robust margining in 12 V nominal systems.
Can SMAJ13A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional protection configurations?
No - SMAJ13A-M3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking and specified parameters (e.g., VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward current). For bidirectional transient suppression, the SMAJ13CA variant must be selected instead. Using SMAJ13A-M3/5A in reverse-biased AC or floating signal paths will result in unintended forward conduction and potential failure; always verify polarity alignment in schematic and layout for SMAJ13A-M3/5A.
SMAJ13A-M3/5A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.6A
- 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)
SMAJ13A-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ13A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ13A-M3/5A 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 SMAJ13A-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ13A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ13A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ13A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ13A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ13A-M3/5A?
SMAJ13A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ13A-M3/5A 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 SMAJ13A-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ13A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ13A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ13A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ13A-M3/5A 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 SMAJ13A-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ13A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ13A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ13A-M3/5A, 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 SMAJ13A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ13A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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