Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ13CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ13CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ13CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,115
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ13CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 13 V standoff voltage (VWM), 14.4–15.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 21.5 V maximum clamping voltage at 18.6 A surge current, and operates from –55 °C to +150 °C - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ13CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ13CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ13CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ13CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HM3 suffix), 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, low leakage (<1 μA at 13 V), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This device functions as a voltage-clamping protector using an avalanche breakdown mechanism, responding in <1 ps to fast transients such as ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and inductive switching spikes. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating polarity concerns during board layout.
Thermally, it relies on conduction through the SMA package leads (RθJL = 30 °C/W) and PCB copper pads; derating applies above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2, with full 400 W rating only up to 78 V - above that, peak pulse power drops to 300 W per specification note (1).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VBR min/max | 14.4 V / 15.9 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range under standardized test conditions |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.5 V at 18.6 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - transient energy absorption capacity with defined waveform |
| ID @ VWM | <1 μA - minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact on high-impedance lines |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained enclosures |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - supports lead-free reflow without moisture sensitivity concerns |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Bidirectional construction means no cathode/anode marking - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Terminal 1) | Transient current entry point (either polarity) | Accepts surge current during positive or negative overvoltage events; connects to line being protected |
| Cathode (Terminal 2) | Transient current exit point (either polarity) | Completes low-impedance path to ground or return rail; bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity dependency |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress - required for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands high-energy load dump and inductive kick events common in 12 V vehicle systems without degradation |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.36) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to downstream ICs - critical for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces |
| MSL Level 1, LF peak 260 °C | Enables single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without baking or special handling |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and low leakage over lifetime, even under humidity and thermal cycling stress |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog front-ends of wheel speed, temperature, or pressure sensors from ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage clamping element placed directly at connector entry, shunting surge energy to chassis ground before reaching MCU or signal conditioner. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 100 V/500 ms load dump events while adding <0.5 mm² footprint - essential for compact sensor modules. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field wiring faults and EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on input terminals, coordinated with series current-limiting resistors and filtering capacitors. Use Value: Clamps to 21.5 V within nanoseconds, preventing op-amp saturation and ADC latch-up - extends mean time between failures in factory-floor environments. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays exposed to user-handling ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed after common-mode choke, absorbing contact discharge up to ±15 kV (IEC 61000-4-2). Use Value: Sub-1 ps response and <1 μA leakage preserve signal rise time and reduce standby power - compliant with USB-IF eye diagram requirements. | Use Scenario: Front-end transient suppression on POTS or xDSL line interface cards subjected to lightning-induced surges per ITU-T K.20/K.44. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage voltage limiter on tip/ring lines, working in concert with gas discharge tubes and PTCs in hybrid protection circuits. Use Value: Handles 18.6 A 10/1000 μs surges without follow-on current - avoids false triggering of upstream overcurrent devices during telecom-grade surge tests. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ13CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Approved for commercial/industrial use only - not suitable for automotive OEM designs requiring AEC-Q101 | Select when cost-sensitive non-automotive applications require identical clamping performance without halogen-free or automotive certification |
| SMBJ13CAHM3/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings; 600 W PPPM (10/1000 μs); SMB (DO-214AA) package - 2.6 mm wider body | Higher surge margin allows longer service life in high-stress telecom or industrial motor drive environments | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W requirements or when PCB layout permits larger footprint for enhanced robustness |
Compared with SMAJ13CAHE3/I, SMAJ13CAHM3/I adds halogen-free composition and AEC-Q101 validation - critical for automotive Tier 1 supply chains; versus SMBJ13CAHM3/I, it trades 200 W pulse power headroom for 1.3 mm smaller width, enabling tighter routing in space-constrained modules.
Availability
SMAJ13CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC analog input conditioning, and consumer USB port hardening requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMAJ13CAHM3/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 robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated at the component level.
FAQ
What does the 'HM3' suffix indicate in SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
The 'HM3' suffix in SMAJ13CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification - confirming compliance with automotive reliability standards including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing, and ESD immunity. This makes SMAJ13CAHM3/I suitable for under-hood and ADAS applications where material content and long-term stability are strictly controlled.
Is SMAJ13CAHM3/I unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit design?
SMAJ13CAHM3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. This eliminates the need for orientation verification during placement and simplifies layout on differential or AC-coupled lines - unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ13A), SMAJ13CAHM3/I requires no cathode band alignment and protects both signal polarities equally.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ13CAHM3/I, and under what test condition is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ13CAHM3/I is 21.5 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.6 A using a 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value defines the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a standardized surge event - critical for ensuring downstream components like 3.3 V microcontrollers or RS-485 transceivers remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Can SMAJ13CAHM3/I be used in place of SMAJ13A in an existing design?
No - SMAJ13CAHM3/I is bidirectional while SMAJ13A is unidirectional; substituting them requires verifying circuit polarity and grounding topology. SMAJ13A has a cathode band and conducts forward current below VBR, whereas SMAJ13CAHM3/I blocks in both directions until either polarity exceeds VBR. Using SMAJ13CAHM3/I in a unidirectional design may cause unexpected leakage or failed ESD testing if DC bias conditions conflict with bidirectional behavior.
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal and surge performance of SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
Vishay specifies mounting SMAJ13CAHM3/I on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve rated 400 W peak pulse power. Smaller pads increase thermal resistance and reduce surge capability - for example, reducing pad area by 50% can lower IPPM by ~25%. Thermal relief traces should be minimized, and inner-layer copper pours connected via multiple vias improve heat dissipation during repetitive surge events.
SMAJ13CAHM3/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):
- 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:
- 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)
SMAJ13CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ13CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ13CAHM3/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 SMAJ13CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ13CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ13CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ13CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
SMAJ13CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ13CAHM3/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 SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ13CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ13CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ13CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ13CAHM3/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 SMAJ13CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ13CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ13CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ13CAHM3/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 SMAJ13CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ13CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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