Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ13CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ13CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A 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 13 V standoff voltage (VWM), 14.4–15.9 V breakdown range at 1 mA, clamps transients to ≤21.5 V at 18.6 A (10/1000 μs), and delivers 400 W peak pulse power - used in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ13CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ13CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ13CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ13CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, 13 V stand-off rating, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and 21.5 V max clamping voltage under standardized surge conditions.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during normal operation it presents high impedance (<1 μA leakage at 13 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients.
The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature, exhibits 0.084 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient, and is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant per M3 suffix designation. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak, supporting automated SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 14.4 V / 15.9 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown window ensures reliable triggering above VWM with tight process control. |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.5 V at 18.6 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 400 W surge events. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with standard 10/1000 μs waveform; derates to 300 W above 78 V. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine), relevant for unidirectional variants only; not applicable to SMAJ13CA. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint, compatible with standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad layout. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; bidirectional construction has no polarity marking - both terminals are electrically symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical terminals enable bidirectional clamping - voltage surge in either polarity triggers conduction across the same junction. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV, 2 Ω source) on 12 V bus lines when properly laid out. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping - critical for protecting 15 V-tolerant interface ICs like CAN transceivers. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial end equipment without compromising surge performance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | HE3/HM3 variants support automotive-grade reliability; SMAJ13CA-M3/5A itself is commercial-grade but built on same qualified die. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN bus nodes and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp fast-rising transients before reaching MCU or signal conditioner. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤21.5 V during 18.6 A surge, preserving integrity of 5 V or 3.3 V logic interfaces downstream. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges from solenoid coils, relay contacts, and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across isolated 24 V DC input lines, absorbing both positive and negative polarity transients. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in optocoupler input stages during repetitive 400 W surge events. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on Ethernet PHY differential pairs or RS-485 data lines exposed to lightning-induced common-mode transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF typical at 0 V) bidirectional TVS placed adjacent to connector to minimize signal distortion. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV ring wave (IEC 61000-4-5) without degrading 100 Mbps signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 12 V USB-C PD adapter outputs to prevent damage during fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamping device after DC-DC regulation, guarding connected devices from regulator failure or feedback loop loss. Use Value: Activates within <1 ns to limit output to 21.5 V, protecting downstream USB peripherals rated for ≤20 V absolute maximum. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ13CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but contains brominated flame retardants (non-halogen-free). | Acceptable for commercial/industrial use where halogen-free requirement is not mandated. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free compliance; identical thermal and surge performance. |
| SMAJ13CAHM3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified variant in same M3 halogen-free package; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM. | Required for automotive OEM designs needing certified reliability and extended temperature validation. | Choose for automotive production programs requiring PPAP documentation and lifetime qualification evidence. |
Compared with SMAJ13CA-M3/5A, the E3 variant trades halogen-free content for lower cost in non-automotive settings, while the HM3_A/I adds AEC-Q101 validation for mission-critical vehicle systems - neither offers pin-to-pin or functional differentiation beyond compliance scope.
Availability
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply and consistent DO-214AC packaging.
Supply support for SMAJ13CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where robustness and repeatability are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ13CA-M3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 21.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 18.6 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals under specified test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its operational temperature range.
Is SMAJ13CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is a commercial-grade variant and is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, it shares the same die and package construction as the qualified HM3_A/I version. For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems (e.g., infotainment power rails), SMAJ13CA-M3/5A may be used subject to internal validation. For full compliance, specify SMAJ13CAHM3_A/I. The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A itself supports 150 °C junction temperature and meets MSL Level 1 reflow requirements.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in SMAJ13CA-M3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants that conduct only in reverse bias, the CA version functions identically in either polarity, making it ideal for AC signal lines, differential buses, or floating grounds. The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A has no cathode marking due to this symmetry.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
The standoff voltage VWM of SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is 13 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse working voltage the device can withstand without entering breakdown. This rating ensures minimal leakage (<1 μA) during normal operation and provides a safety margin above typical 12 V nominal systems. The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A remains fully inactive until transient voltages exceed its 14.4–15.9 V breakdown range.
Does SMAJ13CA-M3/5A have a defined polarity or marking?
No, SMAJ13CA-M3/5A has no polarity marking because it is a bidirectional TVS diode - both terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable. Unlike unidirectional SMAJ13A-M3/5A (which uses a cathode band), the CA version relies on symmetrical junction design and requires no orientation during placement. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates risk of reverse installation. The SMAJ13CA-M3/5A's DO-214AC package is physically identical in both variants.
SMAJ13CA-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:
- -
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ13CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ13CA-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 SMAJ13CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ13CA-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 SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ13CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ13CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ13CA-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 SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ13CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ13CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ13CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ13CA-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 SMAJ13CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ13CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ13CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ13CA-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 SMAJ13CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ13CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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