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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,123
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 16.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed on I/O lines, power rails, and signal paths in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15A-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ15A-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ15A-E3/5A application, or SMAJ15A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated placement, AEC-Q101 qualification option, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) for board-level thermal design validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that transitions from high-impedance standby to low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the unidirectional configuration provides forward conduction path only during positive transients relative to cathode.
The device is rated for repetitive surge duty cycle of 0.01 % under 10/1000 μs waveform, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and supports solder reflow up to 260 °C peak temperature - critical for high-reliability automotive and industrial PCB assembly.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC signal rail margin |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at IT = 1 mA - verified avalanche onset range ensuring consistent turn-on across production lots |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 16.4 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge; determines downstream IC survivability |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient energy absorption capability with standard 10/1000 μs waveform; sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage, minimizing standby power loss in battery-powered systems |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; guides PCB copper area requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity indicated by cathode band; anode and cathode terminals are axially oriented along the body axis.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink node | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground during overvoltage events |
| Anode | Reference/return node | Typically tied to system ground or lower-potential rail; completes clamping path during avalanche conduction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 automotive load dump and inductive switching surges without derating below 78 V |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD > 30 kV), improving clamping precision |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage performance across temperature and humidity stress conditions |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without popcorn cracking or parametric shift |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | HE3 suffix option meets automotive-grade reliability requirements for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs in engine control units (ECUs) from load dump transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between battery rail and DC-DC input filter capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤24.4 V, preventing damage to downstream LDOs and microcontrollers rated for 28 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode protector shunting induced surges from nearby motor drives or relay coils. Use Value: 1.0 μA leakage preserves signal accuracy; 24.4 V clamping prevents op-amp saturation and ADC input damage. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 ports in set-top boxes and smart displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping diode positioned after primary common-mode choke and before USB switch IC. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response captures HBM ±8 kV and IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV contact discharge before IC latch-up occurs. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on twisted-pair DSL subscriber lines exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed differential-mode across tip/ring, referenced to telecom ground plane. Use Value: 400 W rating handles 10/1000 μs lightning surges; 15 V VWM avoids interference with normal -48 V DC bias and AC signaling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated (e.g., EU WEEE, specific OEM specs) | Direct substitution if halogen-free requirement applies; same thermal and layout behavior |
| SMAJ15CA-E3/5A | Bidirectional version with symmetric VBR (16.7–18.5 V) and no polarity marking; same VWM, VC, and PPPM | Required for AC-coupled or bidirectional signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where polarity reversal may occur | Use only when protecting non-polarized circuits; not interchangeable in unidirectional DC rails due to lack of cathode reference |
Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/5A, the M3 variant offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while the SMAJ15CA-E3/5A enables bidirectional clamping but removes polarity-based grounding control - requiring schematic and layout review before substitution.
Availability
SMAJ15A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, consumer USB port ESD mitigation, and telecom DSL line surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ15A-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 diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against load dump, ESD, and lightning surges is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ15A-E3/5A under standard test conditions?
The SMAJ15A-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 16.4 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TJ = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The SMAJ15A-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ15A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ15A-E3/5A is suitable for automotive applications as a commercial-grade TVS diode; an AEC-Q101 qualified version (SMAJ15AHE3_X) is available with the HE3 suffix. While the base SMAJ15A-E3/5A meets key electrical and thermal requirements for under-hood and cabin modules, designers requiring certified automotive reliability must specify the HE3 or HM3 variants. The SMAJ15A-E3/5A itself is commonly used in non-safety-critical infotainment and body electronics where full AEC-Q101 validation is not mandated.
How does the SMAJ15A-E3/5A differ from SMAJ15CA-E3/5A?
The SMAJ15A-E3/5A is unidirectional with a marked cathode band, whereas the SMAJ15CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with no polarity marking and symmetrical breakdown in both directions. Both share identical VWM (15 V), VBR range (16.7–18.5 V), VC (24.4 V), and PPPM (400 W), but the SMAJ15CA-E3/5A is required for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic lines like RS-485 or CAN. Substituting SMAJ15CA-E3/5A in a unidirectional DC rail design may compromise grounding integrity and should be avoided unless circuit topology supports bidirectional clamping.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ15A-E3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ15A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value directly impacts allowable power dissipation and temperature rise: at 3.3 W steady-state power, junction temperature rises ~396 °C above ambient - hence the device relies on transient-only operation. For reliable thermal management, designers must ensure adequate copper pour area and avoid excessive trace length between SMAJ15A-E3/5A pads and ground planes to maintain effective heat spreading.
Does SMAJ15A-E3/5A meet lead-free soldering requirements?
Yes, SMAJ15A-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and qualified for lead-free reflow soldering with a maximum peak temperature of 260 °C, meeting J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 requirements. Its matte tin-plated leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and the molding compound satisfies UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. No pre-baking is required prior to reflow, supporting high-throughput automated assembly processes without risk of moisture-induced package failure.
SMAJ15A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16.4A
- 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)
SMAJ15A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15A-E3/5A?
SMAJ15A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ15A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15A-E3/5A?
All SMAJ15A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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