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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 15 V standoff 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 in automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and USB port ESD protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ15A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ15A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ15A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated SMT placement, AEC-Q101 qualification readiness (via HM3 suffix variants), and verified clamping performance under repetitive surge conditions per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream ICs while holding the protected node below VC. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 15 V) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for safeguarding MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins against EFT and lightning-induced transients.
The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and exhibits low incremental surge resistance - enabling effective suppression of high-di/dt events without thermal runaway. Thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity support reflow-compatible assembly without pre-bake.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for protected circuit's nominal rail. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system noise margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 16.4 A - Clamped voltage during 400 W transient; guarantees downstream ICs remain below absolute maximum ratings. |
| IPPM | 16.4 A - Peak surge current capability with 10/1000 μs waveform; validates protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling; sufficient for automotive load-dump and industrial switching transients. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized 2-pin surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.93 mm footprint and matte tin-plated leads. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, unidirectional configuration with cathode band marking. Dimensions: 5.28 mm × 4.93 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); terminals are matte tin-plated for J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes conduction path during reverse avalanche. |
| Cathode | Protected line input terminal | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 15 V rail); marked by black band; carries surge current into anode during clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Validated suppression of severe transients including ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) in 12 V automotive systems. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., keeps microcontroller I/O below 25 V during 16.4 A surge. |
| MSL Level 1, peak reflow ≤ 260 °C | Enables single-pass lead-free reflow without moisture-related popcorn failure or delamination. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and IPC-1752A material declarations for green manufacturing compliance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option (HM3 suffix) | Supports automotive-grade reliability validation including HTGB, TCT, and surge testing per AEC standard. |
Applications
| Automotive Infotainment Power Rail | Industrial Sensor Signal Line |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 15 V supply input to head unit MCU and display driver ICs against battery load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient clamp placed between 15 V rail and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress spikes up to 100 V. Use Value: Maintains VC ≤ 24.4 V during 16.4 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream PMICs and level shifters. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output (4–20 mA) and digital I²C lines of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not used; unidirectional SMAJ15A-M3/5A protects signal-to-ground path on powered sensor outputs. Use Value: Limits induced transients from nearby motor drives to <25 V, preserving ADC reference integrity and I²C bus timing margins. |
| USB 2.0 VBUS Port Protection | DC Motor Driver Gate Drive Circuit |
|
Use Scenario: Guarding 5 V VBUS line on USB host ports against ESD (±15 kV contact) and hot-plug inrush overshoot. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element placed between VBUS and GND, conducting within nanoseconds to clamp ESD pulses. Use Value: Achieves sub-25 V clamping at 16.4 A, meeting USB-IF ESD immunity requirements while avoiding false overvoltage shutdowns. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from 24 V brushed DC motors driving robotic actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected across motor terminals or flyback diode replacement; clamps reverse EMF spikes generated during PWM turn-off. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surge energy without degradation, extending MOSFET lifetime and eliminating need for external snubbers. |
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-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but contains brominated flame retardants (non-halogen-free). | Acceptable for commercial/industrial use where halogen-free mandate does not apply. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free requirement; identical footprint and assembly process. |
| SMAJ15CA-M3/5A | Bidirectional version: symmetric VBR (16.7–18.5 V) in both polarities; same VC (24.4 V) and PPPM (400 W). | Required for AC-coupled or dual-polarity signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where reverse voltage may occur. | Choose only if bidirectional clamping is needed; not a drop-in replacement due to polarity difference. |
Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/5A, the M3 suffix provides halogen-free compliance without performance trade-offs; versus SMAJ15CA-M3/5A, the unidirectional configuration offers tighter leakage control (<1.0 μA vs. ≤2.0 μA) and avoids unnecessary bidirectional conduction in DC rail protection.
Availability
SMAJ15A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial sensor interfaces, and USB power port protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ15A-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, power efficiency, and automotive qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, EFT, and surge events is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ15A-M3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ15A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 16.4 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions and ensures protected circuitry remains within safe operating limits during standardized surge events. The SMAJ15A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ15A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the SMAJ15A-M3/5A is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant, and its base P/NHM3 variant is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. While the M3 suffix alone indicates commercial-grade halogen-free construction, pairing it with HM3 ordering code (e.g., SMAJ15A-HM3/5A) delivers full automotive qualification including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and surge endurance. The SMAJ15A-M3/5A itself supports under-hood ambient temperatures up to +125 °C with derating.
How does the SMAJ15A-M3/5A differ from the bidirectional SMAJ15CA-M3/5A?
The SMAJ15A-M3/5A is unidirectional, with cathode band marking and asymmetric conduction (conducts only in reverse bias), whereas the SMAJ15CA-M3/5A is bidirectional and symmetrical - clamping in both polarities. Their VBR, VC, and PPPM match, but leakage differs: SMAJ15A-M3/5A specifies ≤1.0 μA at 15 V, while SMAJ15CA-M3/5A allows ≤2.0 μA. The SMAJ15A-M3/5A is preferred for DC rail protection; SMAJ15CA-M3/5A suits AC or floating signal lines like CAN or RS-485.
What is the thermal resistance and power dissipation capability of the SMAJ15A-M3/5A?
The SMAJ15A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and a steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.3 W at TA = 50 °C on infinite heatsink. In practical PCB layouts with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, it safely handles repetitive surges up to 400 W (10/1000 μs) without exceeding its 150 °C maximum junction temperature. Derating curves in the Vishay datasheet document allowable power reduction above 25 °C ambient.
Does the SMAJ15A-M3/5A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - to achieve rated 400 W pulse power, the SMAJ15A-M3/5A must be mounted on minimum recommended pad layout: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, per Vishay specification. Smaller pads increase thermal impedance and reduce surge capability. Additionally, short, low-inductance traces to ground are essential to preserve sub-nanosecond response; avoid vias or long stubs between cathode and protected node. The SMAJ15A-M3/5A's DO-214AC outline is compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place tooling.
SMAJ15A-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):
- 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15A-M3/5A?
SMAJ15A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ15A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ15A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15A-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 SMAJ15A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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