Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15A-M3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15A-M3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15A-M3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15A-M3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 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 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-M3/61 datasheet, SMAJ15A-M3/61 pinout, SMAJ15A-M3/61 application, or SMAJ15A-M3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 16.4 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on SMA (DO-214AC) footprint.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device: reverse-biased during normal operation, it remains high-impedance until transient voltage exceeds VBR, then rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction to clamp the line at VC. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 15 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ps).
The SMAJ15A-M3/61 is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine), supports operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C, and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak - confirming suitability for lead-free assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1.0 mA - guaranteed breakdown window defining turn-on threshold tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 16.4 A - clamped voltage during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standard lightning surge waveform |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount outline with cathode band marking, 2-pin configuration |
| Compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistant |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by a band on the body; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry (unidirectional) | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; must be tied to ground or return path for clamping action |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal (marked with band) | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts when transient exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V systems without derating |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to downstream ICs |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow without baking or special handling |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3) | Fulfills environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial end-equipment certifications |
| 150 °C max junction temperature | Allows reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in vehicle infotainment head units from load-dump transients and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery input and DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to ≤24.4 V during 16.4 A surge, preventing overvoltage shutdown or damage to PMICs and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current-loop sensor outputs from ESD and inductive switching noise in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across sensor output terminals, referenced to system ground. Use Value: Limits transient-induced common-mode voltage spikes to <25 V, preserving analog front-end accuracy and ADC integrity. |
| USB Port ESD Protection | DC Motor Driver Gate Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) and VBUS against human-body-model (HBM) ESD events in portable medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete unidirectional TVS on VBUS line only (not signal lines), placed upstream of USB switch or LDO. Use Value: Absorbs 15 kV HBM ESD strikes while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 5 V, avoiding false disconnect detection. | Use Scenario: Suppressing flyback voltage spikes generated by brushed DC motor commutation in robotic actuator drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across motor terminals or across H-bridge high-side FET drain-source. Use Value: Clamps inductive kickback to 24.4 V, preventing avalanche failure of 30 V-rated MOSFETs and enabling smaller heatsink design. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A-E3/61 | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3) | Acceptable where halogen-free requirement is not mandated (e.g., commercial-grade consumer products) | Select E3 for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs; verify material compliance with end-equipment standards |
| SMAJ15CA-M3/61 | Bidirectional variant; symmetric VBR (16.7–18.5 V) in both polarities; same VWM, VC, PPPM | Required for AC-coupled or dual-polarity signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where reverse polarity transients occur | Choose CA only if bidirectional clamping is needed; unidirectional SMAJ15A-M3/61 offers lower leakage and simpler grounding |
Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/61, the M3 version adds halogen-free assurance for automotive OEMs; versus SMAJ15CA-M3/61, the unidirectional variant provides tighter leakage control and avoids unnecessary bidirectional conduction in DC-only rails.
Availability
SMAJ15A-M3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and USB port ESD protection requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and MSL Level 1 reflow readiness.
Supply support for SMAJ15A-M3/61 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-5, and ESD events is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ15A-M3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ15A-M3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 16.4 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device's terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SMAJ15A-M3/61 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining low incremental surge resistance.
Does SMAJ15A-M3/61 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base SMAJ15A-M3/61 is commercial-grade and halogen-free RoHS-compliant, but not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101, Vishay offers the SMAJ15A-HM3_X variant (e.g., SMAJ15A-HM3_A), which shares identical electrical specs and package but adds automotive qualification. Engineers specifying SMAJ15A-M3/61 for automotive use must confirm system-level validation requirements - the SMAJ15A-M3/61 itself is widely used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is customer-validated.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of SMAJ15A-M3/61?
The SMAJ15A-M3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, and a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C. Its junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) is 30 °C/W, supporting localized heat dissipation through PCB traces. These values allow the SMAJ15A-M3/61 to sustain repeated surge events in thermally constrained layouts - essential for compact industrial controllers and automotive ECUs where airflow is limited.
How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in SMAJ15A-M3/61?
The M3 suffix in SMAJ15A-M3/61 indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliant but standard brominated flame-retardant molding compound. Both share identical electrical characteristics, package (SMA), and MSL Level 1 rating. The SMAJ15A-M3/61 is specified for applications requiring halogen-free materials - such as automotive Tier 1 suppliers adhering to OEM green-material mandates or industrial equipment destined for EU markets with strict substance restrictions. The SMAJ15A-M3/61 replaces E3 where halogen content must be below 900 ppm chlorine/bromine.
Can SMAJ15A-M3/61 be used for bidirectional signal line protection?
No - SMAJ15A-M3/61 is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., 12 V input to a module). For bidirectional signal lines like RS-485, CAN, or AC-coupled audio, the bidirectional variant SMAJ15CA-M3/61 must be used. Using SMAJ15A-M3/61 on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction during negative transients, potentially disrupting signal integrity or damaging the device. Always match device polarity to the protected circuit's voltage swing range - the SMAJ15A-M3/61 is optimized for single-polarity clamping only.
SMAJ15A-M3/61 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-M3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15A-M3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15A-M3/61 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-M3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15A-M3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ15A-M3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15A-M3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15A-M3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15A-M3/61?
SMAJ15A-M3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15A-M3/61 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-M3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ15A-M3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15A-M3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15A-M3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15A-M3/61 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-M3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15A-M3/61?
All SMAJ15A-M3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15A-M3/61, 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-M3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15A-M3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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