Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,376
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A 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 15 V standoff voltage (VWM), 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 16.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), making it suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ15CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ15CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ15CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on PCBs requiring robust ESD and lightning surge protection.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions, it presents high impedance (<1 μA leakage at 15 V); during transient events exceeding its breakdown threshold (16.7–18.5 V), it avalanches rapidly to limit voltage across protected circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior for positive and negative surges.
Thermally, it uses a glass-passivated junction with 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and supports continuous power dissipation of 3.3 W at 50 °C ambient. The SMA package enables surface-mount assembly and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak temperature tolerance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; defines operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 16.7–18.5 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 24.4 V at 16.4 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; critical for IC-level overvoltage immunity. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Energy-handling capacity for standard lightning/surge waveforms; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω). |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 16.4 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device can safely divert without degradation. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD; base suffix HE3 denotes qualification. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H). Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; common node for bidirectional conduction path | Connected to line being protected; no polarity marking on bidirectional devices like SMAJ15CAHE3/5A. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with anode in bidirectional configuration | Electrically identical to anode; device functions identically regardless of orientation on PCB trace. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485) without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing up to 1 kV open-circuit voltage in 2 Ω source impedance configurations. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces where reliability is mission-critical. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive switch-off), improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile use (peak 260 °C) without baking-reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay modules exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode placed directly at connector interface to clamp transients before reaching ADC front-end or signal conditioner IC. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤24.4 V during 10/1000 μs surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V rail-connected signal chain components. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on 24 V DC input lines, mounted adjacent to optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 400 W surges while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 24 V nominal, ensuring stable logic-level recognition and long-term reliability. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level surge suppression on USB 2.0 VBUS and D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays subjected to user-handling ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS array component (used per-line) providing sub-nanosecond clamping to complement primary polymer-based protectors. Use Value: Clamps 8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <25 V within <1 ns, preserving signal integrity and preventing USB PHY reset or enumeration failure. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interface pins (e.g., MDI-X) in VoIP gateways and DSL modems connected to unshielded twisted-pair telephone lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor bridging differential pair to chassis ground, rated for longitudinal surges per GR-1089-CORE. Use Value: Handles 10/1000 μs surges up to 16.4 A while maintaining low capacitance (<100 pF), avoiding signal distortion on 100BASE-TX links. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CA-E3/5A | Commercial-grade version; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and automotive traceability documentation. | Approved for industrial and consumer equipment but not automotive OEM or Tier-1 supply chains. | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost optimization is prioritized over automotive compliance. |
| SMAJ15CAHM3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified; same electrical specs but different plating/process chemistry. | Required for automotive programs mandating halogen-free materials (e.g., EU OEM specifications). | Choose when halogen-free compliance is mandatory and full AEC-Q101 validation is needed alongside green material requirements. |
Compared with SMAJ15CAHE3/5A, the E3/5A variant offers identical clamping performance at lower cost but no automotive qualification, while HM3/5A adds halogen-free construction for stricter environmental mandates-making HE3/5A the balanced choice for general-purpose AEC-Q101 applications.
Availability
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance and extended lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A 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-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where high-energy surge immunity and long-term stability are essential.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in SMAJ15CAHE3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage suppression for both positive- and negative-polarity surges. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ15A), SMAJ15CAHE3/5A has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of PCB orientation-ideal for AC-coupled or differential signal lines such as CAN or RS-485 interfaces.
Is SMAJ15CAHE3/5A suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 surge testing?
Yes, SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV open-circuit, 2 Ω source impedance) surge testing. Its 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs waveform) and 24.4 V clamping voltage at 16.4 A ensure protected circuits remain below critical voltage thresholds during standardized surge events-provided proper PCB layout with low-inductance grounding is implemented.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 or HM3 in SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
The HE3 suffix in SMAJ15CAHE3/5A indicates RoHS-compliant construction with full AEC-Q101 qualification-verified for automotive use including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and ESD robustness. In contrast, E3 denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance only, and HM3 adds halogen-free material content alongside AEC-Q101. SMAJ15CAHE3/5A thus delivers automotive reliability without halogen-free cost premiums.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
The maximum operating junction temperature for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is +150 °C, with a storage temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C. This rating supports deployment in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures where ambient temperatures exceed 105 °C-enabled by its glass-passivated junction and thermally optimized SMA (DO-214AC) package with 30 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance.
Can SMAJ15CAHE3/5A be used in place of SMAJ15A in existing designs?
No-SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is bidirectional while SMAJ15A is unidirectional, so direct substitution requires verification of circuit polarity and surge directionality. SMAJ15A has a cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias; SMAJ15CAHE3/5A clamps both polarities equally and lacks polarity marking. Replacing SMAJ15A with SMAJ15CAHE3/5A may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased lines unless system-level surge behavior is fully bidirectional.
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ15CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ15CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ15CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ15CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ15CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ15CAHE3/5A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

