Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 15 V stand-off 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 SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I application, or SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
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 transients exceeding VBR (16.7–18.5 V), it avalanches rapidly to clamp voltage at ≤24.4 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and fast response time (<1 ns).
The SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is rated for repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 400 W up to 78 V, derating to 300 W above that threshold. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), requiring appropriate PCB copper area for sustained power dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; defines safe working range for protected circuit. |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 V / 18.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures reliable triggering without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 16.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; must stay below protected device's absolute maximum rating. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; determines survivability against lightning-induced or inductive-switching transients. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; low value minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress per JESD22 standards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). Cathode marking absent - bidirectional configuration has no polarity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (positive half-cycle) | Conducts surge current when voltage exceeds VBR in positive direction; connects to line being protected. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (negative half-cycle) | Conducts surge current when voltage exceeds VBR in negative direction; connects to same line as Anode (bidirectional symmetry). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC characteristics in both polarities - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout on differential or AC-coupled lines. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands 10/1000 μs transients up to 16.4 A - sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive electronics - includes HTOL, TC, and HAST testing; supports long-term deployment in ADAS and body control modules. |
| Low profile SMA package | Height ≤ 2.29 mm - enables compact placement near connectors or IC inputs without interfering with shield cans or stacked boards. |
| Glass passivated junction | Stable breakdown voltage over lifetime and temperature - reduces parameter drift in harsh thermal environments (−55 °C to +150 °C). |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive kickback in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed directly at connector or IC pad to divert transients before they reach sensitive input structures. Use Value: Clamps 15 V nominal lines to ≤24.4 V during 10/1000 μs surges - maintains signal integrity while meeting ISO 16750-2 requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across input terminals to suppress ±1 kV EFT and ±0.5 kV surge events. Use Value: 400 W pulse rating and 1.0 μA leakage ensure reliable protection without loading the 24 V sensing circuit during normal operation. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output Protection | Telecom Ethernet Port Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 5–19 V DC outputs of wall adapters and USB PD chargers subject to capacitor discharge and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between VOUT and GND to clamp output spikes before reaching downstream regulators or USB ports. Use Value: 15 V VWM aligns with common adapter output rails; 24.4 V VC prevents damage to 20 V-rated LDOs and USB-C controller ICs. |
Use Scenario: Primary-level surge protection on RJ45 Ethernet PHY interfaces in PoE-powered switches and base stations compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS across differential pairs (e.g., TX+/TX−) to absorb common-mode surges without distorting signal integrity. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping and <1 ns response preserve 100BASE-TX timing margins while meeting IEC 61000-4-5 10/700 μs requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CAHE3_A/I | RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified; identical electrical specs and SMA package. | Limited to commercial/industrial use; not approved for automotive under-hood or safety-critical modules. | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost sensitivity favors standard commercial grade. |
| SMBJ15CAHM3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating. | Higher power handling and thermal mass; requires more PCB area and may not fit space-constrained layouts. | Choose when surge threat level exceeds 400 W or board layout allows larger footprint for enhanced margin. |
Compared with SMAJ15CAHE3_A/I, the SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I adds automotive qualification without electrical trade-offs; versus SMBJ15CAHM3_A/I, it trades 200 W pulse headroom for 30 % smaller footprint - critical for dense automotive sensor modules.
Availability
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom interface hardening requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The SMAJ series targets high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure - engineered for rapid response, repeatable clamping, and AEC-Q101 compliance where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I?
The HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with full AEC-Q101 qualification. This means the SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I has passed rigorous automotive reliability tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - confirming suitability for under-hood and safety-critical applications where the standard E3/M3 variants are insufficient.
Is SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit layout?
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients without polarity marking. Unlike unidirectional versions (e.g., SMAJ15A), it requires no cathode orientation during placement - simplifying layout on AC-coupled lines, differential buses like CAN, or any node where voltage polarity reversal is possible. The SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I functions identically in either direction.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I, and why does it matter for system design?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is 24.4 V at 16.4 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is critical because it defines the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a surge event. To ensure reliability, the VC must remain below the absolute maximum voltage rating of downstream components - for example, if protecting a 24 V-rated microcontroller I/O pin, 24.4 V leaves minimal margin, confirming SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is best suited for 28 V or higher tolerant circuits or used with additional series impedance.
How does the thermal performance of SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I impact PCB layout decisions?
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W, meaning each watt of dissipated surge energy raises junction temperature by 120 °C above ambient. To avoid exceeding the +150 °C maximum junction temperature, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area: Vishay specifies mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias significantly degrades power handling and risks thermal runaway during repetitive surges - a key constraint when designing for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance.
Can SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I be used in place of SMAJ15A in an existing design?
No - SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is bidirectional while SMAJ15A is unidirectional, so direct substitution requires layout verification. SMAJ15A has a cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias; replacing it with SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I removes polarity dependence but introduces symmetric conduction in both directions. This may cause unintended current paths in DC-biased circuits or alter clamping behavior on single-ended lines. The SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is appropriate only where bidirectional protection is explicitly required and layout accommodates non-polarized placement.
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I 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):
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I 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 SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I?
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I 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 SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I 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 SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I?
All SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I, 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 SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ15CAHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated
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