Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15CA-M3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15CA-M3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15CA-M3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection 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, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in consumer sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and automotive body control units.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15CA-M3/61 datasheet, SMAJ15CA-M3/61 pinout, SMAJ15CA-M3/61 application, or SMAJ15CA-M3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low clamping ratio (1.63× VWM), MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and DO-214AC package suitability for automated SMT assembly.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>100 MΩ at 12 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 16.7–18.5 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA). Its bidirectional structure enables symmetric suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity dependency.
Thermal design relies on RθJA = 120 °C/W (typ.) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (typ.), requiring minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal to sustain 400 W pulse rating. The device meets AEC-Q101 qualification when ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes - SMAJ15CA-M3/61 itself is commercial-grade, halogen-free, and rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures reliable triggering across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 16.4 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels in protected circuits. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with standard 10/1000 μs waveform; derates to 300 W above 78 V. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); validates robustness against inrush or fault events. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with standard 7″ tape-and-reel (61 code) feeding. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Common reference node for symmetrical clamping; no polarity marking required on SMAJ15CA-M3/61. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Anode in CA devices; terminals are interchangeable for bidirectional surge suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and leakage behavior for ± transients - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout or external bridge configuration. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) when mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads - reduces need for secondary protection stages. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VWM = 1.63 - minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream 16 V-rated ICs such as CAN transceivers or ADC front-ends. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | M3 suffix certifies compliance with JEDEC J-STD-20 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - suitable for green manufacturing and export-regulated markets. |
| Fast response time | <1 ps intrinsic junction response - clamps transients before propagation into sensitive analog or digital circuitry. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus interface pins from load-dump and inductive switching transients in door module ECUs. IC Role / Device Role: Primary shunt TVS placed directly at connector entry point before ESD diode array and LIN transceiver. Use Value: Clamps 100 V/100 ns spikes to ≤24.4 V within 1 ps, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in TJA1020-level transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role: First-line transient suppressor on each optocoupler input leg, upstream of series current-limiting resistor. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W pulses without degradation, enabling >100,000 surge cycles per channel while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 15 V. |
| Consumer Smart Sensor Hub | Telecom Power Supply Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding I²C and UART lines of environmental sensor clusters (temperature/humidity/pressure) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS on differential signal pairs, placed adjacent to connector with minimal trace length. Use Value: Symmetric clamping preserves signal integrity during ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), avoiding data corruption or reset glitches. |
Use Scenario: Protecting voltage-monitoring inputs of PMBus-enabled DC-DC controllers from AC line transients coupled via shared ground. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-limited clamp between sense rail and GND, sized to avoid false undervoltage lockout during 1 kV ring-wave surges. Use Value: 15 V VWM ensures stable monitoring during nominal 12 V operation, while 24.4 V VC prevents controller shutdown during transient events. |
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-E3/61 | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but contains brominated flame retardants (non-halogen-free). | Acceptable for commercial non-automotive designs where halogen-free mandate does not apply. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free requirement and AEC-Q101 is unnecessary. |
| SMAJ15A-M3/61 | Unidirectional variant; cathode-marked; same VWM, VBR, VC, PPPM, but asymmetric clamping (forward conduction only). | Requires explicit polarity assignment; unsuitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. | Choose only for DC-biased rails where reverse conduction must be blocked (e.g., power supply input). |
Compared with SMAJ15CA-M3/61, the E3 variant trades halogen-free status for lower cost in non-regulated environments, while the unidirectional SMAJ15A-M3/61 introduces polarity constraints that limit reuse across bidirectional interfaces - making SMAJ15CA-M3/61 the optimal choice for universal signal-line protection where layout flexibility and regulatory compliance are prioritized.
Availability
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer sensor hubs, and telecom power monitoring systems requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and MSL Level 1 reflow readiness.
Supply support for SMAJ15CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and application-specific validation.
The SMAJ series targets board-level transient protection in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - engineered for fast response, repeatable clamping, and compatibility with automated SMT processes across automotive, industrial, and communications end markets.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ15CA-M3/61 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ15CA-M3/61 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 16.4 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 24 V logic or analog components downstream of the SMAJ15CA-M3/61.
Is SMAJ15CA-M3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 is qualified for commercial-grade operation from -55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 reflow standards, but it is not AEC-Q101 certified. For automotive use, Vishay offers the SMAJ15CA-HM3_X variant (e.g., SMAJ15CA-HM3_A), which carries the HM3 suffix and revision code indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification. The SMAJ15CA-M3/61 remains appropriate for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where formal qualification is not mandated.
How does the bidirectional design of SMAJ15CA-M3/61 affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional architecture of SMAJ15CA-M3/61 eliminates polarity marking - both terminals are functionally identical, allowing placement without orientation constraints. This simplifies layout, reduces assembly errors, and enables direct integration on AC-coupled lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or floating sensor outputs. Unlike unidirectional variants, SMAJ15CA-M3/61 requires no cathode alignment check during pick-and-place, improving throughput in high-volume SMT lines.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ15CA-M3/61, and how does it impact power dissipation?
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. To sustain its 400 W peak pulse rating, the datasheet mandates mounting on 0.2″ × 0.2″ (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Without this copper area, pulse power must be derated per Figure 2 in document 88390 - underscoring that thermal design is inseparable from surge performance in the SMAJ15CA-M3/61.
Does SMAJ15CA-M3/61 meet lead-free and halogen-free compliance requirements?
Yes - the "M3" suffix in SMAJ15CA-M3/61 explicitly denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction per JEDEC J-STD-20 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing. It contains no brominated or chlorinated flame retardants and uses matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102. This makes SMAJ15CA-M3/61 compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and IPC-1752A material declaration standards.
SMAJ15CA-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:
- -
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15CA-M3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15CA-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 SMAJ15CA-M3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15CA-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 SMAJ15CA-M3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15CA-M3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15CA-M3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15CA-M3/61?
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15CA-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 SMAJ15CA-M3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ15CA-M3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15CA-M3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15CA-M3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15CA-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 SMAJ15CA-M3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15CA-M3/61?
All SMAJ15CA-M3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15CA-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 SMAJ15CA-M3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15CA-M3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ15CA-M3/61 Tags

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