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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15C-E3/5A

Name: SMAJ15C-E3/5A
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SMAJ15C-E3/5A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SMAJ15C-E3/5A

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AC, SMA

Datasheet:: SMAJ15C-E3/5A.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO214AC

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Product details

Overview

SMAJ15C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 26.9 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 14.9 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive electronics.

For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15C-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ15C-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ15C-E3/5A application, or SMAJ15C-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional terminal behavior, JEDEC-compliant thermal resistance (R_θJA = 120 °C/W), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility up to 260 °C.

Technical Context

This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, with identical breakdown (V_BR min/max = 16.7 V / 20.4 V at I_T = 1.0 mA), clamping (V_C = 26.9 V), and leakage (I_D ≤ 1.0 µA at V_WM = 15 V) characteristics in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable surge response and low incremental surge resistance.

Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, it supports repetitive transient suppression under 0.01% duty cycle and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1. The device is mounted on 0.2 × 0.2 inch copper pads per terminal to sustain its 400 W peak pulse power rating below 78 V.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	15 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal systems.
V_C @ I_PPM	26.9 V - Clamped voltage at 14.9 A peak pulse current; limits downstream component stress during 10/1000 µs transients.
I_PPM	14.9 A - Peak surge current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; determines protection level against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges.
P_PPM	400 W - Peak pulse power dissipation; enables robust protection without derating below 78 V.
R_θJA	120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires minimum 0.2 × 0.2 inch copper pad area per terminal for rated power handling.
Junction Temp Range	-55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial control environments.
MSL Level	Level 1 (per J-STD-020) - Supports standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak without baking or special handling.

Pinout & Package

DO-214AC (SMA) package: surface-mount, low-profile, bi-directional configuration with no polarity marking; terminals are matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)	Bi-directional transient conduction path	No functional polarity - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; eliminates orientation constraints during placement.
Cathode Band (absent)	Non-applicable for bi-directional types	Device has no marking; must be distinguished from uni-directional variants (e.g., SMAJ15A) by part number and packaging documentation.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Bi-directional clamping	Identical V_BR, V_C, and I_PPM in both directions - simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating signal lines like RS-485 or CAN bus stubs.
Glass-passivated junction	Stable breakdown voltage tolerance and low leakage (<1 µA at V_WM) across temperature - ensures consistent protection threshold over life.
400 W peak pulse power	Supports IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV/2 Ω surge testing without degradation when mounted per recommended pad layout.
MSL Level 1 rating	Enables direct placement into high-volume SMT lines using standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak 260 °C, 40 s max).
RoHS & WEEE compliant	Meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC and 2002/96/EC - qualifies for use in consumer, industrial, and automotive end equipment requiring environmental compliance.

Applications

Automotive Sensor Interface Protection	Industrial RS-485 Data Line Clamp
Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding within <1 ps to limit excursion beyond 26.9 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and ADC front-ends while maintaining signal integrity below 15 V DC bias.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on differential bus lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Symmetric transient suppressor across A/B lines or from each line to ground, conducting bidirectionally during ±15 kV HBM ESD events. Use Value: Maintains common-mode immunity and data integrity by clamping transients without introducing DC offset or signal distortion.
Consumer Power Supply Input Clamp	Telecom DSL Line Surge Guard
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V DC input rails of set-top boxes and smart home hubs exposed to hot-plug and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt device absorbing energy from 10/1000 µs surges before upstream regulators or LDOs enter overvoltage shutdown. Use Value: Extends system uptime by preventing brownout resets and enabling graceful recovery after transient events without hardware reset.	Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers and receivers against induced surges from nearby power lines or lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. <100 pF at V_WM) bi-directional clamp placed between tip/ring and ground to preserve high-frequency signal fidelity up to 30 MHz. Use Value: Meets ITU-T K.20/21 requirements for surge immunity while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance per line - negligible impact on return loss.

Automotive Sensor Interface Protection

Industrial RS-485 Data Line Clamp

Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle subsystems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding within <1 ps to limit excursion beyond 26.9 V.

Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and ADC front-ends while maintaining signal integrity below 15 V DC bias.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on differential bus lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Symmetric transient suppressor across A/B lines or from each line to ground, conducting bidirectionally during ±15 kV HBM ESD events.

Use Value: Maintains common-mode immunity and data integrity by clamping transients without introducing DC offset or signal distortion.

Consumer Power Supply Input Clamp

Telecom DSL Line Surge Guard

Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V DC input rails of set-top boxes and smart home hubs exposed to hot-plug and cable discharge events.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt device absorbing energy from 10/1000 µs surges before upstream regulators or LDOs enter overvoltage shutdown.

Use Value: Extends system uptime by preventing brownout resets and enabling graceful recovery after transient events without hardware reset.

Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers and receivers against induced surges from nearby power lines or lightning coupling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. <100 pF at V_WM) bi-directional clamp placed between tip/ring and ground to preserve high-frequency signal fidelity up to 30 MHz.

Use Value: Meets ITU-T K.20/21 requirements for surge immunity while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance per line - negligible impact on return loss.

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	Same electrical specs and DO-214AC package; "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional variant per Vishay naming convention (vs. "C" in SMAJ15C-E3/5A, which is functionally identical per Doc. 88390 Table 1 footnote).	No functional difference - both rated for identical V_WM, V_C, and I_PPM; "CA" is Vishay's standardized bi-directional designation across newer revisions.	Select SMAJ15CA-E3/5A if sourcing from post-2010 inventory or aligning with Vishay's current nomenclature; SMAJ15C-E3/5A remains fully compatible and documented in same datasheet.
SMBJ15CA-E3/52	DO-214AA (SMB) package - larger footprint (0.208" × 0.126"), higher R_θJA (90 °C/W), and 600 W P_PPM rating; otherwise matches V_WM = 15 V, V_C = 24.4 V @ 24.4 A.	Better thermal performance and surge margin but occupies ~2.3× PCB area; suited for high-reliability industrial power supplies where space permits.	Choose SMBJ15CA-E3/52 only when higher surge endurance (>400 W) or lower clamping (24.4 V vs. 26.9 V) is required; SMAJ15C-E3/5A remains optimal for space-constrained designs.

Compared with SMAJ15C-E3/5A, SMAJ15CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance with updated nomenclature alignment, while SMBJ15CA-E3/52 trades compactness for enhanced thermal and surge capability - making SMAJ15C-E3/5A the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, space-limited consumer and automotive modules.

Availability

SMAJ15C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and telecom DSL line surge guard applications requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for SMAJ15C-E3/5A 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, precision, and application-specific optimization.

The SMAJ series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ESD, lightning, and inductive switching is mission-critical.

FAQ

What does the "C" suffix mean in SMAJ15C-E3/5A?

The "C" suffix in SMAJ15C-E3/5A designates a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor, confirmed by Vishay Document 88390 Section "DEVICES FOR BI-DIRECTION APPLICATIONS", which states that "C or CA suffix (e.g. SMAJ10C, SMAJ10CA)" applies to bi-directional types with identical electrical characteristics in both directions. SMAJ15C-E3/5A exhibits symmetrical V_BR, V_C, and I_PPM values - no polarity marking is present on the DO-214AC package.

Is SMAJ15C-E3/5A RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, SMAJ15C-E3/5A is RoHS compliant per Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE compliant per 2002/96/EC, as stated in the "FEATURES" section of Vishay Document 88390. The "E3" suffix specifically indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability standards - no lead content is used in the termination or molding compound.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ15C-E3/5A under surge conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SMAJ15C-E3/5A is 26.9 V, measured at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 14.9 A with a 10/1000 µs waveform, per the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table on page 2 of Vishay Document 88390. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.

Can SMAJ15C-E3/5A be used in automotive applications?

SMAJ15C-E3/5A is qualified for automotive use per its compliance with AEC-Q101 when ordered with the "HE3" suffix (e.g., SMAJ15CHE3/5A); however, the standard "E3" version is commercial-grade. While its -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and robust surge rating support under-hood environments, full automotive qualification requires the HE3 variant - always verify qualification status via Vishay's official datasheet revision and ordering code.

What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ15C-E3/5A, and how does it affect layout?

SMAJ15C-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 120 °C/W, as specified in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table on page 4 of Vishay Document 88390. To achieve its full 400 W peak pulse power rating, the device must be mounted on minimum 0.2 × 0.2 inch (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal - undersized pads will cause excessive junction heating and premature failure during repetitive surges.

SMAJ15C-E3/5A Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-214AC, SMA

Series:: TransZorb®

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 15V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 16.7V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 26.9V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 14.9A

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)

SMAJ15C-E3/5A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15C-E3/5A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ15C-E3/5A reliable?

The price and inventory of SMAJ15C-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ15C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15C-E3/5A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15C-E3/5A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15C-E3/5A?

SMAJ15C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMAJ15C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ15C-E3/5A?

For technical support, including SMAJ15C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15C-E3/5A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMAJ15C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ15C-E3/5A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15C-E3/5A?

All SMAJ15C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15C-E3/5A, 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 SMAJ15C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMAJ15C-E3/5A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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