Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ15HE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ15HE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ15HE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ15HE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a high-reliability, AEC-Q101-qualified unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in DO-214AC (SMA) package, rated for 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 26.9 V clamping voltage (VC) at 14.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform). It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive powertrain and body electronics against inductive switching transients and ESD.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ15HE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ15HE3/5A pinout, SMAJ15HE3/5A application, or SMAJ15HE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 15 V VWM, 26.9 V VC, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-214AC thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and 1.0 µA maximum reverse leakage at VWM.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode features a glass-passivated silicon junction with fast response time (<1 ps), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping performance under repetitive 10/1000 µs transients at 0.01% duty cycle. Its breakdown voltage (VBR) is specified at 16.7–20.4 V with 1.0 mA test current, ensuring robust overvoltage margin above VWM.
Designed for surface-mount automated placement, it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow 260 °C), has matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102, and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing due to the HE3 suffix - confirming suitability for automotive-grade reliability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets protection threshold for 12 V automotive systems. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.9 V - Clamped voltage at 14.9 A peak pulse current; limits downstream device stress during 400 W transient events. |
| IPPM | 14.9 A - Peak surge current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/42 Ω) surge immunity. |
| VBR min/max | 16.7 V / 20.4 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1.0 mA; ensures consistent turn-on behavior across temperature and unit variation. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at 15 V; negligible power loss and signal integrity impact in standby or low-power sensor interfaces. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without derating. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads; informs PCB thermal design for sustained surge duty cycles. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, single-ended unidirectional configuration. Cathode indicated by band marking on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or circuit return path; completes conduction path during transient clamp event. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to protected signal/power line (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor output); absorbs positive-going surges to ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body control modules, with extended temperature cycling and humidity testing. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands high-energy transients such as load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without degradation when mounted per recommended pad layout. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard SMT reflow without baking; compatible with high-volume automotive manufacturing. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage under thermal stress and humidity exposure typical in automotive under-hood environments. |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability automotive assemblies, eliminating risk of latent short circuits over 15+ year service life. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in junction boxes and fuse panels against alternator load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery feed and local regulator input to clamp transients up to ±100 V. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤26.9 V during 400 W surges, preventing damage to downstream DC/DC converters and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CAN transceiver power pins and sensor interface lines in engine management systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on VCC and I/O lines of 32-bit MCUs and analog front-ends exposed to ignition noise. Use Value: Maintains 1.0 µA leakage at 15 V, avoiding interference with low-current sensor biasing while clamping ESD to <30 V. |
| Body Electronics Module | Automotive Lighting Driver |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN bus transceivers and window motor drivers from battery reversal and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection not applicable; SMAJ15HE3/5A used on unidirectional 12 V feeds to door module logic. Use Value: Withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), surviving accidental 24 V jump-start conditions without failure. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive spikes from LED driver MOSFETs in adaptive headlamp systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS across drain-source of high-side switch to limit VDS overshoot during turn-off. Use Value: 26.9 V clamping voltage ensures MOSFETs with 30 V VDSS rating operate within safe SOA during 100 ns switching transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15AHE3/5A | Lower VBR range (16.7–18.5 V), tighter tolerance; same VWM and VC (24.4 V @ 16.4 A). | Better suited for designs requiring lower clamping variance and higher surge current margin at same VWM. | Select SMAJ15AHE3/5A when tighter VBR distribution improves system-level surge margin verification. |
| SMCJ15HE3/5A | Same VWM (15 V) but higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-214AB (SMC) package, RθJA = 35 °C/W. | Used where higher energy absorption is required (e.g., main battery input), accepting larger footprint and different thermal profile. | Choose SMCJ15HE3/5A only if 400 W is insufficient and PCB space allows DO-214AB; not drop-in compatible. |
Compared with SMAJ15HE3/5A, SMAJ15AHE3/5A offers improved VBR consistency for tighter clamping control, while SMCJ15HE3/5A delivers 3.75× higher surge energy handling at the cost of larger size and different thermal management - neither is pin-compatible, and both require layout revision.
Availability
SMAJ15HE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, engine control unit (ECU) protection, body electronics modules, and lighting driver designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ15HE3/5A 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMAJ series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh automotive environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, thermal stability, and repeatable clamping performance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ15HE3/5A and how is it measured?
The clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ15HE3/5A is 26.9 V, measured at 14.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value reflects the maximum voltage seen across the device during a 400 W transient event and is guaranteed per Vishay Document Number 88390, Revision 29-Oct-08. The SMAJ15HE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ15HE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ15HE3/5A is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 standards and carries the HE3 suffix denoting high-reliability, automotive-grade construction. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - validated for use in engine control units, body control modules, and power distribution systems. The SMAJ15HE3/5A meets all electrical and mechanical requirements for under-hood deployment up to +150 °C junction temperature.
What does the "HE3" and "5A" suffix mean in SMAJ15HE3/5A?
The "HE3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, high-reliability construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and AEC-Q101 qualification. The "5A" denotes the preferred packaging option: 13-inch plastic tape-and-reel with 7500 units per reel. This differs from "61", which specifies 7-inch reels with 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications; only packaging and quantity differ.
How does SMAJ15HE3/5A compare to SMAJ15AHE3/5A?
SMAJ15HE3/5A has a VBR range of 16.7–20.4 V, while SMAJ15AHE3/5A tightens this to 16.7–18.5 V - improving clamping consistency without changing VWM (15 V) or VC (24.4 V). Both share identical package, AEC-Q101 qualification, and thermal specs. The SMAJ15HE3/5A remains appropriate where broader VBR tolerance is acceptable; SMAJ15AHE3/5A suits designs needing tighter surge margin control.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ15HE3/5A at rated VWM?
The maximum reverse leakage current (ID) for SMAJ15HE3/5A is 1.0 µA at its rated stand-off voltage of 15 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and no measurable loading effect on sensitive sensor bias networks or low-quiescent current regulators. The SMAJ15HE3/5A maintains leakage below 5 µA even at +125 °C, per Vishay's published derating curves.
SMAJ15HE3/5A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ15HE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ15HE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ15HE3/5A 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 SMAJ15HE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ15HE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ15HE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ15HE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ15HE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ15HE3/5A?
SMAJ15HE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ15HE3/5A 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 SMAJ15HE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ15HE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ15HE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ15HE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ15HE3/5A 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 SMAJ15HE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ15HE3/5A?
All SMAJ15HE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ15HE3/5A, 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 SMAJ15HE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ15HE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ15HE3/5A Tags

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