Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,415
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160AHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - ideal for safeguarding MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160AHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ160AHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ160AHE3/5A application, or SMAJ160AHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected device's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, unidirectional polarity marking, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 μA leakage at 160 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and fast response (<1 ns), while the SMA package supports surface-mount reflow with MSL Level 1 rating (peak 260 °C).
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that - confirmed by Fig. 1 and Note (1) in the datasheet. Its 1.2 A IPPM corresponds to VC = 259 V, yielding a low incremental surge resistance (~215 Ω), critical for limiting let-through energy during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - defines reliable turn-on threshold with ±5.6% tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.2 A - clamping voltage limiting stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - surge energy absorption capacity on standard PCB pads |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - thermal resistance dictating derating above 25 °C ambient |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in harsh environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band on one end; compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | High-side input terminal | Connected to protected line; band-marked end accepts transient voltage above VWM |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power | Enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges on 120 VDC systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics requiring extended temperature and life-cycle reliability |
| Low profile SMA package | 0.208" × 0.157" footprint supports high-density PCB layouts and automated pick-and-place |
| 120 °C/W RθJA | Allows direct thermal design using standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads without heatsinks |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature, minimizing parameter drift in field applications |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontrollers from flyback voltage spikes generated by relay or solenoid coil de-energization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed across DC bus or control line to divert surge current to ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259 V, preserving 3.3 V/5 V logic integrity and preventing MOSFET avalanche failure. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and sensor interfaces against load dump and jump-start events in 12 V vehicle networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected between signal line and chassis ground to clamp >100 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a immunity requirements with verified AEC-Q101 qualification. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors exposed to lightning-induced surges on primary-side DC rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS placed after rectifier and before bulk capacitor to absorb line-to-ground transients. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, maintaining UL 497B recognition for telecom safety compliance. | Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on microcontroller I/O lines connected to push-button panels or display backlight drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized unidirectional clamp on each sensitive input to prevent latch-up or ESD damage. Use Value: Low leakage (<1 μA at 160 V) avoids signal distortion; SMA footprint enables cost-effective dual-side assembly. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A-E3/5A | No AEC-Q101 qualification; commercial grade only | Not suitable for automotive production; acceptable for industrial/commercial designs | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost optimization is prioritized |
| SMAJ160AHM3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified | Same electrical specs; preferred for automotive programs requiring halogen-free materials | Choose for Tier-1 automotive supply chains mandating halogen-free compliance |
Compared with SMAJ160AHE3/5A, the E3 variant lacks automotive qualification but offers identical clamping performance at lower cost, while the HM3 variant adds halogen-free construction without sacrificing surge capability - enabling material-compliant sourcing without redesign.
Availability
SMAJ160AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ160AHE3/5A 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against inductive switching and lightning surges is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160AHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160AHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.2 A, measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is critical for ensuring protected devices remain below their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events, and is confirmed in Table 1 of the Vishay datasheet 88390.
Is SMAJ160AHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ160AHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the "MECHANICAL DATA" section and noted in the ordering information table. This qualification validates its reliability for automotive body electronics, powertrain subsystems, and infotainment interfaces subjected to extended temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMAJ160AHE3/5A?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification, per Vishay's naming convention. "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, "E3" specifies RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and "/5A" refers to 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging with 7500 units per reel - all defined in the Ordering Information section of datasheet 88390.
How does the thermal resistance of SMAJ160AHE3/5A affect its power derating?
SMAJ160AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W. At ambient temperatures above 25 °C, its peak pulse power must be derated per Figure 2 in the datasheet - e.g., at 75 °C ambient, usable PPPM drops to ~280 W, directly impacting surge handling in enclosed or high-temperature enclosures.
Can SMAJ160AHE3/5A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SMAJ160AHE3/5A is unidirectional only, as indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional variants). Its cathode band marks the high-side terminal; applying reverse voltage beyond VWM will not trigger symmetrical clamping. For bidirectional protection, use SMAJ160CAHE3/5A, which has identical VWM but dual-direction breakdown behavior.
SMAJ160AHE3/5A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- 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)
SMAJ160AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ160AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160AHE3/5A?
SMAJ160AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ160AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ160AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ160AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160AHE3/5A?
All SMAJ160AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160AHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ160AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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