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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 287VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,940
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 287 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.0 A peak pulse current, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range - used in automotive power rail protection and industrial sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ160-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ160-E3/5A application, or SMAJ160-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal resistance values, clamping behavior under surge conditions, RoHS-compliant packaging details, and direct alternatives with documented parameter differences for ESD and lightning surge protection design validation.
Technical Context
The SMAJ160-E3/5A employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ps) to transient overvoltages, with low incremental surge resistance ensuring stable clamping performance during repetitive 10/1000 µs surges. Its unidirectional polarity (cathode band marked) supports DC-biased line protection where reverse conduction must be blocked.
Thermal design is enabled by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, validated on 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads; it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and withstands solder reflow up to 260 °C for 40 s - confirming suitability for automated SMT assembly in high-reliability automotive and industrial PCBs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe working margin for 120–150 V DC systems. |
| VC @ IPPM | 287 V - Clamped voltage at 1.0 A peak pulse current; limits downstream IC stress during 10/1000 µs transients. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs waveform); enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports single-event load dump survival in automotive 12 V systems. |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - Extended junction temperature range allows deployment in engine bay or industrial control enclosures without derating. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance to ambient on standard 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained surge duty cycles. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1, UL 94 V-0 molding compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased higher. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Clamping reference terminal | Marked end connects to higher-potential side (e.g., VIN or signal line); initiates avalanche breakdown above VWM. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term stability of breakdown voltage and leakage current under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides robust immunity against IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 1 kV/42 Ω in industrial environments. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Eliminates bake-out requirement prior to reflow, reducing manufacturing cost and process complexity for high-volume SMT lines. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBAT and GND to clamp spikes up to 120 V for <100 ms duration. Use Value: Withstands 40 A IFSM and clamps to ≤287 V, preventing damage to LDOs and microcontrollers downstream. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog modules from field-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping not required; unidirectional SMAJ160-E3/5A guards against positive-going transients on powered signal lines. Use Value: 160 V VWM avoids false triggering during normal operation while enabling 287 V clamping during 1 kV surge events. |
| Telecom DC Power Feeds | Motor Drive Control Board Inputs |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on distribution backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted anode-to-GND, cathode-to-line to suppress positive transients on negative-rail systems. Use Value: Confirmed operation down to –55 °C and up to +150 °C ensures reliability in outdoor cabinet deployments. |
Use Scenario: Protecting isolated gate driver bias supplies from inductive kickback during IGBT switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across secondary-side 15 V supply rails to limit voltage excursions during fault conditions. Use Value: 400 W PPPM and 287 V VC prevent overvoltage failure of optocouplers and level-shifters in motor control logic. |
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 | Lower VBR (178–197 V vs. 178–218 V) and tighter VWM tolerance (160 V ±0 % vs. ±0 %), resulting in 259 V VC (vs. 287 V) at same IPPM. | Better suited for systems requiring tighter clamping voltage control near 160 V nominal rails, e.g., regulated 150 V intermediate bus converters. | Select SMAJ160A-E3/5A when lower clamping voltage and tighter VBR distribution are critical; SMAJ160-E3/5A offers higher surge energy margin due to wider VBR range. |
| SMCJ160A-E3/57T | Same VWM (160 V) but larger DO-214AB (SMC) package, higher PPPM (1500 W), lower RθJA (40 °C/W), and 243 V VC at 6.2 A. | Used where higher single-pulse energy absorption is needed, such as AC mains input stages or high-power motor drives with longer surge durations. | Choose SMCJ160A-E3/57T for >400 W surge handling; SMAJ160-E3/5A remains optimal for space-constrained 400 W applications with standard SMA footprints. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/5A, the SMAJ160-E3/5A provides higher clamping voltage but broader VBR tolerance - beneficial for variable-temperature environments - while the SMCJ160A-E3/57T trades footprint size for 3.75× higher pulse power and 42 % lower clamping voltage, targeting heavier industrial surge classes.
Availability
SMAJ160-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface circuits, telecom DC power feeds, and motor drive control board inputs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-volume SMT production.
Supply support for SMAJ160-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for surface-mount transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - delivering standardized DO-214AC packaging, AEC-Q101 qualification options, and consistent clamping performance across 5.0 V to 188 V VWM variants.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ160-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 287 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 1.0 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SMAJ160-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its operational temperature range.
Is SMAJ160-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
No - SMAJ160-E3/5A carries the "E3" suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant commercial-grade construction. For AEC-Q101 qualified automotive use, the "HE3" variant (e.g., SMAJ160HE3/5A) must be selected. That version undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 and is designated for high-reliability automotive subsystems including body control modules and ADAS power supplies. The SMAJ160-E3/5A remains appropriate for non-automotive industrial and telecom applications.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RθJA) for SMAJ160-E3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
The SMAJ160-E3/5A has a typical RθJA of 120 °C/W when mounted on the minimum recommended pad layout: 0.2 × 0.2" (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value directly impacts thermal rise during surge events - for example, dissipating 400 W even briefly raises junction temperature significantly. To maintain reliability, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length; the SMAJ160-E3/5A's RθJL of 30 °C/W further emphasizes the importance of solid thermal connection to PCB planes.
How does the unidirectional configuration of SMAJ160-E3/5A influence its placement in a circuit?
The SMAJ160-E3/5A is unidirectional, with the banded end denoting the cathode. It must be oriented so the cathode connects to the higher-potential node (e.g., VIN, signal line) and the anode to the lower-potential node (e.g., GND or return path). This configuration blocks reverse current under normal operation and conducts only during positive transients exceeding VWM. Incorrect orientation renders the device ineffective against negative-going surges - a critical consideration in DC-biased systems like automotive 12 V rails or sensor supply lines. The SMAJ160-E3/5A does not protect against reverse polarity faults.
What is the peak pulse power rating of SMAJ160-E3/5A, and under what waveform is it specified?
The SMAJ160-E3/5A is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (PPPM) using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential current waveform defined by R.E.A. and IEC 61000-4-5. This rating applies at TA = 25 °C with proper PCB mounting (0.2 × 0.2" copper pads); above 78 V VWM, the rating remains 400 W. The 10/1000 µs waveform models real-world lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients, making the SMAJ160-E3/5A suitable for Level 3 IEC 61000-4-5 compliance testing.
SMAJ160-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 287V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- 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)
SMAJ160-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160-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 SMAJ160-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160-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 SMAJ160-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160-E3/5A?
SMAJ160-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160-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 SMAJ160-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ160-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160-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 SMAJ160-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160-E3/5A?
All SMAJ160-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160-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 SMAJ160-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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