Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 26.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with a 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in DC power rails, I/O lines, and MOSFET gate protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16A-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16A-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ16A-E3/5A application, or SMAJ16A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated placement, AEC-Q101 qualification option, low incremental surge resistance, and compliance with UL 497B for telecom and industrial surge protection systems.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that remains high-impedance below 16 V and rapidly transitions to low-impedance conduction when transients exceed its breakdown threshold (17.8–19.7 V at 1 mA). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and repeatable clamping performance under repetitive surge events.
Designed for PCB-level protection against inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges, it delivers sub-nanosecond response time and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with peak reflow tolerance up to 260 °C. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; defines safe DC bias margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 400 W 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with 0.01% duty cycle; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms); supports robust protection against motor-switching transients. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling operation in automotive under-hood and industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with cathode band marking; compatible with IPC-7351B footprint. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, polarity indicated by cathode band on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or return path; completes clamping loop during transient conduction. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal input); band-marked end for orientation verification. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power | Enables single-device protection against IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV/2 Ω surge waveforms without derating above 78 V. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable avalanche behavior across temperature and lifetime, minimizing parameter drift in harsh environments. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows direct placement into high-temperature reflow profiles (peak 260 °C) without preconditioning or baking. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | Available with HE3/HM3 suffixes for automotive applications requiring validated reliability per stress-test standards. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between power input and upstream filter capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤26.0 V, preventing damage to voltage regulators and microcontrollers rated for 36 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF) shunt protector on differential or single-ended signal lines. Use Value: Sub-ns response preserves signal integrity while absorbing ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 without affecting 10 kHz bandwidth. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered equipment inputs against induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense on 48 V DC input before DC/DC converter stage. Use Value: Withstands 400 W surges per IEEE 802.3bt requirements while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 48 V nominal. |
Use Scenario: Adding surge immunity to USB 2.0 data lines and VBUS in portable chargers and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp on VBUS line only; paired with bidirectional TVS on D+/D−. Use Value: Clamps 100 V transients to 26.0 V within 1 ns, preventing overvoltage damage to USB controller ICs with 6 V abs max rating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16CA-E3/5A | Bidirectional variant with same VWM (16 V), symmetric clamping in both polarities; VC = 26.0 V at ±15.4 A. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity reversal may occur (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus). | Select SMAJ16CA-E3/5A only if bidirectional clamping is needed; SMAJ16A-E3/5A is optimal for DC-biased rails with defined polarity. |
| SMBJ16A-E3/52 | Same VWM and VC, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 25 % larger footprint, 600 W PPPM, higher thermal mass. | Better suited for high-reliability industrial systems requiring extended surge endurance or higher IPPM margin. | Choose SMBJ16A-E3/52 when board space allows and >400 W surge headroom is required; SMAJ16A-E3/5A fits tighter layouts with proven 400 W capability. |
Compared with SMAJ16CA-E3/5A and SMBJ16A-E3/52, the SMAJ16A-E3/5A provides optimal balance of compact SMA packaging, precise unidirectional clamping, and verified 400 W surge handling - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained DC power and signal line protection where polarity is fixed.
Availability
SMAJ16A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial sensor modules, telecom power supplies, and consumer USB power delivery systems requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMAJ16A-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 automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where fast response, stable clamping, and AEC-Q101 compliance are critical.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for SMAJ16A-E3/5A?
The SMAJ16A-E3/5A has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.8 V to 19.7 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. This range ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, and is explicitly confirmed in Vishay's Document Number 88390, Revision 09-Jan-2024. The SMAJ16A-E3/5A maintains this specification under standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C).
Is SMAJ16A-E3/5A RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, SMAJ16A-E3/5A carries the "E3" suffix, indicating full RoHS compliance per EU Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7a. It is not halogen-free; for halogen-free and RoHS-compliant versions, specify SMAJ16A-M3/5A. Both variants meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 497B recognition. The SMAJ16A-E3/5A uses matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
Can SMAJ16A-E3/5A be used in automotive applications?
SMAJ16A-E3/5A itself is commercial-grade; however, the AEC-Q101 qualified version is available as SMAJ16AHE3_A/I (with "HE3" suffix and revision code). That variant undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. For non-automotive designs, SMAJ16A-E3/5A is fully suitable - its thermal and surge ratings align with under-hood ambient conditions when properly mounted. Always verify qualification status via the full ordering code.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ16A-E3/5A at rated surge current?
The SMAJ16A-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A, tested with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated surge event. The SMAJ16A-E3/5A achieves this with a clamping ratio of ~1.38 relative to its minimum VBR.
Does SMAJ16A-E3/5A have a specified junction capacitance?
No, junction capacitance (CJ) is not specified for SMAJ16A-E3/5A in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88390). Capacitance values are provided only for bidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ16CA) in Figure 4, ranging from ~100 pF to ~200 pF depending on VWM. As a unidirectional TVS, SMAJ16A-E3/5A prioritizes low dynamic impedance over low capacitance; designers requiring <50 pF should consider specialized low-CJ TVS families like the VCML series instead of the SMAJ16A-E3/5A.
SMAJ16A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.4A
- 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)
SMAJ16A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16A-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 SMAJ16A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16A-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 SMAJ16A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16A-E3/5A?
SMAJ16A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16A-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 SMAJ16A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16A-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 SMAJ16A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16A-E3/5A?
All SMAJ16A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16A-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 SMAJ16A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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