Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,035
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16AHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. It features a 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 26.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16AHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16AHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ16AHE3/5A application, or SMAJ16AHE3/5A equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where AEC-Q101 qualification, low-profile mounting, and fast response (<1 ps) are critical.
Technical Context
The SMAJ16AHE3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance and high surge reliability under repetitive transients.
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power (derated to 300 W above 78 V), supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), and maintains thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads - enabling compact PCB layout without heatsinking in most applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant conduction begins; defines safe DC rail margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.8–19.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above nominal system voltage. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 26.0 V at 15.4 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustains 10/1000 μs transients without failure; derates to 300 W above 78 V per spec. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 15.4 A - Maximum surge current handled at rated clamping voltage; validates protection level for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount, low-profile (2.54 mm lead pitch), MSL Level 1 compliant; suitable for automated assembly. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band marking on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); defines polarity for unidirectional clamping. |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when VREV > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance - required for under-hood ECUs. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to ±1 kV (500 Ω source) without degradation. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping - critical for protecting 16 V-rated MOSFET gates and logic inputs. |
| Fast response time (<1 ps) | Activates before transient energy couples into ICs - essential for safeguarding high-speed sensor interfaces and CAN transceivers. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Supports standard lead-free SMT processes without preconditioning or special handling. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed control modules (e.g., body control units) from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power input and ground to clamp transients exceeding 16 V. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤26.0 V during 100 A/100 ms load dump events, preventing damage to LDOs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) in factory automation sensors from ESD and cable discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable unidirectional TVS (cathode to signal, anode to ground) suppressing ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Clamps ESD pulses within <1 ps, holding signal integrity below 26.0 V while maintaining sub-1 μA leakage at 16 V. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered network switches against induced surges on 48 V DC input rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS on DC input stage, coordinated with upstream fuse and secondary filtering. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surges without thermal runaway, enabling compliance with IEEE 802.3bt surge immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protecting USB VBUS lines in portable chargers and docking stations from hot-plug transients and external surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp between VBUS and GND, sized for 16 V nominal operation with 26.0 V clamping ceiling. Use Value: Prevents latch-up in USB controller ICs during 15 kV air-gap ESD events while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16A-E3/5A | Commercial-grade version; same electrical specs but not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Lacks automotive qualification; unsuitable for under-hood or safety-critical modules. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive reliability requirements. |
| SMAJ16CAHE3/5A | Bidirectional variant; symmetric breakdown (17.8–19.7 V) in both polarities; identical VC, PPPM, and package. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where polarity reversal occurs. | Choose for bidirectional protection needs; no change to PCB layout or thermal design. |
Compared with SMAJ16AHE3/5A, SMAJ16A-E3/5A offers identical surge performance without automotive qualification, while SMAJ16CAHE3/5A provides symmetrical clamping for AC signals - enabling design reuse across unidirectional DC rails and bidirectional data interfaces with minimal BOM divergence.
Availability
SMAJ16AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, telecom power supplies, and consumer USB power delivery systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ16AHE3/5A 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - particularly automotive, industrial, and telecom systems demanding AEC-Q101 validation and robust surge immunity.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ16AHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16AHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at 15.4 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SMAJ16AHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C).
Is the SMAJ16AHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMAJ16AHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with ordering code suffix "HE3". It meets rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and surge endurance - making it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains. The SMAJ16AHE3/5A is rated for operation up to 150 °C junction temperature.
How does the SMAJ16AHE3/5A differ from the SMAJ16CAHE3/5A?
The SMAJ16AHE3/5A is unidirectional, with cathode marked and conduction only in reverse bias, while the SMAJ16CAHE3/5A is bidirectional - offering symmetric breakdown and clamping in both polarities. Both share identical VWM (16 V), VBR (17.8–19.7 V), VC (26.0 V), and package (SMA). The SMAJ16AHE3/5A is used on DC rails; SMAJ16CAHE3/5A suits AC or floating signal lines like CAN or RS-485.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ16AHE3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ16AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes standard FR-4 board construction and guides minimum pad sizing: reducing pad area increases RθJA, risking thermal runaway during repetitive surges. The SMAJ16AHE3/5A requires no additional heatsinking for single-event protection but benefits from thermal relief in high-duty-cycle scenarios.
Does the SMAJ16AHE3/5A meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?
Yes, the SMAJ16AHE3/5A is RoHS-compliant and meets Vishay's material categorization standards per document 99912. The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified construction with matte tin-plated leads. It is not halogen-free - for halogen-free compliance, the equivalent part is SMAJ16AHM3/5A, which carries the "HM3" suffix and satisfies JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
SMAJ16AHE3/5A 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):
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ16AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ16AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ16AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16AHE3/5A?
SMAJ16AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ16AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ16AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16AHE3/5A?
All SMAJ16AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16AHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ16AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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