Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 16 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 26.0 V clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), making it suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ16A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ16A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection considerations include its unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package with cathode band marking, 150 °C max junction temperature, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction per M3 suffix - critical for high-reliability PCB layouts requiring surge immunity and thermal stability.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold, limiting transient energy to safe levels across protected circuit nodes. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance (<1.0 μA at VWM) and fast response time (<1 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective suppression of 10/1000 μs surges up to 15.4 A.
The SMAJ16A-M3/5A is rated for 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 50 °C ambient and exhibits a thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines upper limit of normal signal/power rail operation. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on during transients without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated 400 W surge, directly limiting stress on downstream components. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak pulse current capability under 10/1000 μs waveform, defining maximum transient energy absorption capacity. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power rating; determines survivability against standardized lightning/surge events per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Low-profile SMD package with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; optimized for automated placement and board space efficiency. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, unidirectional configuration with cathode indicated by a band on the case body. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / low-side connection | Connected to ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional clamp configuration; carries surge current during reverse avalanche. |
| Cathode | Reverse voltage sensing / high-side connection | Marked by band; connected to protected line (e.g., 16 V supply rail); initiates clamping when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive ECUs. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term reliability and stable leakage performance (<1.0 μA) across temperature and humidity stress conditions. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance mandates for automotive Tier-1 suppliers and industrial OEMs without compromising surge performance. |
| MSL Level 1 (J-STD-020), 260 °C peak reflow | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly processes without preconditioning or special handling requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs against load dump and alternator transients in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VIN and GND to clamp positive-going surges above 16 V. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 26.0 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated LDOs and maintaining system uptime during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors exposed to ESD and cable discharge in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role: TVS mounted at connector interface to shunt transient energy before reaching precision DAC or op-amp circuitry. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response and 26.0 V clamping prevent input-stage saturation and measurement corruption during 8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feeding Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in USB-C PD adapters where 16 V rails feed buck converters supplying SoCs. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional clamp on +16 V output rail to absorb flyback spikes from transformer leakage inductance. Use Value: 400 W rating handles repetitive switching surges without degradation; 150 °C TJ max supports compact, thermally constrained designs. |
Use Scenario: Protecting PoE-powered devices (e.g., IP cameras) against induced surges on 48 V DC feeding lines running alongside data cables in outdoor installations. IC Role / Device Role: TVS installed at PD input to clamp common-mode transients coupled onto DC pair before DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: 26.0 V clamping margin allows safe operation with 48 V nominal input while meeting IEEE 802.3bt surge immunity requirements. |
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 | Same electrical specs and package; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3). | Acceptable for commercial-grade applications where halogen-free material is not mandated. | Select SMAJ16A-E3/5A if environmental compliance only requires RoHS, not halogen-free certification. |
| SMAJ16CA-M3/5A | Bidirectional variant: symmetric VBR (17.8–19.7 V) in both directions; no polarity marking. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where bidirectional transients occur (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus). | Choose SMAJ16CA-M3/5A only when protecting non-polarized circuits; SMAJ16A-M3/5A is optimal for DC rails with defined ground reference. |
Compared with SMAJ16A-E3/5A, the M3 suffix adds halogen-free compliance without altering surge performance; compared with SMAJ16CA-M3/5A, the unidirectional design provides tighter clamping control and simpler layout integration on grounded DC networks.
Availability
SMAJ16A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor modules, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with halogen-free compliance and high-surge immunity.
Supply support for SMAJ16A-M3/5A 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, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The SMAJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 qualification and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 15.4 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures predictable voltage limiting during surge events. The clamping behavior is consistent across production lots and validated per Vishay's qualification testing for the SMAJ16A-M3/5A.
Is SMAJ16A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ16A-M3/5A is qualified to AEC-Q101 when ordered with HE3 or HM3 suffixes; however, the M3 suffix alone denotes halogen-free RoHS compliance for commercial-grade use. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 validation, specify SMAJ16AHM3_X (e.g., SMAJ16AHM3_A/I). The SMAJ16A-M3/5A shares identical electrical characteristics and thermal performance with its AEC-Q101 variants, differing only in qualification documentation and traceability.
How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in SMAJ16A-M3/5A?
The M3 suffix in SMAJ16A-M3/5A indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free molding compound. Both share identical electrical specifications, package dimensions, and thermal ratings. The choice depends on environmental compliance requirements: SMAJ16A-M3/5A meets stricter green-material standards required by certain automotive and industrial OEMs, while SMAJ16A-E3/5A satisfies baseline RoHS mandates.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SMAJ16A-M3/5A?
The SMAJ16A-M3/5A has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C and an operating junction/storage temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C. This rating allows deployment in under-hood automotive locations, industrial motor drives, and enclosed power supplies where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C. Derating curves in the Vishay datasheet (Fig. 2) define allowable power dissipation versus ambient temperature for the SMAJ16A-M3/5A.
Can SMAJ16A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional signal protection?
No - SMAJ16A-M3/5A is strictly unidirectional and must be oriented with its cathode band toward the protected line. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC signals, differential buses), use SMAJ16CA-M3/5A, which features symmetrical breakdown in both directions and no polarity marking. Using SMAJ16A-M3/5A on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction during negative transients and failure to clamp effectively.
SMAJ16A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ16A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16A-M3/5A?
SMAJ16A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ16A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16A-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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