Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 16 V standoff 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 (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional CA construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports fast energy dissipation during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a typical thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard PCB pads. Its 10/1000 μs waveform rating reflects standardized surge immunity testing per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, with derating applied above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold. |
| 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 under 400 W transient; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak surge power handling capacity; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance nodes. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments with elevated ambient temperatures. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking; simplifies SMT manufacturing flow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.50 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); cathode band absent per bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (either direction) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; accepts surge current regardless of polarity relative to other terminal. |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (either direction) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; completes low-impedance path to ground or rail during clamping event. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and ESD; enables use in engine control, ADAS, and infotainment modules. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 4 kV/2 Ω. |
| Low clamping voltage (26.0 V) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to 16 V-rated ICs or MOSFETs, reducing risk of gate oxide damage or logic upset. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term parameter stability and low leakage drift across temperature and lifetime, critical for safety-critical applications. |
| MSL Level 1 compliance | Eliminates pre-reflow baking steps and enables direct placement into high-volume SMT lines without moisture-related defects. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay modules exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤26.0 V, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V or 5 V signal chains. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers subjected to relay coil flyback and field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across input optocoupler terminals to shunt induced spikes before isolation barrier. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/500 A transients to sub-30 V levels within <1 ns, maintaining EN 61000-6-2 immunity compliance without adding series impedance. |
| USB/CAN Bus ESD Protection | Power Supply Rail Clamp |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on bidirectional USB 2.0 D+/D− or CAN H/L lines in telematics units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈200 pF) TVS placed after primary common-mode choke to absorb contact discharge events. Use Value: Withstands ±15 kV contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance per line-no data rate degradation at 480 Mbps. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage clamp on 16 V auxiliary power rail feeding infotainment head units during cold-crank or jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt device connected between rail and chassis ground to limit sustained overvoltage beyond 19.7 V. Use Value: Activates within nanoseconds to clamp 24 V transients to 26 V, preventing brownout reset or regulator shutdown during battery recovery. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM tier-1 specifications. | Choose SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I if environmental compliance requires absence of brominated flame retardants. |
| SMBJ16CAHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package with higher 600 W PPPM rating and 150 °C TJ max. | Better thermal performance and surge margin; suitable where board space allows and higher reliability margin is needed. | Choose SMBJ16CAHE3_A/I when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or PCB layout permits larger footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I, SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while SMBJ16CAHE3_A/I provides 50 % higher surge power handling and improved thermal dissipation-both require verification of pad layout and mechanical fit.
Availability
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, USB/CAN bus protection, and 16 V power rail clamping requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 validation and consistent clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of the Vishay datasheet 88390. The SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Mechanical Data section and Ordering Information table of the Vishay datasheet. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD robustness-making SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I suitable for under-hood and cabin electronics in passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I denotes a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified version with matte tin-plated leads and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Per Vishay's ordering information, HE3 indicates the base part is enhanced for automotive use, distinguishing it from commercial-grade E3 or halogen-free HM3 variants. The "_A/I" further specifies packaging in 13″ tape-and-reel with 7500 units per reel.
How does SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I differ from unidirectional SMAJ16A variants?
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I is bidirectional, meaning it clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities-ideal for AC signals, differential buses, or polarity-agnostic protection. In contrast, SMAJ16A is unidirectional with a cathode band marking and only clamps in reverse bias. Their VWM (16 V), VBR (17.8–19.7 V), and VC (26.0 V) match, but SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I lacks polarity marking and supports symmetrical surge handling without circuit redesign.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I under standard mounting conditions?
The SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics table. This value assumes no additional heatsinking and is critical for calculating maximum power dissipation at elevated ambient temperatures-especially relevant for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I deployment in sealed enclosures or high-density PCB layouts.
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I?
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I, 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 SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I Tags

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