Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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 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 (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed to protect MOSFET gates and sensor interfaces in automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I application, or SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression in both polarities. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetric clamping without polarity sensitivity, and its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and repeatable breakdown behavior across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C).
The SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, with low incremental surge resistance enabling tight voltage control during ESD or load-switching events. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring reliable turn-on margin over VWM |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Peak transient energy handling capacity under standard waveform |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - Low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance defines required PCB copper area for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive surges and anode during negative surges - no fixed polarity |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Acts as anode during positive surges and cathode during negative surges - symmetrical conduction path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | HM3 suffix confirms compliance with environmental regulations and JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients from inductive switching or ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a without degradation |
| Fast response time | Sub-nanosecond clamping onset protects sensitive IC inputs before damage occurs |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking preconditioning |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients on 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power rails in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between power rail and ground to limit voltage excursions during alternator regulation failure. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤26.0 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies downstream. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines of pressure sensors exposed to ESD in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS shunting transient energy from 4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V analog outputs to chassis ground. Use Value: Sub-1 μA leakage avoids loading precision current sources; 26.0 V clamping prevents op-amp input saturation during contact discharge. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Signal Line Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Protecting USB 2.0 D+/D− lines against IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact discharge in portable docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair to clamp common-mode surges while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Fast response and symmetric clamping prevent data corruption without adding series impedance or capacitance penalties. | Use Scenario: Guarding RS-485 transceiver I/O pins against lightning-induced surges on outdoor telecom node backhaul links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS mounted at connector interface to divert >10 A surge currents before reaching PHY IC. Use Value: 400 W rating sustains multiple 10/1000 μs surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3, extending system field lifetime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I | RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Approved for commercial/industrial use; not qualified for automotive under hood | Select when halogen-free requirement is waived and AEC-Q101 not mandated |
| SMAJ16AHE3_A/I | Unidirectional variant with cathode band marking; VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward conduction | Requires polarity-aware layout; unsuitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines | Choose only for DC-biased rails where unidirectional clamping suffices and space allows orientation control |
Compared with SMAJ16CAHE3_A/I and SMAJ16AHE3_A/I, the SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I uniquely combines halogen-free construction, AEC-Q101 qualification, and true bidirectional symmetry-making it the sole choice for automotive signal protection where regulatory compliance and layout flexibility are mandatory.
Availability
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface development, and telecom infrastructure projects requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ16CAHM3_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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series targets board-level transient suppression in harsh environments; its design prioritizes robust clamping performance, automotive qualification, and SMT manufacturability for high-volume electronics.
FAQ
What does the 'HM3' suffix indicate in SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I?
The HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and AEC-Q101 qualification. Unlike E3 or M3 variants, HM3 ensures compliance with stringent automotive material requirements and extended reliability testing-critical for under-hood deployment of SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I.
Is SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I suitable for protecting USB 2.0 differential pairs?
Yes, SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I is appropriate for USB 2.0 D+/D− line protection due to its bidirectional symmetry, low leakage (<1.0 μA), and sub-ns response. Its 26.0 V clamping voltage exceeds USB voltage levels but effectively limits ESD-induced overshoot before IC damage occurs-verified in Vishay's application notes for interface protection using SMAJ series.
How does the clamping voltage VC of SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I compare to its breakdown voltage VBR?
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I has a VBR range of 17.8–19.7 V at 1 mA and a VC of 26.0 V at 15.4 A. This ~30 % overvoltage margin ensures safe operation during surge events while maintaining sufficient headroom below typical 30 V absolute maximum ratings of protected ICs-consistent with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity design guidelines.
Can SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I be used in place of a unidirectional SMAJ16A variant?
No-SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SMAJ16A is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I works on AC-coupled or floating lines; SMAJ16A is limited to DC-biased rails with defined ground reference. Layout changes are mandatory for interchange.
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal performance of SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I?
Vishay specifies 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated 400 W pulse power. Using smaller pads reduces thermal mass and increases junction temperature-derating peak power per Figure 2 in the SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I datasheet. Thermal vias under pads further improve RθJA in high-reliability designs.
SMAJ16CAHM3_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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16CAHM3_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 SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16CAHM3_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 SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I transactions.
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SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16CAHM3_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 SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16CAHM3_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 SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I?
All SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16CAHM3_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 SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated
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