Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,916
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust ESD and surge protection on signal/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, and 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs waveform).
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ16CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ16CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ16CAHM3/I equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line conditioning where bidirectional clamping, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low clamping ratio are critical.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), enabling effective suppression of ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-5).
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation from −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and AEC-Q101 qualification-verified per stress test conditions including HTRB, HTGB, and temperature cycling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range ensuring reliable turn-on without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V at 15.4 A - Clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to <26 V during 400 W transients. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability (10/1000 μs); supports repetitive surge events at 0.01% duty cycle. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak pulse current derived from PPPM/VC; validates surge current capacity for automotive load-dump immunity. |
| Junction Temp Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom enclosures. |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Minimal standby current draw; preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on sensor circuits. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. No polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative half-cycle) | Conducts surge energy into ground path during negative voltage excursions; symmetrical with cathode. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive half-cycle) | Conducts surge energy into ground path during positive voltage excursions; functionally identical to anode in bidirectional mode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power rails. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without compromising thermal or electrical performance. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands high-energy transients common in 12 V automotive systems and industrial PLC backplanes. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs-critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfacing with 12 V buses. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow) | Enables standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching MCU or analog front-end. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity under ±100 V transients while limiting clamped voltage to ≤26 V-preserving 5 V tolerant input stages. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485/RS-232 communication lines and digital I/O ports in programmable logic controllers against EFT and surge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS deployed across differential pairs or single-ended lines to absorb sub-microsecond ESD events. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response ensures clamping initiates before transient propagates into transceiver IC, preventing latch-up or permanent damage. |
| Telecom Line Conditioning | Consumer Power Adapter Input |
|
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for Ethernet PHYs, DSL modems, and PoE injectors exposed to induced lightning surges on twisted-pair cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter in multi-stage protection architecture-preceded by gas discharge tube and followed by filtering. Use Value: 400 W rating handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surges; low VC prevents overvoltage on downstream TVS arrays or ICs. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage transient suppression on AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifiers and secondary-side 5 V/12 V rails feeding USB hubs or smart home controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protector after MOV-based primary surge suppression, targeting fast-rising ESD and switching noise. Use Value: Low leakage (<1 μA) avoids standby power loss; halogen-free HM3 construction aligns with consumer safety certifications (UL 497B). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16CAHE3/I | RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification. | Suitable for commercial-grade industrial or telecom equipment where automotive reliability is not required. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free or automotive qualification needs. |
| SMBJ16CAHM3/I | Same VWM/VC specs but SMB (DO-214AA) package-60% larger footprint and higher PPPM (600 W). | Better suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor power supplies) where PCB space allows larger package. | Choose for enhanced surge margin where layout permits SMB footprint and thermal dissipation is improved. |
Compared with SMAJ16CAHM3/I, SMAJ16CAHE3/I trades halogen-free and AEC-Q101 compliance for lower cost, while SMBJ16CAHM3/I offers higher surge robustness in a larger package-enabling design flexibility between footprint-constrained automotive modules and high-energy industrial power rails.
Availability
SMAJ16CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interface hardening, and telecom line conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing aligned with AEC-Q101 requirements.
Supply support for SMAJ16CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 validation, low clamping voltage, and consistent bidirectional performance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in Vishay's datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. The clamping performance ensures protected circuitry remains below 26 V during surge events, making SMAJ16CAHM3/I suitable for safeguarding 3.3 V and 5 V logic interfaces in automotive and industrial designs.
Is SMAJ16CAHM3/I qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMAJ16CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HM3" suffix and verified in Vishay's official documentation. It undergoes stress testing including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), high-temperature gate bias (HTGB), and temperature cycling to ensure reliability in automotive under-hood and cabin environments. This qualification makes SMAJ16CAHM3/I appropriate for engine control modules, ADAS camera interfaces, and body electronics where sustained operation up to +150 °C is required.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ16CAHM3/I affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional configuration of SMAJ16CAHM3/I means it functions identically in both polarities-no cathode band marking is present, and it provides symmetrical clamping for positive and negative transients. This allows direct placement across any two-node interface (e.g., differential signal pair, power-to-ground, or data line-to-reference) without orientation constraints. Engineers use SMAJ16CAHM3/I in such configurations to simplify layout, reduce BOM variants, and ensure consistent protection regardless of signal polarity or DC bias direction.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ16CAHM3/I, and how does it impact PCB layout?
SMAJ16CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. These values assume mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges, designers must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length-especially for ground paths. The low RθJL enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, making SMAJ16CAHM3/I well-suited for compact, thermally constrained layouts in automotive ECUs and industrial edge devices.
Does SMAJ16CAHM3/I meet UL recognition standards?
Yes, SMAJ16CAHM3/I carries Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Recognition under file number E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional configurations, compliant with UL 497B for signal circuit protectors. This certification confirms its suitability for use in end-equipment requiring UL listing, including telecom infrastructure, industrial control panels, and consumer power adapters. The UL recognition applies specifically to the SMAJ16CAHM3/I variant and is documented in Vishay's safety compliance reports referenced in datasheet 88390.
SMAJ16CAHM3/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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16CAHM3/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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16CAHM3/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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16CAHM3/I?
SMAJ16CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16CAHM3/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/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ16CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16CAHM3/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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ16CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16CAHM3/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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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