Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16CA-M3/5A 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 16 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤26.0 V at 15.4 A peak surge current - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ16CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ16CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HM3 suffix), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering consistent clamping performance regardless of transient polarity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance enables rapid energy diversion 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 applies up to 400 W below 78 V - at SMAJ16CA-M3/5A's 16 V rating, full 400 W capability is sustained without derating.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe signal line operating margin. |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on above VWM with margin against false triggering. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤26.0 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage under 400 W transient; limits downstream IC stress during surge events. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak transient energy handling capacity; supports robust protection in automotive and industrial environments. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak surge current corresponding to 400 W clamping; determines minimum trace width and pad thermal design. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; compatible with JEDEC MS-012. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically in bidirectional mode; no cathode band marking; enables layout flexibility on differential or AC-coupled lines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates need for orientation-aware placement on AC or differential signal paths. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Rated at 10/1000 μs waveform with no derating at 16 V - provides headroom for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surge testing. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability - satisfies automotive Tier-1 material compliance requirements. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60 % RH - supports standard SMT assembly without dry-pack or baking preconditioning. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available as HM3 variant (e.g., SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I) - validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TCT, and ESD HBM/MM. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy before it reaches signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤26.0 V, preserving integrity of 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and ADC front-ends per ISO 16750-2 requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring faults, relay contact bounce, and 24 V DC supply transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on discrete optocoupler input channels, mounted adjacent to terminal block entry points. Use Value: Withstands repeated 400 W surges without degradation, enabling >100,000 actuation cycles in factory automation environments. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Line Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays, downstream of primary TVS arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response bidirectional suppressor absorbing ±15 kV contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) before reaching USB PHY. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and <1.0 μA leakage at 16 V ensure signal integrity and minimal standby current impact. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on POTS or VoIP line interface circuits exposed to lightning-induced surges and AC ring signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated clamp on tip/ring pair, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) primary protection. Use Value: 16 V VWM allows safe operation across -48 V nominal telecom battery systems while clamping to <26 V during surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16A-M3/5A | Unidirectional; cathode-marked; VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward conduction. | Requires polarity-aware layout; unsuitable for AC or differential lines without series blocking diodes. | Select only when protecting DC-biased single-ended lines where forward conduction must be blocked. |
| SMBJ16CA-M3/5A | Same VWM/VBR but higher 600 W PPPM; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (5.28 mm × 4.57 mm). | Higher surge margin but requires 30 % more board area; not drop-in compatible due to footprint mismatch. | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or when thermal dissipation demands lower RθJA. |
Compared with SMAJ16A-M3/5A, SMAJ16CA-M3/5A enables polarity-agnostic layout and avoids forward conduction issues; compared with SMBJ16CA-M3/5A, it offers identical electrical protection in a space-constrained SMA footprint - critical for dense automotive and portable electronics designs.
Availability
SMAJ16CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial digital I/O modules, consumer USB port protection, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ16CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, EFT, and surge events is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the standoff voltage rating of the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A?
The SMAJ16CA-M3/5A has a maximum reverse standoff voltage (VWM) of 16 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this DC or RMS voltage level. This value is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88390, Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS", row for SMAJ16CA. The SMAJ16CA-M3/5A maintains <1.0 μA leakage current at this voltage, ensuring minimal loading on protected circuits during normal operation.
Is the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), and its AEC-Q101-qualified variant (SMAJ16CAHM3_A/I) is explicitly certified for automotive use. Even the standard SMAJ16CA-M3/5A meets critical automotive requirements including MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, 150 °C junction rating, and robust 400 W surge capability aligned with ISO 7637-2. Designers specify SMAJ16CA-M3/5A for ECU sensor protection where qualification documentation is pending or secondary-level protection suffices.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ16CA-M3/5A affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ16CA-M3/5A has no polarity marking and identical electrical behavior in both directions, so PCB layout requires no orientation alignment - either terminal may connect to line or return. This simplifies routing on differential pairs (e.g., RS-485, CAN), AC-coupled signals, or shared ground-return paths. Unlike unidirectional variants such as SMAJ16A-M3/5A, the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A eliminates risk of misplacement-induced failure, reducing assembly error rates in high-volume SMT lines.
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16CA-M3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMAJ16CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 26.0 V when subjected to its rated 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), corresponding to a 400 W transient (10/1000 μs waveform). This clamping voltage is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and verified in Vishay's datasheet Figure 1 and Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS". For system design, this means the SMAJ16CA-M3/5A limits transient exposure to downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs well within their absolute maximum ratings.
Does SMAJ16CA-M3/5A require heatsinking for standard operation?
No additional heatsinking is required for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A under typical single-event surge conditions, as its thermal design assumes mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal - providing adequate transient heat dissipation. Its RθJA is 120 °C/W under those conditions, and with a 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation limit (PD), continuous operation remains within safe junction temperature bounds (<150 °C) even at +85 °C ambient. The SMAJ16CA-M3/5A relies on PCB copper mass, not external heatsinks, for thermal management.
SMAJ16CA-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:
- -
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ16CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16CA-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 SMAJ16CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16CA-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 SMAJ16CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ16CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16CA-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 SMAJ16CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16CA-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 SMAJ16CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ16CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16CA-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 SMAJ16CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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