Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 28.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,409
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ16C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on signal/power lines. It features 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 28.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 13.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C - used in automotive sensor line protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16C-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16C-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ16C-E3/5A application, or SMAJ16C-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional TVS functionality, DO-214AC mechanical data, RoHS-compliant commercial-grade construction, and direct alternative part comparisons for robust overvoltage design validation.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve sub-nanosecond response time and low incremental surge resistance. Its symmetrical breakdown behavior (VBR min/max = 17.8 V / 21.8 V at 1 mA) ensures identical clamping in both polarities, with ≤1.0 µA reverse leakage at 16 V stand-off.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W (on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting reliable operation under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe signal line bias margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V - Clamped voltage during 13.9 A 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs waveform); supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity. |
| IPPM | 13.9 A - Peak surge current capability at VC; sets minimum trace width and PCB layout robustness. |
| TJ Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Junction temperature range; enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - Surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with automated pick-and-place. |
| RoHS | Compliant per 2002/95/EC - Lead-free matte tin terminations; qualified for commercial-grade reflow soldering up to 260 °C. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: bi-directional device with no polarity marking; symmetrical terminals suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; conducts bidirectionally when voltage exceeds ±VBR, enabling single-device protection of AC or differential signals. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Identical VBR (17.8–21.8 V) and VC (28.8 V) in both directions - eliminates need for dual uni-directional devices on differential pairs. |
| 400 W surge rating | Rated for 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle - meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) across temperature and lifetime - critical for high-impedance sensor interfaces. |
| MSL Level 1 | Moisture sensitivity level compliant per J-STD-020 - allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking. |
| Low thermal resistance | RθJL = 30 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, sustaining repetitive surge events without thermal runaway. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt transients before reaching sensitive IC inputs. Use Value: Limits induced surge voltage to ≤28.8 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V sensor signal conditioning circuits while maintaining signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop and 0–10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field wiring surges and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS connected across input terminals to absorb fast-rising transients without affecting DC accuracy. Use Value: With 1.0 µA leakage at 16 V, introduces negligible error in high-impedance measurement paths while surviving repeated 400 W surges. |
| Telecom Line Interface Surge Suppression | Consumer Device USB/DisplayPort ESD Protection |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHYs, RS-485 transceivers, and DSL line drivers exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge arrestor mounted adjacent to connector, coordinated with secondary GDT or polymer PTC for multi-stage defense. Use Value: Sub-ns response and 28.8 V clamping ensure transients are suppressed before damaging 3.3 V transceiver I/O structures. |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for USB 2.0 data lines, HDMI/DisplayPort differential pairs, and audio jacks in laptops and set-top boxes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional TVS placed inline with signal traces to divert HBM/CDM discharges without signal degradation. Use Value: DO-214AC footprint enables compact placement; 16 V VWM avoids interference with 5 V or 3.3 V signaling margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bi-directional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs and DO-214AC package; CA suffix denotes identical bi-directional configuration per Vishay ordering nomenclature. | No functional difference - CA and C suffixes are interchangeable per Vishay documentation for this family. | Select SMAJ16CA-E3/5A only if legacy BOM or distributor inventory requires explicit CA designation; otherwise SMAJ16C-E3/5A is fully equivalent. |
| SMCJ16CA | Higher 1500 W peak power rating, larger DO-214AB (SMB) package (5.28 mm × 4.57 mm), 27.6 V clamping at 43.3 A. | Better suited for higher-energy surges (e.g., AC mains coupling), but requires larger PCB area and different thermal layout. | Choose SMCJ16CA only when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W; SMAJ16C-E3/5A remains optimal for space-constrained 400 W applications. |
Compared with SMAJ16C-E3/5A, SMAJ16CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance in the same footprint, while SMCJ16CA trades compact size for higher surge capacity - making SMAJ16C-E3/5A the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, space-limited designs requiring certified 400 W transient suppression.
Availability
SMAJ16C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line protection, and consumer USB/DisplayPort ESD protection requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade reliability.
Supply support for SMAJ16C-E3/5A 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where compact size, high surge rating, and bi-directional symmetry are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16C-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16C-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.8 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 13.9 A, measured under the standard 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay Document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SMAJ16C-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ16C-E3/5A unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
SMAJ16C-E3/5A is a bi-directional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. As stated in the Vishay datasheet, bi-directional types like SMAJ16C-E3/5A have no polarity marking - the DO-214AC package lacks a cathode band, and electrical characteristics apply identically in either direction. This eliminates orientation concerns during automated assembly and simplifies protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) and why is it critical for SMAJ16C-E3/5A selection?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of SMAJ16C-E3/5A is 16 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse working voltage the device can withstand without entering avalanche conduction. This parameter is critical because it must exceed the normal operating voltage of the protected line (e.g., 12 V automotive bus or 15 V industrial analog input) to prevent leakage or premature clamping. Selecting an SMAJ16C-E3/5A with VWM = 16 V ensures reliable operation while providing sufficient margin above common 12 V and 15 V rails.
Does SMAJ16C-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
SMAJ16C-E3/5A is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix) and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring qualification, Vishay offers the SMAJ16CAHE3/5A variant (HE3 suffix), which is explicitly rated for high-reliability automotive use and AEC-Q101 tested. The SMAJ16C-E3/5A remains suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, but designers must verify compliance requirements before deployment in production vehicles.
What is the thermal resistance specification for SMAJ16C-E3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
SMAJ16C-E3/5A 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, and a junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. These values require PCB layouts with adequate copper pour area to dissipate surge energy without exceeding the 150 °C maximum junction temperature. Reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias increases RθJA, risking thermal failure during repetitive surges - thus the SMAJ16C-E3/5A demands adherence to Vishay's recommended mounting pad dimensions.
SMAJ16C-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 28.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.9A
- 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)
SMAJ16C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ16C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16C-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ16C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16C-E3/5A?
SMAJ16C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ16C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ16C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16C-E3/5A?
All SMAJ16C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16C-E3/5A, 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 SMAJ16C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ16C-E3/5A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

