Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 28.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 28.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 13.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), making it suitable for protecting MOSFETs and ICs in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ16-E3/5A application, or SMAJ16-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-compliant thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and precise unidirectional polarity marking per J-STD-020.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates with a breakdown voltage range of 17.8–21.8 V at 1 mA test current and exhibits low incremental surge resistance to maintain stable clamping under fast-rising transients. Its glass-passivated junction ensures robust surge handling and long-term reliability in repetitive surge environments.
The device is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature and achieves 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine wave). Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W (on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and RθJL = 30 °C/W, enabling predictable derating above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR min/max | 17.8 V / 21.8 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1 mA; ensures consistent turn-on across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V - Clamped voltage at 13.9 A peak pulse; limits downstream component stress during 10/1000 µs surges. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs); supports high-energy transient suppression without failure. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine); withstands inrush or switching-induced overcurrent. |
| TJ range | -55 °C to +150 °C - Operating and storage junction temperature; validated for automotive under-hood and industrial control environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; enables accurate thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, molded plastic case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by a band on the body; leads are matte tin plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal (non-banded end) | Connects to lower-potential side of protected line; conducts during forward surge events (e.g., reverse polarity faults). |
| Cathode | Clamping terminal (banded end) | Connects to higher-potential side; initiates avalanche breakdown when reverse voltage exceeds VWM, shunting surge current to ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables protection against high-energy lightning-induced surges in industrial I/O and power supply inputs. |
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Improves surge endurance and long-term stability versus epoxy-passivated alternatives; reduces parameter drift over life. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow) | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without preconditioning; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk. |
| RoHS-compliant matte tin plating | Ensures reliable solder wetting and intermetallic formation; meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.8) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs-critical for 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfacing with 16 V rails. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting gate drivers and microcontroller I/O pins from inductive kickback during relay or solenoid switching in PLC output stages. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between MOSFET gate and source, clamping negative transients below -0.7 V and positive spikes up to 28.8 V. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide damage and latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V MCUs while surviving >100,000 switching cycles per JESD22-A114. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and sensor signal lines (e.g., door lock actuators) against load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 12 V supply rail upstream of LDO regulators, absorbing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a energy. Use Value: Maintains VWM = 16 V margin above nominal 13.5 V battery, ensuring no false triggering during cranking (6.5–9 V). |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Consumer AC-DC Adapters |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 48 V PoE injectors and PSE controllers exposed to Ethernet cable ESD and induced surges. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional clamp on DC output rail, coordinated with primary-side OVP to meet IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2 kV line-earth). Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 28.8 V-well below 36 V absolute max ratings of common DC-DC controllers like LM5164. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage transient suppression on secondary-side rectifier outputs in 5 V/12 V wall adapters subjected to mains-borne surges. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-connected TVS across bulk capacitor, diverting 10/1000 µs surges before they reach optocoupler feedback circuits. Use Value: Achieves <1 ns response time and <10 Ω dynamic impedance, reducing overshoot on 12 V rails to <30 V during 1 kV combo-wave tests. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16A-E3/5A | Lower VBR range (17.8–19.7 V), tighter tolerance; clamps at 26.0 V @ 15.4 A. | Better suited for precision 16 V rails where tighter VWM margin is required; reduced clamping voltage improves safety margin for 3.3 V logic. | Select SMAJ16A-E3/5A when VBR consistency and lower VC are prioritized over peak power handling. |
| SMBJ16A-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC specs but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; higher IPPM (21.5 A) and PPPM (600 W). | Preferred for higher-energy threat environments (e.g., outdoor telecom enclosures) where PCB space allows larger footprint. | Choose SMBJ16A-E3/52 only if layout permits SMB package and system-level surge testing requires >400 W capability. |
Compared with SMAJ16-E3/5A, the SMAJ16A-E3/5A offers tighter breakdown control and lower clamping for sensitive 16 V systems, while the SMBJ16A-E3/52 provides higher surge capacity in a less space-constrained layout-neither is pin-compatible due to differing DO-214AC vs. DO-214AA footprints.
Availability
SMAJ16-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power feeds, and consumer AC-DC adapters requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ16-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 ruggedness.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments-including industrial automation, automotive subsystems, and telecom infrastructure-where consistent clamping and surge endurance are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ16-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16-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 standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream ICs see no more than 28.8 V during transient events. The SMAJ16-E3/5A's low clamping ratio directly supports robust protection of 3.3 V and 5 V logic interfaces.
Is SMAJ16-E3/5A unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity marked?
SMAJ16-E3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps only in reverse bias and conducts forward current like a standard diode. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the body-this banded end connects to the higher-potential node (e.g., VIN or signal line), while the non-banded end connects to ground or return. Bidirectional variants use "CA" suffixes (e.g., SMAJ16CA), which SMAJ16-E3/5A does not have.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) and why is it important for SMAJ16-E3/5A selection?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of SMAJ16-E3/5A is 16 V-the maximum continuous reverse voltage it can block without entering avalanche breakdown. This parameter is critical because it must exceed the normal operating voltage of the protected line (e.g., 12 V automotive or 15 V industrial rail) with sufficient margin to avoid leakage or false triggering. For SMAJ16-E3/5A, the 16 V VWM provides 3.5 V headroom above a nominal 12.5 V system, aligning with IEC 61000-4-5 immunity requirements.
Does SMAJ16-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
SMAJ16-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and rated for operation from -55 °C to +150 °C, but it is not AEC-Q101 qualified. That qualification applies only to parts with the "HE3" suffix (e.g., SMAJ16HE3/5A). Engineers designing for automotive ECUs must select the HE3 variant for AEC-Q101 compliance; SMAJ16-E3/5A remains suitable for industrial and commercial applications where extended temperature and reliability are required but formal automotive qualification is not mandated.
What is the thermal resistance specification for SMAJ16-E3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
SMAJ16-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. This value assumes standard JEDEC test conditions and directly impacts thermal design: for example, at 400 W peak power (short duration), junction temperature rise is ~4800 °C-but since pulse width is <1 ms, thermal mass dominates. Layout must replicate the specified pad size to ensure published surge ratings are met; smaller pads increase RθJA and reduce effective power handling. The SMAJ16-E3/5A's RθJL = 30 °C/W further supports heat transfer to PCB copper planes.
SMAJ16-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SMAJ16-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16-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 SMAJ16-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16-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 SMAJ16-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16-E3/5A?
SMAJ16-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16-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 SMAJ16-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16-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 SMAJ16-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16-E3/5A?
All SMAJ16-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16-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 SMAJ16-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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