Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ16HE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ16HE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ16HE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 28.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ16HE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a high-reliability, AEC-Q101-qualified unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for automotive and industrial overvoltage protection. 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 - deployed on power rails and signal lines of engine control units and sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ16HE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ16HE3/5A pinout, SMAJ16HE3/5A application, or SMAJ16HE3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, automotive-grade qualification status, thermal resistance data (RθJA = 120 °C/W), junction capacitance behavior, and direct alternative part comparisons - all specific to the HE3/5A variant with high-reliability matte tin plating and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ps) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its breakdown voltage (VBR) is specified at 17.8–21.8 V (IT = 1 mA), with low incremental surge resistance enabling tight clamping performance under 400 W 10/1000 µs surges.
Designed for surface-mount automated placement, it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow 260 °C), supports solder dip at 260 °C for 40 s, and complies with RoHS 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC. The cathode band denotes polarity; no marking on bi-directional variants.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC working range on protected line. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.8 V - Clamped voltage at 13.9 A peak pulse current; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs during surge. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs waveform); enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports protection of power supply inputs against load dump events. |
| TJ Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Extended junction temperature range confirms suitability for under-hood automotive environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (on 0.2 × 0.2″ copper pads); informs board-level thermal design for sustained surge duty cycles. |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA max - Low reverse leakage ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity on high-impedance sensor lines. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during positive transients when cathode is at higher potential. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or CAN_H); initiates avalanche breakdown above VWM to shunt surge energy. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors - ensures reliability under temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhances long-term stability and moisture resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives; critical for under-hood longevity. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables single-reflow assembly without baking; compatible with standard SMT processes up to 260 °C peak. |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability systems - required for automotive ECUs and safety-critical modules. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Provides margin against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave surges without degradation. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor to clamp surges >35 V within nanoseconds. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream DC/DC converters and microcontrollers to ≤28.8 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted directly at connector entry point to absorb induced surges from nearby motor switching or ESD events. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity with <1.0 µA leakage at 16 V, avoiding offset errors while surviving repetitive 400 W transients. |
| Automotive CAN Bus Line Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on CAN_H/CAN_L lines downstream of common-mode chokes in automotive gateway modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional device on each line referenced to ground, clamping differential and common-mode overvoltages. Use Value: With 28.8 V clamping and fast response, prevents CAN transceiver damage during battery disconnect/reconnect events. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression on AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs for smart home hubs and IoT gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across bulk capacitor to absorb line-to-ground transients from lightning or grid switching. Use Value: 40 A IFSM rating withstands repeated 8.3 ms surges; DO-214AC footprint allows compact layout without derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16AHE3/5A | Lower VBR range (17.8–19.7 V vs. 17.8–21.8 V); tighter VC = 26.0 V @ 15.4 A. | Better suited for systems requiring tighter clamping tolerance and lower let-through voltage. | Select SMAJ16AHE3/5A when protecting low-voltage logic interfaces where 2.8 V clamping margin below SMAJ16HE3/5A is critical. |
| SMBJ16HE3/5A | Same VWM/VC specs but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; higher PPPM = 600 W. | Offers greater surge energy absorption and improved thermal dissipation for high-duty-cycle environments. | Choose SMBJ16HE3/5A for industrial motor drives or telecom power supplies needing >400 W surge headroom and enhanced thermal margin. |
Compared with SMAJ16HE3/5A, SMAJ16AHE3/5A provides lower clamping voltage at reduced peak current, while SMBJ16HE3/5A trades smaller footprint for higher power handling and thermal robustness - selection depends on PCB area constraints, surge profile severity, and system-level clamping budget.
Availability
SMAJ16HE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU designs, industrial sensor interface circuits, and consumer power adapter input stages requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ16HE3/5A 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh automotive environments - emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and process-controlled glass passivation for extended field life.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ16HE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ16HE3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.8 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 13.9 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C on recommended 0.2 × 0.2″ copper pads and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - a key parameter for ensuring downstream IC survival.
Is SMAJ16HE3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ16HE3/5A carries the HE3 suffix, indicating it is manufactured to Vishay's high-reliability automotive grade and fully qualified to AEC-Q101 standards. This includes rigorous testing for temperature cycling, humidity resistance, mechanical shock, and long-term stability - making SMAJ16HE3/5A suitable for deployment in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor subsystems.
What does the "5A" in SMAJ16HE3/5A signify?
The "5A" in SMAJ16HE3/5A denotes the preferred packaging configuration: 13″ diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This differs from the "61" option (7″ reel, 1800 units). Both share identical electrical, thermal, and reliability specifications - the suffix solely indicates reel size and quantity, not performance or qualification level.
How does SMAJ16HE3/5A differ from the commercial-grade SMAJ16E3/5A?
SMAJ16HE3/5A incorporates JESD201 Class 2 whisker-resistant matte tin plating and undergoes additional screening per AEC-Q101, whereas SMAJ16E3/5A is commercial-grade (no automotive qualification). Both share identical VWM, VC, and PPPM, but only SMAJ16HE3/5A guarantees performance across −55 °C to +150 °C with validated reliability for automotive under-hood use.
Can SMAJ16HE3/5A be used for bi-directional transient protection?
No - SMAJ16HE3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. For bi-directional protection, Vishay specifies CA-suffix parts (e.g., SMAJ16CAHE3/5A), which have symmetrical breakdown in both polarities and no polarity marking. Using SMAJ16HE3/5A in reverse-biased configurations risks failure due to lack of reverse avalanche capability.
SMAJ16HE3/5A 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ16HE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ16HE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ16HE3/5A 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 SMAJ16HE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ16HE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ16HE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ16HE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ16HE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ16HE3/5A?
SMAJ16HE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ16HE3/5A 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 SMAJ16HE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ16HE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ16HE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ16HE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ16HE3/5A 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 SMAJ16HE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ16HE3/5A?
All SMAJ16HE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ16HE3/5A, 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 SMAJ16HE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ16HE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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