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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,976
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CA-E3/5A 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 a 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 189–209 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 275 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.09 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform) - suitable for protecting MOSFETs, sensor interfaces, and automotive ECUs against ESD and load-switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ170CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ170CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ170CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering identical electrical characteristics in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and fast response time (<1 ns), while the low thermal resistance (RθJL = 30 °C/W) supports reliable energy dissipation during repetitive transient events.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 surge standards and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. It is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature and delivers 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at 50 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - maximum continuous reverse stand-off voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR min/max | 189 V / 209 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown range ensuring consistent turn-on under surge conditions |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 1.09 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs transient; determines maximum stress imposed on protected circuitry |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V); 300 W (>78 V) - peak pulse power handling capacity; defines transient energy absorption limit |
| ID @ VWM | 1.09 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage, minimizing standby power loss in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating enabling use in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 3.99 mm width, and 2.29 mm height for compact PCB layout |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, polarity-unmarked for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Terminal 1 | One side of symmetrical PN junction; connects to line under protection without polarity constraint |
| Cathode | Terminal 2 | Other side of symmetrical PN junction; forms bidirectional clamping path with Anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in AC-coupled or floating signal paths |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles 10/1000 μs transients up to 400 W below 78 V - sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Ensures minimal overvoltage overshoot during clamping - critical for safeguarding 170 V-rated downstream components |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | HE3/HM3 variants available - enables direct use in automotive powertrain and body electronics without additional qualification effort |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard 260 °C reflow - simplifies manufacturing flow and eliminates bake requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V/24 V supply rails in engine control units against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between power rail and ground to shunt surge energy away from MCU and driver ICs. Use Value: Withstands 300 W surges above 78 V and clamps to ≤275 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic powered from regulated DC-DC stages. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation systems from EFT and ESD coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected across differential signal pair (e.g., 4–20 mA loop or RS-485 bus) to suppress common-mode transients. Use Value: Sub-1 μA leakage at 170 V stand-off avoids loading high-impedance sensor outputs; fast <1 ns response prevents transient propagation into precision ADC front-ends. |
| Telecom Power Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge protection for PoE-powered network switches handling IEEE 802.3bt Class 5/6 power delivery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on DC input rail upstream of DC-DC converters, coordinated with secondary TVS and MOV stages. Use Value: 275 V clamping voltage aligns with 300 V-rated input capacitors and enables robust compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 2 kV/1.2/50 μs line-to-ground test. |
Use Scenario: Snubbing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, washing machines). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals to absorb back-EMF spikes generated during PWM commutation or sudden shutdown. Use Value: 40 A IFSM rating tolerates repeated switching surges; 150 °C TJ max supports operation near hot motor housings without derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170A-E3/5A | Unidirectional variant with cathode band marking; same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM ratings | Requires polarity-aware PCB layout; unsuitable for AC or floating signal lines | Select when protecting DC-only rails where directionality is fixed and lower cost is prioritized |
| SMBJ170CA-E3/52 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating (vs. 400 W) | Higher power handling enables longer surge duration tolerance; requires 2.5× larger board area | Choose for higher-energy threat environments (e.g., industrial mains input) where space permits |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-E3/5A, the unidirectional SMAJ170A-E3/5A saves cost but adds layout constraints, while the SMBJ170CA-E3/52 trades footprint for 50 % higher pulse power - making SMAJ170CA-E3/5A the optimal balance of compactness, bidirectionality, and standardized surge immunity for space-constrained 170 V systems.
Availability
SMAJ170CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom power input staging requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMAJ170CA-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and AEC-Q qualification.
The SMAJ series targets high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure, engineered for robust surge immunity, low leakage, and seamless SMT integration without derating penalties.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ170CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.09 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform condition. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C, and the SMAJ170CA-E3/5A maintains this specification in both conduction directions due to its bidirectional design.
Is SMAJ170CA-E3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
The base SMAJ170CA-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions under ordering codes SMAJ170CAHE3_X (RoHS + AEC-Q101) and SMAJ170CAHM3_X (halogen-free + RoHS + AEC-Q101), where "_X" denotes revision letter. These qualified variants undergo stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, AC-H3TRB, and temperature cycling. The SMAJ170CA-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 certified, but serves as the foundational design from which qualified derivatives are built - enabling drop-in replacement with documentation alignment for automotive programs.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMAJ170CA-E3/5A affect PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes such as SMAJ170A-E3/5A - which require explicit cathode orientation toward the protected line's reference potential - the SMAJ170CA-E3/5A has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of terminal connection. This eliminates orientation checks during automated placement and allows use in AC-coupled, floating, or differential signal paths (e.g., RS-485, CAN, or transformer-isolated supplies) without risk of reverse-bias failure. The SMAJ170CA-E3/5A thus reduces assembly error rates and simplifies layout for dual-rail or symmetrical protection schemes.
What is the thermal resistance profile of SMAJ170CA-E3/5A, and how does it impact power derating?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W and junction-to-ambient resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. For continuous operation, its 3.3 W power dissipation rating applies at TA = 50 °C on an infinite heatsink; above that ambient, linear derating applies per Figure 2 in the datasheet. Under transient conditions, the low RθJL enables rapid heat transfer to PCB copper, sustaining 400 W peak pulses without thermal runaway - a key advantage over higher-RθJL packages in high-duty-cycle surge environments.
Can SMAJ170CA-E3/5A be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - SMAJ170CA-E3/5A is not characterized or recommended for parallel operation. Due to inherent parameter spread in VBR (189–209 V), even matched units will exhibit current-sharing imbalance during surges, causing one device to absorb disproportionate energy and potentially fail prematurely. Vishay specifies single-device operation only. For higher IPPM requirements, select a higher-power package like SMBJ170CA-E3/52 (600 W) or SMCJ170CA-E3/73 (1500 W), both maintaining identical VWM and VC specifications while offering scalable physical robustness.
SMAJ170CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.09A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- 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)
SMAJ170CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CA-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 SMAJ170CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CA-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 SMAJ170CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ170CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CA-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 SMAJ170CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CA-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 SMAJ170CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ170CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CA-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 SMAJ170CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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