Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CA-E3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CA-E3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CA-E3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,004
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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 power and signal lines. It features a 170 V standoff voltage (VWM), 275 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.09 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 datasheet, SMAJ170CA-E3/61 pinout, SMAJ170CA-E3/61 application, or SMAJ170CA-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 170 V stand-off rating, 275 V clamping at rated surge, RoHS-compliant E3 termination, and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HE3 variant.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector using an avalanche breakdown mechanism, with symmetrical bidirectional behavior enabling transient suppression on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.09 μA at VWM), while MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity supports standard reflow assembly.
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, per JEDEC-standard 10/1000 μs waveform testing. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), requiring minimal copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2") for rated performance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before conduction begins; defines operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 189–209 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 275 V at IPPM = 1.09 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge; limits stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Sustained transient energy handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; determines survivability of common lightning/inductive spikes. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 1.09 A - Maximum surge current supported at rated clamping voltage; used to size upstream fusing or current-limiting impedance. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design boundary for PCB layout and ambient operating conditions. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 2.54 mm lead pitch; compatible with automated placement and IR reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow profile.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; reverse-biased during clamping | Terminal connected to lower-potential side of protected line; no marking on bidirectional devices. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; reverse-biased during clamping | Terminal connected to higher-potential side of protected line; no marking on bidirectional devices. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables symmetric transient suppression on AC, differential, or floating lines without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (≤78 V) | Handles high-energy surges such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a in automotive environments. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs like CAN transceivers or ADC front-ends. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants available for automotive-grade reliability; E3 suffix meets commercial RoHS requirements. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow | Supports standard SMT assembly without baking or special handling protocols. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump and inductive switching transients on 12 V/24 V sensor supply lines (e.g., pressure, temperature, position sensors). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor VCC and ground, shunting surge energy away from analog front-end ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤275 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in ASICs operating near 170 V rail. |
Use Scenario: Protecting digital input channels of programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS across input terminals to absorb fast-rising transients before reaching optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input stages. Use Value: Maintains 170 V DC operating margin while clamping 1 kV/500 A surges to safe levels within <1 ns response time. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Power Supply Rail Clamping |
|
Use Scenario: Guarding RS-485/RS-422 differential data lines against ESD and lightning-induced surges in outdoor base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS pair (one per line) referenced to common-mode ground, providing balanced transient immunity. Use Value: Symmetric 275 V clamping preserves signal integrity and prevents receiver saturation during ±15 kV contact ESD events. |
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage protection on intermediate DC rails (e.g., 170 V bus in PoE++ or industrial SMPS outputs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Last-line defense clamping device placed after primary regulation, absorbing residual switching spikes or fault-induced overvoltage. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, ensuring system-level compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170A-E3/61 | Unidirectional version; cathode-marked; same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM. | Requires known polarity on protected line; unsuitable for AC or floating nodes. | Select when protecting DC rails with defined ground reference and polarity. |
| SMBJ170CA-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC ratings but in SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating; larger footprint. | Higher surge capacity suits harsher environments (e.g., railway, grid infrastructure); requires PCB layout change. | Choose for enhanced robustness where board space permits and 600 W rating is required. |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-E3/61, the unidirectional SMAJ170A-E3/61 offers identical electrical protection with polarity dependency, while the SMBJ170CA-E3/52 provides 50 % higher surge power in a larger package - enabling trade-offs between board density, surge margin, and circuit topology.
Availability
SMAJ170CA-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and surface-mount manufacturability.
Supply support for SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering standardized TVS performance in compact, assembly-ready packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 under full-rated surge current?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1.09 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range and is validated with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per datasheet test conditions.
Is the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 itself is a commercial-grade RoHS-compliant part (E3 suffix), but Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions under HE3 and HM3 ordering codes. While the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 shares identical electrical specifications and package construction, formal automotive qualification requires the HE3/HM3 variant. For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems with internal validation, the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 may be used - however, the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 must not be assumed qualified without explicit HE3/HM3 designation.
How does the bidirectional nature of the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 affect its placement on a PCB?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions, making it ideal for placement across AC-coupled signals, differential pairs, or floating power domains where voltage polarity reversal is possible. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 eliminates orientation errors during automated assembly and avoids incorrect installation in circuits with undefined ground references. Its symmetric behavior ensures consistent clamping regardless of transient polarity, simplifying layout for bidirectional interfaces like RS-485 or CAN FD.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ170CA-E3/61, and how does it impact layout?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. These values assume mounting on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. To maintain reliability under repetitive surge conditions, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length between the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 and ground/power planes. Exceeding 150 °C junction temperature risks parametric shift or failure, so thermal design must account for ambient temperature and power dissipation during surge events.
Can the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 replace a unidirectional TVS in an existing design?
The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 can replace a unidirectional TVS such as the SMAJ170A-E3/61 only if the circuit topology allows bidirectional clamping - i.e., no DC bias polarity constraint exists across the protection node. Since the SMAJ170CA-E3/61 lacks cathode marking and conducts equally in both directions, it may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased paths. Therefore, direct substitution requires verification that reverse leakage and clamping symmetry do not interfere with normal operation. The SMAJ170CA-E3/61 is not a drop-in replacement unless the original design already accommodates bidirectional behavior.
SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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-E3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CA-E3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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-E3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CA-E3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170CA-E3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CA-E3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CA-E3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CA-E3/61?
SMAJ170CA-E3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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-E3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CA-E3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CA-E3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CA-E3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CA-E3/61 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-E3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CA-E3/61?
All SMAJ170CA-E3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CA-E3/61, 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-E3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CA-E3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ170CA-E3/61 Tags

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