Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,270
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. 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 automotive-grade ESD and surge protection on power rails and signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ170CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ170CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ170CAHE3/5A equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified, RoHS-compliant bidirectional TVS offers verified clamping performance, low leakage (<1.09 μA at VWM), and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity - critical for automotive infotainment, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power supply protection.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 GΩ), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, diverting transient energy to ground. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior for positive and negative transients, eliminating polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
Engineered for fast response (<1 ns), it delivers stable clamping with low incremental surge resistance and minimal thermal drift (0.108 %/°C VBR tempco). The glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads ensure reliability under reflow (260 °C peak) and long-term operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working range for protected circuit. |
| VBR (min/max) | 189 V / 209 V at 1 mA - Verified breakdown threshold ensuring predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 1.09 A - Clamped voltage seen by downstream circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; limits stress on ICs/MOSFETs. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak transient energy absorption capacity; derates to 300 W above 78 V per spec. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.09 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability including HTOL, TC, ESD, and mechanical stress per AEC standard. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Common terminal for both polarities; connects to system ground or reference plane for symmetrical clamping. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Anode in CA devices; forms dual-path clamp across protected line and ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC for ± transients - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout or external diode pairing. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power rails. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Zero floor life limitation - supports unlimited storage and standard SMT reflow without baking. |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhanced moisture resistance and long-term stability vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives in humid environments. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V/24 V systems when properly laid out. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power inputs in automotive body control modules against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed between rail and chassis ground, triggered within <1 ns to clamp spikes up to 100 V above nominal. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers during alternator load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across signal and return, suppressing ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV) and inductive kickback from nearby solenoids. Use Value: Maintains signal accuracy by limiting excursion to ≤275 V while adding <0.5 pF capacitance - no bandwidth degradation. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Device USB/DisplayPort Line Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Securing –48 V DC input of telecom base station power converters against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end TVS in series with fuse and MOV, clamping transients before they reach DC/DC regulation stage. Use Value: Withstands 400 W 10/1000 μs surges while maintaining 170 V hold-off - avoids false triggering during normal line fluctuations. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on HDMI/USB 3.x differential pairs in smart TVs and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp placed after connector, referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Provides ±15 kV contact ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 without degrading 5+ Gbps signal integrity due to ultra-low junction capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated (e.g., EU public infrastructure). | Choose SMAJ170CA-M3/5A when halogen-free bill-of-materials is required; otherwise SMAJ170CAHE3/5A preferred for automotive OEM sourcing. |
| SMBJ170CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in SMB (DO-214AA) package - 25 % larger footprint, 50 % higher PPPM (600 W). | Better suited for high-energy surges (e.g., industrial motor drives); less space-efficient for dense automotive PCBs. | Select SMBJ170CAHE3/5A only if 600 W surge margin is needed and board area permits larger SMB package. |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-M3/5A, the SMAJ170CAHE3/5A offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance, while SMBJ170CAHE3/5A trades compactness for higher surge capacity - making SMAJ170CAHE3/5A optimal for space-constrained AEC-Q101 applications requiring proven 400 W capability.
Availability
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, and telecom power supply designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A 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 automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where consistent clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMAJ170CAHE3/5A provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics in either polarity. This eliminates the need for polarity-aware placement and simplifies protection design for AC-coupled or floating signal lines - a key distinction from unidirectional "A" variants like SMAJ170AHE3/5A.
Is SMAJ170CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its –55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and validation against HTOL, temperature cycling, and ESD make it appropriate for engine control units, ADAS camera modules, and body electronics - provided layout follows Vishay's recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad guidelines.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ170CAHE3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is 275 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.09 A, measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V logic) remain within absolute maximum ratings when used with appropriate series impedance.
How does SMAJ170CAHE3/5A differ from SMAJ170AHE3/5A?
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is bidirectional with symmetric clamping for ± transients, while SMAJ170AHE3/5A is unidirectional and requires correct cathode orientation. Electrically, SMAJ170AHE3/5A has forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V at 25 A) and polarity marking; SMAJ170CAHE3/5A has no band marking and identical reverse characteristics in both directions - making it preferable for AC signal lines or systems where voltage polarity reversal is possible.
What packaging and reel options are available for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A ships in 13" diameter plastic tape and reel format with a base quantity of 7500 units (package code "5A"). It uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "HE3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification - distinct from "E3" (RoHS only) or "HM3" (halogen-free + AEC-Q101) variants.
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ170CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ170CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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