Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CAHE3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CAHE3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CAHE3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 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 stand-off voltage (VWM), 275 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.09 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs waveform) - suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CAHE3/61 datasheet, SMAJ170CAHE3/61 pinout, SMAJ170CAHE3/61 application, or SMAJ170CAHE3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low thermal resistance (RθJL = 30 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during overvoltage events exceeding its breakdown voltage range (189–209 V at 1 mA test current), it rapidly transitions to low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance (<1.09 μA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ns).
The device is rated for repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 400 W below 78 V and 300 W above 78 V, with derating above TA = 25 °C per Fig. 2. Its MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity and matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 189–209 V at IT = 1 mA - Voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction; ensures reliable triggering above normal system transients. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 275 V at IPPM = 1.09 A - Maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during specified surge; critical for ensuring downstream component voltage ratings are not exceeded. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Surge energy handling capacity on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; determines survivability against common lightning/inductive-switching transients. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.09 μA at VWM - Minimal standby current draw; preserves efficiency and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing paths. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments without thermal shutdown. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing; supports use in engine control units and ADAS power rails. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 4.50 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); polarity unmarked for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive transients and anode during negative transients; symmetric conduction path enables dual-polarity protection without polarity awareness. |
| Cathode | Transient current exit point (bidirectional) | Functions identically to Anode under reverse polarity; terminal symmetry eliminates need for orientation-sensitive layout or marking on PCB. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485, sensor bridges) without external polarity management. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates robustness for automotive applications including powertrain and body electronics, supporting long-term field reliability under thermal and mechanical stress. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (≤78 V) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge events (4 kV line-to-earth) when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at peak 260 °C without baking; simplifies manufacturing flow for high-volume SMT assembly. |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable VBR tolerance and low leakage across -55 °C to +150 °C; prevents parameter drift in harsh environmental conditions. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed between power rail and ground, clamping spikes within 1 ns. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤275 V during 300 A load-dump events, preventing damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers rated for 36 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on differential signal pair (e.g., 4–20 mA loop or Wheatstone bridge output). Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing ±1 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and ±0.5 kV burst noise without adding capacitance (>100 pF) that would distort low-bandwidth sensor signals. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of DSL/VDSL line interface circuits exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on tip/ring lines, coordinated with GDT secondary protection. Use Value: Clamps induced surges to <275 V within nanoseconds, preserving integrity of low-voltage PHY ICs while surviving repeated 10/1000 μs 6 kV surges per ITU-T K.20. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals to absorb back-EMF during PWM commutation. Use Value: Dissipates 400 W transient energy without degradation, extending MOSFET lifetime and eliminating need for snubber RC networks in cost-sensitive white goods designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CA-M3/61 | 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 medical devices). | Choose SMAJ170CA-M3/61 when halogen-free composition is required; otherwise SMAJ170CAHE3/61 offers same performance with broader supply chain availability. |
| SMCJ170CAHE3/61 | Higher 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), larger SMC (DO-214AB) package, same VWM/VC ratings. | Used where higher surge energy (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) or improved thermal dissipation is needed; requires larger PCB footprint. | Choose SMCJ170CAHE3/61 only if 400 W is insufficient; SMAJ170CAHE3/61 remains optimal for space-constrained designs requiring AEC-Q101 and standard SMT compatibility. |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-M3/61, the SMAJ170CAHE3/61 offers identical clamping and qualification but differs in material compliance; versus SMCJ170CAHE3/61, it trades surge capacity for compact size and lower thermal mass - making SMAJ170CAHE3/61 ideal for automotive body controllers and portable industrial sensors where board area and weight are constrained.
Availability
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line card surge protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and consistent SMT manufacturability.
Supply support for SMAJ170CAHE3/61 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed for high-reliability transient suppression in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ170CAHE3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ170CAHE3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.09 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SMAJ170CAHE3/61 achieves this clamping with minimal incremental surge resistance, ensuring predictable protection behavior.
Is SMAJ170CAHE3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with the "HE3" suffix. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD verification. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature, MSL Level 1 rating, and compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles make SMAJ170CAHE3/61 appropriate for engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS power rails where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is critical.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ170CAHE3/61 affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ170CAHE3/61 has no polarity marking and symmetric terminal behavior, allowing placement without orientation constraints on PCBs. This eliminates risk of misassembly and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating nodes such as differential communication lines (CAN, RS-485) or transformer-isolated power supplies. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, SMAJ170CAHE3/61 requires no cathode band alignment - reducing design review time and manufacturing error rates in high-mix SMT lines.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ170CAHE3/61, and why does it matter?
The SMAJ170CAHE3/61 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended copper pads. Low RθJL enables efficient heat transfer to PCB traces during repetitive surges, preventing thermal runaway. This is especially important in automotive and industrial applications where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C and multiple transients may occur in rapid succession - ensuring sustained clamping performance of SMAJ170CAHE3/61 over time.
Can SMAJ170CAHE3/61 replace SMAJ170AHE3/61 in a design?
No - SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is bidirectional, while SMAJ170AHE3/61 is unidirectional. They share identical VWM (170 V), VBR (189–209 V), and VC (275 V), but differ fundamentally in conduction directionality. Substituting SMAJ170CAHE3/61 for SMAJ170AHE3/61 on a DC-biased rail may cause unintended conduction during normal operation. SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is only interchangeable with other CA-suffix parts; always verify polarity requirements before replacement.
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- 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)
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CAHE3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CAHE3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CAHE3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CAHE3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CAHE3/61?
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CAHE3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CAHE3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CAHE3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CAHE3/61?
All SMAJ170CAHE3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CAHE3/61, 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 SMAJ170CAHE3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CAHE3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ170CAHE3/61 Tags

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