Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - ideal for safeguarding power rails and signal lines in industrial motor drives and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ170CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ170CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ170CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance (HM3 suffix), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) for surface-mount reliability in high-transient environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device across protected nodes, responding within <1 ps to transients exceeding its VWM threshold. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping in both polarities, eliminating polarity-dependent layout constraints and enabling direct placement across AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
The device uses a glass-passivated silicon junction for stable leakage performance (<1.09 μA at 170 V) and low incremental surge resistance, delivering consistent clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01% duty cycle. Thermal design relies on RθJL = 30 °C/W to leads and standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal for rated 400 W dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (min/max) | 189 V / 209 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 1.09 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 μs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); validates robustness against inrush or fault currents. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive or industrial enclosures without derating. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard PCB pad layout; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained pulse duty. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak), matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias | Connects to lower-potential node in unidirectional use; forms symmetrical pair with cathode in bidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias | Connects to higher-potential node in unidirectional use; electrically identical to anode in SMAJ170CAHM3/I due to bidirectional construction (no polarity marking). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals or floating buses without polarity concerns - reduces BOM count and layout complexity. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable leakage (<1.09 μA) and long-term parameter consistency across humidity and thermal stress conditions. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements up to Level 4 (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) when properly mounted. |
| Low RθJL = 30 °C/W | Facilitates efficient heat transfer to PCB traces, supporting repeated surge events without thermal runaway in compact layouts. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs in engine control units against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-clamping TVS placed between VIN and GND, conducting only during >170 V excursions to limit downstream voltage to ≤275 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to MCU power domains during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events up to 60 V peak. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and inductive switching noise in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt clamp across signal and return, suppressing ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and fast transients without signal inversion. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents ADC saturation or op-amp input stage damage during field-deployed sensor operation. |
| Telecom DC Power Interface | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered equipment front-end rectifiers and DC-DC converters from lightning-induced surges on Ethernet cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on 48 V DC input rail, clamping common-mode transients before they reach isolation barriers or regulation stages. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (10/1000 μs, 2 kV differential) while maintaining <100 ns response time to preserve upstream surge protector coordination. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level overvoltage protection on USB VBUS lines in portable audio devices exposed to hot-plug and charger mismatch events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp between VBUS and GND, absorbing 15 kV air-gap ESD and 12 V accidental adapter misconnection. Use Value: Extends product lifetime by preventing gate oxide rupture in USB switch ICs and preserving USB-IF certification margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs but RoHS-compliant commercial grade (not AEC-Q101 qualified); E3 suffix indicates standard tin plating without halogen-free assurance. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMAJ170CAHE3/I for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications requiring identical clamping performance and RoHS compliance. |
| SMBJ170CAHM3/I | Same VWM, VBR, and VC, but SMB (DO-214AA) package offers 600 W PPPM rating and higher IPPM (1.8 A), with larger footprint and improved thermal mass. | Higher surge capacity supports more demanding surge test profiles (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) but requires PCB area increase. | Choose SMBJ170CAHM3/I when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W requirements or when enhanced thermal margin is needed for frequent transient exposure. |
Compared with SMAJ170CAHE3/I, the SMAJ170CAHM3/I adds AEC-Q101 qualification and halogen-free compliance for automotive use; versus SMBJ170CAHM3/I, it trades surge headroom and thermal robustness for space-constrained layouts where 400 W suffices.
Availability
SMAJ170CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU designs, industrial sensor modules, telecom power interfaces, and consumer USB protection circuits requiring stable component supply with guaranteed halogen-free and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - particularly targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ESD, EFT, and surge events is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ170CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ170CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at 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 full-rated surge events. The clamping performance is verified across temperature and production lots to ensure consistent protection behavior in real-world deployments of SMAJ170CAHM3/I.
Is SMAJ170CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ170CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and specifically intended for automotive use, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix designation. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per AEC-Q101 Rev D. The device is deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensors where SMAJ170CAHM3/I provides certified protection against load dump, jump-start, and ISO 7637-2 transients.
How does the bidirectional design of SMAJ170CAHM3/I affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional construction of SMAJ170CAHM3/I eliminates polarity marking - no cathode band is present, and either terminal may connect to any node in the protected path. This simplifies layout by removing orientation constraints and enables symmetric placement across differential or floating signals. Layout must still follow Vishay's recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal to maintain rated 400 W pulse power performance for SMAJ170CAHM3/I.
What is the maximum leakage current of SMAJ170CAHM3/I at its stand-off voltage?
At its 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ170CAHM3/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.09 μA at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves system efficiency in always-on circuits and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing nodes. Leakage remains below 5 μA up to +85 °C, ensuring reliable operation across automotive and industrial temperature ranges for SMAJ170CAHM3/I.
Does SMAJ170CAHM3/I require external heat sinking?
No, SMAJ170CAHM3/I is designed for self-contained thermal management using standard PCB copper pads - 0.2" × 0.2" per terminal achieves the rated 400 W pulse power without added heatsinks. Its RθJA of 120 °C/W and RθJL of 30 °C/W are characterized under this layout. For repetitive surge conditions or elevated ambient temperatures, increasing pad area or adding internal copper planes improves thermal margin, but SMAJ170CAHM3/I functions reliably within spec using baseline land patterns.
SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ170CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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 SMAJ170CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CAHM3/I?
SMAJ170CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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 SMAJ170CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CAHM3/I 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 SMAJ170CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ170CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CAHM3/I, 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 SMAJ170CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ170CAHM3/I Tags

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