Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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 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 (10/1000 μs waveform), suitable for protecting MOSFETs and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ170CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ170CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ170CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 170 V reverse stand-off rating, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction (M3 suffix).
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical breakdown behavior in both directions due to its bidirectional CA configuration. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ps) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing ESD and lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-2/4-5.
The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, with thermal performance defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W. It supports operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL level 1 (260 °C reflow peak).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 189 V / 209 V at 1.0 mA - Verified breakdown voltage range ensuring reliable turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 1.09 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Peak surge power handling with 0.01% duty cycle derating |
| IFSM | 40 A - Single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), relevant for inductive load switching |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling use in high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance defining required PCB copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2") for safe operation |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), 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 current entry (bidirectional) | Accepts surge current from either direction; no cathode band marking |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Completes clamping path symmetrically; identical electrical role to Anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles high-energy transients from inductive switching or lightning surges in industrial systems |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C) | Supports standard lead-free reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity limitations |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Enables automotive-grade deployment when ordered with HE3/HM3 suffix variants |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Sensor Interfaces |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and feedback sensing circuits against inductive kickback from BLDC motor windings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage clamping element placed across DC bus or gate-source terminals to limit transient overvoltage. Use Value: Limits VDS stress on 200 V-rated MOSFETs to ≤275 V during 1.09 A surge events, preventing avalanche failure. |
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN/CAN transceiver inputs and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from battery dump and load-dump transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor connected between signal line and ground or supply rail. Use Value: Clamps ±275 V surges within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and avoiding latch-up in 5 V/12 V automotive ICs. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection of AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors exposed to lightning-induced surges on primary-side rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS placed across bridge rectifier output to clamp differential-mode transients. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surge energy while holding clamped voltage below 275 V, safeguarding downstream PWM controllers. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on microcontroller I/O lines connected to pushbuttons, relays, or external sensors in washing machines and HVAC units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamping device mounted directly at connector or switch interface. Use Value: Prevents ESD damage (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4) and contact bounce transients from disrupting 3.3 V/5 V MCU operation. |
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-E3/5A | RoHS-compliant commercial grade; lacks halogen-free certification | Same clamping performance but not qualified for halogen-free manufacturing lines | Select when halogen-free compliance is not required and cost optimization is prioritized |
| SMAJ170CAHM3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified, halogen-free, 13" tape-and-reel packaging | Validated for automotive under-hood environments with extended temperature cycling | Choose for automotive production where qualification and traceability are mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-M3/5A, the E3 variant offers identical electrical specs without halogen-free assurance, while the HM3_A/I variant adds AEC-Q101 validation and different reel packaging-enabling direct substitution only when qualification and logistics match project requirements.
Availability
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive sensor interfaces, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with halogen-free compliance and surface-mount compatibility.
Supply support for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series targets robust transient suppression in harsh environments, with design focus on high-power clamping, fast response, and automotive/industrial qualification readiness.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at 1.09 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is measured with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per the datasheet test condition. The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ170CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified in this specific ordering variant. For automotive use, Vishay offers the SMAJ170CAHM3_A/I variant with full AEC-Q101 qualification. The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A may be used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, but system-level validation remains the customer's responsibility. Always verify compliance requirements before selecting SMAJ170CA-M3/5A for automotive designs.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional CA configuration of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A eliminates polarity concerns during placement-no cathode band marking is present, and the device functions identically regardless of orientation across the protected line. This simplifies layout for AC-coupled signals, floating buses, or differential pairs where voltage transients can occur in either polarity. The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A connects between line and ground (or line-to-line), with both terminals electrically symmetric in clamping behavior.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A, and how does it impact PCB layout?
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This value dictates PCB copper area requirements: reducing thermal resistance requires larger or thermally connected copper planes. Exceeding the 150 °C maximum junction temperature risks parametric shift or failure. The SMAJ170CA-M3/5A must be placed with adequate copper pour and avoid proximity to other heat sources to maintain reliability under repetitive surge conditions.
Does SMAJ170CA-M3/5A meet moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements for lead-free reflow?
Yes, SMAJ170CA-M3/5A meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C. This allows indefinite floor life and compatibility with standard lead-free reflow profiles without baking preconditioning. The device's molding compound complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and its matte tin-plated leads ensure solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. These attributes make SMAJ170CA-M3/5A suitable for high-volume automated assembly processes.
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ170CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ170CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ170CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170CA-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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