Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 304VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 304 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform, and 304 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, suitable for protecting MOSFETs and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170C-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ170C-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ170C-E3/5A application, or SMAJ170C-E3/5A equivalent, this device is evaluated for ESD and lightning surge protection in bi-directional AC-coupled lines, high-voltage DC bus monitoring, and automotive body electronics where polarity-agnostic clamping is required.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified as 189–231 V at 1 mA test current. Its clamping behavior is defined by a 304 V maximum VC at 304 A, delivering 300 W peak pulse power above 78 V per JEDEC-standard 10/1000 µs waveform.
Thermal performance is characterized by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is RoHS-compliant with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 150–170 V DC bus lines. |
| VBR (min/max) | 189 V / 231 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures reliable turn-on without premature conduction under normal bias. |
| VC @ IPPM | 304 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 304 A transient; limits stress on downstream 350 V-rated components. |
| IPPM | 304 A - Peak surge current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) compliance when properly laid out. |
| PPPM | 300 W - Peak pulse power rating above 78 V; derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 in datasheet. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at 170 V; negligible loading on high-impedance sensor bias networks. |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial motor drive environments. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic case with two coplanar terminals, 0.208" × 0.157" footprint, 0.078" terminal width, matte tin-plated leads. Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient path | No polarity marking; identical clamping in either direction - eliminates orientation errors during automated placement. |
| Case (body) | Non-electrical mechanical reference | Non-conductive epoxy body provides isolation; thermal path to PCB copper via terminals only. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signal lines or floating DC buses without polarity constraints. |
| 300 W peak pulse power (≥78 V) | Sustains IEC 61000-4-5 surge events up to 4 kV open-circuit when mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. |
| Low 1.0 µA leakage at VWM | Prevents signal distortion or battery drain in always-on sensor front-ends and low-power IoT nodes. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at 260 °C peak without baking - compatible with standard SMT assembly lines. |
| RoHS-compliant, matte tin terminations | Ensures long-term solder joint reliability and compatibility with lead-free and SnPb processes per JESD22-B102. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppresses switching spikes and load dump transients on 200 V DC link capacitors in servo drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-clamping protector placed across DC bus rails, responding within <1 ps to limit overvoltage to ≤304 V. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic failure of 300 V IGBT gate drivers and shunt resistors during regenerative braking events. |
Use Scenario: Shields high-speed CAN FD transceivers from ESD and coupled surges in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional transient suppressor on differential CANH/CANL lines, clamping ±304 V transients symmetrically. Use Value: Maintains CAN communication integrity during ISO 10605 30 kV contact discharge without latch-up or parametric shift. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input Stage | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Guards primary-side controller ICs and optocouplers against lightning-induced surges on 170 V telecom rectifier outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between rectified output and bulk capacitor, absorbing 10/1000 µs surges. Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) of -48 V system supervisors by limiting transient energy delivered to control logic. |
Use Scenario: Protects isolated voltage sense amplifiers measuring 150–180 V PV string voltages in solar microinverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-VWM clamp on differential sensing inputs, rejecting common-mode surges while preserving 16-bit ADC accuracy. Use Value: Eliminates false overvoltage trips during grid-switching events, improving inverter uptime and grid-code compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bi-directional TVS applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs and DO-214AC package; CA suffix denotes same bi-directional construction as C variant per Vishay documentation. | No functional difference - CA and C suffixes are interchangeable per datasheet Table 1 footnote (5). | Select SMAJ170CA-E3/5A only if legacy BOM references CA; SMAJ170C-E3/5A is functionally identical and currently stocked. |
| SMCJ170CA | Higher 1500 W PPPM, larger DO-214AB (SMB) package, 350 A IPPM, 344 V VC. | Used where higher surge margin is needed (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets); requires PCB layout change due to 2.54 mm vs. 1.52 mm terminal pitch. | Choose SMCJ170CA only when 1500 W rating is mandatory; SMAJ170C-E3/5A remains optimal for space-constrained 300 W applications. |
Compared with SMAJ170CA-E3/5A (identical function) and SMCJ170CA (higher power, larger footprint), SMAJ170C-E3/5A delivers verified 300 W bi-directional clamping in the smallest standard surface-mount TVS outline, minimizing PCB area while meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 requirements.
Availability
SMAJ170C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, telecom power systems, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ170C-E3/5A 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where bi-directional clamping and MSL Level 1 assembly compatibility are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ170C-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ170C-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 304 V when subjected to its rated 304 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 and Table on page 3 of Vishay document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is SMAJ170C-E3/5A suitable for bi-directional signal line protection?
Yes, SMAJ170C-E3/5A is explicitly designed for bi-directional applications, as confirmed by its "C" suffix and electrical characteristics listed for both polarities in the Vishay datasheet. It provides symmetrical clamping with identical VBR, VC, and IPPM values in either direction, making it ideal for AC-coupled data lines like CAN, RS-485, or audio interfaces.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
The SMAJ170C-E3/5A has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table on page 2 of Vishay document 88390. This rating enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial power converters without thermal derating below ambient.
Does SMAJ170C-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
No, SMAJ170C-E3/5A is commercial-grade (E3 suffix) and not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring qualification, the HE3-suffix variant (e.g., SMAJ170CHE3/5A) must be selected - it shares identical electrical specs but adds high-reliability screening per AEC-Q101.
What PCB pad layout is recommended to achieve the rated 300 W pulse power for SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
To achieve the full 300 W peak pulse power rating, Vishay specifies mounting SMAJ170C-E3/5A on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as stated in Note (2) of the "Maximum Ratings" table. Smaller pads will thermally limit IPPM and reduce effective PPPM due to increased junction-to-ambient resistance.
SMAJ170C-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 304V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 990mA
- 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)
SMAJ170C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ170C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170C-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ170C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
SMAJ170C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ170C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170C-E3/5A 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 SMAJ170C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170C-E3/5A?
All SMAJ170C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170C-E3/5A, 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 SMAJ170C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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