Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ170-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ170-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ170-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 304VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ170-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 304 A peak pulse current (IPPM) at 10/1000 µs waveform, and 304 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) - enabling robust protection of MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ170-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ170-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ170-E3/5A application, or SMAJ170-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 170 V reverse stand-off rating, 400 W peak pulse power capability (derated to 300 W above 78 V), low 0.99 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 150 °C junction temperature rating, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads suitable for automated SMT assembly.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates by avalanche breakdown when transient voltage exceeds its 189–231 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA test current), clamping the line to ≤304 V within picoseconds. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable performance under repetitive surge stress and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow compatibility.
Thermal design is supported by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W ratings, and it sustains 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) for 8.3 ms half-sine wave - critical for protecting switching nodes in DC-DC converters and motor drivers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 170 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 304 V at 304 A IPPM - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 µs surge |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 300 W - derated rating above 78 V; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surge immunity |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 189–231 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset window for predictable clamping threshold |
| Reverse Leakage (ID) | ≤0.99 µA at 170 V - negligible standby power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance sensor bias networks |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial control cabinet environments |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with cathode band marking and 0.2 × 0.2″ copper pad thermal recommendation |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, cathode indicated by a band on one end; terminals are anode and cathode - no internal circuitry or additional pins.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or low-voltage reference; completes clamping path during overvoltage events |
| Cathode (banded end) | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 170 V rail); avalanche conduction occurs from cathode to anode when VWM exceeded |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability and low parameter drift under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 400 W / 300 W peak pulse power | Supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity standards up to Level 4 in properly laid-out PCBs |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns; compatible with standard 260 °C lead-free reflow profiles |
| RoHS-compliant & JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Meets global environmental regulations and mitigates tin whisker risk in high-reliability industrial deployments |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time), improving protection margin for sensitive gate drivers |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drive lines against inductive kickback from solenoid and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between gate and source to clamp negative-going transients below −20 V. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide damage in 600 V IGBTs by limiting transient excursions to ≤304 V while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 170 V system bias. |
Use Scenario: Input protection for LIN bus transceivers exposed to load dump and jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on VCC rail to absorb 10/1000 µs surges up to 300 W without latch-up. Use Value: Enables reliable operation across −40 °C to +125 °C ambient with no derating required below 78 V, matching BCM supply architecture. |
| Telecom Power Supply Inputs | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Links |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 48 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding PoE PSE controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS parallel to bulk capacitor to limit surge propagation to downstream PMICs. Use Value: 304 V clamping voltage provides ≥15 % margin above 264 V max input, satisfying GR-1089-CORE lightning surge requirements. |
Use Scenario: DC-link voltage spike suppression in solar string inverters subjected to rapid PV array disconnection events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-VWM TVS across 1000 V DC bus to clamp switching transients induced by SiC MOSFET turn-off. Use Value: 170 V VWM allows placement on auxiliary monitoring rails; 150 °C TJmax supports operation inside sealed inverter enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170A-E3/5A | Lower VBR range (189–209 V), 275 V VC, 1.09 µA ID - tighter breakdown tolerance but higher clamping voltage than SMAJ170-E3/5A | Better suited for designs requiring lower turn-on threshold with relaxed clamping margin | Select SMAJ170A-E3/5A when system-level testing shows 304 V clamping is excessive and 275 V provides adequate MOSFET gate safety margin |
| SMCJ170A-E3/57T | DO-214AB (SMC) package, 1500 W PPPM, 432 A IPPM, 274 V VC - higher power handling and lower clamping, but 2.5× larger footprint | Required where IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) immunity must be achieved without parallel devices | Choose SMCJ170A-E3/57T only if PCB layout permits larger SMC package and 274 V clamping is mandatory for downstream 300 V-rated components |
Compared with SMAJ170A-E3/5A, the SMAJ170-E3/5A offers higher clamping voltage but lower leakage - advantageous in high-impedance sensing rails. Versus SMCJ170A-E3/57T, it trades power capacity and clamping performance for space-constrained layouts where 300 W surge energy is sufficient.
Availability
SMAJ170-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and renewable energy inverter DC links requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ170-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount applications - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness, repeatability, and JEDEC-compliant packaging are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for SMAJ170-E3/5A?
The SMAJ170-E3/5A has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 189 V to 231 V at 1 mA test current, per Vishay Document 88390 Rev. 29-Oct-08. This wide tolerance reflects controlled avalanche characteristics essential for consistent clamping behavior across manufacturing lots and temperature extremes. The SMAJ170-E3/5A achieves this via glass-passivated junction technology, ensuring long-term stability under repeated surge stress.
Is SMAJ170-E3/5A unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMAJ170-E3/5A is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor, as confirmed by its part number suffix "-" (no C or CA) and explicit listing in the "UNI" column of the electrical characteristics table. It conducts only in reverse bias during overvoltage events, with the banded end denoting the cathode. Bidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ170CA) are separate orderable parts with symmetrical clamping in both polarities.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix mean in SMAJ170-E3/5A?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "5A" specifies packaging in 13″ diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This differs from "E3/61", which uses 7″ reels of 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications - the suffix solely denotes environmental compliance level and packaging format for SMAJ170-E3/5A.
Can SMAJ170-E3/5A be used in automotive applications?
SMAJ170-E3/5A is rated for operation from −55 °C to +150 °C and meets RoHS, but it is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring qualification, Vishay offers the SMAJ170HE3/5A variant (with HE3 suffix), which is high-reliability, AEC-Q101 qualified, and tested per automotive stress standards. SMAJ170-E3/5A may be used in non-safety-critical aftermarket or infotainment subsystems where full qualification is not mandated.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ170-E3/5A?
SMAJ170-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on the recommended 0.2 × 0.2″ (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pad layout per Vishay Document 88390. These values assume standard FR-4 PCB with no internal copper planes; actual RθJA improves significantly with enhanced thermal land patterns or thermal vias - critical for sustained surge duty cycles in SMAJ170-E3/5A deployments.
SMAJ170-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SMAJ170-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ170-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ170-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 SMAJ170-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ170-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 SMAJ170-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ170-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ170-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ170-E3/5A?
SMAJ170-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ170-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 SMAJ170-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ170-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ170-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ170-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ170-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 SMAJ170-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ170-E3/5A?
All SMAJ170-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ170-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 SMAJ170-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ170-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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