Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ17A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ17A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ17A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 27.6VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ17A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 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 17 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 27.6 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 14.5 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ17A-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ17A-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ17A-E3/5A application, or SMAJ17A-E3/5A equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection where low-profile mounting, fast response (<1 ps), and AEC-Q101-compliant variants are required - especially in 12 V/24 V DC systems with strict thermal and space constraints.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping overvoltage protector: it remains high-impedance below VWM = 17 V, then avalanches sharply at VBR = 18.9–20.9 V to limit transient energy. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures stable clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 400 W (derated to 300 W above 78 V).
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W (on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and supports operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The cathode band marking enables unambiguous polarity identification during automated placement on PCBs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe DC/AC working margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 18.9 V / 20.9 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and lot variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.6 V at 14.5 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports inrush and fault-current events. |
| Junction Temp | –55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor power supplies. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount, low-profile (2.54 mm lead pitch, 4.93 mm length); compatible with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity indicated by cathode band on one end. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry (unidirectional mode) | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased higher. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal (marked with band) | Connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC, battery+); initiates clamping when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive electronics. |
| 27.6 V clamping voltage at 14.5 A | Ensures downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog circuits remain below absolute maximum ratings during surge events. |
| Low profile SMA package (DO-214AC) | Enables high-density layout on compact PCBs while supporting automated SMT assembly and reflow compatibility. |
| 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance | Allows thermal design with minimal copper area - critical for space-constrained modules like ECUs and sensor nodes. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | Supports automotive-grade reliability validation without redesign; HE3/HM3 suffixes denote qualification status. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery line in engine control unit exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery+ and ground to shunt >30 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by MCU power supply and CAN transceivers to ≤27.6 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop input of PLC analog module subjected to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across input terminals to absorb ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 100 A surge currents. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients before they reach op-amp front-end, avoiding offset drift or saturation. |
| Consumer USB Power Port Protection | DC-DC Converter Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: VBUS line of USB-C port in portable monitor exposed to hot-plug overshoot and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected from VBUS to GND to suppress fast-rising transients before reaching USB PD controller. Use Value: Responds in <1 ps to clamp 15 kV air discharge to ≤27.6 V, preserving USB enumeration and preventing port disablement. |
Use Scenario: Input stage of 48 V → 12 V buck converter in telecom power shelf subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS on bulk capacitor input to divert surge energy away from MOSFET gate drivers and PWM controller. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W pulses without degradation, enabling single-stage protection and eliminating need for upstream MOVs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ17CA-E3/5A | Bidirectional version; symmetric VBR = 18.9–20.9 V in both polarities; same VC = 27.6 V and PPPM = 400 W. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, Ethernet PHY) where polarity reversal occurs. | Select SMAJ17CA-E3/5A only if bidirectional clamping is mandated; otherwise SMAJ17A-E3/5A offers lower leakage and simpler biasing. |
| SMBJ17A-E3/52 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; higher PPPM = 600 W; RθJA = 80 °C/W. | Better thermal performance and surge margin for high-reliability 24 V industrial controls with limited airflow. | Choose SMBJ17A-E3/52 when board space allows and 600 W surge rating or lower thermal resistance is required. |
Compared with SMAJ17CA-E3/5A, SMAJ17A-E3/5A provides superior unidirectional leakage control and simplified grounding; versus SMBJ17A-E3/52, it trades 200 W pulse power and 40 °C/W thermal resistance for 30 % smaller footprint and lower assembly cost.
Availability
SMAJ17A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC analog inputs, consumer USB power ports, and DC-DC converter input stages requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade assurance.
Supply support for SMAJ17A-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom power and interface protection with standardized SMT scalability.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ17A-E3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ17A-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.6 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 14.5 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees that protected circuitry will not experience voltages exceeding 27.6 V during such transient events - a critical parameter for safeguarding 3.3 V and 5 V logic components downstream of the SMAJ17A-E3/5A.
Is SMAJ17A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ17A-E3/5A itself is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix), but Vishay offers the AEC-Q101 qualified variant SMAJ17AHE3_A/I for automotive use. The SMAJ17A-E3/5A shares identical electrical characteristics and SMA package with the qualified version, making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where full qualification is not mandated - however, for ASIL-B/C systems, the HE3-suffixed part must be specified. Always verify qualification status via the full ordering code.
How does the SMAJ17A-E3/5A differ from the SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
The SMAJ17A-E3/5A is unidirectional, with a cathode band indicating polarity and clamping only during reverse-bias overvoltage events; the SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is bidirectional, offering symmetric clamping for both polarities without polarity marking. Both share identical VWM = 17 V, VBR = 18.9–20.9 V, VC = 27.6 V, and PPPM = 400 W, but the unidirectional SMAJ17A-E3/5A exhibits lower reverse leakage (<1 μA at 17 V) than the bidirectional version, making it preferable for DC-biased rails.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ17A-E3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
The SMAJ17A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This means a 400 W surge applied for <1 ms raises junction temperature by ~48 °C above ambient - acceptable for short transients. For sustained power dissipation, layout must include adequate copper area and avoid thermal isolation; the SMAJ17A-E3/5A is not intended for continuous power regulation.
Can SMAJ17A-E3/5A replace SMAJ15A or SMAJ18A in an existing design?
SMAJ17A-E3/5A is not a direct drop-in replacement for SMAJ15A (VWM = 15 V) or SMAJ18A (VWM = 18 V) due to differences in stand-off and breakdown voltages. Substituting alters the clamping threshold: using SMAJ17A-E3/5A where SMAJ15A was designed may cause premature conduction during normal 15 V operation, while replacing SMAJ18A risks insufficient protection margin. Always validate VWM alignment with system nominal voltage and tolerance before interchanging SMAJ17A-E3/5A.
SMAJ17A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18.9V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.6V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
SMAJ17A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ17A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ17A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ17A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ17A-E3/5A?
SMAJ17A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ17A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ17A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ17A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ17A-E3/5A?
All SMAJ17A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ17A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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