Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ17A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ17A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ17A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 27.6VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ17A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. 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.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ17A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ17A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ17A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ17A-M3/5A equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom front-end circuits where fast response (<1 ps), low clamping ratio, and AEC-Q101-compliant reliability are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at 17 V), but switches to low-impedance conduction within picoseconds when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, diverting surge current away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 μA at VWM) and repeatable clamping performance across temperature (-55 °C to +150 °C).
The device uses a single P-N junction structure optimized for unidirectional operation - cathode marked with band - and is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling reliable operation on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 17 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V systems. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 18.9–20.9 V at 1 mA - Tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on threshold; critical for coordinating with downstream IC absolute maximum ratings. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 27.6 V at 14.5 A (10/1000 μs) - Limits transient voltage seen by protected circuit; clamping ratio = VC/VWM ≈ 1.62. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustains 10/1000 μs surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 without degradation; derates to 300 W above 78 V. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 14.5 A - Maximum surge current handled at rated clamping voltage; determines minimum trace width and PCB pad thermal mass needed. |
| TJmax | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures without derating. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Low-profile surface-mount package compatible with automated placement; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant and halogen-free (M3 suffix), MSL level 1 (JEDEC J-STD-020), 260 °C reflow peak.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane; must handle full IPPM during clamping event. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased terminal / Protected line connection | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail, CAN_H); polarity marking essential for correct orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-earth) on 12 V DC inputs without external series impedance. |
| 27.6 V clamping at 14.5 A | Keeps protected MOSFET gate drivers and microcontroller I/O pins below their 30 V absolute maximum rating during transients. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and <1 μA leakage at VWM over 10-year field life, even under thermal cycling and humidity stress. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | HM3 variant supports automotive-grade qualification; SMAJ17A-M3/5A is commercial-grade but shares identical die and package construction. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving protection margin for fast logic. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply input of BCM microcontroller from load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed directly at power entry point before EMI filter and LDO. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to ≤27.6 V during 100 V/400 ms load dump events, preventing brownout reset and latch-up in 3.3 V logic domains. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input optocoupler interface from inductive kickback when solenoids de-energize. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on field-side input trace, upstream of series resistor and opto-LED. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to <30 V, ensuring optocoupler CTR stability and avoiding LED forward-voltage overstress during 1 kV/2 Ω surge tests. |
| Telecom Base Station Power Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board |
|
Use Scenario: Guards PoE-powered Ethernet PHY power pins (3.3 V/5 V) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection after primary gas discharge tube (GDT), placed adjacent to PHY IC power pins. Use Value: Responds in <1 ps to clamp sub-100 ns ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact), preserving PHY silicon integrity without signal distortion. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards MCU GPIOs driving H-bridge gate drivers from back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamp on motor driver enable/control lines, mounted within 5 mm of gate driver IC. Use Value: Prevents >20 V transients from exceeding MCU I/O absolute max rating (typically 5.5 V), eliminating need for external Schottky snubbers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ17A-E3/5A | Same electrical specs and package; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs M3). | Approved for commercial/industrial use where halogen-free requirement is absent. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free mandate; identical layout and thermal behavior. |
| SMAJ17CA-M3/5A | Bidirectional version: symmetric VBR (18.9–20.9 V), same VC (27.6 V), but no polarity marking. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where voltage polarity reverses. | Choose only if bidirectional protection is needed; unidirectional SMAJ17A-M3/5A offers lower leakage and tighter VBR tolerance. |
Compared with SMAJ17A-E3/5A, the M3 variant adds halogen-free compliance without affecting clamping performance or thermal design; compared with SMAJ17CA-M3/5A, the unidirectional version provides superior leakage control and is preferred for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed.
Availability
SMAJ17A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC input protection, and telecom power interface designs requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for SMAJ17A-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, fast response, and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ17A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ17A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.6 V at 14.5 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions per IEC 61000-4-5 and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a surge event. The SMAJ17A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C), making it suitable for under-hood automotive and industrial applications.
Is SMAJ17A-M3/5A suitable for protecting 12 V automotive power rails?
Yes, SMAJ17A-M3/5A is specifically suited for 12 V automotive power rail protection. Its 17 V stand-off voltage (VWM) provides adequate margin above nominal 12 V and typical battery swing (up to ~14.5 V), while its 27.6 V clamping voltage stays well below the 30–36 V absolute maximum ratings of most automotive-grade MCUs and power management ICs. The SMAJ17A-M3/5A also supports load dump immunity per ISO 16750-2 when used with appropriate series impedance, and its M3 suffix confirms halogen-free compliance required by many Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
The M3 suffix in SMAJ17A-M3/5A denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, whereas E3 indicates RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free packaging. Both share identical electrical characteristics, thermal performance, and mechanical dimensions (SMA/DO-214AC). The SMAJ17A-M3/5A meets JEDEC J-STD-201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements. Designers select SMAJ17A-M3/5A when environmental compliance mandates halogen-free materials - common in automotive and green industrial standards - without compromising protection performance.
Can SMAJ17A-M3/5A be used for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, SMAJ17A-M3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode and must not be used on bidirectional signal lines such as RS-485, CAN, or USB data pairs. Its cathode band marks polarity, and reverse conduction is not specified. For bidirectional protection, the SMAJ17CA-M3/5A variant - with symmetrical breakdown in both directions - is required. Using SMAJ17A-M3/5A on AC-coupled or floating lines risks failure to clamp negative transients and may cause permanent damage due to unintended forward conduction.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended PCB layout for SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
The SMAJ17A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. Vishay specifies mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve rated 400 W pulse power. To ensure reliability, designers should use minimum 2 oz copper, thermal vias under pads, and avoid narrow traces between the SMAJ17A-M3/5A and ground/power planes. The SMAJ17A-M3/5A's DO-214AC outline requires precise stencil aperture design to prevent solder bridging during reflow.
SMAJ17A-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:
- 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ17A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ17A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
SMAJ17A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ17A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ17A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ17A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ17A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ17A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ17A-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 SMAJ17A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ17A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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