Diodes Incorporated SMAJ17CA-13-F

Overview

SMAJ17CA-13-F from Diodes Incorporated is a bidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on data lines and power rails. It features 17V reverse standoff voltage (VRWM), 27.6V max clamping voltage at 14.5A peak pulse current, and fast sub-nanosecond response time. Used in automotive infotainment USB ports to protect USB 2.0 PHY against IEC 61000-4-2 ±15kV contact discharge.

For engineers reviewing the SMAJ17CA-13-F datasheet, SMAJ17CA-13-F pinout, SMAJ17CA-13-F application, or SMAJ17CA-13-F equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 400W peak pulse power rating, 17V standoff tolerance, and compatibility with IATF 16949-certified automotive production environments.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, activating when transient voltage exceeds 17V VRWM and clamping to ≤27.6V at 14.5A IPP. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior across -55°C to +150°C operating range.

The device uses a planar silicon avalanche structure with cathode-band-free bidirectional symmetry, enabling equal clamping in both polarities without polarity-dependent layout constraints. It meets JEDEC JESD22-A114E ESD immunity requirements and supports 8.3ms half-sine surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Two-terminal SMA package with symmetrical bidirectional terminals; no polarity marking required. Terminals are matte tin-plated for lead-free solderability per MIL-STD-202, Method 208.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ17CA-13-F, the Littelfuse alternative offers identical protection performance with alternate logistics support, while the Vishay SMB variant trades compactness for improved thermal margin and tighter clamping tolerance-enabling design flexibility across automotive, industrial, and medical platforms.

Availability

SMAJ17CA-13-F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial RS-485 networks, and smart meter power interface designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101-compliant surge protection.

Supply support for SMAJ17CA-13-F 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and integrated circuits, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

This device belongs to the SMAJ series of surface-mount TVS diodes engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications equipment where robust ESD and surge immunity are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the meaning of the "C" suffix in SMAJ17CA-13-F?

The "C" denotes bidirectional configuration, confirming symmetrical clamping behavior for both positive and negative transients. This eliminates polarity concerns during PCB layout and enables use on AC-coupled or differential signal lines like USB D+/D− or RS-485 A/B. Unidirectional versions omit the "C" and require correct anode/cathode orientation.

Does SMAJ17CA-13-F meet AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes-this part is qualified to AEC-Q101 Rev D for stress testing including HTGB, AC/DC HAST, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock. It is manufactured in IATF 16949-certified facilities and supports PPAP documentation upon request. The automotive-grade variant SMAJ17CAQ-13-F is also available with extended change control.

How does the SMA package affect thermal performance during surge events?

The SMA package delivers 1.0W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75°C and handles 400W transient pulses by rapidly transferring heat to the PCB via its two copper terminals and molded plastic body. Effective thermal relief requires ≥25 mm² of 2-oz copper connected to both terminals; insufficient copper reduces peak power handling by up to 35%.

Can SMAJ17CA-13-F be used in place of a unidirectional TVS in a DC power rail?

Yes-but only if the application inherently references both terminals to the same potential (e.g., across a fuse or sense resistor). For direct VCC-to-GND placement, a unidirectional device (SMAJ17A-13-F) is preferred to avoid forward conduction during normal operation; the bidirectional version may conduct slightly above 17V in either direction due to symmetric avalanche characteristics.