Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ17CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ17CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 27.6VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 17 V standoff voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤27.6 V at 14.5 A peak surge current - protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ17CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ17CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ17CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ17CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 17 V working voltage compatibility with 24 V rail protection, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42), and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HE3/HM3 variants.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix configuration, enabling suppression of positive and negative polarity transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response (<1 ps), while the low incremental surge resistance minimizes voltage overshoot during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W and maximum junction temperature of +150 °C. It meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and supports reflow soldering at 260 °C peak.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; matches 24 V system rail derating margins. |
| VBR min/max | 18.9 V / 20.9 V at 1 mA - Ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage with defined margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤27.6 V at 14.5 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during 10/1000 μs surge events. |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Peak transient energy absorption capacity under standardized waveform. |
| IPPM | 14.5 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current supported with specified clamping performance. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount, low-profile package compatible with automated assembly and IPC-7351B land patterns. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts during negative transients to clamp voltage. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity) | Other terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts during positive transients to clamp voltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge events (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) when properly laid out. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports lead-free assembly without preconditioning or special handling requirements. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | HE3/HM3 variants available for automotive applications requiring validated reliability testing. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial CAN Bus Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIOs and LIN bus transceivers from load dump and inductive switching spikes in door module PCBs. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across supply rails and signal lines to clamp transients before they reach sensitive logic inputs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V MCUs during 12 V battery line disturbances up to 35 V. |
Use Scenario: Shields CANH/CANL differential pair from ESD and coupled noise in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance TVS mounted directly at connector entry point to shunt fast transients before reaching transceiver IC. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting voltage excursion to <30 V while preserving CAN bit timing under 10/1000 μs surges. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive | Telecom Power Supply Input |
|
Use Scenario: Guards gate drivers and bootstrap circuits in BLDC motor inverters against back-EMF spikes during commutation. IC Role / Device Role: TVS placed across DC-link capacitors and half-bridge outputs to absorb inductive kickback energy. Use Value: Reduces need for oversized snubbers by clamping 17–20 V transients to ≤27.6 V, improving efficiency and thermal margin. |
Use Scenario: Provides primary-level surge immunity on AC-DC adapter input stage subjected to lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end TVS in parallel with MOVs to handle fast-rising transients that bypass slower thermal protectors. Use Value: Extends system MTBF by absorbing sub-microsecond spikes before they propagate into rectifier and controller stages. |
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 | Unidirectional version with cathode band marking; same VWM, VBR, and PPPM. | Requires correct polarity placement; unsuitable for AC or floating lines. | Select only when circuit topology guarantees consistent voltage polarity across protected node. |
| SMBJ17CA-E3/52 | Same VWM and VBR, but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM rating and lower RθJA (90 °C/W). | Higher power handling and better thermal performance; requires larger PCB footprint. | Choose when surge duty cycle exceeds 0.01% or ambient temperature exceeds 85 °C. |
Compared with SMAJ17CA-E3/5A, the unidirectional SMAJ17A-E3/5A demands strict polarity alignment but offers identical electrical specs, while the SMBJ17CA-E3/52 provides 50% higher surge power and improved thermal dissipation at the cost of board area - making it preferable for high-reliability or high-temperature deployments.
Availability
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN networks, consumer appliance motor drives, and telecom power input stages requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMAJ17CA-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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series targets robust transient suppression in space-constrained applications, combining high surge capability with surface-mount compatibility for automotive, industrial, and communications equipment.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning SMAJ17CA-E3/5A functions identically for both positive- and negative-polarity transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ17A), it has no cathode marking and is ideal for AC-coupled, differential, or floating signal lines where polarity cannot be guaranteed - a key distinction confirmed in Vishay's official documentation for the SMAJ family.
Is SMAJ17CA-E3/5A qualified for automotive use?
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A itself is commercial-grade (E3 suffix), but Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions under HE3 and HM3 suffixes (e.g., SMAJ17CAHE3_A/I). These variants undergo stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D and are intended for automotive applications such as body control modules and infotainment power rails - while SMAJ17CA-E3/5A remains suitable for industrial and consumer designs meeting commercial reliability requirements.
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ17CA-E3/5A at its rated surge current?
The clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is guaranteed to be ≤27.6 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 14.5 A, measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is verified per Vishay's Electrical Characteristics table and defines the maximum voltage seen by downstream components during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring safe operation of 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces.
How does SMAJ17CA-E3/5A differ from SMAJ17A-E3/5A?
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping behavior and no polarity marking, whereas SMAJ17A-E3/5A is unidirectional with a visible cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias. Both share identical VWM (17 V), VBR (18.9–20.9 V), and PPPM (400 W), but SMAJ17A-E3/5A must be oriented correctly on PCBs - making SMAJ17CA-E3/5A preferable for differential buses like CAN or RS-485 where signal polarity varies.
What PCB layout considerations apply to SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
For optimal transient suppression, SMAJ17CA-E3/5A should be placed as close as possible to the protected node with minimal trace length - ideally within 5 mm of the connector or IC pin. 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; smaller pads reduce thermal dissipation and may cause premature failure under repeated surges.
SMAJ17CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ17CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ17CA-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 SMAJ17CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ17CA-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 SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ17CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ17CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ17CA-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 SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ17CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ17CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ17CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ17CA-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 SMAJ17CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ17CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ17CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ17CA-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 SMAJ17CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ17CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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