Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ188A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,500
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 188 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209–231 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 328 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform, and clamps transients to ≤328 V at rated surge. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188A-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ188A-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ188A-E3/5A application, or SMAJ188A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (VC = 328 V), unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HE3/HM3 variants.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (VBR = 209–231 V). Its low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast transients, and its 10/1000 μs waveform rating reflects standardized lightning/surge immunity testing per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
The SMAJ188A-E3/5A is optimized for single-polarity DC line protection-cathode-banded end connects to protected line, anode to ground-and delivers 400 W peak pulse power below 78 V (300 W above), with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 188 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 209 V / 231 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range under standardized test current |
| VC @ IPPM | 328 V - Clamped voltage during 328 A 10/1000 μs surge, defining worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream circuitry |
| PPPM | 300 W - Peak pulse power rating above 78 V, derated linearly above TA = 25 °C per Fig. 2 |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage, ensuring negligible standby power loss |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature, supporting operation in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on minimum recommended PCB pad layout |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; meets UL 94 V-0, MSL Level 1, J-STD-002 solderability, and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Protected line connection | Connects to the circuit node requiring transient suppression (e.g., DC input rail); conducts avalanche current to anode during overvoltage |
| Anode | Reference/ground return | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes clamping current loop during surge events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W / 300 W peak pulse power | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) on 12–48 V systems without derating penalties below 78 V |
| Fast response time & low clamping ratio | Sub-nanosecond turn-on and VC/VBR ≈ 1.57 ensure minimal overvoltage stress on 100 V-class MOSFETs and gate drivers |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress, critical for industrial field-deployed equipment |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | HE3/HM3 variants support automotive body electronics and powertrain sub-systems requiring certified component reliability |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without compromising surge performance or thermal stability |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24 V DC input stage of programmable logic controller (PLC) power supply exposed to inductive switching noise and load dump transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between +24 V rail and chassis ground to limit voltage excursions to safe levels for upstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: With VC = 328 V and IPPM = 328 A, SMAJ188A-E3/5A suppresses 10/1000 μs surges up to 300 W while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at nominal 24 V operation. | Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed power input to BCM controlling door locks, lighting, and window motors in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS protecting the BCM's main power regulator from ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events reaching up to 60 V for 400 ms. Use Value: VWM = 188 V allows safe operation across full automotive battery range (−40 °C to +125 °C), while TJ max = +150 °C supports under-dash mounting near heat sources. |
| Telecom Remote Radio Unit (RRU) DC Feeder Line | Factory Automation Sensor Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: −48 V DC power feed to outdoor 5G remote radio unit, subject to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed at RRU power entry point to clamp common-mode surges before they reach DC-DC isolation stages and FPGA power domains. Use Value: 328 A IPPM capability handles high-current induced surges; SMA package enables automated placement in space-constrained outdoor enclosure designs. | Use Scenario: Analog 4–20 mA current loop interface between PLC analog input module and pressure/temperature sensors in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across loop terminals to shunt transient energy from ESD events or nearby motor switching, preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Low ID = 1.0 μA at VWM prevents interference with precision current-loop accuracy; DO-214AC footprint aligns with standard industrial PCB layouts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ188A-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free materials are mandated in final assembly | Direct material substitution when halogen-free compliance is required; same thermal and surge performance |
| SMAJ188AHE3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified version with same VWM, VBR, and VC; differs only in qualification testing and traceability | Required for automotive OEM Tier 1 BOMs where component-level automotive qualification is mandatory | Use when automotive qualification is contractually required; otherwise, E3/5A suffices for industrial/commercial use |
Compared with SMAJ188A-M3/5A and SMAJ188AHE3_A/I, the SMAJ188A-E3/5A provides identical surge protection performance and package compatibility but targets commercial-grade applications where halogen-free or AEC-Q101 certification is not mandated-reducing cost and lead time without compromising core clamping function.
Availability
SMAJ188A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, telecom remote units, and factory automation sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply and consistent surge performance across production batches.
Supply support for SMAJ188A-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, power efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in DC power rails and signal lines, targeting design-in across automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness against lightning, ESD, and inductive switching is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ188A-E3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ188A-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 328 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 328 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is the SMAJ188A-E3/5A suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the SMAJ188A-E3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection, the SMAJ188CA variant must be used. Using SMAJ188A-E3/5A in AC or dual-polarity applications risks forward conduction and failure during negative half-cycles.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in SMAJ188A-E3/5A?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads; "5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel with a base quantity of 7500 units. This ordering code ensures compatibility with high-volume SMT assembly lines and meets environmental compliance requirements for non-automotive applications.
Can the SMAJ188A-E3/5A replace higher-voltage TVS diodes like SMAJ200A?
No-SMAJ188A-E3/5A has a VWM of 188 V and VBR of 209–231 V; SMAJ200A has VWM = 200 V and VBR = 222–245 V. Substituting SMAJ188A-E3/5A for SMAJ200A risks premature clamping or reduced margin against normal operating overvoltages. Always match VWM to system maximum steady-state voltage with ≥10 % margin.
Does the SMAJ188A-E3/5A require heatsinking for standard operation?
No additional heatsink is required for transient suppression duty, as the device is rated for 300 W peak pulse power with no DC power dissipation. However, its RθJA = 120 °C/W assumes minimum recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal; reducing pad area increases junction temperature and may compromise surge endurance over repeated events.
SMAJ188A-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):
- 188V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 209V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 328V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 910mA
- 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)
SMAJ188A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188A-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 SMAJ188A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188A-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 SMAJ188A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188A-E3/5A?
SMAJ188A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188A-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 SMAJ188A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ188A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188A-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 SMAJ188A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188A-E3/5A?
All SMAJ188A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188A-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 SMAJ188A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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