Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMAJ188CA
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,918
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails. It features a 188 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 209–255 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 328 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 0.9 A peak impulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b compliance in automotive power systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188CA datasheet, SMAJ188CA pinout, SMAJ188CA application, or SMAJ188CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low leakage (<1 µA at VWM), fast sub-1 ps response, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 12–48 V DC/DC converter inputs and SMPS front-end stages.
Technical Context
The SMAJ188CA implements a glass-passivated silicon avalanche junction optimized for unidirectional or bidirectional transient suppression. Its electrical behavior follows standard TVS diode physics: reverse-biased operation above VWM, sharp avalanche breakdown at VBR, and stable clamping at VC during 10/1000 µs surges. It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range with <1 µA IR at 188 V.
As a DO-214AC packaged device, it uses a single-die configuration with cathode band marking for polarity identification. The bidirectional variant (CA suffix) ensures symmetrical clamping in both polarities - critical for protecting AC-coupled or floating-rail interfaces without external polarity management.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 188 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC rail margin for 12–48 V systems with headroom. |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 209–255 V - Measured breakdown range confirming robust avalanche threshold; ensures reliable triggering above nominal transients. |
| VC @ IPPM=0.9 A | 328 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage exposure. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling per JEDEC-standard 10/1000 µs waveform; supports automotive load dump and inductive switching events. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 µA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing nodes. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained PCB layouts. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case meeting UL 94V-0, matte tin-plated leads, 0.060 g weight, polarity indicated by cathode band. Compliant with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-020 Moisture Sensitivity Level 1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry point in forward bias; common reference for bidirectional clamping | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; forms symmetrical clamp node with cathode in CA configuration. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit point in forward bias; clamping reference terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., DC input rail); defines polarity-sensitive conduction path and marks device orientation on PCB. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and thermal cycling - critical for automotive reliability. |
| Sub-1 ps response time | Enables suppression of ESD and fast-edge transients before downstream ICs experience overstress - meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. |
| Bidirectional clamping (CA) | Eliminates need for dual-diode configurations or polarity-aware layout; protects AC signals or floating buses without external rectification. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling) - required for automotive ECUs. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial DC/DC Converters |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V battery-fed control modules against load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional surge clamp on main power input rail upstream of DC/DC regulator. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤328 V during 400 W pulses, preventing damage to 36 V-rated input stages of buck controllers and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Input-side surge protection for isolated 48 V-to-12 V industrial DC/DC converters in factory automation equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS placed between input capacitor and primary-side MOSFET gate driver supply. Use Value: Maintains 188 V working margin while clamping 10/1000 µs surges to 328 V, preserving isolation barrier integrity and avoiding secondary-side overvoltage propagation. |
| LED Driver Front-End | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on constant-current LED driver inputs exposed to outdoor lighting grid fluctuations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across input terminals to absorb line-to-line and line-to-ground transients. Use Value: Withstands repeated 400 W pulses without degradation, extending service life in streetlight applications where lightning-induced surges are frequent. | Use Scenario: Protection of PoE-powered telecom interface cards against induced surges on 48 V DC input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line TVS on DC input before hot-swap controller and DC/DC stage. Use Value: Low 1 µA leakage prevents loading of precision 48 V monitoring circuits; 328 V clamping ensures downstream PMICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ188CA | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; 600 W PPPM. | Higher power handling suits higher-energy transients; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Select SMBJ188CA when surge energy exceeds 400 W or thermal dissipation demands larger thermal mass. |
| SMCJ188CA | Same voltage ratings in DO-214AB (SMC) package; 1500 W PPPM; higher IPPM (2.6 A). | Designed for severe industrial or railway surge environments (IEC 61000-4-5); not drop-in due to size and thermal profile. | Choose SMCJ188CA only when system-level testing confirms need for >1 kW surge immunity and board space allows SMC footprint. |
Compared with SMBJ188CA and SMCJ188CA, the SMAJ188CA provides optimal balance of 400 W surge capacity, compact DO-214AC footprint, and automated placement compatibility - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial DC/DC modules where 600–1500 W ratings are unnecessary overhead.
Availability
SMAJ188CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial DC/DC converters, LED driver front-ends, and telecom power interface designs requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ188CA 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and power management devices.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive and industrial transient suppression, emphasizing high-reliability packaging, tight parametric tolerances, and standardized ISO 7637-2 validation across the 5–188 V range.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in SMAJ188CA?
The 'CA' suffix in SMAJ188CA denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional 'A' variants, SMAJ188CA has no inherent anode/cathode polarity for clamping function and is marked with a single band for mechanical orientation only. This makes SMAJ188CA ideal for AC-coupled lines or floating-rail protection where polarity reversal may occur.
Does SMAJ188CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?
SMAJ188CA is built on Taiwan Semiconductor's AEC-Q101-qualified TVS platform and shares process, test flow, and reliability data with certified variants in the SMAJ family. While the exact AEC-Q101 certificate number is not published in the U2102 datasheet, TSC confirms that all SMAJx CA devices undergo full stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, HTRB, TST, and mechanical shock - enabling direct use in automotive applications requiring qualified components.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ188CA under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ188CA is 328 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 0.9 A with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC-standard test conditions and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring protected ICs remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.
Can SMAJ188CA be used in place of SMAJ188A in a design?
No - SMAJ188CA and SMAJ188A are functionally distinct: SMAJ188A is unidirectional (anode/cathode asymmetry), while SMAJ188CA is bidirectional (symmetrical clamping). Substituting SMAJ188CA for SMAJ188A may cause unintended conduction in reverse-biased conditions. Always verify schematic polarity and clamping direction; SMAJ188CA requires no polarity assignment in layout, whereas SMAJ188A mandates correct cathode alignment.
What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) and reflow profile for SMAJ188CA?
SMAJ188CA has a moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of Level 1 per J-STD-020 - meaning it is not humidity-sensitive and can be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions without dry pack or baking. Its DO-214AC package supports standard lead-free reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak, with matte tin plating ensuring solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD201 Class 2.
SMAJ188CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- SMAJ
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 188V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 209V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 328V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 900mA
- 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)
SMAJ188CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188CA 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 SMAJ188CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ188CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188CA?
SMAJ188CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188CA 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 SMAJ188CA?
For technical support, including SMAJ188CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188CA 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 SMAJ188CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188CA?
All SMAJ188CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188CA, 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 SMAJ188CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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