Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ188CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients up to 328 V at 0.91 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), with 188 V stand-off voltage and 400 W peak pulse power rating (derated to 300 W above 78 V). It protects sensitive signal lines and power rails in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems against ESD, lightning surges, and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ188CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ188CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ188CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, low leakage (<1.0 μA at 188 V), and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on standard PCB pad layouts.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device that enters avalanche breakdown when reverse voltage exceeds its 188 V stand-off threshold, limiting transient energy by diverting surge current to ground. Its bidirectional symmetry enables use on AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns.
It features glass-passivated junction construction for stable breakdown characteristics, meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, and supports reflow soldering up to 260 °C peak. The device is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature and exhibits a typical 0.108 %/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 188 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for protected circuitry. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR min/max) | 209 V / 231 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system operating voltage. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 328 V at IPPM = 0.91 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by downstream circuit during worst-case surge; determines required voltage headroom. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Surge energy handling capacity under standardized waveform; defines protection level for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance testing. |
| Reverse Leakage (ID) | ≤1.0 μA at 188 V - Negligible standby current draw; avoids loading of high-impedance sensor or reference circuits. |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom enclosures. |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJA) | 120 °C/W - Predicts junction temperature rise under DC power dissipation; informs PCB copper pad sizing for thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads. Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. No polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Anode) | Transient current return path | Bidirectional terminals-either end serves as cathode or anode depending on transient polarity; no functional distinction in layout. |
| Anode (Cathode) | Transient current return path | Identical to opposite terminal; symmetric conduction enables placement across differential or AC signals without orientation constraints. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness-enables use in ADAS, body control, and infotainment modules. |
| 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 mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV contact discharge), improving protection fidelity. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking-reduces manufacturing overhead in high-volume SMT lines. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature, with <0.1 %/°C drift-critical for long-lifetime industrial equipment and EV charging infrastructure. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD and LIN bus transceivers from load-dump and jump-start induced transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across differential bus lines to limit voltage excursions to <330 V during 12 V system surges. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceiver ICs while maintaining signal integrity due to sub-1 nF junction capacitance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring faults and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected between input channel and common rail to clamp transients before reaching optocoupler or MCU GPIO. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles without degradation, supporting 15+ year service life in factory automation environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Power Adapter ESD Guard |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY front-end and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on RJ45 magnetics secondary side, coordinated with GDT and MOV for multi-stage protection. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and precise 188 V standoff prevent false triggering during normal 100BASE-TX signaling while blocking >6 kV surges. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-side surge immunity to USB-C PD adapters and wireless charger control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping component across 5–20 V output rails to absorb ESD events from user port insertion and cable coupling. Use Value: RoHS-compliant and halogen-free (HE3 suffix) meets global regulatory requirements for consumer electronics without compromising clamping performance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ188CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No difference in protection function or layout; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated. | Choose for green manufacturing programs requiring IEC 61249-2-21 compliance. |
| SMAJ188AHE3/5A | Unidirectional version-cathode-marked, forward voltage drop (~3.5 V @ 25 A), higher ID leakage at VWM. | Requires polarity-aware placement; unsuitable for AC or floating signal paths but offers lower forward conduction loss in DC power rail protection. | Select only when protecting unidirectional DC supplies where reverse conduction must be blocked. |
Compared with SMAJ188CAHE3/5A, the M3/5A alternative provides identical protection performance with halogen-free packaging, while the unidirectional SMAJ188AHE3/5A requires careful polarity alignment and introduces forward voltage drop-making it less suitable for bidirectional interfaces like CAN or Ethernet but viable for dedicated DC rail clamping.
Availability
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, telecom line interfaces, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where consistent clamping, thermal stability, and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ188CAHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ188CAHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 328 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 0.91 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ188CAHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ188CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ188CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its construction-including glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and operation from -55 °C to +150 °C-meets stringent automotive reliability requirements. The HE3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification, making SMAJ188CAHE3/5A appropriate for engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics.
How does the bidirectional design of SMAJ188CAHE3/5A affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional nature of SMAJ188CAHE3/5A eliminates polarity constraints during placement-no cathode band marking is present, and either terminal functions identically under positive or negative transients. This simplifies layout for differential interfaces (e.g., CAN, RS-485) and AC-coupled signal paths, allowing symmetric routing without orientation checks. The SMAJ188CAHE3/5A can be placed across any two nodes requiring symmetrical overvoltage protection.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact heatsinking for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads. This value assumes no additional heatsinking; for sustained power dissipation, larger copper areas or internal layers improve thermal performance. Since SMAJ188CAHE3/5A is intended for transient-not continuous-dissipation, heatsinking is rarely required unless used in repetitive surge scenarios.
Does SMAJ188CAHE3/5A meet industry surge immunity standards such as IEC 61000-4-5?
Yes, SMAJ188CAHE3/5A supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 when implemented with proper PCB layout-specifically using 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal and coordinated with upstream filtering. Its 400 W (≤78 V) / 300 W (>78 V) peak pulse power rating aligns with Level 3 (2 kV line-earth) and Level 4 (4 kV line-earth) test requirements. System-level validation is required, but SMAJ188CAHE3/5A forms a validated first stage in multi-tier protection architectures.
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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):
- 910mA
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ188CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ188CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ188CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ188CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ188CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ188CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ188CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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