Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features 188 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209–231 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 328 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps transients to ≤328 V at 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive power supply rails and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I equivalent, this part is selected for robust ESD and lightning-induced surge immunity in AEC-Q101-compliant systems where clamping voltage margin, low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), and 400 W peak pulse power (≤78 V) are critical design constraints.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical VBR min/max (209–231 V), VC ≤328 V at IPPM, and temperature coefficient of VBR = +0.108 %/°C. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche behavior under repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01% duty cycle.
Rated for TJ = –55 °C to +150 °C, it delivers 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TA = 50 °C and exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W thermal resistance - enabling reliable operation in compact PCB layouts with minimal copper area.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 188 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V–48 V DC bus protection. |
| VBR (min/max) | 209 V / 231 V at IT = 1 mA - verified avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during fast-rising transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤328 V at 328 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage exposure. |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - peak pulse power rating; defines single-event surge energy handling capability. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; critical for low-power sensor line integrity and battery-backed systems. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount, MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible; enables automated placement and high-density layout. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity-unmarked for bidirectional operation per JEDEC DO-214AC standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Terminal A | One side of symmetrical avalanche junction; connects to line under protection (e.g., CAN_H or +12 V rail). |
| Cathode | Terminal K | Other side of symmetrical junction; ties to reference plane (e.g., chassis ground or signal return); no band marking for bidirectional types. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance - required for engine control and ADAS power domains. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (≤78 V) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surges without degradation when mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream MOSFETs or MCU I/O pins - critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic interface protection. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Eliminates moisture sensitivity concerns and pre-bake requirements - simplifies SMT assembly for high-volume production. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift - essential for outdoor telecom and industrial gateways. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt clamp placed between power rail and chassis ground to divert >100 A surges within nanoseconds. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤328 V, preventing damage to 40 V-rated DC-DC converters and microcontrollers in body control modules. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) in factory-floor pressure sensors from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1.0 μA) TVS placed differential across signal pair to suppress ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 100 μV offset shift while surviving >1000 surges - extends field service life in harsh manufacturing environments. |
| Telecom DC Feeder Protection | Consumer USB Port Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V DC power feeds in remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges on long outdoor cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-VWM bidirectional TVS installed at board edge to clamp common-mode transients before entering DC-DC isolation stage. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 328 A while maintaining <1 μA leakage - avoids false trips in always-on telecom infrastructure. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary surge defense on USB Type-C VBUS lines in portable monitors subjected to hot-plug transients and ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-nanosecond) TVS placed upstream of USB PD controller to limit VBUS overshoot during connector mating. Use Value: Clamps to ≤328 V within 1 ns, protecting 20 V-rated USB PD ICs without affecting 5–20 V negotiation timing or voltage regulation accuracy. |
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 | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; same SMA package. | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM environmental policy. | Choose SMAJ188CA-M3 if halogen-free bill-of-materials is required; otherwise SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I offers full AEC-Q101 traceability with HE3 suffix. |
| SMCJ188CAHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; 1500 W PPPM rating vs. 400 W; RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W. | Used where higher single-pulse energy (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) or lower thermal resistance is needed - requires larger PCB footprint. | Select SMCJ188CAHE3_A/I only when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability or thermal budget demands <50 °C/W junction-to-ambient. |
Compared with SMAJ188CA-M3, SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I provides identical protection performance with documented AEC-Q101 qualification and HE3 traceability; versus SMCJ188CAHE3_A/I, it trades peak power headroom for space-constrained designs where 400 W suffices and 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm SMA footprint is mandatory.
Availability
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom DC feeders, and consumer USB power protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SMAJ series was engineered for cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in space-constrained applications - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems needing robust 10/1000 μs surge immunity in ultra-low-profile packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 328 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 328 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix "HE3" and documentation in revision 09-Jan-2024 of datasheet 88390. It meets automotive-grade requirements for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and surge endurance - making it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where ISO 16750-2 load dump immunity is required. The SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is explicitly listed under "Automotive ordering code" in the mechanical data section.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device functions identically in both forward and reverse polarity - unlike unidirectional "A" variants which have a defined cathode band. Electrical characteristics including VBR, VC, and IPPM apply symmetrically across both terminals. This makes the SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I ideal for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential buses like CAN, or any application where voltage transients may occur with either polarity relative to ground.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on minimum recommended pad layout (0.2" × 0.2" copper pads). These values mean that without additional copper area or airflow, power dissipation must remain well below its 3.3 W rating to avoid exceeding +150 °C junction temperature. For sustained operation near rating, designers should use thermal vias and extended copper pours - the SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I's SMA package allows such enhancements within its 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint.
How does SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I compare to SMAJ188AHE3_A/I in terms of functionality?
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is bidirectional, while SMAJ188AHE3_A/I is unidirectional - meaning the latter has a marked cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias, whereas the former clamps symmetrically in both directions. Their VWM (188 V), VBR (209–231 V), and VC (328 V) are identical, but SMAJ188AHE3_A/I specifies VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward current (not applicable to CA). Use SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I for AC or polarity-agnostic protection; choose SMAJ188AHE3_A/I only when forward conduction path or DC blocking is required in the design.
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I 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):
- 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_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I?
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I, 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_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ188CAHE3_A/I Tags

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