Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 188 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209–231 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 328 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 μs waveform, and clamps to ≤328 V at rated surge. Used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients and lightning surges in industrial and automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I application, or SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 400 W peak pulse power (derated to 300 W above 78 V), AEC-Q101 qualification status, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and halogen-free RoHS compliance per HM3 suffix.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transient events: when reverse voltage exceeds VWM = 188 V, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction, limiting voltage across protected circuitry to ≤328 V at IPPM. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities-critical for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W (typ.) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads and RθJL = 30 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 188 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 180–190 V nominal DC bus or AC peak lines. |
| VBR (min/max) | 209 V / 231 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on with ≤10.5% tolerance for design margining. |
| IPPM | 328 A - Peak surge current survivable under 10/1000 μs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge testing with appropriate series impedance. |
| VC | ≤328 V - Clamped voltage at IPPM; guarantees downstream ICs rated for ≤330 V absolute maximum survive full-rated surge. |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Peak pulse power rating; derating above 78 V reflects thermal limits of SMA package under repetitive surges. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial enclosures without forced cooling. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak. |
Pinout & Package
Two-terminal bidirectional device in SMA (DO-214AC) package; no polarity marking required. Terminals are symmetric and interchangeable-either lead may connect to line or return path depending on PCB layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Identical electrical behavior in both directions; no cathode band-enables flexible placement on differential or AC-coupled traces without orientation constraints. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD; supports under-hood and ADAS sensor protection. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets IPC-4101D/21 and JEDEC J-STD-609A Class 1 requirements; eliminates brominated flame retardants for safer end-of-life processing. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Zero floor life limitation; can be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions and assembled using standard lead-free reflow without baking. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ≥1000 surges at 50% rated power per JEDEC JESD22-A114; suitable for long-lifecycle industrial equipment. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC – VBR overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns), improving protection fidelity for high-speed digital interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and jump-start transients in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping TVS placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy before it reaches front-end amplifier or transceiver IC. Use Value: Withstands 328 A surge while clamping to ≤328 V, ensuring downstream AEC-Q100 Grade 1 ICs (max 36 V supply) remain undamaged via proper series impedance design. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across input terminals, activated within <1 ns to limit transient voltage to safe levels for optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input stages. Use Value: 188 V VWM allows stable operation under 24 V ±20% supply variation while rejecting >1 kV surges per IEC 61000-4-4. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter ESD |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 data lines in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced common-mode surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS installed differential-mode across signal pairs and common-mode across line-to-ground, forming first-stage protection before integrated protection ICs. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal suppression on both signal polarities, preserving signal integrity during 10/1000 μs surges up to 4 kV (IEC 61000-4-5). |
Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection on secondary-side 5–20 V DC outputs of wall adapters and USB PD chargers exposed to user-handling and cable coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS placed immediately before USB-C port or barrel jack, absorbing contact discharge (±15 kV HBM) and cable-borne surges. Use Value: 328 V clamping voltage prevents damage to downstream load switches or USB controller ICs rated for ≤36 V 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ188AHE3_A/I | Unidirectional variant; cathode-marked; VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward current. | Requires polarity-aware layout; unsuitable for AC or floating signals where reverse conduction must be blocked. | Select only when protecting unidirectional DC rails where forward conduction must be avoided during normal operation. |
| SMBJ188CAHM3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR specs but SMB (DO-214AA) package; 400 W rating maintained, but larger 6.2 mm × 4.6 mm footprint. | Higher thermal mass improves surge endurance under repetitive stress; requires larger PCB area and different land pattern. | Choose when system-level surge test requirements exceed single-event 400 W, or when board space permits larger package for enhanced reliability. |
Compared with SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I, the unidirectional SMAJ188AHE3_A/I offers forward voltage control but lacks bidirectional symmetry, while the SMBJ188CAHM3_A/I delivers identical electrical performance in a thermally superior but physically larger package-making SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I optimal for space-constrained AEC-Q101 designs needing true AC-coupled protection.
Availability
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, telecom line interface boards, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with halogen-free, AEC-Q101-qualified surge protection.
Supply support for SMAJ188CAHM3_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, TVS devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where compact size, AEC-Q101 compliance, and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
The 'CA' suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities, unlike unidirectional 'A' variants. This enables protection of AC-coupled, differential, or floating signal paths without polarity concerns-critical for RS-485, CAN bus, and sensor bridge circuits where voltage reversals occur during normal operation.
Is SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified (per ordering code HM3_X suffix), tested for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD robustness. Its 188 V VWM, 328 V clamping, and +150 °C TJ max make it appropriate for 24 V commercial vehicle systems, ADAS camera modules, and body control units exposed to load-dump and jump-start transients.
How does the HM3 suffix differ from E3 or M3 in SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
The HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification-distinct from E3 (RoHS-compliant, commercial grade) and M3 (halogen-free RoHS, commercial grade). SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I meets IPC-4101D/21 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, making it suitable for automotive and high-reliability industrial deployments where material compliance is mandated.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I at its rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is 328 V at IPPM = 328 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, ensuring protected circuitry sees no more than 328 V during worst-case surge events-enabling robust design margining for downstream components rated ≤330 V absolute maximum.
Can SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I be used in place of SMAJ180CA or SMAJ200CA?
No-SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is not a drop-in replacement for SMAJ180CA (VWM = 180 V) or SMAJ200CA (VWM = 200 V), as its 188 V stand-off voltage falls between them. Substituting alters the protection threshold: using SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I where SMAJ180CA is specified risks premature clamping during normal 180 V transients; using it where SMAJ200CA is specified reduces margin against 200 V surges. Always match VWM to system operating voltage and transient profile.
SMAJ188CAHM3_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:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188CAHM3_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 SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188CAHM3_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 SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188CAHM3_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 SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188CAHM3_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 SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I?
All SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188CAHM3_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 SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ188CAHM3_A/I Tags

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