Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ188CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ188CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ188CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,562
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ188CAHM3/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 a 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 - deployed on power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ188CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ188CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ188CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ188CAHM3/I equivalent, this device serves as a halogen-free, AEC-Q101-qualified TVS for high-voltage DC bus protection where low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), fast response (<1 ns), and 400 W peak pulse power capability are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical VBR, VC, and IPPM ratings in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable clamping performance and low incremental surge resistance under repetitive transients.
Rated for operation from −55 °C to +150 °C, it delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) up to 78 V and 300 W above 78 V, with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads - enabling reliable surge handling in compact, thermally constrained layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 188 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (min/max) | 209 V / 231 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown threshold defining turn-on precision |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤328 V at 328 A - clamping voltage limiting downstream component stress during surge |
| IPPM | 328 A - peak surge current survivability under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - transient energy absorption capacity per pulse |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage ensuring minimal standby power loss and signal integrity |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - junction temperature limit supporting under-hood automotive and industrial ambient conditions |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). Matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102. Bidirectional construction - no polarity marking on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity surge) | Conducts during negative-going transients; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional mode |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity surge) | Conducts during positive-going transients; electrically identical to anode for SMAJ188CA |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients common in 24 V/48 V vehicle power systems and industrial motor drives |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term parameter stability and low leakage drift over lifetime and temperature |
| Low profile SMA package | Enables automated placement and fits tight board spaces while maintaining thermal pad access |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance requirements for global automotive and industrial supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V battery-fed control modules from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element shunting surge energy away from MCU power inputs and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Clamps to ≤328 V within nanoseconds, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (4–20 mA) and digital I/O of PLC analog input modules against field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector interface before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Symmetric clamping preserves signal fidelity during both positive and negative transients without polarity concerns. |
| Telecom DC Power Feeds | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link |
|
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on −48 V telecom rectifier outputs exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS protecting DC/DC converters and monitoring ICs from line-side transients. Use Value: 188 V VWM allows safe operation across nominal −48 V ±20 % range while blocking normal ripple. |
Use Scenario: Transient suppression on high-voltage DC bus (e.g., 400 V) of solar inverters during switching events or grid faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS absorbing commutation spikes before they reach IGBT gate drivers. Use Value: 328 A IPPM and 328 V VC provide margin against 600 V+ transient peaks in Class III surge environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ188CAHE3/I | RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification | Acceptable where halogen-free requirement is not mandated (e.g., non-automotive industrial) | Select SMAJ188CAHE3/I if halogen content is unrestricted and cost optimization is prioritized |
| SMBJ188CAHM3/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 25 % larger footprint, 50 % higher PPPM (600 W) | Better suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., EV charging stations) where PCB space permits | Choose SMBJ188CAHM3/I when surge energy exceeds 400 W or thermal margin must be increased |
Compared with SMAJ188CAHE3/I, SMAJ188CAHM3/I adds halogen-free compliance without sacrificing AEC-Q101 qualification or clamping performance; versus SMBJ188CAHM3/I, it trades 200 W peak power and larger thermal mass for 30 % smaller board area - making SMAJ188CAHM3/I optimal for space-constrained automotive modules requiring full environmental compliance.
Availability
SMAJ188CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and telecom power distribution systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ188CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, consistency, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMAJ188CAHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMAJ188CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It specifies that the device meets automotive-grade reliability standards while using environmentally compliant materials - distinct from "E3" (RoHS only) and "HE3" (RoHS + AEC-Q101, not halogen-free). SMAJ188CAHM3/I is fully traceable to Vishay's qualified production lot records.
Is SMAJ188CAHM3/I unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMAJ188CAHM3/I is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor, as confirmed by the "CA" suffix in its part number. It provides symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities - no cathode band marking, identical VBR, VC, and IPPM values for positive and negative surges. This makes SMAJ188CAHM3/I ideal for AC-coupled lines or DC systems where polarity reversal risk exists.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ188CAHM3/I at its rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ188CAHM3/I is 328 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 328 A, measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number: 88390, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
Can SMAJ188CAHM3/I replace SMAJ188A in a design?
No - SMAJ188CAHM3/I is bidirectional, while SMAJ188A is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking. Substituting SMAJ188CAHM3/I for SMAJ188A would eliminate polarity sensitivity but may alter circuit behavior in DC-only paths where forward conduction matters. SMAJ188CAHM3/I is not a drop-in replacement; layout and system-level surge path analysis must confirm compatibility before use.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ188CAHM3/I, and how does it affect layout?
SMAJ188CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This value assumes minimum recommended pad layout; reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias increases junction temperature during repetitive surges. For sustained operation near TJ max (150 °C), designers must verify thermal margin using actual board stack-up and expected surge duty cycle.
SMAJ188CAHM3/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:
- 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:
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ188CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ188CAHM3/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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ188CAHM3/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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ188CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ188CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ188CAHM3/I?
SMAJ188CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ188CAHM3/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/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ188CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ188CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ188CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ188CAHM3/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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ188CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ188CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ188CAHM3/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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ188CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ188CAHM3/I Tags

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