Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ18CAHE3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ18CAHE3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ18CAHE3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤29.2 V at 13.7 A peak surge current - deployed in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ18CAHE3/61 datasheet, SMAJ18CAHE3/61 pinout, SMAJ18CAHE3/61 application, or SMAJ18CAHE3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix configuration, enabling suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the low RθJA of 120 °C/W supports thermal reliability under repetitive surge conditions.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppressor definitions and meets UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2). With AEC-Q101 qualification confirmed for HE3 suffix variants, it is rated for automotive-grade operation across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and withstands 40 A peak forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine, unidirectional only - not applicable to bidirectional SMAJ18CA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe working margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - tight breakdown tolerance ensures predictable turn-on during ESD or load-switching events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 13.7 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 400 W 10/1000 μs surge. |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V); 300 W (>78 V) - peak pulse power rating determines survivability against lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage preserves battery life and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensor circuits. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 0.208" x 0.157" footprint, compatible with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical terminals - bidirectional operation means either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no orientation required during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces per stress test requirements. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands severe transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without degradation. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low leakage drift over temperature and lifetime, critical for safety-critical systems. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns, reducing manufacturing risk and cost. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes let-through voltage to protect 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails when used with series impedance on data/power lines. |
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 inductive switching spikes in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching protected ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V interface ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤29.2 V during 400 W surges. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input/output channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to motor drive noise and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on each I/O line to absorb repetitive 10/1000 μs transients induced by nearby AC loads. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and system uptime by suppressing >1 kV transients without requiring external series resistors or RC filters. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output protection in wall adapters and USB PD chargers against reverse-polarity connection and hot-plug surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed after DC-DC converter output to clamp overvoltage before reaching connected devices. Use Value: Enables compliance with UL 62368-1 transient immunity requirements while supporting compact board layout due to SMA footprint. |
Use Scenario: Surge protection for Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers in base station backhaul and network equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on differential pairs to equalize voltage swing and prevent common-mode failure. Use Value: Provides symmetrical clamping (±29.2 V) essential for full-duplex communication lines without distorting signal waveform integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA-M3/61 | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated (e.g., EU public infrastructure projects). | Choose SMAJ18CA-M3/61 when halogen-free bill-of-materials is required; otherwise SMAJ18CAHE3/61 offers same performance with standard RoHS compliance. |
| SMBJ18CAHE3/61 | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W peak pulse power rating. | Higher power handling suits applications with more severe surge exposure (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets), but requires larger PCB area. | Select SMBJ18CAHE3/61 only if system-level testing confirms need for >400 W surge capacity; SMAJ18CAHE3/61 remains optimal for space-constrained automotive and portable designs. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA-M3/61, SMAJ18CAHE3/61 provides identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance, while SMBJ18CAHE3/61 trades footprint efficiency for higher 600 W surge capacity - making SMAJ18CAHE3/61 the balanced choice for AEC-Q101-compliant, space-sensitive designs.
Availability
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and consumer power supply designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 qualification and consistent surge immunity performance.
Supply support for SMAJ18CAHE3/61 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 optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where repeatable clamping behavior and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ18CAHE3/61?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning SMAJ18CAHE3/61 functions identically for both positive and negative voltage transients without polarity dependence. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ18A), it has no cathode marking and delivers symmetrical clamping at ±29.2 V, making it ideal for AC-coupled or differential signal lines where polarity reversal may occur.
Is SMAJ18CAHE3/61 qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation for HE3-suffix parts. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD, validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics such as body control modules and sensor interfaces.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ18CAHE3/61 during a surge event?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is 29.2 V at 13.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a 400 W transient, ensuring downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs remain within safe operating limits when properly decoupled.
How does SMAJ18CAHE3/61 differ from SMAJ18AHE3/61?
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping, while SMAJ18AHE3/61 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement. The unidirectional version supports forward conduction and has different leakage behavior (IFSM = 40 A), whereas SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is strictly for reverse/forward transient suppression with no forward surge rating.
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal performance of SMAJ18CAHE3/61?
Vishay specifies mounting SMAJ18CAHE3/61 on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve rated 400 W peak pulse power. Smaller pads reduce thermal dissipation and derate power handling; use minimum recommended pad dimensions and ensure solid thermal vias beneath pads if ambient temperatures exceed 70 °C.
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ18CAHE3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ18CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ18CAHE3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ18CAHE3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is usually 5 days.
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SMAJ18CAHE3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ18CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ18CAHE3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ18CAHE3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ18CAHE3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ18CAHE3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ18CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ18CAHE3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ18CAHE3/61?
All SMAJ18CAHE3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ18CAHE3/61, 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 SMAJ18CAHE3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ18CAHE3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ18CAHE3/61 Tags

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