Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,811
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ20AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 32.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 12.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed on signal lines and power rails in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20AHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ20AHM3/I pinout, SMAJ20AHM3/I application, or SMAJ20AHM3/I equivalent, this part serves as a halogen-free, AEC-Q101-qualified TVS for high-reliability 24 V system protection where low clamping voltage, fast response (<1 ns), and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
The SMAJ20AHM3/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold to shunt transient energy to ground. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1 μA at 20 V), while the SMA (DO-214AC) package enables automated placement and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Designed for repetitive surge suppression under 0.01% duty cycle, it delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that - validated with 8.3 ms half-sine IFSM = 40 A surge capability and thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 22.2–24.5 V at 1 mA - tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on during transients without false triggering. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 32.4 V at IPPM = 12.3 A - limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs surges, protecting 3.3 V/5 V logic and MOSFET gates. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - sustains high-energy lightning-induced or inductive-switching transients without failure. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | <1 μA at 20 V - negligible standby current preserves battery life and avoids signal integrity issues in low-power sensor nodes. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures without derating. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with cathode band marking; compatible with reflow and wave soldering per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity indicated by cathode band on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V rail or signal input); conducts during forward-biased ESD events. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to ground reference; avalanches at VBR to clamp transients and divert surge current away from ICs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors per stress test requirements. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | HM3 suffix denotes compliance with JEDEC J-STD-201 Class 2 whisker resistance and environmental regulations for green manufacturing. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without degradation in 24 V systems. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping - critical for safeguarding gate oxides of MOSFETs and input stages of CAN transceivers. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables single-reflow assembly without baking; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk in high-volume SMT production. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIOs and LIN bus transceivers from load dump and alternator ripple in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between LIN line and chassis ground to clamp negative transients below -40 V and positive spikes above 20 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and permanent damage to 5 V tolerant transceivers during 12 V system load dump events (ISO 16750-2). |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V DC digital input circuits from inductive kickback when solenoids or relays de-energize. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected across input terminals to absorb 600 W+ switching surges before reaching optocoupler or MCU input stage. Use Value: Enables reliable 100 k-cycle operation of PLC inputs without field failures due to repeated 10/1000 μs transients. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Board |
|
Use Scenario: Guards AC/DC adapter secondary-side 24 V output against lightning-induced surges entering via Ethernet or PoE lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC output rail, coordinated with upstream MOV and downstream LC filtering to meet IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. Use Value: Reduces need for oversized capacitors and extends lifetime of DC-DC converters by limiting voltage excursion to ≤32.4 V. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards H-bridge gate drivers in washing machine motor controllers from back-EMF spikes during PWM commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on each half-bridge supply rail (VDD and VSS) to clamp fast-rising <100 ns transients induced by MOSFET switching. Use Value: Eliminates gate oxide breakdown in 600 V MOSFETs by clamping transients within 1 ns response time and sub-33 V VC. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20AHE3/I | Same electrical specs but RoHS-compliant (non-halogen-free) and commercial-grade; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification. | Suitable for non-automotive industrial or consumer use where halogen content is unrestricted and automotive qualification is unnecessary. | Select SMAJ20AHE3/I for cost-sensitive commercial designs without automotive reliability requirements. |
| SMBJ20A-HM3 | Higher 600 W PPPM rating, SMB (DO-214AA) package - larger footprint and 20% higher clamping voltage (34.4 V). | Better suited for higher-energy transients but requires PCB layout change; not drop-in compatible due to different pad dimensions. | Choose SMBJ20A-HM3 only when 400 W is insufficient and board space allows larger SMB footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ20AHM3/I, SMAJ20AHE3/I offers identical protection performance without halogen-free assurance or automotive qualification, while SMBJ20A-HM3 provides greater surge capacity at the expense of board area and tighter clamping - making SMAJ20AHM3/I optimal for space-constrained AEC-Q101-compliant 24 V systems.
Availability
SMAJ20AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, telecom power front-ends, and appliance motor control requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ20AHM3/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series targets high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - engineered for fast clamping, low leakage, and robust surge handling in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ20AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ20AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 12.3 A, measured under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream components like 3.3 V microcontrollers or 5 V transceivers remain within safe voltage limits during surge events. The SMAJ20AHM3/I achieves this with a low clamping ratio of approximately 1.4, reflecting efficient avalanche conduction without excessive overshoot.
Is the SMAJ20AHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMAJ20AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed rigorous stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge endurance required for automotive electronic systems. Its HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - making SMAJ20AHM3/I appropriate for under-hood and cabin modules including BCMs, lighting controls, and sensor interfaces.
How does the SMAJ20AHM3/I differ from the SMAJ20A-E3/61 variant?
The SMAJ20AHM3/I differs from SMAJ20A-E3/61 primarily in material composition and qualification: HM3 denotes halogen-free and AEC-Q101 qualification, whereas E3 indicates RoHS-compliant but non-halogen-free commercial grade. Both share identical electrical parameters (VWM = 20 V, VC = 32.4 V), but SMAJ20AHM3/I is certified for automotive use and manufactured to stricter material standards - critical for Tier 1 suppliers requiring full compliance documentation.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ20AHM3/I, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ20AHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes minimal copper area; increasing pad size or adding thermal vias reduces RθJA and improves surge survivability. For sustained power dissipation or high ambient temperatures, designers should verify junction temperature using PD = 3.3 W and ensure TJ stays below +150 °C - especially in sealed automotive enclosures.
Can the SMAJ20AHM3/I be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No, the SMAJ20AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking and specified breakdown behavior only in reverse bias. For bidirectional protection - such as AC signal lines or differential buses - a CA-suffixed part like SMAJ20CA must be used. Attempting to use SMAJ20AHM3/I in bidirectional configurations risks forward conduction during negative transients and inadequate clamping, compromising system reliability.
SMAJ20AHM3/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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 12.3A
- 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)
SMAJ20AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20AHM3/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 SMAJ20AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20AHM3/I?
SMAJ20AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20AHM3/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 SMAJ20AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ20AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20AHM3/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 SMAJ20AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20AHM3/I?
All SMAJ20AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20AHM3/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 SMAJ20AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ20AHM3/I Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

