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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,275
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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 signal or power lines. 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 (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed to protect MOSFET gates and sensor interfaces in automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ20CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ20CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ20CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering identical electrical characteristics in forward and reverse directions-enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ps), critical for suppressing ESD and inductive switching spikes before IC damage occurs.
The device uses a planar silicon avalanche structure optimized for low incremental surge resistance (typical <0.3 Ω), resulting in minimal voltage overshoot during high-di/dt events. Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation up to TJ = +150 °C when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 22.2–24.5 V at IT = 1 mA - Voltage at which avalanche conduction begins; ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 32.4 V at IPPM = 12.3 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs transient; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Energy-handling capacity under standardized surge; derates to 300 W above 78 V. |
| ID (Max Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA at VWM - Low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance nodes. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments with proper thermal design. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm 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 | Both terminals function identically in either polarity; no cathode band marking required for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC signals, differential buses, or ungrounded circuits without polarity sensitivity. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV, 2 Ω source) when properly laid out on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs-critical for 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfacing with 20 V rail systems. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available as HE3/HM3 variants; supports automotive-grade reliability requirements including temperature cycling and HTRB. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak, simplifying SMT manufacturing. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller GPIOs from load-dump and inductive kickback in door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between LIN line and ground, responding within picoseconds to suppress >100 V transients. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 5 V tolerant MCU I/O pins while maintaining signal fidelity during normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog input cards from field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across input terminals, conducting only during overvoltage events exceeding 20 V. Use Value: Maintains <1 μA leakage at 20 V, avoiding offset errors in precision current measurement while surviving 400 W surges. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Interface | Telecom DSL Line Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding optocoupler inputs driving BLDC motor gate drivers from back-EMF spikes during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping device placed across optocoupler LED anode-cathode, limiting voltage to ≤32.4 V during 12.3 A transients. Use Value: Ensures optocoupler CTR stability by preventing forward overvoltage that could degrade LED lifetime or cause false triggering. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for ADSL/VDSL line interface ICs exposed to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS installed differential-mode across tip/ring, symmetrically clamping ±32.4 V peaks. Use Value: Matches telecom surge standards (GR-1089-CORE) with low capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V), preserving high-frequency signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/5A | Unidirectional variant; same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM but conducts only in reverse bias. | Requires correct polarity placement; unsuitable for AC or floating nodes where voltage polarity reverses. | Select SMAJ20A-E3/5A only when protecting DC rails with known polarity and space-constrained layouts favoring unidirectional devices. |
| SMBJ20CA-E3/52 | Same VWM and bidirectional function, but SMB (DO-214AA) package; 400 W rating, 13.7 A IPPM, 32.4 V VC. | Larger footprint (4.57 mm × 3.94 mm vs. 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm); higher thermal mass improves surge handling at cost of board area. | Choose SMBJ20CA-E3/52 when higher surge repetition tolerance or improved thermal dissipation is needed, accepting larger PCB real estate. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A, the unidirectional SMAJ20A-E3/5A requires strict polarity alignment but offers identical clamping performance, while the SMBJ20CA-E3/52 trades compactness for enhanced thermal robustness-making SMAJ20CA-E3/5A optimal for space-limited automotive and industrial SMT designs demanding bidirectional symmetry.
Availability
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer appliance motor controls, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 traceability options.
Supply support for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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 automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where fast response, low clamping, and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ20CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ20CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 12.3 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events-critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces.
Is SMAJ20CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ20CA-E3/5A is eligible for automotive use via Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualified variants (e.g., SMAJ20CAHE3_A/I). While the base-E3 suffix denotes commercial grade, the HE3/HM3 versions undergo stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTGB, TCT, and HTRB-making SMAJ20CA-E3/5A a scalable solution for body control, infotainment, and sensor modules when specified with appropriate qualification suffixes.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMAJ20CA-E3/5A affect its PCB layout?
The bidirectional design of SMAJ20CA-E3/5A eliminates polarity marking-no cathode band is present, and either terminal may connect to line or ground. This simplifies layout for differential or AC-coupled paths (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD stubs) and avoids orientation errors during automated placement. However, symmetric thermal pad design remains essential to maintain RθJA = 120 °C/W performance.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
At its 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ20CA-E3/5A specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor front-ends and prevents excessive quiescent current in battery-powered systems-verified per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 test methodology.
Can SMAJ20CA-E3/5A be used in place of SMAJ20A-E3/5A?
No-SMAJ20CA-E3/5A is bidirectional while SMAJ20A-E3/5A is unidirectional; they are not functionally interchangeable without layout revision. Replacing SMAJ20A-E3/5A with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A removes polarity dependency but introduces symmetrical conduction in both directions, which may alter protection behavior in DC-biased circuits. Always verify system-level polarity and transient directionality before substitution.
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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):
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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 SMAJ20CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ20CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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 SMAJ20CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ20CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20CA-E3/5A 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 SMAJ20CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ20CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A, 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 SMAJ20CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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