Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A 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). It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ20CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ20CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ20CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C junction temperature rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional CA construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the SMA package supports high thermal dissipation via 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppressor definitions and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. Its 0.094 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR ensures predictable voltage drift across operating temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on during transients above 22.2 V. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 12.3 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream component stress during ESD or load-switch events. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak pulse power handling; supports repetitive surges up to 0.01% duty cycle in automotive environments. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; negligible power loss and signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial control enclosures. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad per terminal for rated power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Accepts surge current from either direction; connects to protected line or ground reference depending on layout. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Functionally identical to Anode in CA devices; no cathode band marking; terminals are electrically symmetrical. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per JESD22 standards. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV, 2 Ω source) without degradation when mounted per recommended pad layout. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs-e.g., keeps 3.3 V or 5 V logic lines within safe margins during transients. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Enables standard SMT reflow without baking; compatible with high-volume automated assembly lines using 260 °C peak profile. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter shift in harsh industrial environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to limit transient overshoot. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping spikes to ≤32.4 V while preserving low-leakage operation (<1 μA) during normal 12 V system operation. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient suppressor across 24 V DC input terminals, diverting surge energy away from optocoupler input stages. Use Value: Prevents false triggering and latch-up by limiting transient voltage to 32.4 V at 12.3 A, compatible with 24 V-rated input circuitry. |
| Consumer Power Adapter ESD Protection | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding USB-C and barrel jack inputs in wall adapters against human-body-model (HBM) ESD and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC input path, positioned upstream of DC-DC converter ICs and input capacitors. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W transient energy without failure, ensuring adapter compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (8 kV contact discharge). | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers in network switches and base station equipment from induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS across twisted-pair lines (e.g., TX+/TX−), leveraging bidirectional symmetry for AC-coupled signals. Use Value: Clamps common-mode transients to ≤32.4 V while maintaining signal fidelity due to low junction capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA-E3/5A | No AEC-Q101 qualification; commercial grade only; same electrical specs and package. | Limited to non-automotive industrial or consumer use where automotive reliability testing is not required. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification needs and full lifecycle traceability is not mandated. |
| SMBJ20CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating; higher thermal mass. | Better suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets) where PCB space allows larger footprint. | Choose when surge energy exceeds 400 W or board layout permits 5.29 mm × 4.57 mm footprint for improved thermal margin. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A, the SMAJ20CAHE3/5A adds AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, while SMBJ20CAHE3/5A trades compact size for higher 600 W surge capacity-making the original ideal for space-constrained, automotive-grade 20 V line protection.
Availability
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent 20 V clamping performance.
Supply support for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A 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 application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed for robust, surface-mount transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems-prioritizing fast response, low clamping voltage, and AEC-Q101 qualification in compact packages.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMAJ20CAHE3/5A functions identically in both polarities, making it suitable for AC signal lines, differential buses like CAN or RS-485, and applications where voltage transients may swing positive or negative relative to ground. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants, it has no cathode marking and no polarity-dependent installation requirement.
Is SMAJ20CAHE3/5A suitable for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic circuits?
No-SMAJ20CAHE3/5A is not appropriate for direct protection of 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails because its 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 22.2 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) are far above those supply levels. Using it would leave low-voltage ICs unprotected during sub-20 V transients. For such circuits, lower-voltage TVS devices like SMAJ5.0CAHE3/5A (VWM = 5.0 V) are required.
Does SMAJ20CAHE3/5A require heatsinking for 400 W pulse handling?
No discrete heatsink is needed, but SMAJ20CAHE3/5A must be mounted on the minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve its rated 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). Smaller pads reduce thermal dissipation and derate pulse power-consult Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88390 for temperature-based derating curves.
How does the AEC-Q101 qualification of SMAJ20CAHE3/5A impact design validation?
The AEC-Q101 qualification of SMAJ20CAHE3/5A means it has passed accelerated stress tests-including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and ESD-required for automotive electronics. This reduces need for redundant qualification testing by Tier 1 suppliers and supports PPAP documentation, shortening time-to-market for infotainment, ADAS, and body control module designs.
What is the meaning of the "HE3/5A" suffix in SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
The "HE3" portion indicates RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified construction, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel with 7500 units per reel. This format ensures traceability, automotive-grade material compliance, and compatibility with high-speed pick-and-place equipment used in automotive electronics manufacturing.
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ20CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ20CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ20CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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