Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20CAHE3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20CAHE3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20CAHE3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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 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 rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20CAHE3/61 datasheet, SMAJ20CAHE3/61 pinout, SMAJ20CAHE3/61 application, or SMAJ20CAHE3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, 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 bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports fast energy diversion during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a typical thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard PCB pads. Its 10/1000 μs waveform response delivers repeatable 400 W surge handling up to 0.01% duty cycle, derating linearly above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
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 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum voltage where device enters avalanche conduction |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 32.4 V at IPPM = 12.3 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs transient; determines safe stress level for downstream ICs |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Surge energy absorption capacity under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 threats |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 μA at 20 V - Ensures negligible standby current draw in always-on sensor or communication circuits |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive or high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC specification |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. No polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; accepts surge current from either direction during overvoltage events |
| Cathode | Transient current exit point (bidirectional) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; completes low-impedance path to ground or return rail during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without polarity constraints |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive equipment up to Level 4 (4 kV line-earth) |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports lead-free reflow soldering without pre-baking; compatible with standard SMT production lines |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of breakdown voltage and low leakage across temperature and lifetime |
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 vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across signal pair or supply rail to clamp transients before they reach sensitive analog front-ends or communication ICs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 12 V/24 V system load dump events (up to 60 V, 400 ms) by limiting voltage to ≤32.4 V at 12.3 A surge. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on 24 V DC input lines to shunt surge energy away from optocoupler inputs and microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: Prevents false triggering and latch-up by clamping 1 kV/500 A surge (10/1000 μs) within 1 ns response time, preserving system uptime. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) in set-top boxes and smart displays from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed differentially across data lines to suppress ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 without distorting signal edges. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to <33 V while maintaining signal rise/fall times due to minimal parasitic capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V). |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers in residential gateways from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS mounted at board edge to absorb bulk surge energy before it propagates into isolation transformers and PHY ICs. Use Value: Handles 400 W surge energy with <32.4 V clamping, reducing secondary protection burden and enabling smaller secondary TVS or polymer PPTC devices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA-M3/61 | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; same SMA package | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is required for end-product environmental certification | Choose SMAJ20CA-M3/61 if RoHS + halogen-free mandate applies; otherwise SMAJ20CAHE3/61 satisfies standard automotive and industrial requirements |
| SMBJ20CAHE3/61 | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating; higher thermal mass and lower RθJA (90 °C/W) | Better suited for higher-repetition surges or elevated ambient temperatures (>85 °C); requires larger PCB footprint | Select SMBJ20CAHE3/61 when thermal performance or 600 W surge margin is critical; SMAJ20CAHE3/61 preferred for space-constrained layouts |
Compared with SMAJ20CA-M3/61, the HE3 version offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance; versus SMBJ20CAHE3/61, SMAJ20CAHE3/61 trades 200 W peak power and thermal headroom for 30% smaller PCB area and compatibility with fine-pitch SMT placement.
Availability
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer USB port protection, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications systems where robustness, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ20CAHE3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ20CAHE3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at 12.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88390, Table on page 2. The clamping ratio (VC/VBR) is approximately 1.46, indicating efficient transient suppression.
Is SMAJ20CAHE3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ20CAHE3/61 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HE3" suffix, and is explicitly listed in Vishay's automotive ordering codes. It meets rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD immunity required for under-hood and cabin electronics. Its 150 °C junction rating and stable leakage performance make SMAJ20CAHE3/61 appropriate for engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body control modules.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ20CAHE3/61 affect its use in circuit design?
The bidirectional configuration of SMAJ20CAHE3/61 allows it to protect AC-coupled or differential signal paths - such as RS-485, CAN, or USB D+/D− - without regard to polarity. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, SMAJ20CAHE3/61 conducts symmetrically in both directions, eliminating the need for orientation awareness during placement and enabling single-device protection across floating or ground-referenced lines.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ20CAHE3/61, and how does it impact PCB layout?
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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 minimum recommended pad layout; increasing copper area reduces RθJA and improves surge repetition capability. For high-duty-cycle applications, designers should verify thermal margins using Vishay's derating curves (Figure 2, datasheet 88390) and avoid excessive trace length between SMAJ20CAHE3/61 and ground planes.
Does SMAJ20CAHE3/61 require special handling or baking prior to reflow soldering?
No - SMAJ20CAHE3/61 is rated MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it may be stored indefinitely at ≤30 °C/60% RH and withstand peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C without baking. Its moisture sensitivity level eliminates pre-bake requirements in standard SMT assembly, simplifying manufacturing flow and reducing risk of popcorning during lead-free reflow.
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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):
- 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)
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20CAHE3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20CAHE3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20CAHE3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20CAHE3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20CAHE3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20CAHE3/61?
SMAJ20CAHE3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ20CAHE3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20CAHE3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20CAHE3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20CAHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20CAHE3/61?
All SMAJ20CAHE3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20CAHE3/61, 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 SMAJ20CAHE3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20CAHE3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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