Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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 used to protect MOSFET gates, sensor interfaces, and automotive ECUs against ESD and load dump.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H datasheet, SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H pinout, SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H application, or SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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 placement on consumer, industrial, and automotive PCBs.
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 behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports fast energy absorption during sub-microsecond transients.
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 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. Its 10/1000 μs waveform rating applies up to 400 W below 78 V - above which derating to 300 W begins per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - defines reliable conduction onset window under transient stress |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 12.3 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - peak transient energy handling capacity on standard PCB pads |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - minimal leakage current preserving signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - supports standard reflow without baking or special handling |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Anode) | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Both terminals function identically; no cathode band - symmetrical clamping in either direction |
| Anode (Cathode) | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Same electrical role as opposite terminal; enables placement flexibility on differential or floating lines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics including engine control, body modules, and ADAS sensors |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Robust suppression of ISO 7637-2 pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b, and IEC 61000-4-5 surges on 20 V rails |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs compared to higher-ratio TVS devices |
| MSL Level 1 | Eliminates pre-bake requirements and supports standard SMT reflow profiles |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of breakdown voltage and leakage performance across temperature cycles |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure, temperature, or position sensors in engine compartments exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤32.4 V, preventing ADC saturation or latch-up while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 20 V nominal rail. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding CANH/CANL differential pair against ESD and coupled transients in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H devices (one per line) referenced to common ground, providing symmetrical clamping. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) with sub-nanosecond response and no DC bias impact. |
| Consumer USB Power Delivery | Telecom DSL Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on 5 V–20 V USB PD CC lines and VCONN paths susceptible to hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to ground. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 μs surges to 32.4 V before downstream USB PD controller ICs experience damage thresholds. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers and receivers against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp bridging tip/ring lines to ground, leveraging symmetrical VBR for AC-coupled signals. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 400 W without degradation, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA-E3/61 | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant commercial grade (non-AEC-Q101) | Lacks automotive qualification; not approved for under-hood use | Select when cost-sensitive industrial or consumer designs do not require AEC-Q101 validation |
| SMBJ20CAHE3_A/H | Same VWM/VBR/VC but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM rating | Higher power handling but requires 30% more board area; different thermal profile | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or board layout allows larger footprint |
Compared with SMAJ20CA-E3/61, SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H adds AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive reliability; versus SMBJ20CAHE3_A/H, it trades 200 W peak power for space-constrained layouts where 400 W suffices and SMA footprint is mandated.
Availability
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial CAN networks, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and consistent lead-time visibility.
Supply support for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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, precision, and automotive-grade validation.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for robust, surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained automotive, industrial, and communications systems where bidirectional clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H?
The "HE3" suffix denotes that SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified, distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants like SMAJ20CA-E3/61. This qualification confirms rigorous stress testing for automotive applications including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - all verified per AEC-Q101 Rev H standards. The "_A/H" revision code specifies the manufacturing lot and mask version per Vishay's internal traceability system.
Is SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit placement?
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps voltage transients equally in both directions without polarity dependence. Unlike unidirectional versions (e.g., SMAJ20A), it has no cathode band marking and can be placed across any two nodes - such as differential signal pairs or AC-coupled lines - without orientation concern. This simplifies layout and eliminates risk of reverse installation during SMT assembly.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 12.3 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during such a transient. It is derived directly from the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table and confirmed under standardized test conditions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
Does SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H meet moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements for lead-free reflow?
Yes, SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it may be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions (≤30 °C / 60% RH) without baking prior to surface-mount reflow. Its packaging and molding compound are engineered for compatibility with standard lead-free reflow profiles peaking at 260 °C, eliminating process delays and moisture-related defects such as popcorning or delamination during assembly.
How does the thermal resistance of SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H impact PCB layout decisions?
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repetitive surge conditions, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length between the device and ground plane. Reducing RθJA via larger pads or internal ground planes directly extends surge endurance and improves long-term reliability in thermally demanding environments.
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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:
- -
- 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_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H?
SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H?
For technical support, including SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H?
All SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H, 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_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20CAHE3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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