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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,589
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on signal/power lines. It features 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 35.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 11.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C - used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20C-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ20C-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ20C-E3/5A application, or SMAJ20C-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional clamping behavior, JEDEC-compliant thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility up to 260 °C.
Technical Context
The SMAJ20C-E3/5A implements a silicon avalanche junction structure with glass passivation, enabling sub-nanosecond response to transients. Its bi-directional configuration provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities without polarity marking, supporting AC-coupled lines and differential buses.
It is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform) below 78 V and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2; clamping occurs at ≤35.8 V when subjected to 11.2 A surge, with <1 µA reverse leakage at 20 V stand-off.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC signal swing margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.8 V - Clamped voltage during 11.2 A 10/1000 µs surge; ensures downstream ICs see <36 V stress. |
| IPPM | 11.2 A - Peak surge current capability under standard waveform; determines minimum line impedance for compliance. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Transient energy handling capacity; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) when properly laid out. |
| TJ Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Full automotive-grade junction temperature range; enables under-hood and motor-control use. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on 5.0 × 5.0 mm copper pads; guides PCB copper area requirements. |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor circuits. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: 2-terminal, bi-directional device with no polarity marking; molded epoxy case meets UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction - either terminal serves as cathode or anode depending on transient polarity; no band marking required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), and ungrounded power rails without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive electronics with minimal PCB footprint. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without pre-baking; qualified per J-STD-020. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable breakdown characteristics over lifetime and temperature; reduces parameter drift vs. non-passivated alternatives. |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC; suitable for consumer, computing, and industrial applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial RS-485 Bus |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine control units exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS clamping element placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤35.8 V, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V or 5 V signal chains. |
Use Scenario: Guarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary line-level surge clamp on A/B differential pair, mounted adjacent to connector. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode transients before they couple into receiver inputs, reducing bit errors. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Smart Meter Power Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes against contact ESD (±8 kV HBM) and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional TVS placed inline with data lines upstream of USB PHY. Use Value: Adds <1 pF junction capacitance (per Fig. 4), avoiding signal rise-time degradation while suppressing >15 kV air discharge. |
Use Scenario: Protecting AC mains monitoring circuitry (e.g., current transformer outputs) in utility meters from induced surges on distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stand-off-rated clamp on isolated analog front-end inputs referenced to earth ground. Use Value: Withstands 20 V continuous AC ripple while clamping 6 kV surges to <36 V, ensuring metrology IC survival and calibration stability. |
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 | Identical electrical specs and packaging; CA suffix denotes same bi-directional construction per Vishay ordering nomenclature - functionally identical part number variant. | No difference; both rated for same 20 V VWM, 35.8 V VC, and 400 W PPPM. | Select SMAJ20CA-E3/5A only if legacy BOM or distributor inventory references CA suffix; SMAJ20C-E3/5A is the current preferred designation. |
| SMCJ20C-E3/57T | Higher power rating (1500 W), larger DO-214AB (SMC) package, 32.4 V VC at 46.5 A IPPM; otherwise matches VWM and bi-directionality. | Better suited for higher-energy threats (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5); requires larger PCB pad area and different thermal layout. | Choose SMCJ20C-E3/57T when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W capability or when board space allows larger package for enhanced robustness. |
Compared with SMAJ20C-E3/5A, SMAJ20CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance in the same SMA footprint, while SMCJ20C-E3/57T trades compact size for 3.75× higher surge energy handling - enabling design flexibility across threat-level tiers without changing circuit topology.
Availability
SMAJ20C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, consumer USB ports, and smart meter power monitoring requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ20C-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 and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was engineered for surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability systems - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where fast-response, low-leakage clamping is critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ20C-E3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMAJ20C-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 35.8 V when subjected to its rated 11.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime per Vishay Document 88390, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is SMAJ20C-E3/5A bi-directional or uni-directional?
SMAJ20C-E3/5A is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor, as confirmed by the "C" suffix in its part number and explicit listing under "DEVICES FOR BI-DIRECTION APPLICATIONS" in the Vishay datasheet. It provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities and carries no polarity marking on the DO-214AC package.
Does SMAJ20C-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
SMAJ20C-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant commercial-grade (E3 suffix) and does not carry AEC-Q101 qualification. For automotive applications requiring qualification, the HE3-suffix variant (e.g., SMAJ20CHE3/5A) must be selected - it is explicitly stated as "high reliability/automotive grade (AEC Q101 qualified)" in the mechanical data section.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ20C-E3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
At its 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and TA = 25 °C, the SMAJ20C-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA. This low leakage ensures minimal loading on high-impedance sensor outputs and precision analog circuits without compromising protection performance.
What PCB pad layout is recommended to achieve the rated 400 W pulse power for SMAJ20C-E3/5A?
To achieve the full 400 W peak pulse power rating, the SMAJ20C-E3/5A must be mounted on 0.2 × 0.2 inch (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the "MAXIMUM RATINGS" footnote (2). Smaller pads will thermally derate power handling and increase clamping voltage under surge conditions.
SMAJ20C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 35.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 11.2A
- 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)
SMAJ20C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20C-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 SMAJ20C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20C-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 SMAJ20C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20C-E3/5A?
SMAJ20C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20C-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 SMAJ20C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ20C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20C-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 SMAJ20C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20C-E3/5A?
All SMAJ20C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20C-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 SMAJ20C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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