Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20CHE3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20CHE3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20CHE3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20CHE3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 35.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform, 35.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, 400 W peak pulse power rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20CHE3/61 datasheet, SMAJ20CHE3/61 pinout, SMAJ20CHE3/61 application, or SMAJ20CHE3/61 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, high-reliability protection solution for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O lines, and telecom power rails where bidirectional surge immunity and low leakage (<1 µA at 20 V) are required.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified between 22.2 V (min) and 27.1 V (max) at 1 mA test current. Its clamping behavior is characterized by low dynamic impedance, enabling fast response to ESD and lightning-induced surges while maintaining tight voltage control during transient events.
The device uses a glass-passivated silicon junction and is rated for continuous operation from −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable performance on standard 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.8 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs such as microcontrollers or transceivers. |
| IPPM | 35.8 A - Peak surge current capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) compliance when properly laid out. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power dissipation; enables robust protection against repetitive transients up to 0.01% duty cycle. |
| ID @ VWM | <1 µA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal loading on low-power sensor or communication lines. |
| TJ Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Extended thermal operating envelope suitable for under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Meets stress-test requirements for automotive electronics, including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, MSL level 1 (260 °C reflow compatible). No polarity marking for bi-directional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional surge path | Either terminal accepts positive or negative transients; no DC polarity dependency - ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. |
| Cathode Band (absent) | N/A - bi-directional device | No band marking; terminals are functionally identical - simplifies layout and eliminates orientation errors during automated placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without polarity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including engine control modules, ADAS sensors, and body electronics. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable electrical parameters over time and environmental stress, reducing parameter drift in humid or thermally cycled conditions. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD), improving protection margin for sensitive 3.3 V or 5 V logic. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profiles (peak 260 °C), eliminating bake requirements and streamlining SMT manufacturing. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus or analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point to limit transients before signal conditioning amplifiers or ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 35.8 V clamping threshold while surviving repeated 100 V/50 ms load dump events per AEC-Q100 stress profiles. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop receivers or ±10 V analog inputs in PLC I/O modules subjected to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage shunt element across input terminals, coordinated with series current-limiting resistors and filtering capacitors. Use Value: Limits fault voltage to ≤35.8 V during 1 kV/500 A surge (10/1000 µs), preventing damage to precision op-amps and isolators without affecting normal 20 V full-scale range. |
| Telecom Power Rail Protection | USB Port ESD Suppression |
Use Scenario: Guarding 24 V or 48 V DC power inputs in base station remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor upstream of DC-DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W peak energy without degradation, sustaining >1000 surges at 50% IPPM per JEDEC JESD22-A114F testing protocol. |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional ESD protection for USB 2.0 D+ and D− lines in automotive infotainment head units meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV contact). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF typical at 0 V) shunt device placed adjacent to connector to minimize stub length. Use Value: Clamps ESD events to <35.8 V within <1 ns, preserving signal integrity for 480 Mbps data rates while passing automotive EMC validation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20AHE3/61 | Uni-directional variant; cathode-banded; VBR min/max tighter (22.2–24.5 V); same VC (32.4 V) and IPPM (35.8 A). | Requires correct polarity alignment; suited for DC-biased rails (e.g., 24 V supply lines) where reverse conduction must be blocked. | Select SMAJ20AHE3/61 only when unidirectional blocking is needed - not a drop-in replacement for SMAJ20CHE3/61 due to polarity sensitivity. |
| SMBJ20CHE3/61 | Same VWM/VC/IPPM ratings but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; 600 W PPPM; higher thermal mass. | Better suited for higher-energy threats or higher ambient temperatures; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Choose SMBJ20CHE3/61 when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability or when board layout allows larger package for improved thermal derating. |
Compared with SMAJ20AHE3/61, SMAJ20CHE3/61 eliminates polarity-dependent layout constraints and supports AC-coupled paths; compared with SMBJ20CHE3/61, it offers space-constrained designs with verified AEC-Q101 compliance in the smaller SMA outline - critical for dense automotive ECUs.
Availability
SMAJ20CHE3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O conditioning, and telecom power rail safeguarding requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for SMAJ20CHE3/61 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 engineered for high reliability and performance in harsh environments.
The SMAJ family delivers standardized, AEC-Q101-qualified TVS diodes optimized for automotive and industrial surge protection - emphasizing consistent clamping, low leakage, and robust thermal performance in compact surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What is the key difference between SMAJ20CHE3/61 and SMAJ20AHE3/61?
The SMAJ20CHE3/61 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical clamping behavior and no polarity marking, whereas SMAJ20AHE3/61 is uni-directional and features a cathode band. SMAJ20CHE3/61 supports AC or floating signal lines without orientation concerns, while SMAJ20AHE3/61 blocks reverse current and must be installed with correct polarity. Both share identical VWM (20 V), VC (35.8 V vs. 32.4 V), and AEC-Q101 qualification, but SMAJ20CHE3/61 is required for bidirectional protection scenarios.
Does SMAJ20CHE3/61 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SMAJ20CHE3/61 is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 for high-reliability automotive applications. The "HE3" suffix denotes high-reliability/automotive grade per Vishay's ordering nomenclature, and the device undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD per JS-001. This makes SMAJ20CHE3/61 suitable for use in engine control units, ADAS camera modules, and body control modules where long-term field reliability is mandatory.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ20CHE3/61 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ20CHE3/61 is 35.8 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 35.8 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C) and represents the upper bound of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V, 5 V, or 24 V system components.
Can SMAJ20CHE3/61 be used in place of SMAJ20CA?
SMAJ20CHE3/61 is the RoHS-compliant, high-reliability (AEC-Q101) version of SMAJ20CA. While both share identical electrical specifications (VWM = 20 V, VC = 35.8 V, IPPM = 35.8 A), SMAJ20CHE3/61 adds automotive qualification, enhanced whisker resistance (JESD201 Class 2), and tighter process controls. It is a direct functional and mechanical replacement for SMAJ20CA in new designs requiring automotive-grade assurance or extended lifetime reliability.
What is the thermal resistance specification for SMAJ20CHE3/61?
SMAJ20CHE3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on the standard 0.2 × 0.2" (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pad layout per Vishay Document 88390. These values define the device's ability to dissipate surge energy without exceeding its 150 °C maximum junction temperature - essential for determining safe surge repetition rates and ambient temperature derating in sealed enclosures or high-power-density layouts.
SMAJ20CHE3/61 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ20CHE3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20CHE3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20CHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CHE3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20CHE3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ20CHE3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20CHE3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20CHE3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20CHE3/61?
SMAJ20CHE3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20CHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CHE3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ20CHE3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20CHE3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20CHE3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20CHE3/61 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 SMAJ20CHE3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20CHE3/61?
All SMAJ20CHE3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20CHE3/61, 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 SMAJ20CHE3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20CHE3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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