Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ20-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ20-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ20-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,567
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ20-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 35.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 11.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), suitable for protecting MOSFETs and ICs in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ20-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ20-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ20-E3/5A application, or SMAJ20-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 22.2–27.1 V breakdown voltage range (VBR), ≤1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM, 150 °C max junction temperature, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates by avalanche breakdown to clamp transient overvoltages above its 20 V stand-off threshold, limiting downstream voltage to ≤35.8 V during 10/1000 µs surges. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% for SMAJ20A variant; SMAJ20 is ±10%) and low incremental surge resistance for consistent clamping performance.
Designed for automated SMT placement, it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak, and supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01%. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on 0.2 × 0.2" copper pads, enabling reliable operation in ambient temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 22.2–27.1 V - Breakdown voltage range confirming reliable avalanche initiation under transient stress |
| VC @ IPPM | 35.8 V - Clamped voltage at 11.2 A peak pulse current, defining worst-case downstream voltage exposure |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs waveform), sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges |
| IPPM | 11.2 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely conducts without failure |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 µA - Reverse leakage current at rated stand-off voltage, minimizing standby power loss |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - Operating and storage junction temperature range supporting industrial and automotive environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity indicated by cathode band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry (uni-directional) | Connected to protected line side; conducts only during forward-biased surge events |
| Cathode | Clamping reference node | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; defines clamping voltage relative to this terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against lightning-induced and inductive-switching transients |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables standard SMT reflow without moisture-related damage |
| RoHS-compliant & JESD201 Class 1A whisker tested | Meets environmental compliance and high-reliability interconnect requirements for commercial electronics |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Protection | Automotive Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting DC input rails of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) against load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping transient energy before it reaches upstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤35.8 V during 11.2 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 24 V system components. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines of engine control unit (ECU) sensors exposed to battery transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response voltage clamp on 5 V sensor signal paths, placed adjacent to connector interface. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and ≤1.0 µA leakage preserve signal integrity while blocking >100 V spikes per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| Consumer Equipment AC/DC Adapter Input | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V outputs of wall adapters powering set-top boxes and routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS absorbing coupling noise from primary-side switching and external ESD events. Use Value: 20 V VWM avoids conduction during normal regulation; 400 W rating handles repetitive line disturbances. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHY interfaces on network switches subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element on 3.3 V or 5 V data line power rails, coordinated with common-mode chokes. Use Value: Low clamping voltage (35.8 V) and DO-214AC footprint enable compact layout without compromising IEC 61000-4-5 compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/5A | Narrower VBR tolerance (22.2–24.5 V vs. 22.2–27.1 V); tighter 5% breakdown spec | Better suited for precision-clamp designs where VC margin must be minimized | Select SMAJ20A-E3/5A when design requires guaranteed ≤32.4 V clamping at 12.3 A |
| P6SMB20A-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC specs but higher 600 W PPPM; larger DO-214AA (SMB) package | Requires PCB layout change; preferred where higher surge margin or thermal mass is needed | Choose P6SMB20A-E3/52 only if 400 W is insufficient and board space allows SMB footprint |
Compared with SMAJ20-E3/5A, SMAJ20A-E3/5A offers tighter VBR control for predictable clamping onset, while P6SMB20A-E3/52 trades smaller size for higher surge capacity-neither is pin-compatible, requiring layout review for substitution.
Availability
SMAJ20-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive sensor interfaces, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ20-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 performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability systems-targeting industrial automation, automotive electronics, and communications infrastructure where fast, repeatable clamping is critical.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the SMAJ20-E3/5A?
The SMAJ20-E3/5A has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 22.2 V and a maximum of 27.1 V at 1 mA test current, per Vishay Document 88390. This ±10% tolerance reflects its standard-grade unidirectional TVS specification. The SMAJ20-E3/5A is not rated for tighter 5% VBR control-that applies only to the SMAJ20A-E3/5A variant.
Does the SMAJ20-E3/5A have bidirectional capability?
No, the SMAJ20-E3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the absence of "C" or "CA" suffix. Its cathode band marks the terminal that must connect to ground or the lower-potential rail. Bidirectional operation requires part numbers ending in C or CA (e.g., SMAJ20CA), which exhibit symmetrical clamping in both polarities.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ20-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMAJ20-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 35.8 V when subjected to its rated 11.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events.
Is the SMAJ20-E3/5A RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the SMAJ20-E3/5A carries the "E3" suffix, signifying full compliance with RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements and pass JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing, confirming suitability for commercial-grade lead-free assembly.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ20-E3/5A in standard mounting conditions?
The SMAJ20-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2 × 0.2" (5.0 × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in Vishay Document 88390. Its junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) is 30 °C/W, supporting thermal management in high-power transient scenarios.
SMAJ20-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SMAJ20-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ20-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ20-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 SMAJ20-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ20-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 SMAJ20-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ20-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ20-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ20-E3/5A?
SMAJ20-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ20-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 SMAJ20-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ20-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ20-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ20-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ20-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 SMAJ20-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ20-E3/5A?
All SMAJ20-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ20-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 SMAJ20-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ20-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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