Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ28CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ28CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ28CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 28VWM 45.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ28CA-E3/5A 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 28 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 31.1–34.4 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 45.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 8.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ28CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ28CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ28CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ28CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
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 diversion during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards for transient suppressors and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity with 260 °C lead-free reflow peak temperature tolerance. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient (RθJA) and 30 °C/W junction-to-lead (RθJL), requiring appropriate PCB copper area for sustained 3.3 W power dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 28 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; defines operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 31.1–34.4 V at 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum voltage at test current; ensures predictable turn-on across production lot. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 45.4 V at IPPM = 8.8 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; determines safe overvoltage margin for downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Surge energy handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; defines transient immunity level under standardized test conditions. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 μA at VWM - Low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; compatible with JEDEC-standard pick-and-place tooling. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, rated for 260 °C peak reflow (MSL Level 1).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive transients and anode during negative transients; symmetrical conduction path. |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Acts as anode during positive transients and cathode during negative transients; no band marking required for CA types. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges without derating below 78 V. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors, improving system reliability. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over temperature and lifetime, with reduced parameter drift versus epoxy-passivated alternatives. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option (HE3/HM3) | Supports automotive-grade sourcing via suffix variants, meeting stress-test requirements for engine control and ADAS subsystems. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Eliminates pre-baking requirements and supports standard lead-free SMT assembly processes without moisture-related defects. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across signal line and ground, responding within <1 ps to limit transient excursions. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity during 100 V/50 ms load dump events while limiting clamped voltage to ≤45.4 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against inductive kickback from solenoid/relay switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient suppressor shunting surge current away from optocoupler input stages and microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surges without degradation, enabling >100,000 switching cycles while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 24 V nominal operating voltage. |
| Consumer Device USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays, downstream of primary TVS arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response bidirectional clamp limiting HBM ±15 kV discharges to <45.4 V peak across data lines. Use Value: Provides sub-nanosecond response with low capacitance (typ. 150 pF at 0 V), preserving signal integrity up to 480 Mbps without jitter or attenuation. |
Use Scenario: Primary surge suppression on 48 V POTS line interfaces in VoIP gateways and DSLAM line cards exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protector diverting multi-kA transients before they reach integrated line drivers and codec ICs. Use Value: Handles 8.8 A peak current at 45.4 V clamping, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 (10/700 μs, 10 A) requirements while supporting continuous 48 V DC bias. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ28A-E3/5A | Unidirectional variant; same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM ratings but asymmetric conduction (cathode-marked). | Required only where DC bias polarity is fixed and reverse conduction must be blocked (e.g., power rail protection). | Select SMAJ28A-E3/5A only when unidirectional blocking is mandatory; SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is preferred for AC, differential, or unknown-polarity signals. |
| SMBJ28CA-E3/52 | Same electrical specs but in larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 400 W rating, RθJA = 80 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W for SMAJ. | Better thermal performance allows higher sustained surge repetition rates or operation on smaller PCB copper areas. | Choose SMBJ28CA-E3/52 when board space permits and thermal management is critical; SMAJ28CA-E3/5A suits compact layouts with adequate 5 mm² pad area. |
Compared with SMAJ28A-E3/5A, the SMAJ28CA-E3/5A enables polarity-agnostic protection without redesigning layout or adding external diodes; versus SMBJ28CA-E3/52, it trades thermal margin for 30 % smaller footprint and lower assembly cost in space-constrained consumer and telecom modules.
Availability
SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer USB port protection, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and SMT-ready packaging.
Supply support for SMAJ28CA-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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments-designed to meet AEC-Q101, IEC 61000-4-2/4-5, and UL 497B standards across automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ28CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ28CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 45.4 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 8.8 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ28CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance consistently due to its glass-passivated junction and low incremental surge resistance.
Is SMAJ28CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is suitable for automotive applications when ordered with the HE3 or HM3 suffix (e.g., SMAJ28CAHE3_A), which denotes AEC-Q101 qualification. While the base SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is commercial-grade, its electrical specs-including 150 °C max junction temperature, 400 W surge rating, and robust construction-align with under-hood and cabin module requirements. The SMAJ28CA-E3/5A itself serves as the foundation for qualified variants and is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment interfaces.
How does the bidirectional design of SMAJ28CA-E3/5A affect its use in circuit protection?
The bidirectional design of SMAJ28CA-E3/5A allows symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without regard to signal polarity, making it ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485, CAN), and ungrounded sensor outputs. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, SMAJ28CA-E3/5A requires no orientation during placement and eliminates risk of incorrect installation. Its CA suffix confirms identical VBR and VC characteristics in both directions, ensuring consistent protection behavior regardless of transient polarity-critical for reliable operation in SMAJ28CA-E3/5A-based designs.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ28CA-E3/5A, and how does it impact PCB layout?
The SMAJ28CA-E3/5A 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 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To sustain its 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation or handle repetitive surges, PCB layout must provide at least this minimum copper area-ideally with internal ground planes and thermal vias-to avoid exceeding the +150 °C maximum junction temperature. The SMAJ28CA-E3/5A's thermal performance directly depends on adherence to this pad geometry.
Does SMAJ28CA-E3/5A meet industry standards for surge and ESD protection?
Yes, SMAJ28CA-E3/5A meets multiple industry standards: it complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient voltage suppressors, supports IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) testing when applied per recommended layout, and carries UL 497B recognition (file E136766) for telecommunications protectors. Its 400 W peak pulse rating aligns with Level 3 IEC 61000-4-5 (1 kV/2 Ω), and its sub-nanosecond response time satisfies ESD immunity requirements. These certifications apply directly to the SMAJ28CA-E3/5A as specified in Vishay document 88390.
SMAJ28CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 28V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 31.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 45.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 8.8A
- 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)
SMAJ28CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ28CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ28CA-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 SMAJ28CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ28CA-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 SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ28CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ28CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ28CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ28CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ28CA-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 SMAJ28CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ28CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ28CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ28CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ28CA-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 SMAJ28CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ28CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ28CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ28CA-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 SMAJ28CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ28CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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