Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5VWM 9.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on signal/power lines. It features 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.40–7.25 V breakdown range (VBR), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤9.2 V at 43.5 A IPPM - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping voltage under 43.5 A surge, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse (or forward, in bidirectional mode) voltage exceeds VBR (6.40–7.25 V), it avalanches to divert transient energy away from downstream ICs. Its low incremental surge resistance and sub-nanosecond response time ensure effective suppression of EFT, ESD, and lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5.
The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform) up to 78 V; above that, derated to 300 W. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and junction temperature limit (TJ max = 150 °C) support operation in compact PCB layouts with minimal copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2").
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 5.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal line bias margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 6.40 V / 7.25 V - breakdown occurs within this range at 10 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on across process variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤9.2 V at 43.5 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected IC. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - peak transient energy handling capacity; sufficient for ISO 16750-2 automotive load dump spikes. |
| ID @ VWM | 800 μA - maximum leakage at 5.0 V; low enough to avoid interference in high-impedance sensor or communication lines. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount, low-profile package compatible with automated placement and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow. |
| Compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix); AEC-Q101 qualified variants available (HM3 suffix). |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity unmarked for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode in one polarity, anode in the other; symmetric conduction enables dual-direction clamping without orientation dependency. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Anode terminal; no marking required per bidirectional design - terminals are interchangeable. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, USB D+/D−) without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 43.5 A - meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV line-to-line, 2 kV line-to-ground) requirements. |
| Low clamping voltage (≤9.2 V) | Minimizes voltage overshoot on 5 V logic rails and microcontroller I/O pins, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak without preconditioning - eliminates moisture sensitivity handling overhead in SMT production. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | M3 suffix confirms compliance with JEDEC J-STD-20 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, including absence of brominated flame retardants. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from battery load dump and inductive switching noise in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode placed directly at connector entry point to clamp transients before reaching ASIC input protection networks. Use Value: Clamps 400 W surges to ≤9.2 V while maintaining <800 μA leakage at 5.0 V - preserves signal integrity and avoids false triggering in low-power sensor circuits. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges from relay coils, solenoids, and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across 24 V DC input lines, working in parallel with series impedance and filtering capacitors. Use Value: Withstands 43.5 A peak surge current without degradation, enabling robust Class III (IEC 61000-4-5) immunity without derating for ambient temperature. |
| USB 2.0 Data Line Protection | RS-485 Transceiver Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: ESD and cable discharge protection for USB D+ and D− lines in embedded host peripherals and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed adjacent to USB connector to suppress ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-9.2 V clamping prevents data corruption or PHY latch-up during fast transients; SMA package allows tight layout near connector pads. |
Use Scenario: Surge protection for half-duplex RS-485 transceivers in building automation and factory networks exposed to long cable runs and ground potential differences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS connected between A/B differential pair and ground to clamp common-mode surges without disrupting DC bias. Use Value: Symmetric 6.4–7.25 V VBR ensures balanced clamping on both lines, preserving differential signaling integrity during 1 kV/2 kV surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs M3). | Preferred for commercial-grade applications where halogen-free requirement is not mandated. | Select E3 for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs; M3 required for automotive Tier 1 supply chain compliance. |
| SMBJ5.0CA-M3 | Higher 600 W PPPM rating; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; same VWM/VBR/VC. | Better suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom ports) where board space permits larger footprint. | Choose SMBJ5.0CA-M3 when surge threat level exceeds 400 W or thermal dissipation demands lower RθJA than SMA allows. |
Compared with SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A, the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A adds halogen-free compliance without sacrificing performance; versus SMBJ5.0CA-M3, it trades 200 W pulse power headroom for 30% smaller PCB area and tighter layout flexibility in space-constrained modules.
Availability
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, USB 2.0 peripheral protection, and RS-485 network node designs requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications systems where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated at the board level.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A under maximum rated surge current?
The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 9.2 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 43.5 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), and its AEC-Q101 qualified variant (SMAJ5.0CA-HM3/5A) is explicitly certified for automotive use. Even the standard M3 version meets critical requirements for under-hood and body-control module protection, including 150 °C junction temperature rating, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and robust surge handling per ISO 16750-2. The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is widely deployed in automotive sensor interface designs.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A has no polarity marking and symmetrical terminal behavior, so PCB layout requires no orientation check during placement - either end may connect to signal or ground. This simplifies routing for differential lines (e.g., RS-485 A/B) and eliminates risk of reverse installation. Layout should still follow minimum pad dimensions (0.074" × 0.194") and thermal relief guidelines per Vishay's DO-214AC outline to maintain 120 °C/W RθJA. The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A benefits from symmetric trace lengths to ground for optimal common-mode suppression.
What is the leakage current specification for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
At its 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 800 μA at 25 °C. This value remains stable across industrial temperature ranges and is low enough to avoid loading high-impedance nodes such as op-amp inputs or microcontroller ADC references. Leakage increases slightly with temperature but stays below 2 mA at 125 °C - verified per Vishay's electrical characteristics table. The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A thus supports precision analog front-end protection without signal path interference.
Can SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMAJ5.0A?
No - the SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is strictly bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, making it unsuitable for DC-biased unidirectional applications (e.g., protecting a 5 V supply rail where only reverse polarity surges occur). Unidirectional types like SMAJ5.0A provide asymmetric conduction: low forward voltage drop in one direction and clamping in reverse. Substituting SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A would allow unintended forward conduction during normal operation. Always match device type (A = unidirectional, CA = bidirectional) to circuit topology. The SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A must only be used where true bidirectional clamping is required.
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A 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):
- 5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 9.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 43.5A
- 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)
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A 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 SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A 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 SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A 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 SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A, 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 SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ5.0CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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