Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ51CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ51CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ51CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 82.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ51CA-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 51 V standoff voltage (VWM), 56.7–62.7 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), 82.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 4.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform). It is widely deployed to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ51CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ51CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ51CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62), halogen-free RoHS-compliant packaging (M3 suffix), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on DO-214AC footprints.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 μA leakage at 51 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transients exceed its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and fast response (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching spikes.
The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a +0.104 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, supporting reliable operation across extended thermal ranges. Its 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance requires appropriate PCB copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2") to sustain repetitive 400 W pulses at ≤0.01% duty cycle.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 51 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping onset. |
| VBR (min/max) | 56.7 V / 62.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM | 82.4 V at 4.9 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected downstream circuitry. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling per single transient; derates to 300 W above 78 V, confirmed for 0.01% duty cycle. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (8.3 ms half-sine); validates robustness against accidental polarity reversals or fault currents. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount package with 2.54 mm lead pitch; supports automated placement and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity-unmarked for bidirectional operation; compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive transients and anode during negative transients; symmetrical conduction enables dual-polarity protection without polarity awareness. |
| Cathode | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Anode in CA devices; no marking distinguishes terminals; both leads function identically in either direction of surge. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485, sensor bridges) without external polarity management. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Validated for 10/1000 μs waveform on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads; provides margin against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial OEMs; qualified per JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | Base P/NHM3_X variant available with full automotive qualification; enables drop-in use in ADAS, body control, and powertrain modules. |
| Low clamping ratio (1.62) | VC/VWM = 82.4/51 = 1.62 - Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected MOSFETs and ICs. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs and lighting drivers from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed across input rails to clamp surges up to ±100 V before they reach DC-DC converters or microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 40 A IFSM and maintains <1 μA leakage at 51 V, ensuring minimal quiescent current drain and long-term reliability in always-on modules. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs and digital I/O of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on 4–20 mA current loop or RS-485 differential pair to suppress ESD and cable discharge events. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR (56.7–62.7 V) and low VC (82.4 V) prevent false triggering while limiting downstream voltage excursion to safe levels for 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on USB VBUS and D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt device absorbing IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV contact discharge energy before it reaches USB transceivers. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response time and 82.4 V clamping ensure transceiver I/O remains within absolute maximum ratings even during worst-case ESD events. |
Use Scenario: Primary surge protection on twisted-pair DSL line cards exposed to induced lightning surges in outdoor cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS installed across tip/ring to divert common-mode surges exceeding 51 V standoff level. Use Value: 400 W pulse rating and 150 °C TJ max enable sustained operation in unventilated telecom enclosures with ambient temperatures up to 85 °C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ51CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs and DO-214AC package; RoHS-compliant but contains brominated flame retardants (non-halogen-free). | Approved for commercial-grade industrial and consumer use; not accepted in halogen-free automotive supply chains. | Select when halogen-free requirement is not mandated and cost sensitivity favors standard E3 variant. |
| SMBJ51CA-M3 | Higher 600 W PPPM rating, same VWM/VC; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package with 4.3 mm width vs. SMA's 2.8 mm. | Used where higher surge margin is required (e.g., outdoor telecom, EV charging stations); requires PCB layout change. | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W and board space allows wider footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ51CA-E3/5A, the M3 version adds halogen-free compliance critical for Tier 1 automotive sourcing; compared with SMBJ51CA-M3, the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A offers identical protection performance in a 30% smaller footprint-ideal for space-constrained sensor nodes and portable electronics.
Availability
SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface development, and telecom line card prototyping requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ51CA-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series targets surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications-including automotive, industrial controls, and communications-where consistent clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 readiness are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 82.4 V at 4.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) for a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes-the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is manufactured with halogen-free, RoHS-compliant materials (M3 suffix) and supports AEC-Q101 qualification via the HM3_X variant (e.g., SMAJ51CAHM3_A/I). While the base SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is commercial-grade, its electrical specs, 150 °C TJ max, and robust surge rating make it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment power rails and body electronics. The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A must be paired with appropriate thermal layout for sustained operation.
How does the bidirectional design of the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A affect its circuit implementation?
The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A has no polarity marking and conducts symmetrically in both directions, making it ideal for protecting AC-coupled or floating nodes-such as RS-485 differential pairs, CAN bus lines, or bridge sensor outputs-without requiring orientation-aware placement. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A eliminates risk of incorrect installation and simplifies layout by removing the need for series blocking diodes. Its bidirectional behavior is intrinsic to the device structure, not achieved via back-to-back configuration.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A, and how does it impact PCB layout?
The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To sustain repetitive 400 W pulses, the PCB must provide adequate copper area and thermal vias; insufficient copper increases junction temperature and risks derating or failure. The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A's RθJL of 30 °C/W further emphasizes the importance of low-impedance thermal paths to internal ground planes.
Does the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A have a specified junction capacitance, and is it suitable for high-speed data lines?
The SMAJ51CA-M3/5A does not specify junction capacitance (CJ) in its primary datasheet (88390), and Vishay's typical CJ curves for the SMAJ family show values >200 pF at low bias-too high for USB 2.0, HDMI, or Gigabit Ethernet signal integrity. It is intended for power rail and low-to-medium speed signal protection (e.g., RS-232, RS-485, analog sensor outputs), not high-frequency data lanes. For such applications, dedicated low-capacitance TVS arrays or ESD suppressors should be used instead of the SMAJ51CA-M3/5A.
SMAJ51CA-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):
- 51V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 56.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 82.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 4.9A
- 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)
SMAJ51CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ51CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ51CA-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 SMAJ51CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ51CA-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 SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ51CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ51CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ51CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ51CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ51CA-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 SMAJ51CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ51CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ51CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ51CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ51CA-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 SMAJ51CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ51CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ51CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ51CA-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 SMAJ51CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ51CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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