Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ54CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ54CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 54VWM 87.1VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A 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 54 V standoff voltage (VWM), 60–66.3 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), 87.1 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 4.6 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs waveform). It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ54CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ54CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ54CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ54CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 150 °C max junction temperature, halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction (M3 suffix), low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional CA configuration, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and fast response time (<1 ps), while the SMA package provides thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) under standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad layout.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppressor definitions and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. It delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V; above that, derated to 300 W - confirmed by Vishay's Fig. 1 and Table "MAXIMUM RATINGS".
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 54 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 60.0–66.3 V at 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum threshold where avalanche conduction initiates reliably. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 87.1 V at IPPM = 4.6 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs transient; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Energy-handling capacity under standardized surge waveform; defines transient robustness. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 4.6 A - Maximum surge current the device passes while clamping to 87.1 V; used to size upstream fusing or trace width. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; sets thermal design limits for PCB copper area and ambient conditions. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 2.54 mm lead pitch; compatible with JEDEC-standard reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, no polarity marking for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; no cathode band marking - enables placement without orientation check in automated assembly. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded circuits without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles high-energy transients from inductive switching or ESD events common in automotive power electronics. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for industrial and automotive OEMs without compromising surge performance. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow without moisture-related delamination risk; eliminates baking step in production. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving protection fidelity. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power rail inputs in body control modules against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamps positive and negative transients exceeding 54 V, diverting surge current away from LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to downstream ICs during ISO 16750-2 load dump tests (up to 35 V sustained, 60 V spikes). |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and field-induced surges in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS absorbs sub-100 ns ESD pulses (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) before they reach precision DACs or op-amps. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and avoids calibration drift or reset events caused by transient-induced noise coupling. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Telecom Line Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 D+/D− data lines in portable chargers and docking stations from human-body-model ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp limits voltage excursions to ≤87.1 V while preserving signal rise/fall times. Use Value: Enables full-speed USB signaling (480 Mbps) without data corruption, meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 immunity. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interface pins (e.g., RJ45 magnetics secondary side) from lightning-induced surges in PoE-powered devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS shunts multi-kV induced transients across differential pairs, preventing transformer saturation or PHY latch-up. Use Value: Supports GR-1089-CORE lightning surge immunity (10/700 μs, 1 kV) without requiring additional series impedance or filtering. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ54CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3). | Acceptable for commercial-grade designs where halogen-free requirement is not mandated. | Select E3 for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications; verify end-product environmental compliance. |
| SMAJ54A-M3/5A | Unidirectional variant; cathode-marked; forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A) present in one direction. | Only suitable for DC-biased lines with defined polarity; cannot protect AC or floating signals. | Choose only when circuit topology guarantees unidirectional transient polarity and polarity marking is acceptable. |
Compared with SMAJ54CA-M3/5A, the E3 variant trades halogen-free status for lower cost in commercial use, while the unidirectional SMAJ54A-M3/5A requires strict polarity control and lacks symmetrical clamping - making the original bidirectional M3 version optimal for generic signal line protection where layout flexibility and polarity-agnostic design are priorities.
Availability
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer USB protection, and telecom line conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ54CA-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting AEC-Q101 qualification, wide temperature operation (−55 °C to +150 °C), and robust surge immunity for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: the SMAJ54CA-M3/5A conducts and clamps symmetrically in both directions, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics across its two terminals. This eliminates polarity concerns during PCB placement and supports protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths - unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMAJ54A-M3/5A) that require cathode alignment.
Is SMAJ54CA-M3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A itself is commercial-grade (M3 suffix), but Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions under ordering codes SMAJ54CAHE3_X or SMAJ54CAHM3_X. The base SMAJ54CA-M3/5A shares identical electrical and thermal specs, packaging, and construction - making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where formal qualification is not mandated, such as infotainment power rails or body electronics.
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ54CA-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ54CA-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 87.1 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 4.6 A, measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's Electrical Characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Can SMAJ54CA-M3/5A be used in place of SMAJ54A-M3/5A?
No - SMAJ54CA-M3/5A is bidirectional, while SMAJ54A-M3/5A is unidirectional with a marked cathode. Substituting them requires verifying circuit polarity and transient directionality. Using SMAJ54CA-M3/5A in a unidirectional design adds no harm but wastes bidirectional capability; using SMAJ54A-M3/5A in a bidirectional path risks failure during reverse-polarity transients. Always match suffix (A vs. CA) to system-level signal architecture.
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal performance of SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
Vishay specifies a minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pad per terminal for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A to achieve rated 400 W peak pulse power. Smaller pads reduce thermal dissipation, derating pulse power and increasing junction temperature. The device's RθJA of 120 °C/W assumes this layout; doubling copper area can improve heat spreading and sustain higher repetitive surge rates in thermally constrained designs.
SMAJ54CA-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):
- 54V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 60V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 87.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 4.6A
- 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)
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ54CA-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 SMAJ54CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ54CA-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 SMAJ54CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ54CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ54CA-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 SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ54CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ54CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ54CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ54CA-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 SMAJ54CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ54CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ54CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ54CA-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 SMAJ54CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ54CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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