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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ550-E3/5A

Name: SMAJ550-E3/5A
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SMAJ550-E3/5A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SMAJ550-E3/5A

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AC, SMA

Datasheet:: SMAJ550-E3/5A.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 495VWM 760VC DO214AC

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Product details

Overview

SMAJ550-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-voltage surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 550 V minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 495 V maximum working voltage (V_WM), 760 V clamping voltage at 400 mA, 300 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C - used in automotive powertrain ECU input protection.

For engineers reviewing the SMAJ550-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ550-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ550-E3/5A application, or SMAJ550-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 120 °C/W), unidirectional polarity requirement, and AEC-Q101 qualification path via HM3 suffix variants.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ps) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its clamping behavior follows a low incremental surge resistance profile, with VC defined at 400 mA under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform - critical for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance in industrial power inputs.

The device is rated for 300 W non-repetitive peak pulse power and 2.5 W steady-state dissipation on infinite heatsink. Thermal design must account for R_θJL = 30 °C/W and derating above 25 °C per Fig. 2; PCB copper pad area directly impacts both clamping stability and junction temperature rise.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_BR min	550 V - ensures reliable conduction only above system's maximum normal operating voltage (e.g., 495 V V_WM), preventing false triggering
V_WM	495 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA; sets upper limit for DC bus or signal line standoff
V_C @ 400 mA	760 V - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; defines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream MOSFET or controller
P_PPM	300 W - peak transient energy handling capacity under standard waveform; determines survivability of 1 kV/500 A surge events
R_θJA	120 °C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on minimal pad layout; requires ≥5 mm × 5 mm copper per terminal for full rating
C_J @ 0 V	90 pF - junction capacitance at zero bias; impacts high-frequency signal integrity in data lines (e.g., CAN, LIN)
T_J max	+150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without derating

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking. Matte tin-plated leads, MSL level 1, RoHS-compliant, halogen-free.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Cathode (banded end)	Transient current sink	Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when V_LINE > V_BR
Anode	Reference node	Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes clamping loop

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Enables stable V_BR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity
Low incremental surge resistance	Supports tight clamping voltage window (V_C − V_BR = 210 V), minimizing stress on downstream 800 V-rated SiC MOSFETs
MSL Level 1 rating	Allows single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns; peak reflow ≤ 260 °C
AEC-Q101 qualification path	HM3 suffix variants meet automotive stress test requirements - essential for engine control module front-end protection
90 pF capacitance @ 0 V	Permits use on 1–5 Mbps CAN FD or LIN bus lines without signal edge degradation or timing skew

Applications

Automotive Power Input Protection	Industrial DC Bus Surge Suppression
Use Scenario: 48 V battery-fed ADAS camera ECU exposed to load dump (ISO 16750-2) and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between input fuse and DC-DC converter input capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤760 V, protecting 80 V-input buck controller and ensuring uninterrupted operation during 120 V/100 ms surges.	Use Scenario: 400 V DC link in motor drive inverter subject to IGBT switching transients and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-mounted TVS across DC bus terminals to clamp fast-rising dv/dt spikes before they reach gate drivers. Use Value: Absorbs up to 300 W peak pulse energy without degradation, maintaining bus voltage within ±5 % of nominal during 10/1000 µs events.
Telecom AC/DC Front-End Protection	High-Voltage Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Secondary-side rectifier output in telecom offline SMPS subjected to differential-mode surges from AC mains coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across bulk capacitor to clamp overvoltage before it reaches PFC controller feedback network. Use Value: Withstands 495 V continuous DC offset while clamping 1 kV transients to 760 V - preserving optocoupler CTR and regulation accuracy.	Use Scenario: Isolated voltage sense circuit for 600 V battery stack monitoring using resistive divider and isolated amplifier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across high-side divider node to prevent ESD damage to precision resistor network and amplifier input. Use Value: 90 pF capacitance avoids loading 1 MΩ divider impedance; 550 V V_BR prevents conduction during normal 500 V measurement range.

Automotive Power Input Protection

Industrial DC Bus Surge Suppression

Use Scenario: 48 V battery-fed ADAS camera ECU exposed to load dump (ISO 16750-2) and jump-start surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between input fuse and DC-DC converter input capacitor.

Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤760 V, protecting 80 V-input buck controller and ensuring uninterrupted operation during 120 V/100 ms surges.

Use Scenario: 400 V DC link in motor drive inverter subject to IGBT switching transients and lightning-induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-mounted TVS across DC bus terminals to clamp fast-rising dv/dt spikes before they reach gate drivers.

Use Value: Absorbs up to 300 W peak pulse energy without degradation, maintaining bus voltage within ±5 % of nominal during 10/1000 µs events.

Telecom AC/DC Front-End Protection

High-Voltage Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Secondary-side rectifier output in telecom offline SMPS subjected to differential-mode surges from AC mains coupling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across bulk capacitor to clamp overvoltage before it reaches PFC controller feedback network.

Use Value: Withstands 495 V continuous DC offset while clamping 1 kV transients to 760 V - preserving optocoupler CTR and regulation accuracy.

Use Scenario: Isolated voltage sense circuit for 600 V battery stack monitoring using resistive divider and isolated amplifier.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across high-side divider node to prevent ESD damage to precision resistor network and amplifier input.

Use Value: 90 pF capacitance avoids loading 1 MΩ divider impedance; 550 V V_BR prevents conduction during normal 500 V measurement range.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ550A-M3/5A	Same V_BR, V_WM, V_C, and package; differs only in tape-and-reel packaging code (M3 vs E3)	No functional difference; identical electrical and thermal performance	Select based on preferred reel size (7500 pcs/13″ reel) and internal procurement alignment
SMCJ550A	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), larger SMC (DO-214AB) package, same V_BR/V_C specs	Used where higher surge energy (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV) or board space allows larger footprint	Choose SMCJ550A only if 300 W is insufficient and PCB layout permits 7.11 mm × 6.22 mm body

Compared with SMAJ550-E3/5A, SMAJ550A-M3/5A offers identical protection performance in identical SMA footprint, while SMCJ550A trades compactness for 5× higher surge capacity - making SMAJ550-E3/5A optimal for space-constrained 48 V–400 V systems requiring precise clamping and AEC-Q101-ready variants.

Availability

SMAJ550-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain ECUs, industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, and high-voltage battery monitoring systems requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SMAJ550-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, thermal performance, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting 12 V–400 V DC systems where fast clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 readiness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum breakdown voltage specification for SMAJ550-E3/5A?

The SMAJ550-E3/5A has a minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR) of 550 V at 100 μA test current, as specified in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88391. This value ensures the device remains non-conductive below system overvoltage thresholds while triggering reliably during transients. The SMAJ550-E3/5A maintains this rating across its full operating temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C.

Does SMAJ550-E3/5A support automotive applications?

The SMAJ550-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified, but Vishay offers the functionally identical SMAJ550HM3 variant (with HM3 suffix) that meets AEC-Q101 requirements. Engineers designing automotive modules should specify the HM3 version for engine control, ADAS, or body electronics; the SMAJ550-E3/5A remains suitable for industrial and telecom applications where qualification is not mandated.

What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ550-E3/5A under standard surge conditions?

The SMAJ550-E3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 760 V when subjected to a 400 mA, 10/1000 µs waveform - the industry-standard test condition per IEC 61000-4-5. This value defines the peak voltage imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is measured with the device mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per datasheet Fig. 2.

Can SMAJ550-E3/5A be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, SMAJ550-E3/5A is unidirectional only, as confirmed by Vishay's datasheet: "Available in unidirectional polarity only." For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential buses), engineers must select a dedicated bidirectional variant such as SMBJ550A or use back-to-back unidirectional devices. Using SMAJ550-E3/5A in reverse-biased mode risks permanent breakdown due to lack of reverse avalanche capability.

What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect layout for SMAJ550-E3/5A?

The SMAJ550-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended pads. To achieve full 300 W pulse rating, PCB layout must use ≥5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. Reducing pad area increases R_θJA, causing higher junction temperature rise and potential derating of pulse power - verified in Fig. 2 of the SMAJ530/550 datasheet.

SMAJ550-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):: 495V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 550V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 760V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 400mA

Power - Peak Pulse:: 300W

Power Line Protection:: No

Applications:: General Purpose

Capacitance @ Frequency:: 90pF @ 1MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: DO-214AC (SMA)

SMAJ550-E3/5A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMAJ550-E3/5A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ550-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 SMAJ550-E3/5A reliable?

The price and inventory of SMAJ550-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 SMAJ550-E3/5A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ550-E3/5A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ550-E3/5A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ550-E3/5A?

SMAJ550-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMAJ550-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 SMAJ550-E3/5A?

For technical support, including SMAJ550-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ550-E3/5A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ550-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMAJ550-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 SMAJ550-E3/5A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ550-E3/5A?

All SMAJ550-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ550-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 SMAJ550-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMAJ550-E3/5A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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