Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 8.5VWM 14.4VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. It features a 8.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 9.44–10.4 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA test current, 14.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 27.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 27.8 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and suitability for automotive-grade designs when paired with AEC-Q101-qualified variants.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a fast-acting shunt protector: under normal bias it presents high impedance (>100 MΩ at 8.5 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction within <1 ns when reverse voltage exceeds VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<10 μA at VWM) and robust surge handling up to 40 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine).
The device is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, with thermal resistance of 30 °C/W junction-to-lead (RθJL), enabling reliable operation on standard PCB copper pads (0.2" × 0.2") without heatsinking for typical 400 W transient events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 8.5 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; defines safe signal line operating margin. |
| VBR min/max | 9.44 V / 10.4 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 14.4 V at 27.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates protection level against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| ID @ VWM | 10 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; low enough to avoid signal integrity degradation in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; informs derating requirements for sustained power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode indicated by band marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side reference; carries full surge current during clamping. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal / Protection node | Connected to signal/power line being protected; voltage referenced to anode during transient suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 surge waveforms without derating below 78 V. |
| 14.4 V clamping voltage at 27.8 A | Limits voltage overshoot to safe levels for 3.3 V and 5 V logic interfaces, MOSFET gate drivers, and sensor front-ends. |
| Low 10 μA leakage at 8.5 V | Preserves battery life and signal fidelity in always-on, low-power systems such as automotive body controllers and IoT sensors. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without moisture-related popcorn failure risk. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for global automotive and industrial end-equipment certifications. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load-dump and jump-start transients on 12 V battery rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between VBAT and GND, triggered only during positive overvoltage events. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 14.4 V, ensuring compatibility with 16 V-rated automotive ICs while surviving 400 W surges. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V output lines exposed to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. Use Value: Sub-10 μA leakage avoids loading precision output stages; 14.4 V VC prevents ADC saturation during 27.8 A transients. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on USB VBUS line upstream of integrated ESD arrays in portable chargers and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bulk transient absorber handling high-energy surges that exceed the capacity of on-die or polymer-based primary protectors. Use Value: 400 W rating absorbs residual energy after primary clamp, preventing latch-up or burnout of USB power switches. | Use Scenario: Front-end surge protection on DSL line interface transformers subjected to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across secondary winding to clamp differential-mode overvoltages before reaching PHY IC. Use Value: 9.44–10.4 V VBR aligns with transformer turns ratio and PHY input tolerance; 120 °C/W RθJA allows direct PCB mounting without thermal relief. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ8.5A-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs M3). | No difference in protection performance; differs only in material compliance (halogen content). | Select E3 for commercial-grade cost-sensitive designs where halogen-free requirement is not mandated. |
| SMAJ8.5CA-M3/5A | Bidirectional variant; symmetric VBR (9.44–10.4 V) in both directions; same VWM, VC, PPPM. | Required for AC-coupled or bidirectional signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) where polarity reversal occurs. | Choose CA version only when protecting bidirectional data lines; unidirectional SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is optimal for DC power/signal rails. |
Compared with SMAJ8.5A-E3/5A, the M3 variant adds halogen-free compliance without sacrificing electrical performance; versus SMAJ8.5CA-M3/5A, the unidirectional configuration provides tighter leakage control and eliminates unnecessary bidirectional conduction in DC applications.
Availability
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor modules, consumer USB power delivery systems, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ8.5A-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, power efficiency, and AEC-Q qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, repeatable clamping, and long-term stability under thermal cycling are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 14.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 27.8 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A itself is commercial-grade and halogen-free RoHS-compliant, but not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant SMAJ8.5A-HM3_X (e.g., SMAJ8.5AHM3_A/I). The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A may be used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, but design validation per ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 remains the responsibility of the end user. The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A shares identical electrical characteristics with its qualified counterparts.
How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A?
The M3 suffix in SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free. Both share identical electrical specifications, thermal performance, and packaging (SMA/DO-214AC). The M3 variant meets stricter environmental regulations such as IEC 61249-2-21 and is required for certain automotive and green-electronics programs. The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is fully interchangeable with SMAJ8.5A-E3/5A in circuit design, differing only in material composition.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
At the 8.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 10 μA at 25 °C. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss and signal distortion in high-impedance or battery-powered circuits. Leakage increases with temperature but remains below 50 μA up to 85 °C ambient, as confirmed by Vishay's characterization curves. The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A maintains this performance without requiring derating in typical PCB layouts.
Can SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional signal protection?
No - SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC power rail or single-polarity signal line protection. For bidirectional applications such as RS-485, CAN, or AC-coupled interfaces, the bidirectional variant SMAJ8.5CA-M3/5A must be used. Attempting to use SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A in bidirectional configurations risks forward conduction during negative transients, leading to improper clamping and potential device failure. The SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A's cathode band marking clearly indicates its polarity-sensitive orientation.
SMAJ8.5A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 8.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 9.44V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 14.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 27.8A
- 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)
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ8.5A-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 SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ8.5A-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 SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A?
SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ8.5A-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 SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ8.5A-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 SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ8.5A-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 SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ8.5A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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