Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ85CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ85CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 85VWM 137VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A 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 85 V standoff voltage (VWM), 94.4–104 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 137 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ85CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMAJ85CA-E3/5A pinout, SMAJ85CA-E3/5A application, or SMAJ85CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.61), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 μA leakage at 85 V), then rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR, diverting surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and fast response (<1 ns).
The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) up to 78 V, derating to 300 W above 78 V - confirmed for SMAJ85CA per datasheet note (1). Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), requiring minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad per terminal for full power rating.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 85 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines upper limit of normal signal/power rail operation |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 94.4–104 V at 1 mA - guaranteed conduction onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 137 V at IPPM = 2.2 A - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during specified surge; determines stress margin for downstream components |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - surge energy handling capacity with 10/1000 μs waveform; validates protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA max at 85 V - negligible standby current; avoids loading sensitive analog or low-power circuits |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive or industrial enclosures |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline; compatible with JEDEC MS-013, enables automated pick-and-place |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Bidirectional construction has no polarity marking - both terminals are functionally identical.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals serve as interchangeable surge current entry/exit points; no cathode band marking required for bidirectional operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, sensor bridges) without polarity constraints |
| 400 W peak pulse power (≤78 V) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment and automotive ECUs |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Compatible with standard lead-free SMT reflow profiles without pre-baking |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved reliability vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | HE3/HM3 suffix variants support automotive-grade supply chain traceability and qualification testing |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of engine coolant temperature sensors exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed across sensor output and ground, clamping spikes within 1 ns. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤137 V during 2.2 A surge, preventing damage to 12-bit ADC inputs and maintaining signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels in programmable logic controllers subject to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS connected between input line and common rail to absorb both positive and negative polarity transients. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 400 W surges while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 24 V, avoiding false triggering of optocoupler inputs. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins in networked building automation systems from ESD and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF at 0 V) bidirectional clamp placed differential across A/B lines and common reference. Use Value: Clamps ±1 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 10/1000 μs surges without distorting 10 Mbps data signals due to fast response and symmetrical behavior. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in smart washing machines during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to shunt inductive kickback energy into the power rail or chassis ground. Use Value: Handles 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and dissipates 300 W transients, extending MOSFET driver lifespan and reducing audible coil whine. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ85CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and package; same thermal performance | No difference in protection function; selected where halogen-free compliance is mandated (e.g., EU medical devices) | Choose SMAJ85CA-M3/5A when halogen-free material content is required without altering circuit design or layout |
| SMAJ85CAHE3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified version with enhanced test screening (HTOL, TC, UHAST); same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM ratings | Required for automotive OEM Tier-1 applications; supports PPAP documentation and long-term reliability validation | Select SMAJ85CAHE3_A/I for automotive production programs needing certified qualification and extended lifecycle traceability |
Compared with SMAJ85CA-E3/5A, the M3 variant adds halogen-free compliance without electrical trade-offs, while the HE3 variant delivers automotive-grade reliability assurance - neither requires PCB changes, but HE3 mandates qualification-aligned sourcing and documentation protocols.
Availability
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive sensor modules, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with consistent RoHS-compliant commercial-grade specifications.
Supply support for SMAJ85CA-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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where fast clamping, high surge tolerance, and AEC-Q101 readiness are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ85CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ85CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 137 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 2.2 A, measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88390, page 2) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ85CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMAJ85CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A itself is a commercial-grade part, but Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions under the HE3 and HM3 suffixes (e.g., SMAJ85CAHE3_A/I). The SMAJ85CA-E3/5A shares identical electrical characteristics and package dimensions with those qualified variants, enabling direct design-in where qualification is not mandatory. For production automotive use, the HE3 variant must be specified to meet OEM reliability and documentation requirements.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ85CA-E3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ85CA-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. To achieve its full 400 W peak pulse power rating, the device must be mounted on minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, as specified in the datasheet. Smaller pads increase thermal impedance, reducing safe surge handling and risking junction overheating during repetitive transients.
Does SMAJ85CA-E3/5A have polarity markings, and how is it oriented on the PCB?
No - SMAJ85CA-E3/5A is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Both terminals are electrically symmetrical, allowing placement in either orientation on the PCB. This eliminates orientation errors during automated assembly and simplifies layout for differential or floating signal lines such as RS-485 or bridge sensor outputs.
What is the reverse leakage current of SMAJ85CA-E3/5A at its maximum working voltage?
At its maximum stand-off voltage (VWM) of 85 V and TA = 25 °C, the SMAJ85CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal loading on high-impedance sensor outputs or precision reference rails. The value is verified per the Vishay datasheet (page 2, Electrical Characteristics table) and remains stable across the –55 °C to +125 °C operating range.
SMAJ85CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 85V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 94.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 137V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- 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)
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ85CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ85CA-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 SMAJ85CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ85CA-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 SMAJ85CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ85CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ85CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ85CA-E3/5A?
SMAJ85CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ85CA-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 SMAJ85CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ85CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ85CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ85CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ85CA-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 SMAJ85CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ85CA-E3/5A?
All SMAJ85CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ85CA-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 SMAJ85CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ85CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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