Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ90CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ90CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ90CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ90CA-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 90 V standoff voltage (VWM), 100–111 V breakdown range (VBR), clamps transients to ≤146 V at 2.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform) - ideal for safeguarding automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O circuits against ESD and inductive switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ90CA-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ90CA-M3/5A application, or SMAJ90CA-M3/5A equivalent, this device is evaluated for bidirectional surge suppression in 12 V/24 V automotive subsystems, industrial PLC analog inputs, and telecom line interface protection where low clamping voltage, fast response (<1 ns), and AEC-Q101-compliant reliability are required.
Technical Context
The SMAJ90CA-M3/5A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional conduction, enabling identical clamping behavior in both polarities. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 90 V), while the DO-214AC (SMA) package supports automated SMT placement and meets MSL Level 1 reflow requirements (260 °C peak).
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, allowing reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. Derating above 25 °C ambient follows a defined curve (Fig. 2), and its 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation (PD) enables continuous biasing in low-power monitoring paths without thermal runaway.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for protected circuit DC bias. |
| VBR (min/max) | 100 V / 111 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤146 V at 2.1 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 μs); sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges. |
| IPPM | 2.1 A - Peak surge current capability at VC; determines minimum trace width and PCB copper pad sizing (0.2" × 0.2"). |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive use with proper thermal layout. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 2.54 mm lead pitch; compatible with standard 7" and 13" tape-and-reel feeders. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated. Bidirectional construction has no polarity marking; both terminals are electrically symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals serve identically as surge current entry/exit points; no cathode band marking required for bidirectional types. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating signal lines. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Rated per 10/1000 μs waveform - handles high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and industrial motor switching. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62) | 146 V / 90 V - Minimizes stress on downstream 100 V-rated components like op-amps or ADC front-ends. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | M3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant commercial grade; HE3/HM3 variants available for automotive qualification. |
| Fast response time | <1 ns - Limits voltage overshoot before clamping engages, critical for protecting high-speed digital I/O and CAN transceivers. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 5 V or 12 V supply rails and signal lines of wheel speed sensors, pressure transducers, and temperature modules in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to shunt ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) and load-dump surges (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to precision analog front-end ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤146 V while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 90 V. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient suppressor mounted across input terminals to clamp induced lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-5 2 kV line-earth) before reaching instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: Enables robust operation in harsh factory environments with minimal board space - SMA footprint fits tight I/O module layouts without compromising 400 W surge rating. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
|
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on RS-485/RS-422 differential bus lines in base station remote units and network switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS connected between A/B lines and ground to absorb common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal protection regardless of signal polarity reversal; low capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V) avoids data rate degradation up to 10 Mbps. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side output protection in wall-mounted AC/DC adapters for smart home devices, preventing surge propagation into USB-C or 5 V logic rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS placed after DC-DC converter output filter to suppress residual switching noise and external surges entering via USB cable. Use Value: Halogen-free M3 construction complies with consumer product environmental regulations; 150 °C TJ rating ensures reliability under sustained 50 °C ambient conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ90CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3). | Preferred for commercial-grade non-automotive designs where halogen content is unrestricted. | Select E3 for cost-sensitive industrial applications without halogen restrictions; M3 required for green electronics compliance. |
| SMAJ90A-M3/5A | Unidirectional version; includes cathode band marking and forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V @ 25 A). | Only suitable for DC-biased lines with known polarity; cannot protect AC or floating signals. | Choose unidirectional SMAJ90A-M3/5A only when circuit polarity is fixed and reverse conduction must be blocked. |
Compared with SMAJ90CA-M3/5A, the E3 variant offers identical surge performance at lower material cost but lacks halogen-free certification, while the unidirectional SMAJ90A-M3/5A provides polarity-aware clamping but fails in bidirectional signal paths - making SMAJ90CA-M3/5A the sole choice for symmetric protection in sensor interfaces and differential buses.
Availability
SMAJ90CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial analog input conditioning, and telecom line interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMAJ90CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering consistent clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101-ready variants for mission-critical environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMAJ90CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 146 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88390, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. Designers use this parameter to verify that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The SMAJ90CA-M3/5A itself is a commercial-grade halogen-free part (M3 suffix), not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the functionally identical SMAJ90CA-HM3_X variant (where "_X" denotes revision code) which is AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, specify HM3_X; the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A remains appropriate for non-automotive industrial or telecom applications requiring halogen-free compliance and robust transient suppression.
How does the bidirectional design of the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A affect its circuit implementation?
The SMAJ90CA-M3/5A has no polarity marking and conducts identically in both directions, simplifying layout for AC-coupled, floating, or differential signal lines such as RS-485, CAN, or sensor bridge outputs. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, it requires no orientation check during placement and protects against positive and negative transients without additional components - reducing BOM count and eliminating risk of reverse installation.
What is the thermal resistance and power derating behavior of the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A?
The SMAJ90CA-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. Its 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation (PD) derates linearly above 25 °C ambient, dropping to zero at +150 °C junction temperature. Full derating curves are provided in Figure 2 of the Vishay datasheet (88390), enabling accurate thermal modeling for high-reliability deployments.
Does the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A meet moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements for lead-free reflow?
Yes, the SMAJ90CA-M3/5A meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C. This allows unlimited floor life and compatibility with standard lead-free soldering profiles without baking or special handling - supporting high-yield automated assembly in commercial and industrial manufacturing environments.
SMAJ90CA-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):
- 90V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 100V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 146V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.1A
- 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)
SMAJ90CA-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ90CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ90CA-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 SMAJ90CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ90CA-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 SMAJ90CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ90CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ90CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ90CA-M3/5A?
SMAJ90CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ90CA-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 SMAJ90CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ90CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ90CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ90CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ90CA-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 SMAJ90CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ90CA-M3/5A?
All SMAJ90CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ90CA-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 SMAJ90CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ90CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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