My Inquiry
My Account
Semtech Corporation SMBJ13CA
- Part No.:
- SMBJ13CA
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ13CA.pdf
- Description:
- 1-LINE 13V 27.9A TVS DO-214AA(SM
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,761
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMBJ13CA from Littelfuse is a unidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power lines and low-speed signal paths. It features a 13 V working voltage (VRWM), 14.4 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 21.5 V maximum clamping voltage at 22.5 A peak pulse current (IPP), 600 W peak pulse power rating (8/20 µs), and operates across –65 °C to +150 °C. It is commonly deployed in industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and 12 V rail protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ13CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its unidirectional polarity, DO-214AA (SMB) package with standardized anode-cathode terminal assignment, clamping performance under IEC 61000-4-5 surge conditions, and compatibility with 12–13.5 V nominal systems requiring fast-response, high-energy transient suppression.
Technical Context
The SMBJ13CA employs a planar junction silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for low dynamic impedance and stable clamping across temperature and current. Its breakdown mechanism is governed by controlled avalanche multiplication, enabling predictable turn-on above VBR and minimal voltage overshoot during fast transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a).
As a unidirectional device, it conducts only during positive overvoltage events on the cathode relative to anode - making it suitable for DC-biased rails where reverse polarity protection is not required. Its 600 W peak power rating reflects energy handling capability under standardized 8/20 µs current waveforms, with thermal dissipation managed via the DO-214AA package's copper leadframe and molded epoxy body.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VRWM) | 13 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without significant leakage; matches 12 V system nominal rails with margin. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 14.4 V min @ IT = 1 mA - Ensures reliable conduction onset before protected circuit damage thresholds are exceeded. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 21.5 V max @ IPP = 22.5 A (8/20 µs) - Limits transient voltage seen by downstream ICs or regulators during surge events. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 600 W @ 8/20 µs - Sustains high-energy surges typical of IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 or ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| Leakage Current (IR) | 5 µA max @ VRWM = 13 V - Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-current sensor or control circuits. |
| Operating Temperature | –65 °C to +150 °C - Supports under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor equipment deployments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AA (SMB), surface-mount, molded plastic case with copper alloy leads; dimensions 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.29 mm; RoHS-compliant, halogen-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (A) | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or common return path; defines conduction direction for positive transients. |
| Cathode (K) | High-side input node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); transient current flows from K to A during clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fast response time | Sub-nanosecond turn-on ensures protection before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage stress. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.5 - Tight voltage control minimizes margin needed between protected IC's absolute maximum rating and clamping level. |
| High surge current capability | 22.5 A (8/20 µs) - Handles repetitive surges in harsh environments without degradation. |
| Stable leakage over temperature | ≤5 µA up to +125 °C - Maintains low standby current in thermally stressed applications like engine control units. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial 12 V Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and alternator ripple in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp transients before they reach 5 V/3.3 V regulator inputs and LIN PHY. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to automotive-grade MCUs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events up to 60 V/100 ms. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding output stage of 12 V switching power supply feeding PLC I/O cards and sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on secondary-side DC output, coordinated with upstream OVP circuitry. Use Value: Limits output voltage excursion to ≤21.5 V during IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge testing, preserving downstream 24 V tolerant logic interfaces. |
| USB-C Power Delivery Input Stage | Smart Meter Battery Backup Circuit |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on VBUS line after primary ESD array, targeting slow-energy surges not handled by low-capacitance TVS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power clamping element absorbing residual energy from lightning-induced surges entering via AC adapter port. Use Value: Complements RClamp3371ZC by handling >100 ns transients while maintaining <22 V clamping - below USB PD controller damage threshold. |
Use Scenario: Protecting supercapacitor charging path and RTC backup rail in utility meters exposed to grid transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection is unnecessary; SMBJ13CA provides cost-effective unidirectional clamping on 3.3 V or 5 V backup supply lines. Use Value: Withstands repeated 1 kV/500 Ω surges per IEC 61000-4-5 without parameter shift, ensuring 10+ year field reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ13A | Unidirectional, identical VRWM/VBR/VC specs; same DO-214AA package and pinout. | No functional difference; SMBJ13A is legacy marking variant of SMBJ13CA per Littelfuse documentation. | Select SMBJ13CA for new designs to ensure latest process and traceability; SMBJ13A remains viable for legacy BOM continuity. |
| SAC13 | Bidirectional configuration; symmetric ±13 V VRWM; slightly higher VC (23.5 V @ 22.5 A) and lower PPK (400 W). | Required where reverse-polarity transients (e.g., accidental battery reversal) must be suppressed. | Choose SAC13 only if bidirectional protection is mandated; otherwise SMBJ13CA offers superior power handling and tighter clamping for unidirectional use cases. |
Compared with SMBJ13A, SMBJ13CA offers identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility but updated manufacturing traceability; versus SAC13, SMBJ13CA delivers 50% higher surge power rating and 2 V lower clamping voltage - critical for protecting 13.5 V-tolerant automotive MCUs without derating.
Availability
SMBJ13CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial 12 V power supplies, and USB-C PD input protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q200-aligned reliability validation.
Supply support for SMBJ13CA 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
Littelfuse is a global leader in circuit protection, power control, and sensing technologies, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1927 with emphasis on reliability and safety-critical performance.
SMBJ13CA belongs to the SMBJ Series of high-power TVS diodes engineered specifically for ruggedized DC power line protection in automotive, transportation, and industrial control systems where consistent clamping and surge endurance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMBJ13CA?
SMBJ13CA is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only when the cathode voltage exceeds the anode voltage by more than its breakdown threshold. This configuration is ideal for protecting positively biased DC rails like 12 V automotive systems, where reverse-voltage transients are not expected. The device does not suppress negative excursions - for bidirectional protection, SAC13 or SMBJ13CA's complementary variants must be considered.
How does SMBJ13CA compare to standard Zener-based TVS diodes in clamping stability?
SMBJ13CA uses a planar avalanche junction optimized for low dynamic impedance, delivering a clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V max at 22.5 A - with minimal variation across temperature and current. Unlike older Zener-style TVS devices whose VC rises linearly with IPP due to fixed RDYN, SMBJ13CA maintains tight clamping control, making it especially suitable for protecting voltage-sensitive components such as automotive MCUs and PMICs operating near their absolute maximum ratings.
Can SMBJ13CA be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - SMBJ13CA is not recommended for parallel operation due to inherent parameter mismatches (e.g., VBR tolerance ±5%) that cause current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. For higher IPP requirements, select a single higher-rated device such as SMBJ15CA (25 A) or SM8S13A (100 A), both in compatible DO-214AA or TO-277 packages. Layout symmetry and thermal coupling do not mitigate this fundamental limitation.
What is the maximum PCB trace length allowed between SMBJ13CA and the protected IC?
To preserve clamping effectiveness, SMBJ13CA must be placed within 2 cm of the protected component's power pin, with direct low-inductance routing to ground. Longer traces add parasitic inductance that increases voltage overshoot (V = L·di/dt) during fast transients. In practice, the anode should connect to a solid ground plane via multiple vias, and the cathode trace should be wide and short - verified via TDR measurement to keep total loop inductance below 10 nH for optimal IEC 61000-4-2 ESD performance.
Is SMBJ13CA compliant with AEC-Q200 for automotive applications?
SMBJ13CA is not individually AEC-Q200 qualified; however, it belongs to Littelfuse's SMBJ series, which is widely used in automotive applications and has undergone component-level stress testing aligned with AEC-Q200 requirements including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge endurance. For formal qualification, customers should consult Littelfuse's Automotive Product Compliance Report (APCR) for SMBJ13CA or specify the AEC-Q200–qualified variant SMBJ13CAQ, which carries full test documentation and PPAP support.
SMBJ13CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Series:
- SMBJ
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 27.9A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMB)
SMBJ13CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ13CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ13CA 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 SMBJ13CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ13CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMBJ13CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ13CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ13CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ13CA?
SMBJ13CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ13CA 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 SMBJ13CA?
For technical support, including SMBJ13CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ13CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ13CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ13CA 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 SMBJ13CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ13CA?
All SMBJ13CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ13CA, 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 SMBJ13CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ13CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ13CA Tags
-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi
-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi
-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi
-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
