Semtech Corporation SMBJ15CA
- Part No.:
- SMBJ15CA
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ15CA.pdf
- Description:
- 1-LINE 15V 24.0A TVS DO-214AA(SM
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,890
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Product details
Overview
SMBJ15CA from Littelfuse is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for unidirectional or bidirectional overvoltage protection of DC power lines and low-speed data lines. It features a 15 V working voltage (VRWM), 16.7 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 12.9 A peak pulse current (IPP), and 600 W peak pulse power (PPK) per IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs). It is commonly deployed in industrial power input stages and automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ15CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 8/20 µs surges, leakage current at 15 V, junction capacitance for signal integrity, thermal derating above 25 °C, and compatibility with PCB layout constraints for high-current surge paths.
Technical Context
The SMBJ15CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical breakdown characteristics for bidirectional transient suppression. Its clamping action begins at VBR ≥ 16.7 V and sustains ≤ 24.4 V across its full rated IPP range (12.9 A, 8/20 µs), enabling predictable voltage limiting during lightning-induced surges or inductive switching events.
It exhibits low reverse leakage (IR ≤ 1 µA at VRWM = 15 V) and moderate junction capacitance (CJ ≈ 250 pF at 0 V), making it suitable for DC bus and low-frequency signal line protection-but not high-speed interfaces. Thermal performance is specified from –65 °C to +150 °C, with derated IPP above 25 °C per standard TVS derating curves.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VRWM) | 15 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without significant leakage. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 16.7–18.5 V at IT = 1 mA - Voltage at which avalanche conduction initiates; defines lower bound of clamping onset. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 24.4 V at IPP = 12.9 A (8/20 µs) - Maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; critical for downstream IC survival. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 600 W - Surge energy handling capability under standardized 8/20 µs waveform; determines robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 transients. |
| Reverse Leakage (IR) | ≤ 1 µA at VRWM = 15 V - Low standby current ensures minimal impact on system power budget and sensor biasing. |
| Junction Capacitance (CJ) | ≈250 pF at 0 V - Limits use to DC/low-frequency lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, power rails); unsuitable for USB 2.0+ or HDMI. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AA (SMB) surface-mount package, 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.29 mm, cathode-banded end marking, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or common reference; forms one side of bidirectional clamping path. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail, CAN_H); marked with band; conducts during positive or negative transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns-no need for back-to-back diodes. |
| 600 W surge rating (8/20 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 immunity requirements (4 kV line-to-earth, 2 kV line-to-line) in properly designed layouts. |
| Low IR at VRWM | ≤1 µA leakage at 15 V ensures negligible loading on battery-backed or low-power sensor circuits. |
| DO-214AA footprint | Industry-standard SMB package enables drop-in replacement and broad PCB design reuse across Littelfuse's SMBJ family. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24 V DC power entry point on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) exposed to load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontroller power rails. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤24.4 V, preventing damage to 28 V-rated input capacitors and 3.3 V/5 V regulator ICs. |
Use Scenario: LIN bus or switched 12 V supply lines in door modules, seat controls, or lighting nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone TVS element protecting microcontroller GPIOs and transceiver inputs from ISO 7637-2 pulses. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 12 V system surges up to 600 W without degradation, supporting 15-year automotive lifecycle. |
| RS-485 Transceiver Bus Protection | AC-DC Adapter Secondary-Side Clamp |
Use Scenario: Differential data lines (A/B) of isolated RS-485 transceivers in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode clamp between bus and local ground, suppressing EFT bursts and lightning-induced common-mode spikes. Use Value: 250 pF capacitance avoids signal edge distortion at ≤500 kbps data rates while maintaining <25 V clamping under 10 A surges. |
Use Scenario: Output rail of 12 V wall adapters subjected to mains-borne surges and capacitor discharge transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage limiter before connector or downstream USB-PD controller. Use Value: Clamps output to ≤24.4 V during open-circuit surge tests, preventing overvoltage stress on connected devices' input protection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | Unidirectional version; anode grounded, cathode to line; no negative-voltage clamping capability. | Required only where protected line is referenced to ground and never sees negative excursions (e.g., +12 V supply rail). | Select SMBJ15A when polarity is fixed and board space allows dedicated ground return; otherwise prefer SMBJ15CA for universal placement. |
| SMCJ15CA | Same electrical specs but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; 1500 W PPK rating vs. 600 W. | Used where higher surge margin is required (e.g., outdoor telecom equipment, solar charge controllers). | Choose SMCJ15CA if system-level testing demands >600 W surge headroom; SMBJ15CA remains optimal for space-constrained consumer/industrial designs. |
Compared with SMBJ15A, SMBJ15CA provides bidirectional protection without polarity constraints, simplifying layout and reducing BOM variants; compared with SMCJ15CA, it trades surge margin for 40% smaller footprint and lower thermal mass-ideal for compact, cost-sensitive applications.
Availability
SMBJ15CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power input protection, automotive BCM inputs, RS-485 transceiver bus protection, and AC-DC adapter secondary-side clamp applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for SMBJ15CA 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 manufacturer of circuit protection, power control, and sensing technologies, founded in 1927 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
The SMBJ series belongs to Littelfuse's industry-standard discrete TVS diode portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection of DC power and low-speed signal lines in harsh electromagnetic environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ15CA under surge conditions?
The SMBJ15CA clamps to a maximum of 24.4 V when subjected to a 12.9 A peak pulse current with an 8/20 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (–65 °C to +150 °C) and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during standardized surge events per IEC 61000-4-5. The SMBJ15CA maintains this clamping performance due to its controlled avalanche characteristics.
Can SMBJ15CA be used for bidirectional signal line protection like RS-485?
Yes, SMBJ15CA is explicitly designed for bidirectional transient suppression and is routinely applied on RS-485 A/B differential pairs. Its symmetrical breakdown (VBR min/max = 16.7/18.5 V) ensures equal clamping for both positive and negative transients. However, its ~250 pF junction capacitance limits use to data rates ≤500 kbps; for higher speeds, lower-capacitance TVS arrays such as SP3012-02UTG are recommended alongside SMBJ15CA.
How does SMBJ15CA differ from SMBJ15A?
SMBJ15CA is bidirectional, while SMBJ15A is unidirectional. SMBJ15A clamps only when the cathode is more positive than the anode, making it suitable for ground-referenced positive rails. SMBJ15CA clamps for either polarity, enabling use on floating lines or AC-coupled signals. Both share identical VRWM (15 V), VBR, VC, and PPK ratings-but SMBJ15CA's symmetry eliminates polarity-dependent placement errors during assembly. The SMBJ15CA part number reflects this functional distinction.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for SMBJ15CA at 25 °C?
At 25 °C and rated working voltage (VRWM = 15 V), the SMBJ15CA exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 µA. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems and avoids interference with precision analog sensing or battery-operated circuits. Leakage increases with temperature but remains below 10 µA up to +85 °C, as confirmed in Littelfuse's published derating curves for the SMBJ series.
Is SMBJ15CA compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?
Yes, SMBJ15CA is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020. Its DO-214AA (SMB) package uses matte tin-plated leads and withstands peak temperatures up to 260 °C for 30 seconds. The device meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21. Standard reflow profiles with ramp rates ≤3 °C/s and time above liquidus of 60–90 s are recommended to ensure mechanical reliability and avoid delamination.
SMBJ15CA 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):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- 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)
SMBJ15CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ15CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ15CA 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 SMBJ15CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ15CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMBJ15CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ15CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ15CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ15CA?
SMBJ15CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ15CA 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 SMBJ15CA?
For technical support, including SMBJ15CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ15CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ15CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ15CA 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 SMBJ15CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ15CA?
All SMBJ15CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ15CA, 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 SMBJ15CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ15CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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