Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I

Overview

SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping fast-rising ESD and surge transients on 5.0 V power rails and signal lines. It delivers 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamps at ≤9.2 V under 65.2 A surge current, and features 6.4–7.07 V breakdown voltage at 10 mA test current - ideal for protecting USB ports, I/O interfaces, and automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I datasheet, SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I pinout, SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I application, or SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.0 V stand-off voltage, 800 µA max reverse leakage at V_WM, AEC-Q101 qualification (HM3 suffix), halogen-free RoHS compliance, and MSL Level 1 reflow capability up to 260 °C.

Technical Context

This TVS operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp: forward-biased during positive surges on cathode-grounded configurations, with fast response time (<1 ns) and low dynamic impedance. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%) and repeatable clamping performance across temperature.

The device is rated for 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), supports continuous power dissipation of 5.0 W at T_A = 50 °C, and exhibits a V_BR temperature coefficient of +0.057 %/°C - enabling predictable derating in automotive under-hood environments up to +150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, cathode-indicated by band. Terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Molding compound meets UL 94 V-0.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I, the HE3 variant omits halogen-free and AEC-Q101 compliance, while SAC5.0 trades 33% lower surge power and larger package size for legacy compatibility - making SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I the optimal choice for space-constrained, automotive-grade 5 V rail protection.

Availability

SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, USB interface designs, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.

The SMBJ series was engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I under surge conditions?

The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 9.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 65.2 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees protection of 5 V logic circuits without exceeding safe overvoltage thresholds. The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified (indicated by the HM3 suffix) and rated for junction temperatures up to +150 °C. It is specifically intended for automotive use cases such as body control modules, infotainment power rails, and sensor interfaces where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory. The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I meets all required stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge endurance.

What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I?

The "HM3" suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction. It distinguishes SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I from commercial variants (E3/M3) and automotive-qualified but non-halogen-free versions (HE3). The "_A/I" indicates packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel (3200 units) with revision code A. The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I thus satisfies stringent environmental and automotive reliability requirements simultaneously.

How does SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SMBJ5.0CA?

SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I is unidirectional and optimized for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., 5 V supply to ground), offering lower leakage and tighter V_BR tolerance. In contrast, SMBJ5.0CA is bidirectional and suited for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic lines (e.g., RS-485), but exhibits higher leakage and wider V_BR spread. The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I is not interchangeable with SMBJ5.0CA without circuit review due to polarity and leakage differences.

What is the thermal resistance of SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I, and how does it affect PCB layout?

The SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe operation at full 5.0 W power dissipation, designers must provide adequate copper area and consider airflow. Reducing R_θJA via thermal vias or larger pads directly lowers steady-state junction temperature - critical for SMBJ5.0AHM3_A/I reliability in sealed enclosures.