Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H

Overview

SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 7.25 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), and clamps transients to ≤9.2 V at 163 A (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed on power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H datasheet, SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H pinout, SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H application, or SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 1500 W surge rating, low clamping voltage (VC ≤ 9.2 V), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during ESD or lightning-induced transients, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism across both polarities. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior for positive and negative surges, with no polarity marking required on the case.

Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C when mounted per recommended pad layout. It meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak) and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a surface-mount, bidirectional device with two terminals and no polarity marking. The case is molded in UL 94 V-0 compliant compound, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SAC5.0CA and 1.5KE5.0CA, SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H delivers identical 5.0 V standoff and 1500 W surge capability in an AEC-Q101-qualified SMT package-enabling automotive-grade reliability without sacrificing board density or assembly efficiency.

Availability

SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom line card development requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H 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 and application-specific performance.

The SMCJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H?

The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H conducts symmetrically in both polarities, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics for positive and negative transients. This eliminates the need for polarity-aware layout and supports AC-coupled or floating signal protection, unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ5.0A) which require correct cathode orientation.

Is SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code "HE3" suffix and documentation (Document Number 88394). It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and ESD-making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics including body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces.

What is the maximum clamping voltage for SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H at rated surge current?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H is 9.2 V at 163 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream 5 V logic components remain within safe absolute maximum ratings during transient events.

How does the SMC (DO-214AB) package of SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H impact thermal performance?

The SMC (DO-214AB) package provides RθJL = 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and RθJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads. This enables effective heat dissipation during repetitive surge events and supports continuous operation up to TJ = +150 °C-critical for sustained reliability in automotive and industrial power rail applications.

Can SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H replace unidirectional SMCJ5.0A in existing designs?

No-SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, while SMCJ5.0A is unidirectional with a cathode band. Direct substitution would compromise protection on DC-biased lines. If replacing SMCJ5.0A, verify circuit topology: use SMCJ5.0CAHE3_A/H only where bidirectional clamping is required (e.g., AC signals, floating buses); otherwise retain unidirectional parts or redesign layout for polarity independence.