Diodes Incorporated SMF4L20CAQ-7
- Part No.:
- SMF4L20CAQ-7
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-219AA
- Datasheet:
-
SMF4L20CAQ-7.pdf
- Description:
- TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR PP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMF4L20CAQ-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-219AA package, rated for 400W peak pulse power (10/1000µs), 20V working peak reverse voltage (VRWM), 22.2–24.5V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 32.4V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 12.3A surge current. It delivers ±30kV ESD protection per IEC61000-4-2 and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive battery contact and power rail protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMF4L20CAQ-7 datasheet, SMF4L20CAQ-7 pinout, SMF4L20CAQ-7 application, or SMF4L20CAQ-7 equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC power line surge suppression where fast response (<5.0ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VRWM ≈ 1.62), and IATF 16949-manufactured consistency are critical in automotive and industrial systems.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with no anode/cathode distinction-its terminals are functionally interchangeable for AC or bidirectional DC transient suppression. It exhibits <100nA reverse leakage at 20V and clamps to ≤32.4V within 5.0ns when subjected to 12.3A 10/1000µs surges.
The device leverages silicon avalanche structure optimized for low dynamic impedance and stable VBR tolerance (±5% typical), enabling predictable clamping behavior under repetitive transients. Its thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (96°C/W) and junction-to-solder point (70°C/W) support operation up to +175°C ambient in compact PCB layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 400W (10/1000µs waveform); sustains single high-energy surges without failure in automotive load-dump or ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a scenarios. |
| Working Peak Reverse Voltage | 20V; maximum continuous DC or RMS AC voltage the device blocks before entering avalanche conduction. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 22.2–24.5V at 1mA; defines the onset of controlled avalanche clamping, with tight ±5% distribution ensuring consistent system-level overvoltage threshold. |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage (VC) | 32.4V at 12.3A IPP; limits downstream circuit voltage during surge, delivering clamping ratio VC/VRWM = 1.62 for robust IC interface protection. |
| ESD Withstand | ±30kV air/contact per IEC61000-4-2; eliminates need for external ESD staging in infotainment and body control module interfaces. |
| Response Time | <5.0ns (bi-directional); ensures clamping activation before transient energy couples into sensitive analog or digital circuitry. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Validated for automotive temperature cycling (-55°C to +175°C), mechanical shock, and humidity testing-enables direct use in PPAP-compliant designs. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-219AA - surface-mount, flat lead, green molded plastic (UL 94V-0), 0.016g weight, moisture sensitivity level 1. Cathode band absent (bi-directional configuration).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Interchangeable terminal; connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or battery +); no polarity dependency in bi-directional operation. |
| Terminal 2 | Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Interchangeable terminal; connects to reference plane (e.g., chassis ground or battery –); enables balanced clamping on differential or single-ended lines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400W Peak Pulse Power | Supports ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) suppression on 12V automotive systems without derating or parallel devices. |
| Bi-directional Symmetry | Eliminates orientation constraints during placement-reduces assembly errors and supports differential bus protection (e.g., LIN, CAN) with single-device implementation. |
| ±30kV ESD Protection | Meets IEC61000-4-2 Level 4 without upstream RC filters, simplifying front-end design for USB, sensor, or button interfaces. |
| AEC-Q101 & IATF 16949 | Enables drop-in qualification in Tier 1 automotive BOMs; traceable lot control and change management align with PPAP requirements. |
| DO-219AA Footprint | 0.81–1.20mm height and 1.70–2.00mm width enable high-density routing in space-constrained ECUs and ADAS modules. |
Applications
| Battery Contact Protection | Automotive Power Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Direct connection between vehicle battery terminal and electronic control unit input, exposed to jump-start spikes and load-dump transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed immediately after fuse, shunting surge energy to chassis ground before reaching DC-DC converters or microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤32.4V during 12.3A transients, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3V/5V logic and power management ICs. |
Use Scenario: 12V main power distribution rail feeding multiple subsystems (e.g., lighting, HVAC, infotainment) in modern vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-level TVS deployed at power entry point to absorb coupled transients from alternator switching or relay bounce. Use Value: 400W rating handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (up to 100V, 100ms) without degradation, maintaining rail integrity across temperature range. |
| Body Control Module Inputs | CAN/LIN Bus Lines |
|
Use Scenario: Input pins of BCM receiving signals from door switches, seat sensors, or ambient light detectors connected via long harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS at connector interface, providing first-stage protection against ESD and inductive kickback from nearby solenoids. Use Value: <5.0ns response time intercepts fast transients before they propagate into MCU GPIOs, reducing firmware reset events and signal corruption. |
Use Scenario: Differential data lines (CAN_H/CAN_L or LIN) routed through vehicle chassis with potential for ground loop surges and ESD injection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping pair (one per line) referenced to common ground, suppressing common-mode and differential transients simultaneously. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR and VC ensure matched clamping on both lines, preserving signal integrity and preventing receiver saturation during EMC testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bi-directional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA | DO-214AC package; 400W rating; VRWM = 20V; VC = 32.4V at 12.3A; but higher RθJA (110°C/W) and non-AEC-Q101 certified. | Lacks automotive qualification and has larger footprint (4.5 × 2.7mm vs. DO-219AA's 2.0 × 2.8mm), limiting use in space-constrained ECUs. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive compliance and board area constraints. |
| TPSMD20C | DO-214AB package; 400W; VRWM = 20V; VC = 32.4V at 12.3A; AEC-Q101 qualified; but 10× higher IR (1µA vs. 0.5µA) at VRWM. | Higher leakage may affect ultra-low-power always-on circuits (e.g., remote keyless entry receivers) requiring sub-100nA standby current. | Prefer for legacy DO-214AB-compatible designs where footprint compatibility is mandatory and leakage is not critical. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and TPSMD20C, SMF4L20CAQ-7 offers superior thermal performance (RθJA = 96°C/W), smallest footprint among AEC-Q101 20V bi-directional TVS options, and lowest leakage-making it optimal for next-generation compact, thermally constrained automotive electronics.
Availability
SMF4L20CAQ-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery protection, CAN bus interface hardening, and body control module input conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMF4L20CAQ-7 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-reliability protection, power management, and signal integrity solutions for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMF4L series belongs to Diodes' AEC-Q101-qualified TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression where compact size, precise clamping, and zero-defect manufacturing are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMF4L20CAQ-7?
SMF4L20CAQ-7 is a bi-directional TVS diode with no cathode marking-both terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable. This allows placement without orientation concerns on differential lines like CAN or single-ended rails where polarity reversal may occur during system operation or test.
Does SMF4L20CAQ-7 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes-SMF4L20CAQ-7 is AEC-Q101 qualified, manufactured in IATF 16949-certified facilities, and PPAP-capable. It passes temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing required for under-hood and cabin-mounted automotive electronics.
How does its clamping performance compare to unidirectional TVS diodes at 20V?
At 20V VRWM, SMF4L20CAQ-7 clamps to 32.4V at 12.3A, matching the VC of unidirectional counterparts like SMF4L20AQ. However, its bi-directional symmetry ensures equal clamping on positive and negative transients-critical for AC-coupled or floating-bus applications where polarity is undefined.
Can SMF4L20CAQ-7 be used in parallel for higher surge handling?
No-parallel connection is not recommended due to mismatched VBR tolerances (±5%) causing current imbalance. For >400W requirements, Diodes recommends using higher-voltage-rated devices (e.g., SMF4L24CAQ) or staged protection with upstream inductors, not paralleling SMF4L20CAQ-7 units.
SMF4L20CAQ-7 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-219AA
- Series:
- SMF4L
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 12.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-219AA
SMF4L20CAQ-7 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMF4L20CAQ-7 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMF4L20CAQ-7 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 SMF4L20CAQ-7 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMF4L20CAQ-7 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMF4L20CAQ-7 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMF4L20CAQ-7?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMF4L20CAQ-7 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMF4L20CAQ-7?
SMF4L20CAQ-7 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMF4L20CAQ-7 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 SMF4L20CAQ-7?
For technical support, including SMF4L20CAQ-7 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMF4L20CAQ-7 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMF4L20CAQ-7 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMF4L20CAQ-7 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 SMF4L20CAQ-7 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMF4L20CAQ-7?
All SMF4L20CAQ-7 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMF4L20CAQ-7, 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 SMF4L20CAQ-7 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMF4L20CAQ-7:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMF4L20CAQ-7 Tags

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