SMA5J18C-E3/61 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMA5J18C-E3/61 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component operates with an 18V reverse standoff voltage and provides 32.2V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The part is packaged in DO-214AC (SMA) surface mount configuration and is rated for 500W peak pulse power dissipation across a temperature range of -55°C to 150°C.

The SMA5J18C-E3/61 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Substiute Parts

SMA5J18C-E3/61
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 790SMA5J18C-E3/61 Datasheet
SMA5J18C-E3/61
Current Part
SMA5J18CA-E3/61
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1080SMA5J18CA-E3/61 Datasheet
SMA5J18CA-E3/61
Direct
SMAJ18CE3/TR13
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1004SMAJ18CE3/TR13 Datasheet
SMAJ18CE3/TR13
Direct
SM4T21CAY
STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 879SM4T21CAY Datasheet
SM4T21CAY
MFR Recommended
SMA6J18CA-TR
STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 10368SMA6J18CA-TR Datasheet
SMA6J18CA-TR
MFR Recommended
SMAJ18CA
MDDIn Stock: 72275SMAJ18CA Datasheet
SMAJ18CA
MFR Recommended
SMAJ18CA
MDDIn Stock: 72275SMAJ18CA Datasheet
SMAJ18CA
MFR Recommended
SMAJ18CA
MDDIn Stock: 72275SMAJ18CA Datasheet
SMAJ18CA
MFR Recommended
SMAJ18CA-TP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 998SMAJ18CA-TP Datasheet
SMAJ18CA-TP
MFR Recommended
SMAJ18CA-TR
STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 19566SMAJ18CA-TR Datasheet
SMAJ18CA-TR
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number SMA5J18C-E3/61
Manufacturer Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)
Package / Case DO-214AC, SMA
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 18V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 20V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 32.2V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 15.5A
Power - Peak Pulse 500W
Operating Temperature -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Type Zener
Bidirectional Channels 1
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SMA5J18C-E3/61 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

  • Reverse standoff voltage: 18V (fixed across all substitutes)
  • Breakdown voltage minimum: 20V (fixed across all substitutes)
  • Package type: DO-214AC, SMA (fixed across all substitutes)
  • Bidirectional channels: 1 (fixed across all substitutes)
  • Mounting type: Surface Mount (fixed across all substitutes)

Variable Parameters Affecting Substitution:

  • Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 29.2V to 39.3V
  • Current - Peak Pulse: 13.7A to 102A (8/20µs)
  • Power - Peak Pulse: 400W to 600W
  • Operating Temperature Range: -50°C to -65°C minimum; 150°C to 175°C maximum
  • Manufacturer and product status (Active vs. Obsolete)

Substitutes are grouped into three categories based on clamping voltage and peak pulse current characteristics, all maintaining the same reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, and physical package specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) Voltage - Breakdown (Min) Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp Current - Peak Pulse Power - Peak Pulse Operating Temperature Product Status Package
SMA5J18C-E3/61 Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 18V 20V 32.2V 15.5A 500W -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Obsolete DO-214AC, SMA
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 18V 20V 29.2V 17.1A 500W -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SMAJ18CE3/TR13 Microchip Technology 18V 20V 32.2V 15.5A 500W -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SM4T21CAY STMicroelectronics 18V 20V 39.3V 59A (8/20µs) 400W -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SMA6J18CA-TR STMicroelectronics 18V 20V 33.2V 102A (8/20µs) 600W -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SMAJ18CA-TP Micro Commercial Co 18V 20V 29.2V 13.7A 400W -55°C ~ 175°C (TA) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SMAJ18CA-TR STMicroelectronics 18V 20V 39.3V 59A (8/20µs) 400W -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA
SMAJ18CA MDD 18V 20V 29.2V 13.7A 400W -50°C ~ 150°C (TJ) Active DO-214AC, SMA

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Electrical and Thermal Equivalence):

SMAJ18CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) provides the closest electrical match to the SMA5J18C-E3/61, with identical clamping voltage (32.2V) and peak pulse current (15.5A). This part is Active status and extends the minimum operating temperature to -65°C, providing enhanced thermal margin. The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification.

Active Substitutes with Lower Clamping Voltage:

SMA5J18CA-E3/61 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division) and SMAJ18CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) both feature 29.2V clamping voltage with higher peak pulse current (17.1A and 13.7A respectively). Both are Active status and maintain ROHS3 compliance. SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is from the original manufacturer, ensuring design continuity.

Higher Performance Substitutes:

SM4T21CAY (STMicroelectronics) and SMAJ18CA-TR (STMicroelectronics) offer significantly higher peak pulse current handling (59A and 102A respectively) with clamping voltages of 39.3V and 33.2V. These parts are suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability. SMA6J18CA-TR extends the maximum operating temperature to 175°C.

Generic Alternative:

SMAJ18CA (MDD) is available in high inventory (72,210 pcs) with 29.2V clamping voltage and 13.7A peak pulse current. Operating temperature range is -50°C to 150°C. This part is suitable for cost-sensitive applications where the narrower temperature range is acceptable.

All substitute parts maintain the same reverse standoff voltage (18V), breakdown voltage (20V), and DO-214AC (SMA) package configuration as the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use SMAJ18CE3/TR13 as a direct replacement for SMA5J18C-E3/61?

A: Yes. SMAJ18CE3/TR13 provides identical electrical specifications (32.2V clamping, 15.5A peak pulse current) and is Active status. The part extends the minimum operating temperature to -65°C and is manufactured by Microchip Technology.

Q: What is the difference between the clamping voltage variants (29.2V, 32.2V, 33.2V, 39.3V)?

A: Clamping voltage determines the maximum voltage the TVS diode allows across its terminals during a transient event. Lower clamping voltages provide tighter voltage regulation but may limit peak pulse current handling. Higher clamping voltages accommodate greater peak pulse currents. Selection depends on the specific transient suppression requirements of your circuit.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry REACH Unaffected status.

Q: What is the significance of the peak pulse current specification (10/1000µs vs. 8/20µs)?

A: These notations indicate the pulse waveform used for testing. 10/1000µs represents a slower transient pulse, while 8/20µs represents a faster transient pulse. Both waveforms are standard test conditions. Parts tested under 8/20µs conditions typically show higher peak pulse current ratings due to the shorter pulse duration.

Q: Can I use SMAJ18CA (MDD) in applications requiring the full -55°C to 150°C temperature range?

A: No. SMAJ18CA (MDD) operates from -50°C to 150°C, which does not meet the full -55°C minimum temperature requirement of the original part. Use this part only if your application does not require operation below -50°C.

Q: What is the inventory status of these substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are currently in stock. SMA5J18CA-E3/61 has 1,040 pcs available. SMAJ18CE3/TR13 has 912 pcs. SM4T21CAY has 801 pcs. SMA6J18CA-TR has 10,300 pcs. SMAJ18CA-TP has 983 pcs. SMAJ18CA-TR has 19,515 pcs. SMAJ18CA (MDD) has 72,210 pcs available.

Q: Do all parts use the same DO-214AC (SMA) package?

A: Yes. All listed parts use the DO-214AC (SMA) surface mount package, ensuring PCB layout compatibility with the original SMA5J18C-E3/61.

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