SMAJ20C-E3/5A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMAJ20C-E3/5A is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. This part operates with a 20V reverse standoff voltage and provides clamping at 35.8V maximum. The product is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production requirements.

Substiute Parts

SMAJ20C-E3/5A

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1077SMAJ20C-E3/5A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMAJ20CA-E3/5A

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1043SMAJ20CA-E3/5A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SM4T23CAY

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 6155SM4T23CAY Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMA6J20CA-TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 5213SMA6J20CA-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMAJ20CA

MDDIn Stock: 20330SMAJ20CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMAJ20CA-13-F

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 17603SMAJ20CA-13-F Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMAJ20CE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 791SMAJ20CE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SMAJ20C-E3/5A is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage: 20V (all substitutes must match)
• Breakdown Voltage (Min): 22.2V (all substitutes must match)
• Package / Case: DO-214AC, SMA (all substitutes must match)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (all substitutes must match)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1 (all substitutes must match)
• Type: Zener (all substitutes must match)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on clamping voltage and peak pulse current performance:

Group A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (Clamping voltage 32.4V, Peak pulse current 12.3A):

• SMAJ20CA-E3/5A (Vishay)
• SMAJ20CA (MDD)
• SMAJ20CA-13-F (Diodes Incorporated)

Group B - Higher Performance Alternatives (Elevated clamping voltage and/or peak pulse current):

• SMAJ20CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) - 35.8V clamping, 13.9A peak pulse
• SM4T23CAY (STMicroelectronics) - 42.8V clamping, 54A peak pulse (8/20µs)
• SMA6J20CA-TR (STMicroelectronics) - 36.8V clamping, 93A peak pulse (8/20µs)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Lowest Risk): Select SMAJ20CA-E3/5A, SMAJ20CA, or SMAJ20CA-13-F. These parts maintain active product status from established manufacturers and provide electrical performance within acceptable tolerance of the original SMAJ20C-E3/5A. All three are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

For Enhanced Performance Requirements: SMAJ20CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) offers matching clamping voltage (35.8V) with increased peak pulse current (13.9A) and extended temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). This part is suitable when higher transient current handling is required.

For High-Current Transient Protection: SM4T23CAY and SMA6J20CA-TR (both STMicroelectronics) provide significantly higher peak pulse current ratings (54A and 93A respectively) and are suitable for applications requiring enhanced surge protection. SMA6J20CA-TR additionally offers extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) and higher peak pulse power (600W).

All recommended substitutes maintain the same reverse standoff voltage (20V), breakdown voltage (22.2V), package format (DO-214AC/SMA), and compliance certifications as the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMAJ20CA-E3/5A be used as a direct replacement for SMAJ20C-E3/5A?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (20V), breakdown voltage (22.2V), package format (DO-214AC/SMA), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C). The primary difference is clamping voltage: SMAJ20CA-E3/5A clamps at 32.4V versus 35.8V for the original. This represents a 3.4V reduction in maximum clamping voltage, which is acceptable for most general-purpose overvoltage protection applications.

Q: What is the difference between Group A and Group B substitutes?

A: Group A substitutes (SMAJ20CA variants) provide lower clamping voltage (32.4V) and moderate peak pulse current (12.3A), suitable for standard transient suppression. Group B substitutes offer higher clamping voltages (35.8V to 42.8V) and significantly higher peak pulse currents (13.9A to 93A), appropriate for applications requiring enhanced surge protection or higher transient energy absorption.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level, matching the compliance profile of the original SMAJ20C-E3/5A.

Q: Can I use SM4T23CAY or SMA6J20CA-TR in place of the original part?

A: These parts are electrically compatible at the 20V reverse standoff and 22.2V breakdown voltage levels. However, their significantly higher clamping voltages (42.8V and 36.8V respectively) and peak pulse currents (54A and 93A) represent performance enhancements rather than direct equivalents. Use these only if your circuit design can accommodate higher clamping voltages or if enhanced transient protection is required.

Q: What is the impact of different peak pulse current ratings?

A: Peak pulse current rating indicates the maximum transient current the diode can safely suppress. Higher ratings (54A, 93A) provide greater protection margin for high-energy transient events. Lower ratings (11.2A, 12.3A, 13.9A) are adequate for standard overvoltage suppression in low-to-moderate energy transient environments.

Q: Do all substitutes use the same DO-214AC/SMA package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with the original SMAJ20C-E3/5A footprint.