SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A is a 5V Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, designed for general-purpose transient protection in surface-mount applications. This component features a 9.6V maximum clamping voltage, 41.7A peak pulse current capability, and 400W peak pulse power rating in a DO-214AC (SMA) package. The part is currently classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing production and field replacement requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	5V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	6.4V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	9.6V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	41.7A
Power - Peak Pulse	400W
Package / Case	DO-214AC, SMA
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Reverse Standoff Voltage: 5V (fixed requirement)
Breakdown Voltage (Min): 6.4V (fixed requirement)
Package / Case: DO-214AC, SMA (mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (assembly compatibility)
Bidirectional Channels: 1 (functional requirement)
Type: Zener (device classification)

Secondary Tolerance Parameters:

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 9.2V to 13.4V (acceptable range for transient suppression)
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 41.7A minimum (higher values acceptable)
Power - Peak Pulse: 400W minimum (higher values acceptable)
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C minimum, 150°C minimum (wider ranges acceptable)

All identified substitute parts maintain the core 5V standoff voltage and 6.4V breakdown voltage specifications while offering equivalent or enhanced electrical performance characteristics within the DO-214AC package form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	Power - Peak Pulse	Operating Temperature	Product Status
SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A	Vishay General Semiconductor	9.6V	41.7A	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Obsolete
SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A	Vishay General Semiconductor	9.2V	43.5A	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Active
SM4T6V7CAY	STMicroelectronics	13.4V	174A (8/20µs)	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Active
SMA6J5.0CA-TR	STMicroelectronics	13.4V	298A (8/20µs)	600W	-55°C ~ 175°C	Active
SMAJ5.0CA	MDD	9.2V	43.5A	400W	-50°C ~ 150°C	Active
SMAJ5.0CA-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	9.2V	43.5A	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Active
SMAJ5.0CA-TR	STMicroelectronics	13.4V	174A (8/20µs)	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Active
SMAJ5.0CE3/TR13	Microchip Technology	9.6V	52A	500W	-65°C ~ 150°C	Active
TV04A5V0JB-HF	Comchip Technology	9.2V	43.48A	400W	-55°C ~ 150°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Highest Compatibility): SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A (Vishay General Semiconductor) is the primary direct substitute. This part maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (5V), breakdown voltage (6.4V), and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 150°C) as the obsolete SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A. The clamping voltage is marginally lower (9.2V vs. 9.6V), and peak pulse current is slightly higher (43.5A vs. 41.7A), both favorable characteristics for transient suppression. Product status is Active with substantial inventory availability (3824 pcs).

Alternative Equivalents (Electrical Compatibility): SMAJ5.0CA-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) and TV04A5V0JB-HF (Comchip Technology) provide equivalent electrical performance with identical clamping voltage (9.2V) and peak pulse current (43.5A / 43.48A) specifications. Both maintain the required 5V standoff voltage and -55°C ~ 150°C operating temperature range. These alternatives are suitable where supply chain diversification is required.

Enhanced Performance Alternatives: SMAJ5.0CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) offers identical clamping voltage (9.6V) to the original part with enhanced peak pulse current (52A) and power rating (500W). Extended temperature range (-65°C ~ 150°C) provides additional operational margin. This part is recommended for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption or extended low-temperature operation.

SMA6J5.0CA-TR (STMicroelectronics) provides the highest performance specification with 298A peak pulse current and 600W power rating, suitable for high-energy transient environments. The 13.4V clamping voltage represents a trade-off between protection level and component stress.

Compliance Verification: All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL Level 1 (Unlimited), and REACH Unaffected status consistent with the original SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A specification. No additional qualification or testing is required based on regulatory compliance parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A be used as a direct replacement for SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A? A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (5V), breakdown voltage (6.4V), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 150°C), and DO-214AC package specification. The SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A is the active equivalent with superior availability and identical electrical performance within transient suppression tolerance.

Q: What is the difference between 9.2V and 9.6V clamping voltage specifications? A: Clamping voltage represents the maximum voltage across the TVS diode during peak pulse current. The 9.2V specification (SMAJ5.0CA variants) provides slightly lower clamping voltage compared to the original 9.6V specification (SMAJ5.0C-E3/5A). Both values fall within acceptable transient suppression parameters for 5V standoff applications. Lower clamping voltage provides marginally better protection but increases component stress during transient events.

Q: Are higher peak pulse current ratings (43.5A vs. 41.7A) acceptable substitutes? A: Yes. Higher peak pulse current ratings indicate enhanced transient energy absorption capability. A substitute part with 43.5A rating can safely replace a 41.7A specification without circuit modification. This represents improved performance margin.

Q: Can STMicroelectronics SM4T6V7CAY or SMA6J5.0CA-TR be used as substitutes? A: These parts maintain the required 5V standoff voltage and 6.4V breakdown voltage in DO-214AC packages. However, the 13.4V clamping voltage is significantly higher than the original 9.6V specification. These alternatives are suitable only if circuit design permits higher transient voltage levels. Verify circuit tolerance before selection.

Q: What is the significance of the MDD SMAJ5.0CA part with -50°C minimum operating temperature? A: The MDD variant specifies -50°C minimum operating temperature versus -55°C for other alternatives. This represents a 5°C reduction in low-temperature operational margin. This part is acceptable for applications with minimum operating temperature above -50°C. For applications requiring full -55°C operation, select alternatives with -55°C or lower minimum temperature specification.

Q: Are packaging variants (Cut Tape, Digi-Reel, Tape & Reel) interchangeable? A: Yes. Packaging variants (CT, Digi-Reel, TR) refer to supply format only and do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. All variants use identical DO-214AC (SMA) component packages suitable for surface-mount assembly. Select packaging based on procurement and assembly process requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability? A: SMA6J5.0CA-TR (STMicroelectronics) demonstrates the highest inventory level (1,000,300 pcs) and is recommended for applications requiring extended supply chain security. SMAJ5.0CA-E3/5A (Vishay) with 3,824 pcs inventory provides the closest electrical match with strong availability.

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