July 11, 2025
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In today’s electronics landscape, robust transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes like the SMAJ17AHE3_A/H are critical for protecting sensitive circuits from ESD and voltage spikes. Designed by Vishay, this automotive-grade diode offers a 27.6V clamping voltage, 14.5A peak pulse current, and compliance with AEC-Q101 standards. Ideal for industrial, automotive, and telecom applications, its low surge resistance and fast response time ensure reliable performance. Read on to explore its technical specs, selection criteria, and competitive advantages.

The SMAJ17AHE3_A/H from Vishay’s TransZorb series is a unidirectional TVS diode in a compact DO-214AC (SMA) package. Key parameters include:
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VWM) | 17 V | Vishay Datasheet |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 27.6 V | |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 18.9 V | |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 14.5 A | |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 400 W (10/1000 µs) | |
| Operating Temperature | -65°C to +150°C | |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) | |
| Certification | AEC-Q101 (Automotive) | |
Fast Response Time: Nanosecond-level reaction to transients.
Glass-Passivated Junction: Enhances reliability and surge handling.
Automotive-Grade: AEC-Q101 qualified for harsh environments.
Low Leakage Current: Minimizes power loss in standby modes.
Match the working voltage (17V) to your circuit’s nominal voltage. The clamping voltage (27.6V) must be below the maximum tolerable voltage of protected components.
With 400W peak power dissipation, this diode suits medium-to-high energy transients (e.g., inductive load switching).
The SMA footprint is widely used for PCB space optimization. Compare alternatives:
| Model | Package | Clamping Voltage | IPP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ17AHE3_A/H | SMA | 27.6V | 14.5A | Automotive/Industrial |
| SMBJ17A | SMB | 28.5V | 14.3A | Cost-sensitive designs |
| P6KE18A | DO-204AC | 25.5V | 16.7A | Higher current needs |
Automotive Electronics: Protects ECUs, sensors, and CAN bus lines from load-dump transients.
Industrial Controls: Shields PLCs and motor drives from voltage spikes.
Telecom: Safeguards signal lines in base stations and routers.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the TVS diode market is projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR (2023–2028), driven by:
Rising demand for automotive electronics (ADAS, infotainment).
Expansion of 5G infrastructure requiring robust ESD protection.
The SMAJ17AHE3_A/H’s AEC-Q101 compliance positions it well for these trends.
No, it’s a unidirectional diode. For bidirectional protection, consider the SMAJ17CA variant.
Working voltage (17V) is the maximum continuous voltage the diode can handle. Clamping voltage (27.6V) is the maximum voltage during a transient event.
Yes, its 400W peak power rating covers common automotive transients like Pulse 1 (load dump) and Pulse 3a/b.
Less than 1 nanosecond, per Vishay’s datasheet.
Yes, it meets RoHS 3.0 standards.
The SMAJ17AHE3_A/H combines high-performance transient suppression with automotive-grade reliability. Its balance of clamping efficiency, power handling, and compact design makes it a top choice for modern electronics. For pricing or technical support, contact [email protected].