SMAJ16CA
400W peak pulse power bidirectional TVS diode with 16V working voltage. Ideal for 12V automotive and industrial system protection.
Product Overview
Description
The Littelfuse SMAJ16CA is a bidirectional TVS diode designed for protecting 12V systems from voltage transients. With a 400W peak pulse power rating and 16V working voltage, this device provides reliable protection against load dump, inductive kickback, and ESD events in automotive and industrial applications.
The device features a low 26V maximum clamping voltage, ensuring sensitive electronics are protected from damage during transient events. The fast < 1ps response time provides immediate protection against ESD and fast transients.
Available in the compact SMA surface-mount package, the SMAJ16CA is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications. The bidirectional configuration provides protection for both voltage polarities, simplifying circuit design and reducing component count.
Product Series
SMAJ Series
Primary Application
12V automotive electronics
Key Features
- 400W peak pulse power rating
- 16V working voltage for 12V systems
- Low 26V clamping voltage
- Bidirectional protection
- AEC-Q101 automotive qualified
- Fast < 1ps response time
- Low leakage current
- SMA surface-mount package
Specifications
| workingVoltage | 16V |
|---|---|
| breakdownVoltage | 17.8V - 19.7V |
| clampingVoltage | 26V |
| peakPulsePower | 400W |
| peakPulseCurrent | 15.4A |
| leakageCurrent | 1µA |
| responseTime | < 1ps |
| package | SMA (DO-214AC) |
| qualification | AEC-Q101 |
Applications
12V automotive electronics
Automotive and EV electronics
Battery protection
Battery and charging management
ECU protection
Electronic system design
Sensor protection
Sensor signal conditioning
Industrial controls
Industrial automation and control
Power supplies
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The SMAJ16CA is the go-to TVS diode for 12V automotive applications. I've specified this part in countless automotive designs over the years, and it consistently delivers reliable protection. The 16V working voltage provides good margin for 12V systems, while the 26V clamping voltage protects sensitive automotive electronics. The AEC-Q101 qualification is essential for automotive - don't use commercial-grade parts in vehicles. One application tip: in automotive environments, you need to protect against load dump (up to 100V spike), so place the TVS close to the connector. For severe load dump conditions, consider using a higher power rating or adding a series resistor to limit current. The bidirectional feature is useful for protecting lines that might see reverse polarity during jump-start or maintenance."
Essential 12V automotive protection with AEC-Q101 qualification
— Michael Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMAJ16CA suitable for automotive load dump protection?
The SMAJ16CA can handle automotive load dump conditions, but the suitability depends on the specific requirements: (1) Standard Load Dump - The SMAJ16CA (400W) can handle typical load dump events in 12V systems where the transient energy is within its rating; (2) Severe Load Dump - For severe conditions or systems with high source impedance, consider the SMBJ16CA (600W) or SMCJ16CA (1500W) for higher energy absorption; (3) Placement - Place the TVS as close as possible to the connector where load dump enters the system; (4) Series Resistance - Adding a small series resistor (0.5-2 ohms) can help limit current and protect the TVS during severe events. The SMAJ16CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, making it suitable for automotive applications. For critical systems, always test with actual load dump pulses to verify protection effectiveness. The device's 26V clamping voltage provides good protection for 12V automotive electronics that typically have absolute maximum ratings of 40-60V.
SMAJ16CA is suitable for standard automotive load dump. use higher power SMBJ/SMCJ series for severe conditions. Always test with actual load dump pulses.