Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA120CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA120CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 120 V standoff voltage (VWM), 137 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and telecom systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA120CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA120CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA120CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA120CA-E3/5A operates as a voltage-clamping device that conducts above its breakdown voltage (VBR = 114–126 V) to divert transient energy away from sensitive circuitry. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical protection on AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity constraints.
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform (derated to 300 W above 91 V), with thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead). The glass-passivated junction ensures stable performance across -65 °C to +150 °C operating temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 102 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 114–126 V at 1 mA test current - Voltage at which device transitions from high-impedance to low-impedance conduction state. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 165 V at 1.8 A IPPM - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case transient; critical for downstream component voltage rating. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - Energy-handling capacity for single transient events; derates to 300 W above 91 V per spec. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1 µA max at VWM - Low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling reliable operation in thermally constrained industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 0.208" length and matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Case dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); cathode/anode terminals are symmetric and interchangeable due to bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Accepts surge current from either direction; connects to line being protected (e.g., RS-485 A/B, USB D+, D−). |
| Cathode | Transient current exit point (bidirectional) | Completes low-impedance path to ground or return rail during clamping; electrically identical to anode in CA devices. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC-coupled or differential interfaces (e.g., CAN, RS-485) without polarity-sensitive layout. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) when mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., 165 V clamping vs. 120 V nominal system rail. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 automotive-grade variants available; E3 suffix indicates RoHS-compliant commercial grade with MSL level 1 rating. |
| Fast response time (< 1 ns) | Activates before most semiconductor damage thresholds are exceeded, preserving gate oxides and logic inputs. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interfaces | Telecom Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines (4–20 mA) and digital I/O (RS-485) in PLC modules exposed to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair or between signal and ground to clamp EFT and surge-induced spikes. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to isolated ADCs and transceivers while maintaining signal fidelity below 102 V operating range. |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor-facing ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end clamping device on twisted-pair lines, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary protection. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤165 V within 1 ns, ensuring compliance with ITU-T K.21 basic protection requirements. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Consumer Power Adapter Inputs |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window motor drivers against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in 12 V systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on low-speed communication lines where AEC-Q101 qualified variants (P4SMA120CAHE3) are deployed. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 100 V/50 ms pulses up to 300 W, extending reliability beyond standard commercial-grade requirements. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression on AC-DC adapter PCBs subjected to mains-borne transients per IEC 61000-4-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense on primary-side rectifier outputs or secondary-side DC rails feeding SMPS controllers. Use Value: 400 W rating allows single-device handling of 1.2/50 µs + 8/20 µs combo waveforms when paired with appropriate current-limiting impedance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120CA | Same VWM (102 V), higher PPPM (600 W), larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (4.58 mm × 3.94 mm). | Better suited for higher-energy transients; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or when thermal margin is constrained and lower RθJA (85 °C/W) is needed. |
| 1.5KE120CA | Same VWM (102 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), axial-leaded DO-15 package; not SMT-compatible. | Designed for through-hole prototyping or legacy designs; incompatible with automated SMT assembly. | Choose only for manual assembly, repair, or evaluation where reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMBJ120CA and 1.5KE120CA, the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, 400 W surge handling, and RoHS-compliant tape-and-reel delivery (7500 pcs/reel), making it ideal for high-volume SMT production of space-constrained industrial electronics.
Availability
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, automotive body control modules, and consumer power adapter inputs requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh electromagnetic environments, targeting cost-sensitive yet performance-critical applications across industrial automation, communications infrastructure, and automotive subsystems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA120CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 165 V at 1.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88367 and reflects worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for verifying compatibility with downstream IC voltage ratings.
Is the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA120CA-E3/5A itself is a commercial-grade RoHS-compliant part (E3 suffix), but Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions under HE3 and HM3 suffixes (e.g., P4SMA120CAHE3_A). For automotive use, specify the HE3/HM3 variant; the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A is intended for industrial and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA120CA-E3/5A denotes a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants, the CA version provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - essential for protecting AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or circuits where voltage polarity reversal may occur during transients.
How is thermal performance affected by PCB layout for the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
Thermal performance of the P4SMA120CA-E3/5A depends heavily on copper pad area: the 400 W rating assumes mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Reducing pad size increases junction temperature rise - e.g., smaller pads may limit usable PPPM to ≤300 W even at 25 °C ambient, per Figure 2 in datasheet 88367.
What is the meaning of the "/5A" in P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
The "/5A" in P4SMA120CA-E3/5A specifies the packaging option: 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This contrasts with "/61", which denotes 7-inch reels of 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and mechanical specifications - only packaging and quantity differ.
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 102V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 114V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 165V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 300W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA120CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA120CA-E3/5A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA120CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA120CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA120CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA120CA-E3/5A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that P4SMA120CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA120CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA120CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA120CA-E3/5A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The P4SMA120CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA120CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA120CA-E3/5A Tags

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