Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA12A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 10.2 V maximum stand-off voltage (VWM), and clamps transients to ≤16.7 V at 24.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and DC power rail surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12A-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA12A-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA12A-E3/5A application, or P4SMA12A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated SMT assembly, and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HE3/HM3 variants.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, limiting transient energy to protected downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W supports operation up to TJ = 150 °C.
The device responds within picoseconds to fast-rising transients and maintains low dynamic impedance during clamping. It is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine) and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak), enabling reliable use in high-volume commercial and automotive-grade PCB assemblies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise avalanche onset window for predictable clamping threshold |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤16.7 V at 24.0 A (10/1000 µs) - peak clamped voltage seen by protected IC or MOSFET during surge event |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power dissipation capability under standard lightning/surge waveform |
| IPPM | 24.0 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely conducts without failure |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads, critical for thermal derating |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum allowable junction temperature, supporting extended operation in under-hood or industrial enclosures |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band marking on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / reverse voltage reference node | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); determines unidirectional conduction direction |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal / high-side connection | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal input) to shunt surges to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges without external series impedance |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low long-term parameter drift under thermal cycling |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C) | Supports single-reflow SMT assembly without moisture-related popcorn failure risk |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants available for automotive applications requiring stress-tested reliability |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for sensitive 3.3 V/5 V logic |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to limit voltage to ≤16.7 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in automotive-grade microcontrollers and analog front-ends exposed to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump). |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges from solenoid coils and motor contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 24 V DC input channels, conducting only during >10.2 V transients to avoid false triggering. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series resistors or RC filters while maintaining fast response for real-time I/O monitoring. |
| DC Power Rail Protection | Consumer USB/Power Adapter Input |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp on 12 V DC-DC converter outputs feeding FPGA or DSP power domains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient suppressor absorbing energy from output capacitor discharge or regulator fault conditions. Use Value: Limits worst-case rail excursion to 16.7 V, preserving 12 V ±10 % supply integrity for downstream logic and memory. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression in wall-mounted USB-C PD adapters handling 9–15 V input rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense against ESD and conducted transients entering via AC/DC rectifier output or secondary-side filtering. Use Value: Meets UL 497B recognition requirements and withstands repetitive 400 W pulses without degradation in compact SMA footprint. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same SMA package, identical VBR (11.4–12.6 V), but lower PPPM = 400 W only at TA ≤ 25 °C; derates faster above ambient | Less suitable for high-temperature industrial enclosures (>85 °C ambient) due to steeper thermal derating curve | Select P4SMA12A-E3/5A when sustained operation above 70 °C or tighter VC consistency across temperature is required |
| 1.5SMC12A | Higher-power SMC package (PPPM = 1500 W), larger footprint (DO-214AB), same VBR/VC specs | Used where higher surge energy absorption is needed, but incompatible with dense layouts requiring SMA size | Choose P4SMA12A-E3/5A for space-constrained designs needing full 400 W capability in minimal area (SMA vs. SMC) |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5SMC12A, the P4SMA12A-E3/5A delivers optimal balance of 400 W surge capacity, DO-214AC footprint, and thermal stability - making it preferred for automotive and industrial SMT applications where board area and consistent clamping performance are prioritized over raw energy rating.
Availability
P4SMA12A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and traceable sourcing for production programs.
Supply support for P4SMA12A-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 readiness, and robust SMT manufacturability in the SMA package.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA12A-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The P4SMA12A-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 24.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C with recommended PCB pad layout (0.2" × 0.2" copper per terminal). The actual clamped voltage may rise slightly at elevated junction temperatures due to positive VC temperature coefficient.
Is the P4SMA12A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA12A-E3/5A itself is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions under ordering codes like P4SMA12AHE3_A (E3 suffix + HE3 automotive grade). For automotive use, specify the HE3 or HM3 variant - the P4SMA12A-E3/5A base part is not AEC-Q101 certified but shares identical electrical and thermal characteristics with its qualified siblings.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix mean in P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
In P4SMA12A-E3/5A, "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This contrasts with "/61", which indicates 7-inch reel (1800 units). Both formats meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance standards.
How does the P4SMA12A-E3/5A compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4SMA12CA?
The P4SMA12A-E3/5A is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., 12 V rail to ground); it blocks forward current until VF ≈ 1.2 V. In contrast, P4SMA12CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions - used for AC lines or data buses like RS-485. They share identical VBR, VC, and PPPM, but differ in polarity marking and application scope.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for the P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
The P4SMA12A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe operation under repetitive surges, minimize trace length, maximize copper area, and avoid thermal isolation - especially critical when ambient exceeds 70 °C or duty cycle increases beyond 0.01 %.
P4SMA12A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
P4SMA12A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12A-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 P4SMA12A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12A-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 P4SMA12A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
P4SMA12A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12A-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 P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA12A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12A-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 P4SMA12A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
All P4SMA12A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12A-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 P4SMA12A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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