Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA12AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12AHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 10.2 V maximum stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 24.0 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12AHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA12AHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA12AHE3/5A application, or P4SMA12AHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pad layouts.
Technical Context
The P4SMA12AHE3/5A operates as a clamping-type TVS diode, entering avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its 11.4–12.6 V breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and fast response (<1 ns), while the SMA package provides thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead).
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform at TA = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2; maximum reverse leakage is 1.0 µA at 10.2 V, and forward surge capability reaches 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine). The device meets MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 24.0 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - peak transient energy handling capacity on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with cathode band marking and RoHS-compliant matte tin leads |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - validated for automotive electronics reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, cathode indicated by a band on the body; terminals are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102, rated for 260 °C peak reflow (MSL Level 1).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path; defines polarity for unidirectional clamping |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts transient current to ground when VREV > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges without derating on standard PCB pads |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring long-term field stability |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures tight VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1 µA), and stable performance across -65 °C to +150 °C |
| Low profile SMA package | Supports high-density PCB layouts and automated pick-and-place assembly with JEDEC-standard footprint |
| 120 °C/W RθJA | Allows thermal design margin for sustained 3.3 W power dissipation at 50 °C ambient with minimal heatsinking |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients (up to 35 V, 100 ms) on 12 V battery-fed ECUs in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input, conducting only during overvoltage events. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream regulators to ≤16.7 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 24 V-tolerant LDOs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-mode TVS connected across signal and ground, activated only during ESD or inductive switching spikes. Use Value: Clamps transients to <17 V while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 10.2 V, preserving signal integrity and ADC accuracy. |
| Consumer Device USB Port Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding VBUS and D+/D- lines in USB 2.0 ports of smart home hubs against human-body-model ESD (±8 kV contact). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS after common-mode choke, shunting fast transients before they reach USB transceivers. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to clamp ESD pulses to ≤16.7 V, meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 without degrading signal rise time. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHY power rails (3.3 V/5 V) in telecom access equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient suppressor on DC input to PoE PD controllers, coordinated with GDT or MOV stages. Use Value: Handles 400 W surges per IEEE C62.41.2 Category B/C waveforms while maintaining low capacitance (<100 pF) to avoid signal distortion. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A-E3/52 | Higher 600 W PPPM, SMB package (DO-214AA), 12.2–13.5 V VBR, 19.9 V VC at 30.1 A | Better surge margin for harsher environments; larger footprint requires layout change | Select when higher pulse power or legacy SMB footprint compatibility is required |
| 1.5SMC12A | Same VBR/VWM range, but SMC (DO-214AB) package, 16.7 V VC at 24.0 A, 1500 W PPPM | Designed for higher-energy transients; larger thermal mass supports longer duty cycles | Choose for industrial motor drives where repetitive surge exposure exceeds SMA thermal limits |
Compared with P4SMA12AHE3/5A, SMBJ12A-E3/52 offers greater surge headroom in a slightly larger package, while 1.5SMC12A provides significantly higher pulse energy handling in a physically larger SMC outline - both require PCB redesign but deliver extended protection margins where SMA's 400 W limit is insufficient.
Availability
P4SMA12AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent lead-time visibility.
Supply support for P4SMA12AHE3/5A 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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for board-level transient suppression in space-constrained applications, balancing high pulse power, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 validation for automotive and industrial end-equipment.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
The P4SMA12AHE3/5A has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1 mA test current, representing ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures predictable clamping behavior in designs where precise overvoltage thresholds are critical, such as 12 V automotive power rail protection. The value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in the Vishay P4SMA datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024.
Is P4SMA12AHE3/5A suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, P4SMA12AHE3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. It conducts only in reverse bias above VBR; forward conduction follows standard silicon diode characteristics. For bidirectional protection, Vishay specifies part numbers ending in "CA", such as P4SMA12CA. Using P4SMA12AHE3/5A in bidirectional applications risks failure during positive transients on the anode side.
What does the "HE3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
The "HE3" denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This contrasts with "/61", which indicates 7-inch reels of 1800 units. The HE3 grade ensures compliance with automotive reliability standards including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and high-temperature reverse bias life testing - all verified for P4SMA12AHE3/5A.
How does P4SMA12AHE3/5A perform under elevated ambient temperatures?
P4SMA12AHE3/5A derates linearly above 25 °C ambient: its 400 W peak pulse power drops to ~300 W at 85 °C and ~200 W at 125 °C, per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet. Continuous power dissipation (PD) remains 3.3 W up to 50 °C, then decreases with rising temperature. Designers must apply these derating curves when sizing thermal pads or estimating safe operating area for repeated surge events in hot environments like engine compartments.
Can P4SMA12AHE3/5A be used in place of P4SMA12A-E3/5A?
Yes - P4SMA12AHE3/5A is the AEC-Q101 qualified version of P4SMA12A-E3/5A, sharing identical electrical parameters (VBR, VWM, VC, PPPM) and SMA package dimensions. The "H" in HE3 confirms automotive qualification, while E3 alone indicates commercial-grade RoHS compliance. Both use the same 7500-unit 13-inch reel packaging (/5A), making P4SMA12AHE3/5A a drop-in upgrade for automotive applications without layout or schematic changes.
P4SMA12AHE3/5A 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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA12AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA12AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
P4SMA12AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA12AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12AHE3/5A?
All P4SMA12AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12AHE3/5A, 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 P4SMA12AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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