Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA12AHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12AHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 12 V standoff voltage (VWM = 10.2 V), 16.7 V clamping voltage at 24.0 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), and 400 W peak pulse power. It features AEC-Q101 qualification, glass passivated junction, and is designed for automotive-grade overvoltage protection on power rails and signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12AHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA12AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10.2 V working voltage, 16.7 V clamping performance under 24 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification status, SMA package thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA12AHE3_A/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche-clamping device, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown range of 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA test current. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures stable clamping during fast transients, with response time under 1 ns.
Designed for transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), it delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform) at TA = 25 °C, derating to 300 W above 91 V and fully de-rated per Fig. 2 above 25 °C ambient. Junction temperature is rated from –65 °C to +150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 10.2 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC rail margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 11.4–12.6 V at IT = 1 mA - Avalanche initiation threshold; tight 10% tolerance enables precise overvoltage trip setting. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 16.7 V at IPPM = 24.0 A (10/1000 µs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustains high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) without failure when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 µA max at VWM - Negligible standby current; avoids battery drain or signal distortion in low-power sensor interfaces. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures with elevated ambient temperatures. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD-HBM/MM, supporting ASIL-B system designs. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode indicated by band; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line. | Provides low VF path during fault conditions; must be routed to ground or return plane with minimal inductance. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked with band; connected to higher-potential side (e.g., supply rail). | Defines clamping direction: suppresses positive transients on cathode-connected lines; reverse connection disables protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use per stress tests including HTOL, TCT, and HBM ESD ≥ 8 kV - supports functional safety-compliant ECUs and ADAS modules. |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhances long-term reliability and moisture resistance vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives - critical for under-hood and outdoor industrial deployments. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) surges up to 60 V/100 ms when properly heatsinked - protects 12 V automotive power supplies. |
| Low profile SMA package | Height ≤ 2.29 mm - enables compact PCB layouts in space-constrained modules like body control units and sensor nodes. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Compatible with standard lead-free SMT reflow profiles without preconditioning - simplifies manufacturing and reduces assembly risk. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontrollers and CAN transceivers from load dump and jump-start transients in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VCC and GND, clamping surges before they reach LDO inputs or MCU VDD pins. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 16.7 V during 24 A transients - well below 30 V absolute maximum ratings of common automotive MCUs and transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (4–20 mA) and digital I/O (RS-485, I²C) of PLC I/O modules against EFT and ESD in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on field-side signal lines, shunting fast transients (<1 ns rise time) to local ground before reaching isolation barriers or ADC front-ends. Use Value: Sub-µA leakage at 10.2 V prevents output current error in precision 4–20 mA loops; 16.7 V clamping preserves 24 V logic interface integrity. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 5–12 V DC outputs of wall adapters and USB-C PD chargers exposed to capacitor discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp across regulated output, activated only during overvoltage faults to avoid interfering with normal regulation. Use Value: 400 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges from faulty switching elements; RoHS-compliant and halogen-free (HE3 suffix) meets global eco-regulations. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection on -48 V telecom power feeds and data lines in central office line cards subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage TVS on -48 V bus, absorbing bulk energy before secondary protection (e.g., MOVs or GDTs) engages. Use Value: 120 °C/W RθJA allows direct mounting on copper pour without thermal vias; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures robustness in 24/7 carrier-grade systems. |
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-E3/5A | Same VWM (10.2 V), VC (16.7 V), and PPPM (400 W), but not AEC-Q101 qualified; MSL Level 1, RoHS-compliant. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for commercial/industrial use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMAJ12A-E3/5A for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs requiring identical electrical specs and SMA footprint. |
| 1.5SMC12A | Higher package thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 150 °C/W), larger SMC (DO-214AB) footprint, same VWM/VC/PPPM; AEC-Q101 not specified. | Requires more PCB area and offers inferior thermal performance; not validated for automotive stress testing. | Choose 1.5SMC12A only if legacy SMC layout exists and automotive qualification is unnecessary; otherwise prefer P4SMA12AHE3_A/I for space and reliability. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and 1.5SMC12A, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, low-profile SMA packaging, and verified 400 W surge capability - making it the optimal choice for new automotive and high-reliability industrial designs where qualification, size, and thermal performance are jointly critical.
Availability
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom line card protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering robust, standardized TVS performance in compact surface-mount packages with rigorous qualification.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA12AHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA12AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V at 24.0 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions per JEDEC standards and reflects the actual voltage imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is P4SMA12AHE3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation and ordering code suffix "HE3". This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and human-body model ESD (HBM ≥ 8 kV), enabling its use in automotive control units, ADAS sensors, and infotainment systems requiring certified reliability.
What does the "HE3" and "_A/I" suffix in P4SMA12AHE3_A/I indicate?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification; "_A" specifies the revision level for devices from P4SMA6.8A to P4SMA220A; "/I" indicates packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel format with 7500 units per reel. Together, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I identifies a fully qualified, automotive-grade, high-volume production variant of the P4SMA12A TVS diode.
Can P4SMA12AHE3_A/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, P4SMA12AHE3_A/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and explicit marking as unidirectional in Vishay's datasheet. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., P4SMA12CA). Using P4SMA12AHE3_A/I in bidirectional circuits would provide protection in only one polarity and may fail catastrophically under reverse surges.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of P4SMA12AHE3_A/I?
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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, and a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +150 °C. These values define its safe operating area under sustained power dissipation and ensure reliable operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments.
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- 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_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12AHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I?
P4SMA12AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA12AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12AHE3_A/I 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_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12AHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA12AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12AHE3_A/I, 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_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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