Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4SMA12C
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12C.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 12V, 10%, BIDIRECTIONAL, T
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,244
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, rated for 400W peak pulse power (10/1000μs), 12V nominal breakdown voltage (11.4–12.6V), and 16.7V maximum clamping voltage at 25A. It protects DC power rails in switching mode power supplies and on-board DC/DC converters against ESD and surge events per ISO 7637-2.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12C datasheet, P4SMA12C pinout, P4SMA12C application, or P4SMA12C equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional/bidirectional configuration (C = bidirectional), clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, leakage current at working voltage (≤1μA @ 10.2V), and thermal derating above 25°C ambient.
Technical Context
The P4SMA12C implements a silicon avalanche junction with glass passivation for stable breakdown and low leakage. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns.
It delivers sub-1ps response time and meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b waveforms - critical for automotive electronics and industrial power interfaces where fast transients must be suppressed before reaching downstream regulators or controllers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 11.4V / 12.6V at 1mA test current - defines guaranteed breakdown onset across temperature and unit variation |
| VWM | 10.2V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; system rail must stay below this to avoid leakage-induced power loss |
| VC@IPPM | 16.7V at 25A (10/1000μs) - peak clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| IR@VWM | ≤1μA - ensures negligible standby current draw in battery-powered or low-power systems |
| PPPM | 400W - peak surge energy handling capacity under standardized 10/1000μs waveform |
| TJ max | +150°C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in high-ambient environments like engine control units |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - industry-standard SMD outline with 0.060g mass and J-STD-002 solderable matte tin leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package with cathode band marking; bidirectional symmetry means no anode/cathode assignment - terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals conduct identically during positive or negative overvoltage events; no polarity-sensitive placement required |
| Cathode band (marking) | Manufacturing orientation indicator | Present for traceability only; does not define functional polarity in bidirectional P4SMA12C |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low IR drift over temperature and lifetime |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated protection against automotive load dump and inductive switching transients (Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b) |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Zero bake requirement before reflow; compatible with standard SMT assembly lines without dry pack handling |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS directives for environmentally constrained applications |
| Fast response time <1ps | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuits experience overstress - critical for USB, CAN, and sensor interfaces |
Applications
| Switching Mode Power Supply (SMPS) | Automotive On-Board Charger |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Input stage of 12V/24V DC-DC converter subjected to load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed across input bus to limit transient voltage to ≤16.7V. Use Value: Prevents damage to upstream rectifier and downstream controller ICs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events up to 400W peak power. | Use Scenario: Protection of 12V auxiliary power rail feeding infotainment and ADAS modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (10.2V) aligns with nominal 12V system; clamps negative transients from relay coil flyback and positive spikes from alternator regulation faults. Use Value: Enables compliance with OEM EMC requirements while maintaining <1μA leakage to preserve battery standby life. |
| LED Driver Module | Industrial PLC I/O Terminal |
Use Scenario: Output protection for constant-current LED driver exposed to cable discharge events (CDE) and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across LED string terminals to absorb reverse-polarity surges and ESD without affecting forward conduction. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry eliminates need for dual-diode arrangements; 16.7V clamping prevents LED overvoltage failure during 8kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. | Use Scenario: Signal line protection on 24V digital input module subject to field wiring transients and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted directly at connector entry point to shunt induced surges before reaching optocoupler or microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: Sub-1ps response ensures clamping occurs prior to propagation delay of isolation barrier, preserving signal integrity and functional safety integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA (Bourns) | Same DO-214AA package; 400W rating; VBR = 13.3–14.7V; VC = 19.9V @ 20.1A | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 12V-rail ICs with 18V absolute max ratings | Select when higher VBR tolerance is acceptable and board layout uses SMB footprint |
| 1.5KE12CA (ON Semiconductor) | Through-hole DO-201 package; 1500W rating; VBR = 12.8–14.2V; VC = 19.2V @ 78.1A | Not SMD-compatible; suited for prototyping or high-energy legacy designs | Choose only if through-hole assembly is mandated and surge energy exceeds 400W |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the P4SMA12C offers tighter VBR tolerance (11.4–12.6V), lower clamping (16.7V), and SMD DO-214AC compatibility - making it optimal for space-constrained 12V automotive and industrial PCBs requiring precise, low-leakage transient suppression.
Availability
P4SMA12C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switching mode power supplies, automotive on-board chargers, and industrial PLC I/O terminals requiring stable component supply and full ISO 7637-2 compliance.
Supply support for P4SMA12C 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The P4SMA series was designed specifically for surface-mount surge protection in compact, high-reliability DC power systems - emphasizing low leakage, tight VBR distribution, and robust ISO 7637-2 immunity.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix indicate in P4SMA12C?
The "C" suffix in P4SMA12C denotes bidirectional configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA12), the P4SMA12C has symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both polarities - enabling use in AC-coupled lines, floating grounds, or systems where voltage polarity reversal may occur. This eliminates the need for polarity-aware placement during SMT assembly.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA12C under standard surge conditions?
The P4SMA12C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7V when subjected to a 10/1000μs waveform peak impulse current (IPPM) of 25A. This value is measured per JEDEC/IEC standards and represents the highest voltage that will appear across the protected circuit during a defined surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.
Is P4SMA12C compliant with automotive transient standards?
Yes, the P4SMA12C meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a (sudden load removal), Pulse 2b (supply line inductance), Pulse 3a (capacitive coupling), and Pulse 3b (ground noise). Its 400W peak power rating and sub-1ps response time make it suitable for protecting ECUs, body control modules, and infotainment power inputs in 12V automotive systems.
How does the leakage current of P4SMA12C compare to other 12V TVS diodes?
The P4SMA12C specifies maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1μA at its working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 10.2V. This is significantly lower than many competing 12V TVS diodes - such as SMBJ12CA (5μA @ 10.2V) - making the P4SMA12C especially suitable for battery-backed or ultra-low-power systems where standby current budget is critical.
What is the thermal derating behavior of P4SMA12C above 25°C ambient?
The P4SMA12C follows a linear derating curve starting at 25°C: its 400W peak pulse power rating decreases by approximately 3.3W/°C above 25°C ambient, reaching zero at +150°C junction temperature. Engineers must apply this derating when designing for high-temperature enclosures or under-hood automotive locations - using the published Pulse Derating Curve (Fig.2 in TSC S2102 datasheet) to confirm safe operation at target ambient conditions.
P4SMA12C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA12C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12C 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 P4SMA12C reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA12C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12C?
P4SMA12C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12C 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 P4SMA12C?
For technical support, including P4SMA12C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12C 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 P4SMA12C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12C?
All P4SMA12C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12C, 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 P4SMA12C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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