Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA12CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12CA-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 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 10.2 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs waveform), making it suitable for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA12CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA12CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA12CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping voltage (VC = 16.7 V at IPPM), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA12CA-E3/5A operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transient overvoltages in both polarities without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while its low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during ESD or inductive switching events.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation up to TJ = 150 °C. The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power at 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Figure 2, and handles non-repetitive surge currents up to 24.0 A (10/1000 µs).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at IT = 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for bidirectional clamping |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 24.0 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, limiting stress on downstream components |
| IPPM | 24.0 A - peak pulse current survivable under 10/1000 µs waveform, critical for surge immunity design |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capacity, enabling protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature, supporting operation in under-hood automotive or industrial enclosures |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm thermal pad footprint |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity) | One terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; conducts during negative transients |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity) | Other terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; conducts during positive transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and telecom interfaces |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of downstream IC latch-up or damage |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants available for automotive applications requiring reliability validation |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity limitations |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Signal Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN, LIN, or analog sensor outputs (e.g., temperature, pressure) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential or single-ended signal lines to clamp transients before they reach MCU ADC or transceiver inputs. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤16.7 V during 24 A surges, preventing sensor interface damage while maintaining signal integrity under normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring transients and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on each input channel to shunt inductive kickback energy away from optocoupler or Schmitt trigger inputs. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 400 W surges and maintains <1 µA leakage at 10.2 V, ensuring low false-trigger risk and long-term reliability in harsh factory environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Power Supply Input Clamping |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor or unshielded cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping device located at connector entry point, preceding gas discharge tube or secondary filtering. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response captures initial surge edge; 16.7 V clamping prevents transceiver overvoltage beyond absolute maximum ratings during multi-kV events. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing turn-on/turn-off spikes on 12 V DC input rails of smart home hubs, set-top boxes, or USB-C PD adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed directly across input capacitor to absorb localized switching noise and ESD events. Use Value: 10.2 V VWM allows safe operation with 12 V nominal supply; 400 W rating handles repeated inrush-related transients without degradation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Higher 600 W PPPM, larger SMB (DO-214AA) package, same VBR/VC specs | Requires larger PCB footprint; better suited for higher-energy surge zones (e.g., AC mains input) | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or when thermal margin demands lower RθJA |
| 1.5KE12CA | Through-hole TO-204AE (DO-201AE) package, 1500 W PPPM, higher VC = 19.9 V | Not SMT-compatible; used in legacy or high-power front-end designs where board space is less constrained | Choose only for through-hole prototyping or where existing footprint mandates DO-201AE form factor |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the P4SMA12CA-E3/5A offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, 400 W surge capability, and low-profile mounting-ideal for space-constrained SMT designs where full 600 W or 1500 W rating is unnecessary.
Availability
P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive sensor modules, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with consistent RoHS-compliant manufacturing and tape-and-reel delivery.
Supply support for P4SMA12CA-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 robust transient suppression in high-volume SMT applications, targeting cost-sensitive yet performance-critical roles in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics where bidirectional clamping and AEC-Q101 readiness matter.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA12CA-E3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage clamping for both positive and negative polarity transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA12A), the P4SMA12CA-E3/5A has no cathode band marking and functions identically in either orientation-critical for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths where polarity is undefined.
Is P4SMA12CA-E3/5A AEC-Q101 qualified?
The base P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, AEC-Q101 qualification is available via the HE3 or HM3 automotive ordering variants (e.g., P4SMA12CAHE3_A). These variants undergo additional stress testing per AEC-Q101 and carry automotive-grade traceability-P4SMA12CA-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 certified unless ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA12CA-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is 16.7 V at IPPM = 24.0 A, measured with a 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the peak voltage seen across the device during a 400 W transient event and is essential for verifying that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.
Can P4SMA12CA-E3/5A be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4SMA12A?
No-P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is strictly bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas P4SMA12A is unidirectional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires circuit redesign: P4SMA12CA-E3/5A can protect AC or floating nodes but cannot replace P4SMA12A in DC-biased applications where forward conduction must be blocked in one direction. Always verify signal topology before interchange.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA12CA-E3/5A has RθJA = 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), measured on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per JEDEC standards. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under 400 W pulses, ensure minimum copper pad area per terminal and avoid excessive trace length-thermal performance degrades significantly with undersized pads or poor copper fill around the SMA footprint.
P4SMA12CA-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):
- 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)
P4SMA12CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12CA-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 P4SMA12CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12CA-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 P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA12CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12CA-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 P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA12CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12CA-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 P4SMA12CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA12CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12CA-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 P4SMA12CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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