Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA12CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA12CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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 min/max = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 10.2 V standoff voltage (VWM), 16.7 V maximum 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 signal lines in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA12CAHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA12CAHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA12CAHE3/5A application, or P4SMA12CAHE3/5A equivalent, this device delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, glass-passivated junction, and bidirectional surge suppression for robust ESD and lightning-induced transient protection in space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4SMA12CAHE3/5A operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping both positive and negative transients above its breakdown threshold without polarity marking. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast-rising ESD events (response time < 1 ns), while thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) supports operation up to 150 °C junction temperature under defined pad layout conditions.
It complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and ISO 7637-2 (automotive load dump) immunity requirements when applied with appropriate series impedance. The device is rated for repetitive 0.01% duty cycle pulses and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 of the datasheet.
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 for reliable clamping margin over VWM |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; sets safe operating ceiling |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 24.0 A (10/1000 µs) - actual clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure; enables protection against 1 kV/500 A surges |
| IPPM | 24.0 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device sustains without degradation |
| Junction Temp. Range | –65 °C to +150 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments with wide thermal cycling |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD HBM/MM |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H); cathode band absent per bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Connects to protected line; conducts during negative transients and reverse-biased during positive transients |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Connects to protected line; conducts during positive transients and reverse-biased during negative transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under humidity and thermal stress |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Supports standard lead-free reflow without preconditioning or baking |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Provides higher surge margin than 200 W TVS devices for demanding industrial and automotive transients |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS modules requiring zero defect rates |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Signal Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN, LIN, or analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential or single-ended signal lines to clamp transients before they reach interface ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to precision ADC front-ends and transceiver ICs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input/output terminals of programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on each I/O line to absorb 1 kV EFT bursts and 6 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-4/4-2. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and firmware resets caused by transient-induced logic errors in 24 V DC control circuits. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Clamping output rail transients in wall-mounted AC/DC adapters subjected to mains surges and capacitor discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed between secondary-side DC output and ground to limit overvoltage spikes reaching downstream regulators and USB ports. Use Value: Maintains regulated 5 V/12 V output integrity during 10/700 µs telecom surges, preventing brownouts and data corruption. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or DSL line drivers from induced lightning surges on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS installed at line interface connector to shunt common-mode surges before transformer coupling. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to ≤16.7 V, preserving PHY IC's absolute maximum ratings while meeting GR-1089-CORE surge immunity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Higher package thermal mass (SMB/DO-214AA); RθJA = 85 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W; same VBR, VC, and PPPM | Better power dissipation in high-duty-cycle scenarios; requires larger PCB footprint (4.58 mm × 3.94 mm) | Select SMBJ12CA when board layout allows larger pad area and thermal performance outweighs size constraints. |
| 1.5KE12CA | Through-hole (DO-201AE); 1500 W PPPM; VC = 20.1 V at 75 A; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Higher surge capacity but incompatible with automated SMT assembly and automotive qualification requirements | Choose 1.5KE12CA only for legacy through-hole designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated and surge levels exceed 400 W. |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the P4SMA12CAHE3/5A offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, compact SMA footprint, and verified 400 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and space-limited industrial designs requiring zero rework risk and full RoHS/halogen-free traceability.
Availability
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O protection, and consumer power adapter development requiring stable component supply, full AEC-Q101 documentation, and 13-inch tape-and-reel delivery for high-volume SMT production.
Supply support for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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, TVS, and MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection needs in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - delivering standardized TVS performance with AEC-Q101 qualification and extended voltage range coverage in ultra-compact SMA packages.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA12CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA12CAHE3/5A denotes a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA12A), the CA version provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients without polarity marking - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal lines where voltage polarity is undefined. This functionality is confirmed in the Vishay P4SMA datasheet Section "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS".
Is P4SMA12CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA12CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via the "HE3" suffix (RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified). It has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and human-body-model ESD (HBM), making it suitable for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS modules where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is critical.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA12CAHE3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA12CAHE3/5A is 16.7 V at 24.0 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 and Table on page 2 of the Vishay P4SMA datasheet (Document Number: 88367), and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a standardized surge event - directly enabling system-level overvoltage margin calculations.
How does the "/5A" in P4SMA12CAHE3/5A affect packaging and ordering?
The "/5A" suffix in P4SMA12CAHE3/5A specifies a 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel delivery format containing 7500 units per reel. This contrasts with "/61", which denotes a 7-inch reel with 1800 units. The /5A variant is optimized for high-volume SMT production lines requiring longer uninterrupted placement runs and reduced reel change frequency - confirmed in the "ORDERING INFORMATION" table on page 3 of the Vishay datasheet.
Does P4SMA12CAHE3/5A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes, P4SMA12CAHE3/5A must be mounted on minimum recommended copper pad areas (0.2" × 0.2" / 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm per terminal) to achieve its rated 400 W peak pulse power and thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W). Deviating from this layout reduces surge capability and increases junction temperature - as specified in Note (1) under "MAXIMUM RATINGS" and illustrated in the "Mounting Pad Layout" diagram on page 5 of the Vishay P4SMA datasheet.
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA12CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A?
P4SMA12CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA12CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA12CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA12CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA12CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA12CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA12CAHE3/5A?
All P4SMA12CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA12CAHE3/5A, 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 P4SMA12CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA12CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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