Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA15A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA15A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA15A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA15A-E3/5A 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 12.8 V standoff voltage (VWM), 14.3–15.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18.9 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 industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA15A-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA15A-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA15A-E3/5A application, or P4SMA15A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA15A-E3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response to transient overvoltage events. Its clamping behavior is defined by a 21.2 V VC at 18.9 A IPPM under 10/1000 µs waveform, with low incremental surge resistance ensuring minimal voltage overshoot during ESD or inductive switching events.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation from –65 °C to +150 °C. The device is rated for 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation at 50 °C ambient on infinite heatsink and withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Standoff) | 12.8 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; sets operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown) | 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| VC (Clamping) | 21.2 V at 18.9 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs transient; defines protection window for downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust suppression of IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges. |
| IPPM | 18.9 A - Peak pulse current supported at VC; determines minimum trace width and layout derating for PCB design. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized SMT outline with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad requirement; supports automated pick-and-place. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking. Terminals are matte tin plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane; forms clamping loop with cathode. |
| Cathode | Transient voltage sensing and clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., VCC, signal); conducts when VAK exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements up to 1 kV open-circuit test level. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) across temperature and lifetime. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow without preconditioning; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | P4SMA15AHE3_A meets automotive-grade reliability for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor protection. |
| Low profile and automated placement compatible | 0.208" × 0.157" footprint and 0.090" height enable high-density routing in space-constrained consumer and telecom modules. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between sensor signal line and chassis ground to clamp transients before reaching ADC input or op-amp buffer. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤21.2 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V or 5 V interface ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across input terminal and common rail to shunt inductive kickback energy away from optocoupler or Schmitt trigger inputs. Use Value: Withstands 40 A surge current and clamps within 1 ns, preventing false triggering and long-term degradation of isolation barriers. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters powering USB-C PD devices or smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across DC output rails to absorb residual transients escaping primary-side MOV and Y-cap filtering. Use Value: 12.8 V VWM aligns with 12 V nominal output; 21.2 V VC stays below 24 V absolute maximum ratings of downstream PMICs and USB controllers. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling in security or building automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Used in conjunction with common-mode chokes and GDTs in multi-stage protection schemes on data line pairs. Use Value: Low capacitance (<100 pF at VWM) avoids signal integrity loss at 100 Mbps; 400 W rating handles 10/700 µs telecom surge waveforms. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A (Bourns) | Same VWM (12.8 V), identical VC (21.2 V), but SMB package (DO-214AA) - 20 % larger footprint and 20 % higher RθJA (140 °C/W). | Less suitable for ultra-dense layouts; requires larger copper pads (0.25" × 0.25") for thermal performance. | Select when board space permits and legacy SMB footprint is standardized. |
| 1.5SMC15A (ON Semiconductor) | Identical electrical specs (VWM, VBR, VC, PPPM), but SMC (DO-214AB) package - 30 % larger than SMA and rated for 1500 W peak power (over-spec'd for same clamping). | Over-engineered for most 400 W applications; introduces unnecessary cost and board area penalty. | Prefer only if existing SMC-based designs require drop-in replacement without layout change. |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the P4SMA15A-E3/5A delivers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, industry-standard thermal derating, and precise 400 W surge rating - making it ideal for new designs prioritizing miniaturization and cost efficiency without sacrificing protection margin.
Availability
P4SMA15A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive sensor modules, consumer power adapters, and telecom line interfaces requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA15A-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive qualification.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 readiness are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA15A-E3/5A under standard test conditions?
The P4SMA15A-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V when subjected to an 18.9 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform at TA = 25 °C. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V, 5 V, or 12 V system rails. The P4SMA15A-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P4SMA15A-E3/5A RoHS-compliant and suitable for lead-free reflow?
Yes, the P4SMA15A-E3/5A carries the "E3" suffix indicating RoHS-compliant construction and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 requirements, with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C. Its matte tin-plated terminals are fully compatible with standard lead-free soldering processes, including single-pass reflow, and require no pre-baking. The P4SMA15A-E3/5A is certified per JEDEC JESD22-B102 for solderability and JESD201 Class 2 for whisker resistance.
How does the P4SMA15A-E3/5A differ from bidirectional variants like P4SMA15CA?
The P4SMA15A-E3/5A is unidirectional, meaning it conducts only in reverse bias above VBR, with polarity marked by a cathode band. In contrast, P4SMA15CA is bidirectional and symmetrical - conducting in both directions with identical VBR and VC characteristics. The P4SMA15A-E3/5A is selected for DC power rail or single-polarity signal line protection, while P4SMA15CA suits AC-coupled or differential bus applications like RS-485 or CAN where polarity reversal occurs.
What is the thermal resistance and power derating behavior of the P4SMA15A-E3/5A?
The P4SMA15A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. Its 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation is rated at TA = 50 °C on an infinite heatsink; above that, power must be linearly derated by 26.4 mW/°C. Derating curves per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet show 400 W pulse capability drops to ~280 W at TJ = 100 °C - essential for thermal design validation of the P4SMA15A-E3/5A in enclosed enclosures.
Can the P4SMA15A-E3/5A be used in automotive applications?
While the base P4SMA15A-E3/5A is commercial-grade, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101 qualified variant P4SMA15AHE3_A (with "HE3" suffix and revision code "A") for automotive use. This version undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 including HTOL, TC, and UHAST, and is approved for engine bay, body control, and ADAS sensor protection. The P4SMA15A-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 certified, so automotive designs must specify the HE3 variant to meet OEM reliability requirements.
P4SMA15A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.9A
- 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)
P4SMA15A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA15A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA15A-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 P4SMA15A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA15A-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 P4SMA15A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA15A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA15A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA15A-E3/5A?
P4SMA15A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA15A-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 P4SMA15A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA15A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA15A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA15A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA15A-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 P4SMA15A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA15A-E3/5A?
All P4SMA15A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA15A-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 P4SMA15A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA15A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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