Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA15AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA15AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA15AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA15AHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping inductive switching transients and ESD events on power and signal lines. It features a 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA), 12.8 V standoff voltage (VWM), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA15AHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA15AHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA15AHE3/5A application, or P4SMA15AHE3/5A equivalent, this device delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility, low incremental surge resistance, and fast response time - critical for robust overvoltage protection in space-constrained, high-reliability PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4SMA15AHE3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology for stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM). Its clamping action begins near 14.3 V and limits transient energy within 21.2 V at 18.9 A, enabling effective protection of 3.3 V/5 V/12 V rail components without crowbar behavior.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, supporting operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and meets MSL Level 1 reflow requirements (260 °C peak), making it suitable for automated SMT assembly in automotive-grade production.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at IT = 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for predictable clamping initiation |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 18.9 A (10/1000 µs) - peak clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 400 W - transient energy absorption capacity under standard lightning/surge test waveform |
| IFSM | 40 A - single half-sine surge current handling (8.3 ms), critical for relay/coil switch-off protection |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive electronics reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode identified by band marking; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line | Enables unidirectional clamping from cathode to ground or rail; must be routed to system reference |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked with band; connected to higher-potential side or ground | Defines clamping direction: reverse-biased during overvoltage, shunting surge current to reference node |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling - supports Tier-1 supply chain compliance |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges without derating below 91 V |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term parameter stability under thermal stress |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without preconditioning - reduces manufacturing complexity |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast transients, improving margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic-level devices |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump spikes (up to 35 V, 100 ms) and inductive kickback from solenoids/relays in 12 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input or microcontroller power pin. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤21.2 V, preventing damage to 24 V-tolerant regulators and preserving system uptime in harsh electrical environments. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors exposed to ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted directly at connector entry point, shunting fast transients before reaching precision ADC or op-amp inputs. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 21.2 V while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 12.8 V, ensuring minimal offset error in mV-level sensor signals. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Guarding primary-side rectifier and controller ICs in AC/DC adapters against line surges and lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across bulk capacitor input, referenced to ground. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W pulses without degradation, enabling compact design with UL 497B recognition and no need for series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY interface and PoE controller ICs from induced surges on RJ45 ports in enterprise switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS deployed on each differential pair (e.g., TX+/TX−), grounded via short trace to chassis. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and low VC ensure signal integrity retention during IEC 61000-4-5 testing, meeting EN 61000-4-5 Class B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A | Same VBR range (14.3–15.8 V), identical SMA package, but rated for 400 W only up to 91 V; no AEC-Q101 qualification | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for commercial/industrial use where extended temperature validation is not required | Select SMAJ15A for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs with equivalent surge requirements and no AEC-Q101 mandate |
| 1.5SMC15A | Higher package thermal mass (DO-214AB), 400 W rating maintained above 91 V, but larger footprint (7.11 × 6.22 mm vs. 4.5 × 2.79 mm) | Better thermal dissipation in high-duty-cycle surge environments, but incompatible with dense automotive PCB layouts | Choose 1.5SMC15A when board space allows and sustained surge repetition requires lower RθJA (70 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W) |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the P4SMA15AHE3/5A uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, ultra-compact SMA footprint, and full 400 W capability - making it the preferred choice for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and space-constrained industrial controllers requiring certified reliability.
Availability
P4SMA15AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent surge protection performance across production batches.
Supply support for P4SMA15AHE3/5A 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-speed transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - delivering standardized TVS performance in compact, AEC-Q101-qualified surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA15AHE3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The P4SMA15AHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V at 18.9 A peak pulse current under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88367) and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 24 V-tolerant ICs and regulators.
Is the P4SMA15AHE3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA15AHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its "HE3" suffix and documentation in the Vishay P4SMA Series datasheet (Revision 09-Jan-2024). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and ESD, making the P4SMA15AHE3/5A suitable for use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS modules.
What does the "/5A" suffix mean in P4SMA15AHE3/5A?
The "/5A" suffix in P4SMA15AHE3/5A indicates packaging in a 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units - per Vishay's ordering information table (page 3 of Document 88367). This contrasts with "/61", which denotes 7-inch reels of 1800 units. The "HE3" portion confirms RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified construction.
Can the P4SMA15AHE3/5A replace a bidirectional TVS in a circuit?
No - the P4SMA15AHE3/5A is strictly unidirectional, as indicated by its "A" suffix and cathode-band marking. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA15CA) are required for AC-coupled or floating-line protection. Using the P4SMA15AHE3/5A in place of a bidirectional device risks forward conduction and failure during negative transients.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA15AHE3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
The P4SMA15AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended copper pads (0.2″ × 0.2″). To maintain safe junction temperatures under repetitive surges, PCB layout must include adequate copper area on both anode and cathode pads - insufficient copper will cause premature thermal derating and reduced surge endurance.
P4SMA15AHE3/5A 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:
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA15AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA15AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA15AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA15AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA15AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA15AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA15AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA15AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA15AHE3/5A?
P4SMA15AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA15AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA15AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA15AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA15AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA15AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA15AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA15AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA15AHE3/5A?
All P4SMA15AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA15AHE3/5A, 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 P4SMA15AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA15AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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