Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA15A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA15A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA15A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,678
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A datasheet, P4SMA15A-M3/5A pinout, P4SMA15A-M3/5A application, or P4SMA15A-M3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance under surge conditions, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant sourcing status per M3 suffix.
Technical Context
The P4SMA15A-M3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its 12.8 V stand-off voltage ensures compatibility with 12 V nominal systems while maintaining low leakage (<1 µA at VWM). The device meets AEC-Q101 qualification when ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes, though the M3/5A variant is commercial-grade.
Thermal resistance is specified at RθJA = 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, on minimum pad layout) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation up to TJ = 150 °C. Peak pulse power drops to 300 W above 91 V, but remains at full 400 W for this 15 V-class device.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12.8 V - blocks normal 12 V system operation while remaining inactive below transient threshold |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset for predictable clamping initiation |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 21.2 V at 18.9 A (10/1000 µs) - limits downstream voltage stress during surge events |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - sustains high-energy transients without failure under standardized waveform |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 18.9 A - quantifies maximum surge current the device safely diverts |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - enables use in under-hood or enclosed industrial environments with limited airflow |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount footprint compatible with automated assembly and 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow), polarity indicated by cathode band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or return path; completes conduction path during reverse-biased transient |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal); carries clamped surge current to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V lines |
| 21.2 V clamping voltage at 18.9 A | Limits voltage overshoot to safe levels for 16 V-rated logic ICs and gate drivers |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over temperature and long-term reliability in humid or contaminated environments |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets IPC-1752A material declaration requirements for green manufacturing and end-of-life recycling |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking, reducing production overhead |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails and LIN bus lines from load-dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between fused battery input and LDO regulator input to clamp spikes before regulation. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers and CAN/LIN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at terminal block entry point, shunting transients before optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents false triggering of inputs during 1 kV/500 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 surges on long cable runs. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board | Telecom Power Supply Front-End |
Use Scenario: Clamping voltage spikes generated by brushed DC motor commutation in washing machine or HVAC blower modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across motor terminals and across H-bridge supply pins to suppress flyback energy. Use Value: Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and prevents gate oxide damage to MOSFETs during rapid current interruption. |
Use Scenario: Protecting AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier and secondary-side 12 V bias rail from lightning-induced surges entering via AC mains or Ethernet ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side TVS on regulated output to absorb residual transients escaping primary-side MOV suppression. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted operation of PoE-powered devices during EN 61000-4-5 10/700 µs telecom surge tests. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | Higher 600 W PPPM, larger SMB (DO-214AA) package, 24.4 V VC at 24.4 A | Requires PCB area increase (~30% larger footprint); better suited for higher-energy surges | Select when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability or when board layout allows larger package |
| 1.5SMC15A | Same 400 W rating but SMC (DO-214AB) package, 21.2 V VC at 18.9 A, identical electrical specs | Same clamping performance but 20% larger body; may affect height-constrained designs | Choose only if existing SMC footprint is standardized and no redesign is permitted |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5SMC15A, the P4SMA15A-M3/5A offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, commercial-grade halogen-free compliance, and verified 400 W surge handling - making it ideal for space-constrained 12 V systems where layout efficiency and RoHS traceability are prioritized.
Availability
P4SMA15A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, consumer appliance motor drives, and telecom power supply front-ends requiring stable component supply with halogen-free compliance and tape-and-reel delivery.
Supply support for P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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 power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA series is engineered for cost-effective, high-volume transient protection in consumer, industrial, and automotive applications - delivering consistent clamping performance and JEDEC-standard packaging for automated manufacturing.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA15A-M3/5A under surge conditions?
The P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88367 and ensures downstream components see no more than 21.2 V during standardized surge events - critical for protecting 16 V-tolerant ICs and gate drivers in 12 V systems. The P4SMA15A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is the P4SMA15A-M3/5A AEC-Q101 qualified?
No, the P4SMA15A-M3/5A is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It carries the M3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant commercial-grade construction. AEC-Q101 qualification requires the HE3 or HM3 suffix (e.g., P4SMA15AHE3_A), which denotes additional stress testing for automotive use. The P4SMA15A-M3/5A is intended for industrial and consumer applications where automotive qualification is not mandated.
What does the "/5A" in P4SMA15A-M3/5A signify?
The "/5A" denotes the packaging configuration: 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel with 7500 units per reel. This differs from "/61", which indicates a 7-inch reel with 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications. The P4SMA15A-M3/5A is optimized for high-volume SMT production lines requiring extended reel life and reduced changeover frequency.
How does the P4SMA15A-M3/5A compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4SMA15CA?
The P4SMA15A-M3/5A is unidirectional and must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line; it conducts only during reverse overvoltage. In contrast, P4SMA15CA is bidirectional and symmetrical, suitable for AC lines or data buses where polarity reversal occurs. The P4SMA15A-M3/5A offers lower leakage (<1 µA at 12.8 V) and tighter VBR tolerance versus bidirectional variants, making it preferred for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA15A-M3/5A, and how does it affect layout design?
The P4SMA15A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This means a 400 W surge generates ~48 °C instantaneous junction rise - well within the 150 °C limit. Layout must replicate these pad dimensions; reducing pad size increases RθJA and risks thermal runaway during repetitive surges. The P4SMA15A-M3/5A relies on copper area, not heatsinking, for thermal management.
P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA15A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA15A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA15A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA15A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA15A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA15A-M3/5A?
P4SMA15A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA15A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA15A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA15A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA15A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA15A-M3/5A?
All P4SMA15A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA15A-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA15A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA15A-M3/5A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

