Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4SMA15CAH
- Part No.:
- P4SMA15CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA15CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,625
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA15CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 400W surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, with breakdown voltage 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA test current, working stand-off voltage 12.8 V, clamping voltage 21.2 V at 20 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection in DC/DC converters.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA15CAH datasheet, P4SMA15CAH pinout, P4SMA15CAH application, or P4SMA15CAH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bidirectional TVS behavior, ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b compliance, moisture sensitivity level 1, and RoHS/halogen-free status - all critical for automotive power rail ESD/surge hardening.
Technical Context
The P4SMA15CAH is a bipolar (bidirectional) TVS diode designed to protect sensitive electronics from fast transient overvoltages in both polarities. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable clamping performance and low leakage (<1 µA at 12.8 V), while its <1.0 ps response time enables suppression of ESD and lightning-induced surges before downstream components are damaged.
It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform). The device meets ISO 7637-2 for automotive transients and complies with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 handling requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1 mA - defines precise bidirectional breakdown threshold for symmetric clamping |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage without significant leakage |
| VC@IPPM | 21.2 V at 20 A (10/1000 µs) - clamping voltage limiting transient energy delivered to protected circuit |
| IPPM | 20 A peak impulse current - quantifies surge-handling capacity under standardized transient waveform |
| PPPM | 400 W peak pulse power - determines survivability against high-energy transients like load dump or inductive kick |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-power SMPS |
| IR @ VWM | <1 µA - ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package with cathode band marking for polarity identification; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability; UL 94V-0 molding compound; weight ≈ 0.060 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Transient current entry point (negative polarity) | Accepts reverse surge current during negative transients; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional operation |
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current entry point (positive polarity) | Accepts forward surge current during positive transients; forms dual-clamping path with anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring reliability under thermal cycling and vibration |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term leakage stability vs. silicon nitride or epoxy-passivated alternatives |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Guarantees robustness against real-world automotive transients: Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (load dump), Pulse 3a/3b (switching noise) |
| MSL Level 1 | Enables standard SMT reflow without baking or special handling - reduces manufacturing cost and risk of moisture-induced popcorning |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - supports green manufacturing and export compliance |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial DC/DC Converter Input Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O from battery line transients during jump-start or alternator load dump. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp on 12 V supply rail and signal lines, absorbing up to 400 W surges without degradation. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic ICs by limiting rail voltage to ≤21.2 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2b events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding primary-side MOSFET gate drivers and feedback optocouplers in isolated 48 V-to-12 V DC/DC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-ps) transient suppressor placed at input filter stage to shunt surge energy before it reaches switching controller. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing false triggering or overvoltage shutdown of PWM controllers during 8.3 ms half-sine surges up to 40 A. |
| LED Driver Power Supply | Smart Meter Power Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Clamping inductive kickback from relay coils and MOSFET switches driving high-brightness LED strings in streetlight systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional/bidirectional surge absorber across DC bus rails and switching node connections. Use Value: Extends LED driver lifetime by suppressing >1 kV transients generated during hot-plug or grid-switching events, with <1 µA leakage preserving efficiency. | Use Scenario: Protecting metering SoCs and isolated RS-485 transceivers from induced surges on AC mains-connected power inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on rectified DC bus, coordinated with MOVs and fuses per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 immunity requirements. Use Value: Enables EN 50470-3 compliance by clamping 10/1000 µs surges to ≤21.2 V, preventing data corruption or reset events in metrology ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | 600 W rating, DO-214AA (SMB) package - larger footprint, higher surge margin | Better suited for industrial power supplies where PCB space allows and 600 W headroom is required | Select SMBJ15CA when higher peak power derating margin or legacy SMB layout compatibility is needed |
| 1.5SMC15CA | 1500 W rating, DO-214AB (SMC) package - significantly larger, higher IPPM (100 A) | Targeted at heavy-duty industrial motor drives or telecom power where extreme surge exposure exists | Choose 1.5SMC15CA only if system-level testing confirms need for >400 W capability and SMC footprint is available |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5SMC15CA, the P4SMA15CAH offers optimal balance of 400 W surge rating, compact DO-214AC footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and MSL Level 1 handling - making it ideal for space-constrained automotive and consumer power designs where cost, size, and qualification alignment matter.
Availability
P4SMA15CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial DC/DC converters, LED driver power supplies, and smart meter power input protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for P4SMA15CAH 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and automotive-qualified components.
The P4SMA15CAH belongs to TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified P4SMAx(A)H series - engineered specifically for robust, surface-mount transient suppression in automotive power distribution, industrial SMPS, and lighting systems demanding high reliability and low leakage.
FAQ
What does the "CAH" suffix indicate in P4SMA15CAH?
The "CAH" suffix in P4SMA15CAH denotes a bidirectional configuration (C), tightened VBR tolerance (A), and halogen-free construction (H). Specifically, "C" confirms symmetrical clamping in both polarities; "A" indicates a narrower breakdown voltage range (14.3–15.8 V vs. 13.5–16.5 V for "H" variants); and "H" certifies compliance with IEC 61249-2-21 halogen-free standards. This makes P4SMA15CAH distinct from unidirectional P4SMA15H or wider-tolerance P4SMA15AH variants.
Is P4SMA15CAH suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) protection?
No, P4SMA15CAH is not rated for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), which requires sustained clamping at ≥40 V for up to 400 ms. The P4SMA15CAH has a VWM of 12.8 V and clamps at 21.2 V - optimized for shorter-duration transients like Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b. For load dump, higher-voltage TVS devices such as P4SMA33CAH or dedicated load-dump suppressors are required. P4SMA15CAH remains appropriate for non-load-dump automotive surges.
What is the maximum allowable PCB trace length between P4SMA15CAH and the protected IC?
To preserve sub-nanosecond response effectiveness, PCB trace length from P4SMA15CAH to the protected IC should be minimized - ideally ≤5 mm - with direct connection to ground plane via multiple vias. Longer traces introduce inductance that degrades clamping performance, especially for ESD events. Layout best practice requires placing P4SMA15CAH as close as possible to the connector or IC pin being protected, with short, wide traces and low-inductance grounding to ensure the full 21.2 V clamping voltage is delivered to the protected node.
Does P4SMA15CAH require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?
Yes, P4SMA15CAH must be derated above 25°C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet: peak pulse power decreases linearly to ~200 W at +85°C and ~100 W at +125°C. This derating directly impacts surge survivability in high-temperature environments like engine compartments. System designers must verify worst-case transient energy (e.g., from ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2b) falls within the derated PPPM envelope at maximum operating temperature to avoid thermal runaway or parametric shift in P4SMA15CAH.
Can P4SMA15CAH be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4SMA15H?
No - P4SMA15CAH is bidirectional and will conduct in both directions, whereas P4SMA15H is unidirectional and blocks reverse current. Substituting P4SMA15CAH for P4SMA15H in a DC-only rail may cause unintended conduction or increased leakage if reverse bias is present. Use P4SMA15CAH only where true bidirectional protection is required (e.g., AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating rails). For single-polarity DC rails, P4SMA15H or P4SMA15AH remains the correct choice. Always validate polarity requirements before selecting P4SMA15CAH.
P4SMA15CAH Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA15CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA15CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA15CAH 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 P4SMA15CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA15CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA15CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA15CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA15CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA15CAH?
P4SMA15CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA15CAH 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 P4SMA15CAH?
For technical support, including P4SMA15CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA15CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA15CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA15CAH 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 P4SMA15CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA15CAH?
All P4SMA15CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA15CAH, 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 P4SMA15CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA15CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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