Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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 15 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.1 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 18.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, sensor interfaces, and ICs in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.24), thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while the SMA package supports high surge current handling with minimal parasitic inductance.
The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive applications. It delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 91 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold, with clamping performance validated under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle conditions and 8.3 ms half-sine surge testing per IEC 61000-4-5.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off) | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for protected circuit. |
| VBR (Breakdown) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - Guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during transient events. |
| VC (Clamping) | 21.2 V at 18.9 A - Peak voltage seen by downstream circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protection level for 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power dissipation capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; enables robust ESD and lightning surge immunity. |
| ID (Leakage) | <1.0 µA at 15 V - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on circuits. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient; informs heatsinking requirements on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional - no polarity marking; symmetrical two-terminal construction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Either terminal serves as input/output for bidirectional clamping; no cathode band marking required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC, differential, or floating signal lines without polarity constraints or external circuitry. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive electronics including engine control units, body modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche behavior over temperature and lifetime; reduces parameter drift vs. epoxy-passivated devices. |
| Low-profile SMA package | 0.208" × 0.157" footprint with 0.078" height - compatible with high-density PCB layouts and automated pick-and-place equipment. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH; eliminates bake requirements prior to reflow soldering. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure, temperature, and position sensors in engine compartments exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across sensor supply and ground or signal and return lines. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤21.2 V during 400 W surges, preventing latch-up or damage to 12 V rail-connected op-amps and ADCs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CANH/CANL differential pair against ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and fast transient bursts in factory automation nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed across CAN bus lines to shunt energy without distorting 1 Mbps signaling. Use Value: Clamps transients within nanoseconds while maintaining <1 pF junction capacitance at 0 V bias - preserving signal edge integrity. |
| Consumer USB Port Protection | Power Supply Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in portable medical devices and smart home hubs from human-body-model ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Symmetric bidirectional suppressor mounted directly at connector entry point. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to ±8 kV contact discharge, limiting voltage to 21.2 V and avoiding data corruption or PHY reset. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 15 V DC input rails of industrial PLC I/O modules subjected to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected between rail and ground to absorb 10/1000 µs surges from relay coils or solenoids. Use Value: Handles 18.9 A peak pulse current without degradation, sustaining 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation at +85 °C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | Higher 600 W PPPM rating; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; RθJA = 85 °C/W. | Better suited for higher-energy surges but requires 30% more board area and different pad layout. | Select when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and thermal margin is constrained. |
| 1.5SMC15CA | Same 400 W rating but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; higher IFSM (100 A) and lower RθJA (60 °C/W). | Preferred for high-reliability industrial power supplies where long-term thermal cycling endurance is critical. | Choose when operating ambient exceeds +105 °C or when legacy SMC footprint compatibility is required. |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5SMC15CA, the P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I offers optimal balance of compact size, AEC-Q101 qualification, and proven performance in space-constrained automotive and consumer designs - without requiring PCB redesign or thermal derating penalties.
Availability
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial CAN networks, USB interface protection, and DC power input stages requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive yet mission-critical transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and computing applications - delivering AEC-Q101-compliant TVS performance in the smallest standardized surface-mount package.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V at 18.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88367 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The clamping ratio (VC/VBR) is approximately 1.24, indicating tight regulation relative to its 17.1–18.9 V breakdown range.
Is P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via the "HE3" suffix and revision code "A". It meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge immunity relevant to engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems. Its -65 °C to +150 °C operating range and MSL Level 1 rating further validate suitability for under-hood and cabin-mounted modules.
How does the bidirectional configuration of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional nature of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I means it has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of orientation across protected lines. This allows direct placement across differential pairs (e.g., CANH/CANL), AC-coupled signals, or floating power domains without concern for anode/cathode alignment. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I eliminates risk of incorrect installation during automated assembly.
What is the thermal resistance of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I, and how does it impact PCB layout?
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB with no internal planes. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under 3.3 W steady-state dissipation, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive ambient temperatures - especially in sealed enclosures or stacked boards.
Does P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I meet RoHS and halogen-free compliance standards?
Yes, P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I carries the "HE3" suffix, indicating it is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified. Per Vishay documentation, the base P/NHE3_X variant uses matte tin-plated leads and molding compound meeting UL 94 V-0, with full compliance to Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7a. It is not halogen-free - for halogen-free versions, the "HM3" suffix (e.g., P4SMA15CAHM3_A/I) must be specified.
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- 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):
- 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)
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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 P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I?
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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 P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I 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 P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I, 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 P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA15CAHE3_A/I Tags

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