Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA170AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA170AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA170AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 145VWM 234VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA170AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 170 V standoff voltage (VWM), 189 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It provides clamping protection for power rails and signal lines in automotive and industrial electronics against ESD, lightning surges, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA170AHM3/I datasheet, P4SMA170AHM3/I pinout, P4SMA170AHM3/I application, or P4SMA170AHM3/I equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability overvoltage protection where AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping voltage (234 V at IPPM), and halogen-free RoHS compliance are required in space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4SMA170AHM3/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering fast response (<1 ns) to transient events and low incremental surge resistance for stable clamping performance. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and maximum junction temperature of 150 °C support operation in ambient temperatures up to +125 °C when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Designed for repetitive surge duty cycle ≤ 0.01 %, it sustains 400 W peak pulse power below 91 V and 300 W above - confirmed at TA = 25 °C with derating per Fig. 2. The cathode band marking enables unambiguous polarity identification during automated placement and inspection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 145 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC rail margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 162–179 V at IT = 1 mA - Tight 10.5 % tolerance ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lots. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 234 V at IPPM - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; critical for downstream IC survival. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 1.3 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without degradation. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (≤91 V), 300 W (>91 V) - Energy-handling capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. |
| PD (Power Dissipation) | 3.3 W - Steady-state thermal limit on infinite heatsink at TA = 50 °C; guides layout copper area design. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; sets upper boundary for thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). Cathode identified by molded band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line. | Provides low forward voltage drop (VF ≈ 3.5 V at 25 A) during fault conditions; must be routed with adequate trace width. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked by band; connected to higher-potential side or ground reference. | Defines clamping polarity; determines whether TVS protects against positive-going transients only (unidirectional mode). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - enables use in ADAS, body control, and infotainment modules. |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhances long-term stability and moisture resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives; improves field failure rate in humid environments. |
| Low profile SMA package | Height ≤ 2.29 mm enables compatibility with low-clearance enclosures and automated SMT assembly without tombstoning risk. |
| 400 W peak pulse rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements (4 kV line-to-earth) when properly laid out with minimal loop inductance. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Complies with JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - supports green manufacturing and export compliance. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power input and ground to clamp positive surges above 145 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤234 V, preventing damage to LDOs, microcontrollers, and CAN transceivers downstream. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on signal line to ground, leveraging fast <1 ns response to suppress sub-microsecond threats. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with minimal loading (CJ not specified but typical for SMA TVS < 100 pF at VWM), avoiding distortion in mV-level signals. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of PoE-powered Ethernet switches against induced lightning surges on data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired unidirectional TVS on each differential pair, referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: Withstands 300 W surges at elevated VWM (145 V), enabling robust protection without false triggering during normal 48 V PoE operation. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp in AC/DC adapters after rectification and bulk capacitance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS across DC output to absorb flyback spikes from transformer leakage inductance. Use Value: Clamps transients to 234 V while dissipating 400 W peak energy, eliminating need for additional snubbers or Zener stacks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170AHE3/A | Same VWM (145 V), VBR (162–179 V), and VC (234 V); RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; AEC-Q101 qualified with HE3 suffix. | Lacks halogen-free certification; suitable for commercial/industrial use where material compliance is less stringent. | Select SMAJ170AHE3/A if halogen-free requirement is waived and cost optimization is prioritized over automotive material specs. |
| 1.5SMC170A | Higher package thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 150 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W); same electrical ratings but larger SMC (DO-214AB) footprint. | Requires larger PCB area and may limit board density; better suited for high-power, low-density designs with ample copper. | Choose 1.5SMC170A only when existing layout uses SMC pads or when higher steady-state power handling (5 W) is needed beyond P4SMA170AHM3/I's 3.3 W PD. |
Compared with SMAJ170AHE3/A and 1.5SMC170A, the P4SMA170AHM3/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and SMA footprint - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive modules requiring full material compliance and thermal efficiency.
Availability
P4SMA170AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line cards, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA170AHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific performance.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - delivering consistent clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 validation, and compact surface-mount packaging for modern PCB assembly.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA170AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA170AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 234 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.3 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per the datasheet test condition and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a defined surge event. The P4SMA170AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range and lifetime.
Is the P4SMA170AHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA170AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and automotive-grade construction. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per AEC-Q101 Rev D, making it appropriate for under-hood and cabin electronics such as body control modules, lighting drivers, and infotainment power supplies. The P4SMA170AHM3/I meets these requirements without derating in standard automotive ambient conditions.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in P4SMA170AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in P4SMA170AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction, with "I" indicating 7500-unit reel packaging in 13-inch diameter tape. The "H" refers to the package code (SMA), "M3" confirms halogen-free materials meeting IEC 61249-2-21, and the "A" in "170A" specifies unidirectional polarity. This full suffix ensures traceability to Vishay's automotive-grade production lot controls and material declarations.
How does the P4SMA170AHM3/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4SMA170CA?
The P4SMA170AHM3/I is unidirectional and protects against positive-going transients only, with a forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A) that allows it to conduct during reverse faults when used with series blocking elements. In contrast, P4SMA170CA is bidirectional and symmetrically clamps both polarities - useful for AC lines or differential data paths. The P4SMA170AHM3/I offers tighter VBR tolerance and lower leakage at VWM than its bidirectional counterpart, making it preferable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the P4SMA170AHM3/I?
The P4SMA170AHM3/I has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of 150 °C and an operating junction and storage temperature range of –65 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RθJA) is 120 °C/W when mounted on the recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. Derating curves in Figure 2 show usable power decreases linearly above 25 °C ambient, allowing reliable operation up to +125 °C ambient in well-designed layouts - a key specification verified for the P4SMA170AHM3/I in AEC-Q101 stress testing.
P4SMA170AHM3/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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 145V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 162V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 234V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA170AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA170AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA170AHM3/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 P4SMA170AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA170AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA170AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA170AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA170AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA170AHM3/I?
P4SMA170AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA170AHM3/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 P4SMA170AHM3/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA170AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA170AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA170AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA170AHM3/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 P4SMA170AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA170AHM3/I?
All P4SMA170AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA170AHM3/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 P4SMA170AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA170AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA170AHM3/I Tags

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