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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18A-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18A-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18A-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,212
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18A-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping transient overvoltages on power and signal lines. It features a 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), and clamps to 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), delivering 400 W peak pulse power for protection of MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18A-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18A-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA18A-E3/5A application, or P4SMA18A-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 15.3 V working voltage, 25.2 V clamping level at rated surge, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, and AEC-Q101 qualification status confirmed by HE3/HM3 suffix variants - critical for automotive-grade ESD and load-dump immunity design.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18A-E3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to transients induced by inductive switching or ESD events. Its low incremental surge resistance and excellent clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) ensure minimal overshoot during 10/1000 µs surges up to 15.9 A.
Thermally, it exhibits 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. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), confirming robustness against repetitive load-dump pulses in 12 V automotive systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for predictable clamping behavior |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 15.9 A (10/1000 µs) - actual clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power handling capability under standard 10/1000 µs waveform |
| IFSM | 40 A - surge current rating for 8.3 ms half-sine wave, validating suitability for automotive load-dump protection |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling use in under-hood and industrial environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - standardized surface-mount outline with 0.208" x 0.157" footprint and matte tin-plated leads |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded epoxy case with cathode band marking; terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or low-potential rail; completes conduction path during reverse-biased transient clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Marked with band; connects to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply or signal trace); conducts avalanche current to ground when VIN > VC |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables single-device protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, and 5a transients in 12 V systems |
| Low clamping voltage (25.2 V @ 15.9 A) | Keeps downstream 24 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs within safe operating area during surge events |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Supports standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | Confirms robustness for automotive applications; P4SMA18AHE3_A denotes qualified version |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients (up to 35 V, 100 ms) on 12 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power input and ground, clamping excess voltage before it reaches LDOs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 24 V-tolerant CAN transceivers and MCU I/Os during alternator regulation failure. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting fast transients (<1 ns rise time) to ground before reaching op-amp input stages. Use Value: Maintains ±0.1% measurement accuracy by limiting voltage excursion to <25.2 V, avoiding amplifier saturation or input-stage breakdown. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges coupled through mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side TVS across DC bus capacitor, triggered only during overvoltage faults exceeding 15.3 V. Use Value: Complements MOV-based primary protection by providing precise, low-leakage clamping without degradation over repeated events. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers exposed to induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on each differential pair (e.g., TX+/TX−), referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Limits common-mode surge energy to <25.2 V peak, preserving signal integrity and preventing PHY reset or PHY damage per ITU-T K.21 basic protection level. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A (Bourns) | Same VWM (15.3 V), identical VC (25.2 V), but SMB package (DO-214AA) - 20 % larger footprint, 10 % higher RθJA | Less suitable for ultra-dense PCB layouts; preferred where higher thermal mass is needed for repetitive surge duty | Select SMBJ18A only if board space allows larger package and thermal derating margin is required beyond P4SMA18A-E3/5A's 120 °C/W rating |
| 1.5SMC18A (ON Semiconductor) | Same electrical specs (VWM, VBR, VC, PPPM), but SMC (DO-214AB) package - 30 % larger than SMA, higher IFSM (50 A vs. 40 A) | Better suited for high-energy 8.3 ms surges; not optimized for automated placement density | Choose 1.5SMC18A when surge repetition rate exceeds 0.01 % duty cycle or when legacy SMC footprint compatibility is mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5SMC18A, the P4SMA18A-E3/5A delivers identical clamping performance in the smallest surface-mount TVS footprint (SMA), enabling higher component density and lower assembly cost in space-constrained automotive and industrial PCBs - without sacrificing AEC-Q101 qualification path or 400 W surge rating.
Availability
P4SMA18A-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge immunity requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and verified tape-and-reel logistics for high-volume SMT production.
Supply support for P4SMA18A-E3/5A 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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - delivering standardized TVS performance in compact SMA packages with full AEC-Q101 qualification paths.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA18A-E3/5A under rated surge conditions?
The P4SMA18A-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated 15.9 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions defined in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88367), and represents the highest voltage that will appear across the protected circuit during a worst-case transient event. Designers must verify that downstream components can tolerate this clamped voltage under all operating temperatures.
Is the P4SMA18A-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA18A-E3/5A itself is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, the P4SMA18AHE3_A variant (same electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualified) is explicitly certified for automotive use. While the P4SMA18A-E3/5A shares identical electrical characteristics and thermal ratings, only the HE3-suffixed version carries formal AEC-Q101 qualification - essential for Tier 1 automotive supply chain compliance. Always specify P4SMA18AHE3_A for production automotive designs.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads; "5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This differs from "E3/61", which uses 7-inch reels of 1800 units. The suffix does not affect electrical performance - only environmental compliance and logistics format - and is fully compatible with standard SMA pick-and-place equipment.
How does the P4SMA18A-E3/5A compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4SMA18CA?
The P4SMA18A-E3/5A is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., 12 V supply rails), while P4SMA18CA is bidirectional and used for AC or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, audio). Their VBR, VWM, and VC values differ: P4SMA18CA has symmetric breakdown (±17.1–18.9 V) and no cathode marking. Substituting one for the other without verifying circuit polarity and transient direction risks failed protection or device destruction.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA18A-E3/5A, and how does it impact layout design?
The P4SMA18A-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended copper pads (0.2" × 0.2"). This means a 400 W surge applied for <1 ms raises junction temperature by ~48 °C above ambient - well within the +150 °C limit. For sustained power dissipation, designers must increase copper area or add thermal vias to reduce RθJA; the junction-to-lead value (RθJL = 30 °C/W) confirms efficient heat transfer to PCB traces.
P4SMA18A-E3/5A 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):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.9A
- 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)
P4SMA18A-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18A-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18A-E3/5A 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 P4SMA18A-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18A-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA18A-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18A-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
P4SMA18A-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18A-E3/5A 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 P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18A-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18A-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18A-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18A-E3/5A 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 P4SMA18A-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
All P4SMA18A-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18A-E3/5A, 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 P4SMA18A-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18A-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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