Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,051
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA), 15.3 V standoff voltage (VWM), 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18AHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18AHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA18AHE3/5A application, or P4SMA18AHE3/5A equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection where low clamping voltage, fast response time, AEC-Q101 qualification, and RoHS-compliant packaging are required in space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18AHE3/5A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling precise transient suppression without thermal runaway under repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses.
It is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. The device exhibits 0.089 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, ensuring predictable voltage drift across operating range, and delivers 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM - critical for low-power sensor interface protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min–max) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA test current - defines reliable conduction onset for overvoltage events |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| IPPM | 15.9 A - peak pulse current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform, validated on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling, derated above 25 °C per Fig. 2; 300 W above 91 V |
| TJ max | 150 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments without thermal shutdown |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity indicated by cathode band; anode and cathode terminals defined per standard SMA orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; establishes unidirectional conduction path |
| Cathode | Clamping node / Surge return path | Connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC or signal line); sinks transient current to ground or supply |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports high-energy surges common in automotive load-dump and inductive switching events |
| 25.2 V clamping voltage at 15.9 A | Keeps protected ICs within safe absolute maximum ratings during transient events |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Enables single-pass lead-free assembly without moisture-related popcorn failure |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) over temperature and life |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power rails in body control modules against ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and pulse 5a (load dump). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input, clamping transients within 1 ns. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤25.2 V during 100 V/100 ms load dump, preventing damage to LDOs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure or temperature sensors from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting >8 kV HBM ESD pulses to ground before reaching ADC front-end. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 15.3 V, avoiding offset errors in 24-bit precision sensor measurements. |
| Consumer Device USB Port Protection | Telecom Base Station DC Power Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 data lines and VBUS in portable medical monitors exposed to hospital-grade ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel layout using two P4SMA18AHE3/5A devices - one on VBUS, one on D+ line - referenced to system ground. Use Value: Clamps 15 kV contact ESD to <25.2 V in <1 ns, preserving USB enumeration and preventing PHY latch-up. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on -48 V DC input of 5G remote radio units subjected to lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between -48 V rail and chassis ground, absorbing 400 W transients. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 µs surges up to 15.9 A while maintaining 150 °C junction rating, ensuring field reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | Same VWM (15.3 V) and VC (29.2 V), but SMB package (DO-214AA) - 2.5 mm wider, 0.3 mm taller | Higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 140 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W) limits sustained surge duty cycle | Select when board layout accommodates larger footprint and higher clamping voltage is acceptable |
| 1.5SMC18A | Same electrical specs but SMC (DO-214AB) package - 0.2 mm thicker, 0.5 mm longer; 1.5 kW peak power rating | Over-specified power handling increases cost and footprint without benefit for 400 W use cases | Choose only if legacy SMC land pattern exists and future-proofing for higher-energy threats is required |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5SMC18A, the P4SMA18AHE3/5A delivers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and verified 400 W surge performance - making it preferred for new automotive and space-constrained industrial designs requiring production-ready reliability.
Availability
P4SMA18AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, consumer USB peripherals, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series targets high-volume, space-sensitive transient suppression needs across automotive, industrial, and communications markets - engineered for automated placement, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent clamping performance under real-world surge conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA18AHE3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The P4SMA18AHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per the Vishay datasheet, ensuring repeatable protection performance for downstream ICs.
Is the P4SMA18AHE3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA18AHE3/5A carries AEC-Q101 qualification, confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the HE3 suffix variant. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per automotive reliability standards - making it suitable for under-hood and ADAS applications.
What does the "HE3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA18AHE3/5A?
The "HE3" denotes RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101-qualified construction, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel with 7500 units per reel. This format supports high-speed SMT placement and aligns with automotive production volume requirements.
How does the P4SMA18AHE3/5A compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4SMA18CA?
The P4SMA18AHE3/5A is unidirectional and optimized for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed; P4SMA18CA is bidirectional and suited for AC or floating signal lines. The P4SMA18AHE3/5A offers tighter VBR tolerance and lower leakage, while P4SMA18CA provides symmetrical clamping in both directions - selection depends on circuit topology and signal type.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA18AHE3/5A, and how does it affect layout design?
The P4SMA18AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended pad layout. To maintain safe junction temperature under repeated surges, designers must provide adequate copper area (≥5.0 mm × 5.0 mm per terminal) and avoid excessive trace length or isolation.
P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA18AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA18AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA18AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18AHE3/5A?
P4SMA18AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA18AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18AHE3/5A 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 P4SMA18AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18AHE3/5A?
All P4SMA18AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18AHE3/5A, 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 P4SMA18AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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