Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18AHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18AHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18AHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,335
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18AHE3_A/I 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 per 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA18AHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA18AHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA18AHE3_A/I equivalent, this device delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, low incremental surge resistance, fast response time, and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity - critical for high-reliability automotive electronics and board-level ESD/surge protection design.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18AHE3_A/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology for stable breakdown behavior under repetitive transient stress. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and junction temperature limit (TJ = 150 °C) define its derating envelope above 25 °C ambient.
It meets UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) and complies with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine) and exhibits a VBR temperature coefficient of +0.089 %/°C - enabling predictable clamping performance across automotive temperature ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at IT = 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA, ensuring no false conduction in normal operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream component stress to safe levels |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power handling capability, supporting robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 40 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), validating suitability for inductive load switching events |
| TJ max | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling use in under-hood automotive environments with minimal heatsinking |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - supports standard reflow without baking, simplifying SMT assembly |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102. Cathode identified by band marking; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias | Connected to protected line's lower-potential side (e.g., ground return path in unidirectional clamp configuration) |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked with band | Connected to protected line's higher-potential side (e.g., VCC rail or signal line requiring clamping to reference) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for engine control units and ADAS sensors |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands high-energy transients common in 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems without degradation |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and low leakage over lifetime, even under humidity and thermal stress |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), improving protection margin for sensitive ICs |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Meets safety standards for telecom and industrial signal-line protectors - reduces certification burden in end equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in body control modules from load-dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBAT and ground to clamp surges up to ±300 V. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 25.2 V, preventing damage to downstream DC/DC converters and microcontrollers rated for ≤36 V input. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across signal and return lines to suppress EFT bursts and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Withstands 15.9 A peak pulse while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 15.3 V, preserving signal accuracy and long-term calibration stability. |
| Consumer Device USB Port Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary overvoltage protection on VUSB (5 V) lines in portable medical monitors and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed after primary ESD array to handle higher-energy surges beyond IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: 400 W rating absorbs multiple 10/1000 µs surges without parametric shift, extending product field life in harsh electrical environments. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp referenced to local ground, coordinated with gas discharge tubes for staged protection. Use Value: 25.2 V clamping voltage ensures compliance with GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge requirements while minimizing stress on PHY ICs. |
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 (25.2 V), but SMB package (DO-214AA) - 20 % larger footprint and 10 % higher RθJA (140 °C/W) | Preferred where board space allows larger pad layout and higher thermal mass is needed for sustained surge duty | Select SMBJ18A only if existing layout accommodates DO-214AA; not drop-in for SMA footprints |
| 1.5SMC18A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), same VBR range, but SMC (DO-214AB) package - 3× larger size and 3× higher capacitance (~100 pF vs. ~30 pF) | Suitable for AC mains or high-energy industrial motor drives where clamping speed is secondary to energy absorption | Choose 1.5SMC18A only when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability and layout permits larger SMC footprint |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5SMC18A, the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I offers optimal balance of compact SMA packaging, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge capacity - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial PCBs requiring certified reliability and fast clamping response.
Availability
P4SMA18AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, consumer USB power delivery circuits, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA18AHE3_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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for high-speed, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure - with AEC-Q101 variants like P4SMA18AHE3_A/I targeting under-hood and harsh-environment deployment.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
The P4SMA18AHE3_A/I has a specified breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at test current IT = 1 mA, representing a ±5.6 % tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tight VBR distribution ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage threshold design in safety-critical automotive applications.
Is the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I carries the HE3 suffix, indicating it is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified. However, it is not halogen-free - that designation applies only to HM3-suffixed variants. The HE3 version uses standard molding compound meeting UL 94 V-0 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
What does the "_A/I" suffix mean in P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
In P4SMA18AHE3_A/I, "A" denotes the revision level of the AEC-Q101 qualification (per Vishay ordering note), and "I" specifies the packaging format: 13-inch diameter tape-and-reel with 7500 units per reel. This distinguishes it from "H"-coded reels (7-inch, 1800 units) and confirms full automotive-grade traceability and handling compliance.
Can the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I is strictly unidirectional, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and cathode-band marking. Bidirectional operation requires CA-suffixed parts like P4SMA18CA. Using P4SMA18AHE3_A/I in reverse-biased signal paths would result in unintended conduction and potential failure.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA18AHE3_A/I under surge conditions?
The P4SMA18AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at peak pulse current IPPM = 15.9 A, measured with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, providing a deterministic upper bound for protected circuit voltage during surge events - critical for validating IC survivability margins.
P4SMA18AHE3_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:
- 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_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18AHE3_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 P4SMA18AHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18AHE3_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 P4SMA18AHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
P4SMA18AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18AHE3_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 P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA18AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18AHE3_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 P4SMA18AHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18AHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA18AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18AHE3_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 P4SMA18AHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA18AHE3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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