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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,924
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18AHM3/I 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 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18AHM3/I datasheet, P4SMA18AHM3/I pinout, P4SMA18AHM3/I application, or P4SMA18AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction, low incremental surge resistance, fast response time, and suitability for 12 V rail protection in automotive ECUs and industrial I/O modules.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18AHM3/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V). Its clamping action limits transient-induced voltage spikes to ≤25.2 V at 15.9 A, enabling robust protection of downstream 15–20 V tolerant circuitry without latch-up or thermal runaway.
It is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), derated to 300 W above 91 V, and supports repetitive surges at 0.01% duty cycle. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), with operating junction temperature range from –65 °C to +150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below breakdown for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - Avalanche conduction onset range; ensures reliable triggering during transients while avoiding false trips. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at IPPM = 15.9 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; compatible with 24 V logic and power ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - Sustains high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a; derates linearly above 25 °C ambient. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 µA max at VWM - Negligible standby current; avoids loading sensitive reference or bias networks. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD HBM ≥8 kV. |
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. Cathode indicated by band; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node | Connected to system ground or lower-potential rail; establishes polarity for unidirectional clamping. |
| Cathode | Transient voltage clamp output | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply or CAN_H); conducts surge current to ground when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, high-temp operating life, and ESD robustness - suitable for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance for global automotive and industrial markets without compromising surge performance or thermal stability. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands high-energy transients such as load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and inductive switching spikes in motor drives and solenoid controls. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected devices - critical for safeguarding 20 V max-rated gate drivers and microcontrollers. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow) | Compatible with standard lead-free SMT assembly processes without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V power inputs and switch-sense lines in BCMs against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between input rail and chassis ground to clamp transients before they reach power management ICs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Ensures system-level ISO 16750-2 compliance with <25.2 V clamping at 15.9 A, preventing reset or latch-up of 32-bit MCUs during cold-cranking events. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp device mounted at connector interface to shunt fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time) to common ground before reaching optocoupler or Schmitt trigger inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2 kV) surge testing while adding <0.5 mm² PCB area and zero active components. |
| Automotive Camera Module Power Rail | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguards 12 V supply to image sensor and ISP in rear-view or surround-view cameras exposed to vehicle battery fluctuations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power path, positioned upstream of LDOs and DC-DC converters to prevent damage during jump-start conditions. Use Value: Delivers 400 W surge handling with 25.2 V clamping - keeps voltage within 12 V ±10% tolerance window required by CISPR 25 Class 5 EMC-compliant imaging subsystems. |
Use Scenario: Protects half-bridge gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers in washing machine or HVAC blower motor inverters from inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response unidirectional suppressor across DC bus rails and gate drive lines to limit dv/dt-induced shoot-through and op-amp saturation. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to ≤25.2 V within <1 ns, reducing failure rate of 600 V MOSFETs and enabling use of cost-optimized 30 V sense amplifiers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/5A | Same VWM (15.3 V), VC = 27.7 V at 14.4 A; 400 W rating; RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified; MSL Level 1. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for commercial/industrial use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive certification needs and clamping voltage margin allows 27.7 V. |
| 1.5SMC18A | Higher package thermal mass (SMC/DO-214AB); same VWM/VC specs; 1500 W peak power; not AEC-Q101 qualified; lead-free but not halogen-free. | Better thermal dissipation for high-duty-cycle surges; larger footprint (7.11 × 6.22 mm vs. SMA's 4.93 × 3.99 mm). | Choose when board space permits and higher single-pulse energy handling (>400 W) is required, e.g., in power supply front-end protection. |
Compared with SMAJ18A-E3/5A and 1.5SMC18A, the P4SMA18AHM3/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and compact SMA footprint - making it the only option certified for automotive under-hood placement without layout or thermal redesign.
Availability
P4SMA18AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and consumer appliance motor drive systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA18AHM3/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, TVS devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 validation, and surface-mount scalability across voltage grades from 6.8 V to 540 V.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA18AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA18AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.9 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures protected circuits remain within safe voltage margins during transient events.
Is the P4SMA18AHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA18AHM3/I carries the HM3 suffix, indicating it is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified. It has passed all required stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and human-body-model ESD (≥8 kV), making it suitable for under-hood and cabin automotive electronics.
What does the "I" suffix mean in P4SMA18AHM3/I?
The "I" suffix in P4SMA18AHM3/I denotes packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 7500 units per reel. This format supports high-volume automated SMT assembly and is compatible with standard pick-and-place equipment used in automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Can the P4SMA18AHM3/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4SMA18AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") in its part number. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., P4SMA18CA). Using P4SMA18AHM3/I in bidirectional applications would result in forward conduction during negative transients and potential device failure.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA18AHM3/I, and how does it affect layout design?
The P4SMA18AHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. To maintain reliability under repetitive surges, PCB layout must use minimum recommended copper pad areas (0.2" × 0.2" per terminal) and avoid excessive trace length or narrow routing that impedes heat dissipation.
P4SMA18AHM3/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):
- 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:
- 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)
P4SMA18AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18AHM3/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 P4SMA18AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA18AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18AHM3/I?
P4SMA18AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18AHM3/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 P4SMA18AHM3/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA18AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18AHM3/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 P4SMA18AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18AHM3/I?
All P4SMA18AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18AHM3/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 P4SMA18AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA18AHM3/I Tags
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