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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping inductive switching transients and ESD events on power and signal lines. It features a 15.3 V standoff 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, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and DC power rail surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18A-M3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18A-M3/5A pinout, P4SMA18A-M3/5A application, or P4SMA18A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility, 150 °C max junction temperature, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness (via HE3/HM3 variants).
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents high impedance (>1 µA leakage at 15.3 V), but triggers avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤25.2 V at 15.9 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.
The device uses a single-junction planar structure in SMA (DO-214AC) package with cathode band marking, optimized for automated placement and reflow soldering per J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak). Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient (on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and 30 °C/W junction-to-lead.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Standoff) | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; defines safe DC operating margin |
| VBR (Breakdown) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures consistent clamping onset across production lot |
| VC (Clamping) | 25.2 V at 15.9 A (10/1000 µs) - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge; determines system overvoltage margin |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) |
| IPPM | 15.9 A - peak pulse current supported at VC; directly usable for PCB trace sizing and fuse coordination |
| TJ max | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature; sets thermal derating limit for sustained power dissipation (3.3 W @ 50 °C ambient) |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline (5.28 mm × 4.50 mm × 2.29 mm); compatible with standard pick-and-place and reflow profiles |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, cathode indicated by a band on the body. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for full 400 W rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; defines polarity-sensitive placement in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction path / Clamping node | Marked with band; ties to higher-potential side (e.g., VCC rail or signal line); conducts surge current to ground or return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV open-circuit (2 Ω source impedance) without degradation |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.44) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs - critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic and automotive microcontrollers |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns; eliminates bake requirements pre-assembly |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Fulfills environmental compliance for automotive and industrial end equipment; no brominated flame retardants in molding compound |
| AEC-Q101 qualification pathway | HE3/HM3 variants available; supports functional safety requirements for automotive ECUs and ADAS sensor modules |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between sensor signal line and ground, triggered only during positive transients. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.2 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing damage to 30 V-rated op-amps and ADC inputs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-connected TVS on each input line, conducting surge energy to common ground plane during >30 V transients. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 24 V nominal, ensuring clean logic thresholds while clamping 1 kV/42 Ω surges to safe levels for optocoupler input stages. |
| DC Power Rail Surge Suppression | Consumer Device USB/UART Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 12–24 V DC-DC converter outputs feeding motor drivers or display backlights. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS tied between output rail and ground, absorbing inductive kickback from switched loads. Use Value: Handles 400 W pulses without thermal runaway; 15.3 V VWM allows use with 12 V systems while tolerating 10% regulation tolerance. |
Use Scenario: ESD and cable discharge protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− and UART TX/RX lines in smart home hubs and portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF) unidirectional clamp referenced to ground, placed adjacent to connector. Use Value: Clamps ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <25 V within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and preventing PHY latch-up. |
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 (15.4 V), higher PPPM (600 W), larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (5.28 mm × 4.57 mm) | Requires larger PCB footprint; better suited for higher-energy surges where space permits | Select when 600 W rating is mandatory and board area allows SMB outline |
| 1.5SMC18A | Same VWM (15.3 V), identical PPPM (400 W), larger SMC (DO-214AB) package (7.11 mm × 6.22 mm) | Lower thermal resistance (RθJA = 60 °C/W) but incompatible with dense layouts | Choose for improved thermal performance in thermally constrained environments with available space |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5SMC18A, P4SMA18A-M3/5A offers the smallest footprint (SMA) among 400 W-class 18 V TVS diodes, enabling high-density protection on compact boards - ideal when space is constrained but 400 W surge handling is sufficient.
Availability
P4SMA18A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, and DC power rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness.
Supply support for P4SMA18A-M3/5A 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection needs in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - delivering standardized TVS performance in compact surface-mount packages with scalable qualification paths.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA18A-M3/5A under rated surge conditions?
The P4SMA18A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated 10/1000 µs peak pulse current of 15.9 A. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that protected circuits will not experience voltages exceeding 25.2 V during such transients - a critical parameter for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V or 5 V ICs downstream of the P4SMA18A-M3/5A.
Is P4SMA18A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
P4SMA18A-M3/5A itself is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), and belongs to the AEC-Q101-qualified P4SMA family - with dedicated automotive variants (e.g., P4SMA18AHM3_A) available. While the base P4SMA18A-M3/5A is commercial-grade, its construction, thermal specs (150 °C TJ max), and surge robustness make it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems like body control modules and infotainment power rails when validated per system-level requirements.
What does the "M3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA18A-M3/5A?
The "M3" suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "/5A" indicates packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units - distinct from "/61" (7-inch reel, 1800 units). This format supports high-volume SMT assembly and inventory management for production programs using the P4SMA18A-M3/5A.
How does P4SMA18A-M3/5A differ from bidirectional variants like P4SMA18CA?
P4SMA18A-M3/5A is unidirectional, with polarity marked by a cathode band and specified parameters (VWM, VBR, VC) applying only in reverse bias. In contrast, P4SMA18CA is bidirectional - symmetric in both directions, with no polarity marking and identical clamping behavior for positive and negative transients. Use P4SMA18A-M3/5A for DC-biased lines (e.g., VCC-to-ground); choose P4SMA18CA for AC or floating signal lines like RS-485 or Ethernet pairs.
What is the thermal resistance of P4SMA18A-M3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
P4SMA18A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To achieve full 400 W pulse rating, PCB layout must provide these minimum pad sizes; reducing pad area increases RθJA, derating pulse power. Its junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) is 30 °C/W - useful for estimating local heating near solder joints during repetitive surges.
P4SMA18A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA18A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18A-M3/5A?
P4SMA18A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18A-M3/5A?
All P4SMA18A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18A-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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