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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,952
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 18.9 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 25.2 V 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 interfaces in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA18CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA18CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pads.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transient overvoltages in both polarities without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during ESD or inductive switching events.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, with derating above 25 °C per Figure 2. The device sustains repetitive 400 W pulses at ≤0.01% duty cycle (300 W above 91 V), and meets UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) for telecom and industrial protector applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - Verified breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on under transient stress. |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; defines transient energy absorption capability under standardized waveform. |
| IPPM | 15.9 A - Corresponding peak pulse current at VC; used to size PCB trace widths and verify layout survivability. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design limits for ambient and power dissipation conditions. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with JEDEC-standard reflow profiles and J-STD-002 solderability. |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, no polarity marking for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional mode | Terminal 1 - Identical electrical behavior to Terminal 2; no functional distinction in AC or bipolar transient suppression. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with anode in bidirectional mode | Terminal 2 - Electrically interchangeable with Terminal 1; bidirectional clamping requires no orientation during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints or external circuitry. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust immunity against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges (1 kV/42 Ω) on 24 V industrial buses. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR = 1.33) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HE3/HM3 variants available - enables use in automotive body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly; supports standard lead-free reflow processes without moisture-induced failure. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface Protection | Automotive CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines (4–20 mA) and digital I/O of pressure/temperature sensors exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across signal and ground, clamping ±2 kV EFT bursts within <1 ns to prevent ADC saturation or microcontroller reset. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under repeated 400 W transients while occupying minimal PCB area in SMA footprint. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CAN_H/CAN_L differential pair in vehicle ECUs against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a/b. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired P4SMA18CA-E3/5A devices (one per line) limit common-mode transients to ≤25.2 V, preserving CAN transceiver input tolerance. Use Value: Enables compliance with ISO 16750-2 without adding series impedance or degrading signal rise/fall times. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on Ethernet PHY power rails (3.3 V, 5 V) and MDI interface traces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping device shunting induced lightning surges (IEC 61000-4-5) away from PHY ICs and magnetics. Use Value: Delivers 400 W pulse handling with 25.2 V clamping - lower than competing 18 V unidirectional parts - reducing stress on 5 V tolerant receivers. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for AC-DC adapters against mains-borne surges and capacitor discharge spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across primary-side DC bus (e.g., post-bridge rectifier) to absorb switching transients before bulk capacitor. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 300–400 W pulses without degradation, extending adapter lifetime in high-noise environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | Same VWM (15.3 V), higher PPPM (600 W), larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (5.3 mm × 4.6 mm) | Higher power handling suits 48 V industrial systems; larger footprint may conflict with dense layouts. | Select SMBJ18CA when >400 W surge margin is required and board space permits larger package. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Same VWM and VC, but axial-leaded DO-201AE package; 1500 W PPPM, higher IPPM (83.3 A) | Through-hole mounting only; unsuitable for automated SMT lines or compact consumer designs. | Choose 1.5KE18CA for prototyping, high-energy legacy systems, or where manual assembly is acceptable. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the P4SMA18CA-E3/5A offers optimal balance of SMT compatibility, 400 W surge capability, and minimal 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint - making it preferred for space-constrained, high-volume industrial and automotive modules requiring RoHS-compliant tape-and-reel delivery.
Availability
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, automotive CAN bus nodes, telecom line cards, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA18CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting industrial automation, automotive electronics, and telecom infrastructure where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 readiness are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA18CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88367 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range (-65 °C to +150 °C).
Is P4SMA18CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified, but Vishay offers functionally identical variants with HE3 (RoHS + AEC-Q101) and HM3 (halogen-free + AEC-Q101) suffixes in the same P4SMA18CA family. These qualified versions share identical electrical specs and SMA packaging, enabling drop-in replacement in automotive body control modules, infotainment systems, and sensor nodes where P4SMA18CA-E3/5A serves as the commercial baseline.
What does the "-E3/5A" suffix indicate in P4SMA18CA-E3/5A?
The "-E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability. The "/5A" specifies packaging: 7500 units per 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel - optimized for high-speed SMT pick-and-place machines. This differs from /61 (1800 units on 7-inch reel) and supports large-volume production runs without reel changeovers.
How does P4SMA18CA-E3/5A differ from unidirectional P4SMA18A-E3/5A?
The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode band marking, whereas P4SMA18A-E3/5A is unidirectional with a visible cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias. Their VWM (15.3 V), VBR (17.1–18.9 V), and VC (25.2 V) are identical, but the CA version is mandatory for AC signal lines, differential buses, or floating grounds where polarity reversal occurs.
What is the thermal resistance of P4SMA18CA-E3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
The P4SMA18CA-E3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. To maintain safe operation under repetitive surges, PCB copper pads must follow Vishay's recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) minimum pad layout per terminal - smaller pads increase thermal impedance and risk exceeding the +150 °C TJ limit during sustained stress.
P4SMA18CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA18CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA18CA-E3/5A Tags
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