Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.9–23.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It provides clamping protection for signal lines and power rails in automotive-grade sensor interfaces and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 15.9 A peak pulse current, low thermal resistance (RθJL = 30 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated terminals solderable per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I operates as a bidirectional voltage-clamping device with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both polarities, enabling transient suppression on AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1 µA at 15.3 V).
Designed for high-reliability automotive applications, it meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and is qualified for operation from –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device uses a low-inductance SMA package optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and minimal clamping overshoot during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for 18 V nominal rail protection. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 20.9–23.1 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating transients but below system damage thresholds. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at 15.9 A (10/1000 µs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; enables robust IC-level protection with headroom vs. 3.3 V/5 V/12 V logic. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustains standardized 10/1000 µs surge energy without degradation; derates to 300 W above 91 V, but fully applicable at 18 V rating. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained industrial enclosures without derating. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount footprint with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad thermal design; supports automated placement and reflow compatibility up to 260 °C peak. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, ESD-HBM/MM, and mechanical shock; suffix HE3 denotes qualification. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity surge) | One terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; conducts during negative-going transients relative to cathode reference. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity surge) | Second terminal of symmetrical junction; conducts during positive-going transients; bidirectional operation eliminates need for orientation awareness. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) with margin when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive use including engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics requiring long-term reliability under thermal cycling and vibration. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.13) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components-critical for protecting 3.3 V microcontrollers and analog front-ends in sensor modules. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns; eliminates bake-out requirement prior to assembly. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and temperature/pressure sensor outputs in engine bay environments subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed across signal line and ground to shunt transients before reaching sensitive analog input or UART interface. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 100 V/50 ms load dump events while preserving <1 µA leakage at 15.3 V standby voltage. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS absorbing repetitive 400 W surges induced by relay coil de-energization without degradation over >10⁵ cycles. Use Value: Prevents false triggering and latch-up in optocoupler input stages by limiting transient voltage to ≤25.2 V during 15.9 A peak events. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Line Interface Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays where primary protection resides upstream. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-nanosecond) bidirectional clamp diverting ±15 kV HBM ESD strikes away from USB PHY transceivers. Use Value: Achieves <10 pF junction capacitance (typ.) at VWM, minimizing signal distortion and maintaining USB full-speed timing compliance. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on RJ-11 telephone line interfaces in VoIP gateways subjected to lightning-induced longitudinal surges per ITU-T K.20. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS pair (two devices) across tip/ring to suppress common-mode transients while preserving DC bias and ringing waveform fidelity. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/0.5 µs surges to <25.2 V within 1 ns, preventing damage to SLIC and codec ICs without affecting -48 V DC feed stability. |
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 | Higher 600 W PPPM rating; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; 28.5 V VC at 21.2 A. | Better suited for higher-energy surges but requires larger PCB area and has ~30 % higher clamping voltage. | Select when surge energy exceeds 400 W or when thermal mass from larger package improves long-term reliability under repetitive stress. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Through-hole DO-201AE package; 1500 W PPPM; 28.5 V VC at 53 A; higher leakage (5 µA at VWM). | Designed for board-edge or chassis-level primary protection; not suitable for dense SMT layouts or high-frequency signal lines. | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial power supply inputs where manual assembly or wave soldering is used and layout space is unconstrained. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I delivers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 25.2 V clamping-making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial SMT designs requiring certified reliability and low parasitic capacitance.
Availability
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, consumer USB peripherals, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply with guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance and RoHS/halogen-free assurance.
Supply support for P4SMA18CAHE3_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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability, automotive-qualified, and industry-standard solutions.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and communications applications where AEC-Q101 validation, low clamping voltage, and surface-mount scalability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 15.9 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I maintains this performance consistently due to its glass-passivated junction and low incremental surge resistance.
Is P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HE3" suffix in its ordering code. It has undergone rigorous stress testing-including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD-required for automotive electronics. The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I is deployed in engine control units, ADAS sensor interfaces, and body control modules where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.
What does the "CA" suffix mean in P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA18A), the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity-ideal for AC signal lines, differential buses, or floating power domains where directionality cannot be assumed.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I has a typical thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, as specified in the Vishay P4SMA datasheet. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper through the SMA package leads, supporting reliable operation at elevated ambient temperatures. When designing layouts for the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I, maintaining adequate copper pour on both terminals maximizes this thermal benefit.
How does the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I compare to unidirectional P4SMA18A in terms of application flexibility?
The P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I offers greater application flexibility than the unidirectional P4SMA18A because it protects against transients of either polarity without requiring orientation-aware placement. This eliminates risk of incorrect mounting and simplifies layout for differential interfaces like CAN or RS-485. While the P4SMA18A provides slightly lower leakage in DC-biased applications, the P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I's bidirectional symmetry makes it the default choice for modern automotive and industrial signal integrity designs.
P4SMA18CAHE3_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:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18CAHE3_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 P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18CAHE3_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 P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18CAHE3_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 P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18CAHE3_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 P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18CAHE3_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 P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA18CAHE3_A/I Tags

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