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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,221
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I 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 or power lines. It features a 15.3 V standoff voltage (VWM), 18.9 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 25.2 V clamping voltage at 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, sensor interfaces, and ICs in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I pinout, P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I application, or P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I equivalent, this device serves as a halogen-free, AEC-Q101 qualified transient suppressor for bidirectional line protection where low clamping voltage, fast response (<1 ns), and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are required.
Technical Context
The P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping both positive and negative transients above its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% min/max), low incremental surge resistance, and repeatable clamping performance under repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses at 0.01% duty cycle.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) only in unidirectional variants - not applicable here - and maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM across -65 °C to +150 °C operating range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA test current - Ensures predictable, symmetric avalanche initiation in both directions for transient suppression. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at 15.9 A IPPM - Limits peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge, critical for downstream IC survival. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustains high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a) without failure when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 15.9 A - Maximum transient current the device can shunt while maintaining specified VC; determines protection robustness against ESD/EFT. |
| TJmax | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Case meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Provides symmetrical conduction path for both polarities; connects to ground or common reference plane in clamp-to-rail topology. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to anode in bidirectional devices; forms dual-junction structure enabling equal clamping in ± direction. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines (e.g., CAN, RS-485) without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients such as load dump surges (ISO 16750-2) and inductive switching spikes in 12 V automotive systems. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity limitations or baking requirements. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance mandates for automotive and industrial OEMs; HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free molding compound. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors, improving system-level surge immunity margin. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 5 V analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units from ISO 7637-2 coupled transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground to clamp ±200 V spikes within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and ADC front-ends by limiting voltage to ≤25.2 V during surge events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 0–10 V analog inputs on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping device installed across input terminals to divert induced surges before reaching precision instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and avoids false triggering or calibration drift by suppressing transients faster than microsecond-scale sampling windows. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer USB Port ESD Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers in building automation networks from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional suppressor connected between differential pair (A/B) and ground to absorb common-mode transients. Use Value: Ensures >15 kV contact ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-2) and 4 kV EFT robustness without degrading signal rise time due to low capacitance (~100 pF). |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge protection on USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) in smart home hubs subjected to user-handling ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed inline with data traces to shunt human-body-model (HBM) discharges away from USB PHY. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity up to 480 Mbps by limiting junction capacitance and avoiding jitter or bit errors during transient events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same VWM (15.4 V), slightly higher VC (27.7 V at 14.4 A), lower PPPM (400 W same but lower IPPM rating), non-AEC-Q101. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for commercial/industrial use only where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMAJ18CA for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs requiring identical footprint and basic clamping performance. |
| 1.5SMC18CA | Higher package thermal mass (SMC vs SMA); same VWM/VBR, but VC = 29.2 V at 13.7 A; PPPM = 1500 W - over-specified for most PCB space-constrained applications. | Requires larger board area; better suited for high-power industrial surge protection where layout allows SMC footprint. | Choose 1.5SMC18CA only when higher surge endurance (>1500 W) and thermal dissipation are required, accepting larger size and higher cost. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5SMC18CA, the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I delivers AEC-Q101 qualification in the compact SMA package with optimal clamping voltage (25.2 V), making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial modules requiring certified reliability and precise voltage limiting.
Availability
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC analog input safeguarding, telecom line interface hardening, and consumer USB port ESD mitigation requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for P4SMA18CAHM3_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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series was developed for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications equipment, combining AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and consistent clamping performance across wide temperature ranges.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I 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 with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per JEDEC standards. The low VC ensures effective protection of sensitive downstream components like microcontrollers and analog front-ends in the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I application circuit.
Is the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and automotive-grade construction. It is specifically intended for use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules where transient immunity and long-term reliability under thermal cycling are mandatory. The P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I meets all stress tests defined in AEC-Q101 including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling.
What does the "CA" suffix mean in P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA18CAHM3_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., P4SMA18AHM3_A/I), the CA version has no cathode band marking and functions identically in either orientation, simplifying layout for AC-coupled or differential signal lines in the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I design.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
The P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I has a maximum junction temperature (TJmax) of +150 °C and operates across -65 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance values - RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W - allow reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures. Derating curves in the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I datasheet confirm sustained performance at elevated ambient temperatures when proper PCB copper area is used.
How does the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I compare to unidirectional TVS diodes in terms of circuit implementation?
The P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I eliminates polarity constraints during placement, enabling direct integration into bidirectional signal paths (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485) without orientation verification. Unidirectional variants require correct anode/cathode alignment relative to ground, increasing assembly risk and layout complexity. In circuits where both polarities must be suppressed - such as AC-powered sensors or floating analog inputs - the P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I reduces BOM count and improves yield versus using two unidirectional devices.
P4SMA18CAHM3_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:
- 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)
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18CAHM3_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 P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18CAHM3_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 P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18CAHM3_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 P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18CAHM3_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 P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I?
All P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18CAHM3_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 P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I Tags
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