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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,028
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18CA-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power 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 a 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18CA-M3/5A pinout, P4SMA18CA-M3/5A application, or P4SMA18CA-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compliance with UL 497B for telecom protector classification.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports effective energy diversion during transient events.
The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (derated to 300 W above 91 V), with clamping performance validated under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform testing. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), targeting commercial and automotive-grade applications requiring robust ESD and surge immunity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - Voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction; tight tolerance enables precise overvoltage threshold setting. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - Maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs transient; determines downstream component stress level. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Energy-handling capacity under standard surge waveform; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 15.9 A - Peak current the device safely shunts during 10/1000 µs transient; directly tied to PCB trace routing and layout robustness. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal derating limits for high ambient or repetitive surge environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal for full power rating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Bidirectional configuration has no polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (reverse bias) | One side of symmetrical avalanche junction; conducts during positive or negative overvoltage events relative to cathode. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry point (forward bias) | Other side of symmetrical junction; completes bidirectional conduction path; no band marking on P4SMA18CA-M3/5A. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC, differential, or floating signal lines without polarity constraints - critical for RS-485, CAN, and sensor bridge outputs. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 1 kV open-circuit / 0.5 kV short-circuit (2 Ω source impedance) without degradation. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.44) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to downstream 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Variant P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I meets automotive reliability requirements for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validated for use in telecom line protectors per Underwriters Laboratories safety standard - required for PSTN, DSL, and PoE interface designs. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure, temperature, or position sensors in engine control units exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamping element placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤25.2 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy and preventing input stage saturation. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels on PLC modules from inductive kickback caused by relay or solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression device mounted at connector entry point, upstream of optocoupler isolation. Use Value: Clamps 400 V/12 A transients within 1 ns, maintaining <1 µA leakage at 24 V nominal to avoid false triggering of Schmitt-trigger inputs. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RJ-11 telephone line interface circuits in VoIP gateways against lightning-induced surges per ITU-T K.20/K.21. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protector in multi-stage telecom surge circuit, paired with gas discharge tube (GDT) and series impedance. Use Value: UL 497B recognition confirms suitability for certified telecom protector assemblies; clamping at 25.2 V prevents damage to SLIC and codec ICs. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD and surge protection to USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) in smart home hubs and set-top boxes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp placed after common-mode choke to suppress ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Junction capacitance <50 pF at 0 V ensures <0.1 dB insertion loss at 480 MHz, preserving USB 2.0 signal integrity without eye diagram distortion. |
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 | 600 W peak pulse power, larger SMB (DO-214AA) package, higher IPPM (32.4 A), same VWM/VBR range | Better suited for higher-energy surges; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or when board space allows larger package for improved thermal margin. |
| 1.5SMC18CA | 1500 W peak pulse power, SMC (DO-214AB) package, same VWM/VBR, higher thermal mass | Designed for industrial mains-connected equipment; not optimized for fine-pitch automated assembly | Choose for legacy industrial designs where SMC footprint is already established and higher surge immunity is mandatory. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5SMC18CA, P4SMA18CA-M3/5A offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, 400 W surge handling, and AEC-Q101-ready variants - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and consumer electronics where automated placement and thermal management are co-optimized.
Availability
P4SMA18CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interface hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4SMA18CA-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 application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for surface-mount transient voltage suppression in cost-sensitive, high-volume applications - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 qualification options, and UL recognition for telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A?
The P4SMA18CA-M3/5A has a standoff voltage (VWM) of 15.3 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this DC or RMS voltage level under normal operation. This value ensures compatibility with 12 V and 15 V systems while providing adequate margin before breakdown at 17.1–18.9 V. The P4SMA18CA-M3/5A maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM, minimizing standby power loss in battery-powered applications.
Is the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - while the base P4SMA18CA-M3/5A is commercial-grade, Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified variants (e.g., P4SMA18CAHM3_A/I) with identical electrical specs and enhanced reliability testing for automotive use. The P4SMA18CA-M3/5A itself shares the same DO-214AC package, thermal design, and clamping performance required in engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules.
What is the maximum clamping voltage (VC) of the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A under surge conditions?
The P4SMA18CA-M3/5A clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This clamping voltage is measured at the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for safeguarding 3.3 V, 5 V, or 12 V logic interfaces.
Does the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A have polarity markings on the package?
No - the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMA (DO-214AC) case. Its symmetrical construction allows installation in either orientation, simplifying automated placement and eliminating orientation-related assembly errors. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants like P4SMA18A-M3/5A, which feature a visible cathode band.
What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of the P4SMA18CA-M3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
The P4SMA18CA-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 thermal resistance and requires derating per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88367. The P4SMA18CA-M3/5A's RθJL is 30 °C/W, supporting efficient heat transfer to PCB traces.
P4SMA18CA-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:
- -
- 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18CA-M3/5A?
P4SMA18CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-M3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18CA-M3/5A?
All P4SMA18CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18CA-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 P4SMA18CA-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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