Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA20AHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA20AHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, rated for 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 21.0 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It provides clamping at 27.7 V under 14.4 A peak pulse current and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA20AHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA20AHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA20AHE3_A/I equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection of low-voltage DC rails, sensor interfaces, and power inputs in harsh environments where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and automotive-grade reliability are required.
Technical Context
The P4SMA20AHE3_A/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (19.0–21.0 V), with cathode band marking polarity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 17.1 V) and repeatable clamping performance across temperature (−65 °C to +150 °C).
Designed for transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5, it delivers 400 W peak pulse power on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads, derating to 300 W above 91 V. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions at ≤0.01% duty cycle.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Standoff Voltage) | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for 20 V nominal rail protection. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA - Tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on; critical for precise clamping alignment with protected IC thresholds. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 27.7 V at 14.4 A IPPM - Limits transient voltage seen by downstream circuitry; clamping ratio = VC/VWM ≈ 1.62. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - Sustains high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a without failure. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 μA at VWM - Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-current sensor lines. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive modules and industrial enclosures without thermal derating penalties. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode indicated by band; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink | Connects to protected line; conducts surge current to ground during overvoltage events. |
| Anode (unbanded end) | Reference node | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes clamping loop. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands high-energy load dump and inductive switching surges common in 12 V automotive systems. |
| Fast response time (<1 ns) | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage under thermal cycling and humidity stress. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Compatible with standard lead-free SMT assembly processes without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and ESD. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and battery reversal transients in door modules and lighting controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping transient energy on 12 V supply and signal lines before reaching MCU or transceiver inputs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V logic while maintaining signal integrity during ISO 7637-2 pulses. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping element placed at sensor connector entry point to shunt induced EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and ESD (IEC 61000-4-2). Use Value: Maintains measurement accuracy by limiting voltage excursion to <28 V, well below ADC input absolute maximum ratings. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feed Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 5 V/9 V USB-C PD adapter outputs against feedback loop failures or transient coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode TVS absorbing short-duration surges without affecting normal regulation or efficiency. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary crowbar circuits; clamps within 27.7 V while drawing <1 μA at nominal output. |
Use Scenario: Protecting PoE-powered equipment (e.g., IP cameras) from lightning-induced surges on 48 V DC feed lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level unidirectional suppressor on DC input rail upstream of DC-DC converter. Use Value: Handles 400 W surges per IEEE 802.3bt requirements while fitting compact DO-214AC footprint on dense PCB layouts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/5A | Same VWM (17.1 V), same package, but lower PPPM (400 W vs. P4SMA20AHE3_A/I's 400 W); identical clamping (27.7 V), but higher ID (5.0 μA vs. 1.0 μA). | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial/industrial use only. | Select when automotive qualification is unnecessary and cost optimization is prioritized over leakage-critical sensor nodes. |
| 1.5SMC20A | Higher package thermal resistance (RθJA = 150 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W); same VWM/VBR/VC but larger SMC (DO-214AB) footprint. | Requires more PCB area; not optimized for automated placement density. | Choose only if legacy board layout uses SMC or higher single-pulse energy (>400 W) is needed with heatsinking. |
Compared with SMAJ20A-E3/5A and 1.5SMC20A, the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I offers tighter leakage, AEC-Q101 qualification, and superior thermal performance in the smallest standard surface-mount TVS package-making it optimal for space-constrained, automotive-grade designs requiring long-term reliability.
Availability
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, and telecom power feed applications requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for P4SMA20AHE3_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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade validation.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics-designed specifically for surface-mount compatibility, automated assembly, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I under rated surge conditions?
The P4SMA20AHE3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C on recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads and remains stable across its operating temperature range due to low temperature coefficient (0.090 %/°C).
Is the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the P4SMA20CA variant. Using P4SMA20AHE3_A/I in bidirectional configurations risks forward conduction during negative transients and invalidates its specified clamping performance.
Does the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I require a heatsink for standard operation?
No external heatsink is required for the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I under typical single-pulse or low-duty-cycle surge conditions. Its RθJA of 120 °C/W and RθJL of 30 °C/W allow safe operation with standard PCB copper pads (0.2" × 0.2" per terminal); however, sustained repetitive surges above 0.01% duty cycle may require additional copper area or thermal vias.
What does the "HE3_A/I" suffix in P4SMA20AHE3_A/I signify?
The "HE3" denotes RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified construction; "A" indicates revision level per Vishay's internal documentation; "I" specifies packaging in 13" diameter tape-and-reel (7500 units/reel). This full suffix confirms automotive-grade qualification, halogen-free materials, and high-volume SMT readiness.
How does the P4SMA20AHE3_A/I compare to older P4SMA20A variants without HE3 suffix?
The P4SMA20AHE3_A/I retains identical electrical specifications (VWM, VBR, VC, PPPM) as non-HE3 versions but adds AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free molding compound, and enhanced process controls for automotive reliability. It also meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility-features absent in base P4SMA20A-E3 parts.
P4SMA20AHE3_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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14.4A
- 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)
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA20AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA20AHE3_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 P4SMA20AHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA20AHE3_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 P4SMA20AHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA20AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA20AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA20AHE3_A/I?
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA20AHE3_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 P4SMA20AHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA20AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA20AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA20AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA20AHE3_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 P4SMA20AHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA20AHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA20AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA20AHE3_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 P4SMA20AHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA20AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA20AHE3_A/I Tags

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