Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA20AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA20AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA20AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA20AHM3/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 protection for sensitive ICs, MOSFETs, and sensor signal lines in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA20AHM3/I datasheet, P4SMA20AHM3/I pinout, P4SMA20AHM3/I application, or P4SMA20AHM3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance data, clamping voltage under surge, and real-world design implications for transient suppression in 24 V rail and sensor interface protection.
Technical Context
The P4SMA20AHM3/I uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of ESD and inductive switching transients. Its unidirectional polarity features a cathode band marking and supports DC-biased protection paths.
Rated at 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation and 150 °C maximum junction temperature, it operates reliably under derated conditions up to 125 °C ambient when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for safe DC bias in protected circuits. |
| VBR @ IT = 1.0 mA | 19.0–21.0 V - Breakdown voltage range defining onset of avalanche conduction; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - Clamping voltage at 14.4 A peak pulse current; determines maximum voltage seen by downstream circuitry during 400 W transient. |
| IPPM | 14.4 A - Peak pulse current capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; defines surge handling capacity for common lightning/inductive spike profiles. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires adequate PCB copper area (0.2" × 0.2") to maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C at full power. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Absolute maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments with proper layout. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard; suffix HM3 confirms qualification. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode marked by single band on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); defines directionality in unidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal / Clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V supply or signal trace); conducts surge current to ground when VIN exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surge immunity without external series impedance in many 24 V applications. |
| 27.7 V clamping voltage at 14.4 A | Limits transient overvoltage to within safe operating area of 30 V-rated logic ICs and gate drivers connected to same rail. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics; eliminates need for additional qualification testing in Tier 1 BOMs. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible | Enables standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements prior to reflow. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant | Fulfills EU ELV and China RoHS material restrictions; supports sustainability compliance for global OEM programs. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V CAN/LIN bus interface ICs and microcontroller GPIOs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 24 V supply rail and ground, clamping spikes before they reach LDO inputs or transceiver VCC. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), maintaining system uptime in harsh vehicle environments. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across optocoupler input terminals or upstream of Schmitt-trigger buffers to absorb inductive kickback from solenoid/relay coils. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and component failure caused by >1 kV transients, reducing field returns and maintenance downtime in industrial settings. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding AC/DC adapter secondary-side rectifiers and DC-DC controller ICs from line-induced surges entering via PoE or auxiliary power inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across bulk capacitor terminals to clamp differential-mode transients before they propagate into regulation circuitry. Use Value: Maintains output regulation integrity during IEC 61000-4-5 surges, avoiding brownouts or reset events in base station management units. |
Use Scenario: Protecting half-bridge gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers in smart washing machine motor control boards from back-EMF spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-HS/LS gate node to suppress Miller-induced voltage overshoot during MOSFET switching transitions. Use Value: Reduces gate oxide stress and prevents shoot-through failures, extending motor driver lifespan in high-cycle consumer appliances. |
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 | Same VWM (17.1 V), identical SMA package, but rated for 400 W with 8.3 ms surge rating; no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Preferred for commercial/industrial designs where automotive qualification is not required; lacks automotive reliability validation. | Select SMAJ20A for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications needing equivalent clamping performance without AEC-Q101 overhead. |
| 1.5SMC20A | Higher package thermal mass (DO-214AB), 400 W rating, VC = 32.4 V at 12.3 A; larger footprint (7.11 mm × 6.22 mm vs. 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm). | Better thermal handling for repetitive surges, but incompatible with dense layouts requiring SMA footprint. | Choose 1.5SMC20A only when board space allows larger package and higher sustained power dissipation is needed beyond single-event clamping. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5SMC20A, the P4SMA20AHM3/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, SMA footprint compatibility, and 27.7 V clamping in a halogen-free construction-making it the optimal choice for automotive and space-constrained industrial designs requiring certified reliability.
Availability
P4SMA20AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input modules, and telecom power front-ends requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA20AHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The P4SMA Series targets robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications equipment, designed to meet stringent AEC-Q101, IEC 61000-4-5, and UL 497B standards with consistent clamping behavior and low leakage.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4SMA20AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA20AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The P4SMA20AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range when properly mounted on recommended copper pads.
Is the P4SMA20AHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA20AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HM3" suffix in its part number and documented in Vishay's official P4SMA series datasheet (Document Number: 88367, Revision: 09-Jan-2024). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD, making the P4SMA20AHM3/I suitable for automotive body electronics, infotainment power rails, and sensor interfaces.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in P4SMA20AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in P4SMA20AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. Specifically, "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, "M" signifies halogen-free molding compound, and "3" confirms RoHS compliance. The trailing "/I" specifies packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel format with 7500 units per reel, per Vishay's ordering information table.
Can the P4SMA20AHM3/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4SMA20AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the absence of "CA" in its part number and explicit designation in Vishay's documentation. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., P4SMA20CA). Using the P4SMA20AHM3/I in bidirectional applications would result in forward conduction during negative transients, potentially damaging the device or failing to protect the circuit.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4SMA20AHM3/I, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The P4SMA20AHM3/I 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 avoid exceeding the 150 °C maximum junction temperature under 3.3 W steady-state dissipation, designers must allocate sufficient copper area and consider airflow or adjacent heat sources. Reducing pad size increases RθJA, directly raising operating temperature and degrading surge endurance.
P4SMA20AHM3/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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- 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)
P4SMA20AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA20AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA20AHM3/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 P4SMA20AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA20AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA20AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA20AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA20AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA20AHM3/I?
P4SMA20AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA20AHM3/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 P4SMA20AHM3/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA20AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA20AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA20AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA20AHM3/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 P4SMA20AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA20AHM3/I?
All P4SMA20AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA20AHM3/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 P4SMA20AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA20AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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