Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA20CAHE3_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 and power lines. It features a 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 22.8 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.22), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped transient protector with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. It exhibits fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and thermal stability up to TJ = 150 °C, enabling reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions with 0.01% duty cycle.
The P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I uses a glass-passivated silicon junction and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and it passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing - confirming suitability for high-reliability automotive and industrial PCBs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 22.8–25.2 V at 1 mA - Voltage at which avalanche conduction initiates; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 27.7 V at 14.4 A IPPM - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Maximum transient energy absorption capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports robust surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length, 4.50 mm width, and 2.29 mm height; compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), bidirectional configuration - no polarity marking; symmetrical terminals with cathode/anode roles undefined per directionality.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals conduct identically during positive or negative surges; no DC bias dependency - ideal for AC-coupled or differential signal lines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, RS-485 buses, and ungrounded sensor outputs without polarity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands 1 kV/500 A surge per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads - reduces need for external heat sinking. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules, ADAS sensors, and infotainment interfaces requiring long-term field reliability. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Allows lead-free reflow without preconditioning; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during standard PCB assembly. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Improves long-term stability and leakage performance over temperature and life cycle versus epoxy-passivated alternatives. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to limit transient voltage before reaching sensitive ASICs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under ±25 V transients while adding <1 pF capacitance - avoids data corruption in 500 kbps CAN FD links. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V DC digital input modules from inductive kickback in PLC backplanes and motor control cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element across input terminals, coordinated with upstream fusing and filtering. Use Value: Clamps 400 W surges within 27.7 V, preventing latch-up in optocoupler input stages and extending system uptime in harsh factory environments. |
| Telecom Line Protection | Consumer USB Port ESD |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cabling in outdoor access points. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS deployed after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary protection to handle residual fast-rising transients. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to sub-microsecond edges, limiting let-through voltage to <30 V - preserving 100BASE-TX signal eye diagram integrity. |
Use Scenario: ESD protection for USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) and VBUS in portable audio docks and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp integrated into USB connector footprint to meet IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV contact discharge. Use Value: Adds only 15 pF typical junction capacitance at 0 V, ensuring <1% signal attenuation at 480 MHz - maintains full-speed USB timing margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | Higher package thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W vs. 120 °C/W), 600 W PPPM rating, larger SMB (DO-214AA) footprint. | Preferred where higher surge margin is required and board space allows 2.6 mm wider body. | Select SMBJ20CA when 600 W surge handling is mandatory and layout permits larger footprint; not drop-in due to different pad dimensions. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Through-hole TO-218 package, 1500 W PPPM, higher VC (36.5 V), slower thermal response. | Suitable for legacy through-hole designs or high-energy AC mains protection where SMT is not feasible. | Choose 1.5KE20CA only for through-hole prototyping or retrofit scenarios - incompatible with SMT production flow of P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, compact SMA footprint, and 400 W surge capability - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and industrial SMT designs requiring validated reliability and automated assembly support.
Availability
P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom equipment requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for P4SMA20CAHE3_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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime with AEC-Q101 validation built into the HE3/HM3 variants.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88367) and reflects the actual voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for verifying downstream IC voltage tolerance margins.
Is P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HE3 suffix indicating automotive-grade qualification. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per AEC standards - making it appropriate for use in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and infotainment systems where field reliability is mandatory.
What does the "CA" suffix mean in P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA20CAHE3_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., P4SMA20A), this part has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of applied voltage polarity, simplifying layout for AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
The P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +150 °C, as specified in the Vishay P4SMA Series datasheet. This rating supports operation in high-ambient environments such as under-hood automotive locations or sealed industrial enclosures, provided thermal design accounts for RθJA = 120 °C/W and proper PCB copper area is used per the recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm pad layout.
Does P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I require special handling during PCB assembly?
No special handling is required for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I beyond standard SMT practices. It is rated MSL Level 1 with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C, fully compatible with lead-free soldering profiles. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability requirements, and it passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing - eliminating need for baking or special storage protocols.
P4SMA20CAHE3_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):
- 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)
P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA20CAHE3_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 P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA20CAHE3_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 P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA20CAHE3_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 P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA20CAHE3_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 P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA20CAHE3_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 P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA20CAHE3_A/I Tags

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