Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T12AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM15T12AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SM15T12AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM15T12AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, with 12 V standoff voltage (VWM = 10.2 V), 16.7 V clamping voltage at 90 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against lightning-induced and inductive-switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SM15T12AHM3/I datasheet, SM15T12AHM3/I pinout, SM15T12AHM3/I application, or SM15T12AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) on standard 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds 12 V standoff, it avalanches to clamp transients at ≤16.7 V while conducting up to 90 A (10/1000 μs). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<5.0 μA at VWM).
Designed for high-energy threat environments, the SM15T12AHM3/I delivers 1500 W peak pulse power with low inductance and meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow), supporting automated SMT placement in automotive ECUs and industrial I/O modules where failure mode must be safe short-circuit.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 10.2 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines system operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 16.7 V at IPPM = 90 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; critical for downstream IC survival. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 1500 W - Energy-handling capacity for standardized lightning/transient waveforms; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 threats. |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on recommended 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads; determines derating above 25 °C ambient. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments with sustained power dissipation. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with IPC-7351B SMC_STD land pattern. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, polarity indicated by cathode band on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; defines reference for clamping action during transient events. |
| Cathode | Reverse voltage input / Clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., CAN_H, sensor supply); conducts surge current to ground when V > VWM. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors per stress test requirements. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance; supports green manufacturing and end-of-life compliance. |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 90 A without degradation-sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave testing. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.64) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components compared to higher-ratio TVS devices; improves system robustness margin. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over temperature and lifetime, low leakage (<5 μA), and immunity to humidity-induced parameter shift. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails from load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed between VBAT and GND, triggered within nanoseconds of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤16.7 V during 100 V/100 ms transients, preventing damage to MCU, PMIC, and analog front-end ICs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop, 0–5 V sensor voltage) in PLC I/O modules exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable unidirectional TVS (cathode tied to signal line, anode to GND) clamps both positive and ground-referenced transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping induced spikes to <17 V while adding <1 pF capacitance-no bandwidth degradation in DC–10 kHz sensor signals. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Device USB/Power Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver bus lines (A/B) in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired unidirectional SM15T12AHM3/I devices (one per line) referenced to local ground, providing differential and common-mode clamping. Use Value: Withstands 1 kV/0.5 Ω combination wave (IEC 61000-4-5) without latch-up or parametric shift, preserving data link uptime. | Use Scenario: Hardening 5 V USB VBUS and 12 V auxiliary power inputs in smart home hubs against ESD and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt protector upstream of DC-DC converter input, activated before internal FETs experience overvoltage stress. Use Value: Achieves <1 ns response time and <16.7 V clamping, enabling compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (8 kV contact) and UL 62368-1 surge requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/57T | Lower PPPM (400 W), same VWM (12 V), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial-grade consumer or industrial boards with lower surge exposure | Select when space-constrained layouts prohibit SMC and threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 ESD only. |
| 1.5KE12A | Higher VWM (10.2 V), same VC (16.7 V), axial DO-201 package, non-RoHS legacy variant | Lacks MSL Level 1 rating and halogen-free compliance; incompatible with modern SMT assembly lines | Use only for through-hole repair or legacy system maintenance where reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/57T and 1.5KE12A, the SM15T12AHM3/I provides 3.75× higher surge energy handling, automotive qualification, and SMT-ready halogen-free construction-making it the preferred choice for new automotive and industrial designs requiring long-term supply stability and regulatory compliance.
Availability
SM15T12AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom base station interfaces, and consumer power port protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SM15T12AHM3/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, and MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SM15T Series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive power distribution, industrial automation I/O, and infrastructure communication systems demanding AEC-Q101 compliance and 1500 W surge capability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM15T12AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM15T12AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 90 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88380 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SM15T12AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (−65 °C to +150 °C) with no derating required below 25 °C ambient.
Is SM15T12AHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SM15T12AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with ordering code suffix "HM3" indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 validated construction. It is deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces where compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and extended temperature operation are mandatory. The SM15T12AHM3/I's MSL Level 1 rating and 150 °C TJ max ensure reliability in under-hood environments.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SM15T12AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SM15T12AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. Per Vishay's ordering nomenclature, "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 (3500 units per reel), optimized for high-volume SMT assembly. This distinguishes SM15T12AHM3/I from commercial-grade variants like SM15T12A-E3/57T.
How does SM15T12AHM3/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SM15T12CA?
SM15T12AHM3/I is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, whereas SM15T12CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and symmetric clamping in both directions. The SM15T12AHM3/I offers lower leakage current (<5.0 μA at VWM) and is preferred for DC-biased lines (e.g., 12 V power rails), while SM15T12CA suits AC-coupled or differential signal lines (e.g., RS-485). Both share identical VWM, VC, and PPPM ratings but differ in test configuration and application topology.
What PCB layout guidance applies to SM15T12AHM3/I for optimal thermal and electrical performance?
For optimal performance, SM15T12AHM3/I must be mounted on minimum 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, per Vishay's thermal characterization in document 88380. Trace width should exceed 1.5 mm to minimize inductance, and ground planes must be solid beneath the device. Avoid thermal reliefs on pads; use multiple vias (≥4 per pad) to inner-layer ground planes to achieve the specified RθJA of 75 °C/W. The SM15T12AHM3/I's low-inductance design depends critically on this layout adherence.
SM15T12AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- SM15T, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 90A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- 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-214AB (SMC)
SM15T12AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM15T12AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM15T12AHM3/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 SM15T12AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM15T12AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM15T12AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM15T12AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM15T12AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM15T12AHM3/I?
SM15T12AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM15T12AHM3/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 SM15T12AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM15T12AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM15T12AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM15T12AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM15T12AHM3/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 SM15T12AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM15T12AHM3/I?
All SM15T12AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM15T12AHM3/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 SM15T12AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM15T12AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM15T12AHM3/I Tags

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