Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T12CA-E3/57T
- Part No.:
- SM15T12CA-E3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SM15T12CA-E3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,602
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SM15T12CA-E3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12 V standoff voltage (VWM), and clamping voltage of 16.7 V at 90 A peak pulse current. It protects signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor units and industrial I/O interfaces against lightning-induced and switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SM15T12CA-E3/57T datasheet, SM15T12CA-E3/57T pinout, SM15T12CA-E3/57T application, or SM15T12CA-E3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix), low-inductance SMC package layout compatibility, and verified 16.7 V clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge conditions.
Technical Context
The SM15T12CA-E3/57T operates as a symmetrical avalanche diode with identical forward and reverse breakdown characteristics due to its bidirectional CA construction. Its 12 V standoff voltage enables protection of 12 V nominal systems while maintaining ≤10 μA leakage at VWM.
Clamping occurs at 16.7 V under 90 A (10/1000 μs), delivering precise overvoltage limiting without parasitic turn-on. Thermal resistance is 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient (RθJA) on standard 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads, supporting sustained operation up to 150 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; matches 12 V supply rails. |
| VBR min/max | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures reliable triggering within ±5% tolerance. |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 90 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage limits transient energy delivered to downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power rating defines maximum transient energy absorption capability. |
| IPPM | 90 A - Peak pulse current capacity determines survivability against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature supports under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments. |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Thermal resistance value guides PCB copper pad sizing for thermal management compliance. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | No polarity marking; symmetric conduction allows placement without orientation constraints. |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Same terminal as Anode in CA devices; both ends function identically during positive/negative transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both polarities enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive front-end protection stages. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients, reducing stress on protected MOSFET gates and logic inputs. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable leakage current (<10 μA at VWM) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control modules exposed to load dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp absorbing negative and positive transients on differential or single-ended signal lines. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected ICs by limiting voltage to ≤16.7 V during 90 A surges. |
Use Scenario: Shielding PLC digital input terminals from field wiring surges induced by relay coil de-energization or nearby motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage suppression element placed directly at connector entry point before optocoupler or MCU input. Use Value: Enables robust 24 V DC input stage design meeting IEC 61000-4-4 EFT and IEC 61000-4-5 surge standards. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY interface circuits and PoE injectors against lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode TVS device used in conjunction with CM chokes to suppress differential and common-mode transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 10 ns response time while preserving <1 pF junction capacitance. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V DC output rails of wall adapters and USB-C PD power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage protector preventing voltage spikes from reaching connected devices during hot-plug or short-circuit events. Use Value: Limits output rail excursion to ≤16.7 V, avoiding brown-out or reset conditions in downstream microcontrollers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Lower peak power (400 W), same VWM (12 V), higher VC (20.1 V at 20 A) | Limited to lower-energy threats (IEC 61000-4-4 only); insufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 | Select when cost-sensitive designs require basic ESD/EFT protection without lightning-level surge margin. |
| SMCJ12CA | Higher peak power (1500 W), same VWM and VC, but larger SMC package (DO-214AB) with identical footprint | Functionally interchangeable; differs only in branding and minor process variations per Vishay documentation | Valid drop-in alternative if SM15T12CA-E3/57T is unavailable; same electrical specs and mechanical fit. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and SMCJ12CA, the SM15T12CA-E3/57T delivers identical 1500 W surge handling and 16.7 V clamping in the standardized SMC outline, while offering broader AEC-Q101 qualification path via HE3 suffix variants-critical for automotive production traceability and qualification reporting.
Availability
SM15T12CA-E3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor units, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SM15T12CA-E3/57T 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 high-reliability, high-power, and automotive-grade solutions.
The SM15T Series is designed specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-including under-hood automotive, factory automation, and outdoor telecom infrastructure-where 1500 W surge immunity and AEC-Q101 qualification are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SM15T12CA-E3/57T?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the SM15T12CA-E3/57T provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants, it has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity-ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where direction of surge is unpredictable.
Is SM15T12CA-E3/57T qualified for automotive applications?
The base SM15T12CA-E3/57T is RoHS-compliant commercial grade. However, Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions under ordering codes SM15T12CAHE3_A/H or SM15T12CAHM3_A/H. These variants undergo extended stress testing and include full PPAP documentation-required for inclusion in automotive ECUs and ADAS sensor modules.
What is the clamping voltage of SM15T12CA-E3/57T under real surge conditions?
The SM15T12CA-E3/57T clamps to 16.7 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at 90 A peak pulse current (IPPM). This value is measured per JEDEC standards and confirmed in Vishay's datasheet Figure 1 and Table on page 2. It remains stable across -65 °C to +150 °C operating range.
Can SM15T12CA-E3/57T replace SMAJ12CA in an existing design?
No-while both are 12 V bidirectional TVS diodes, the SM15T12CA-E3/57T delivers 1500 W peak power versus SMAJ12CA's 400 W. Substituting without layout or system-level validation risks inadequate surge margin. The SM15T12CA-E3/57T requires matching PCB copper area (8 mm × 8 mm pads) to achieve rated thermal performance.
What is the maximum leakage current of SM15T12CA-E3/57T at its standoff voltage?
At VWM = 12 V and TA = 25 °C, the SM15T12CA-E3/57T exhibits ≤5.0 μA maximum reverse leakage current (ID). This low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor interfaces and avoids false triggering in precision analog circuits.
SM15T12CA-E3/57T 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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SM15T12CA-E3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM15T12CA-E3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM15T12CA-E3/57T 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 SM15T12CA-E3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SM15T12CA-E3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM15T12CA-E3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM15T12CA-E3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM15T12CA-E3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM15T12CA-E3/57T?
SM15T12CA-E3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM15T12CA-E3/57T 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 SM15T12CA-E3/57T?
For technical support, including SM15T12CA-E3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM15T12CA-E3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM15T12CA-E3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM15T12CA-E3/57T 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 SM15T12CA-E3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM15T12CA-E3/57T?
All SM15T12CA-E3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM15T12CA-E3/57T, 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 SM15T12CA-E3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM15T12CA-E3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM15T12CA-E3/57T Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

