Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T12CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM15T12CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SM15T12CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,819
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Product details
Overview
SM15T12CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12 V stand-off 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 inductive-switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SM15T12CAHM3/I datasheet, SM15T12CAHM3/I pinout, SM15T12CAHM3/I application, or SM15T12CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and verified 1500 W surge handling per JEDEC-standard waveform.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector with symmetrical breakdown behavior in both polarities due to its bidirectional construction. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<5.0 μA at VWM) and low dynamic impedance across temperature (-65 °C to +150 °C).
Designed for high-energy transient suppression, it delivers consistent clamping performance under 10/1000 μs pulses up to 90 A while maintaining thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads - critical for sustained reliability in automotive and industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - guaranteed symmetric breakdown threshold in both directions |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 90 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 10/1000 μs surges |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power rating defines maximum transient energy absorption capability |
| TJ max | +150 °C - junction temperature limit enables operation in under-hood automotive locations |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SM15T12CAHM3/I uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a molded plastic case with two coplanar matte tin-plated leads, compliant with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (peak reflow 260 °C). No polarity marking is present on bidirectional variants.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (positive polarity) | Shunts positive overvoltage to ground path when V > VBR; symmetrical with cathode |
| Cathode | Transient current entry point (negative polarity) | Shunts negative overvoltage to ground path when reverse-biased beyond VBR; identical clamping behavior to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Supports robust immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-earth) surges in industrial I/O |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and IPC-1752A material declaration requirements |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, reducing risk of MOSFET gate oxide damage |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN 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 shunt TVS placed directly at connector interface to clamp transients before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 12 V rail-connected microcontrollers and analog front-ends during engine cranking or alternator regulation faults. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to 24 V DC field wiring carrying inductive kickback from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element located between terminal block and optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Maintains functional safety integrity by limiting transient voltage to <17 V, well below optocoupler CMTI and isolation barrier ratings. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in base station remote radio units from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping device on differential data lines, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary protection. Use Value: Reduces clamping voltage overshoot to preserve signal integrity and meet ITU-T K.20/21 immunity requirements for Class B equipment. | Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor control boards from back-EMF generated by universal motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS mounted adjacent to motor driver IC output pins to absorb repetitive switching spikes. Use Value: Extends lifetime of 3.3 V logic-level MOSFETs by limiting transient voltage to ≤16.7 V, avoiding gate-source breakdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | 600 W PPPM, same VWM/VC, SMB package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass) | Limited to lower-energy threats (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2); unsuitable for automotive under-hood use | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is ≤1 kV line-earth |
| SMCJ12CA | 1500 W PPPM, identical electrical specs, but only offered in E3/M3 (non-AEC-Q101) variants | Lacks automotive qualification; requires additional reliability validation for vehicle programs | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and SMCJ12CA, SM15T12CAHM3/I uniquely combines 1500 W surge capacity, AEC-Q101 qualification, and halogen-free RoHS compliance in a single SMC-packaged bidirectional TVS - making it the preferred choice for production automotive and high-reliability industrial applications requiring zero qualification overhead.
Availability
SM15T12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM15T12CAHM3/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 devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SM15T Series is designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where failure modes must be benign (short-circuit) and immunity must meet IEC/ISO surge standards.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SM15T12CAHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SM15T12CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. The "H" indicates AEC-Q101 compliance, "M3" specifies halogen-free and RoHS materials, and "/I" refers to 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (3500 units per reel). This distinguishes it from commercial-grade E3/M3 variants and non-automotive HE3/HM3 versions.
Is SM15T12CAHM3/I suitable for protecting 12 V automotive power rails?
Yes, SM15T12CAHM3/I is explicitly qualified for automotive use with AEC-Q101 certification and operates reliably across -65 °C to +150 °C. Its 10.2 V stand-off voltage aligns with nominal 12 V system tolerances, and its 16.7 V clamping voltage stays within safe limits for most 12 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs, making it appropriate for power rail protection in ECUs and body control modules.
How does SM15T12CAHM3/I differ from unidirectional SM15T12A variants?
SM15T12CAHM3/I is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients - essential for AC-coupled or floating lines. Unidirectional SM15T12A has polarity marking (cathode band) and only clamps in reverse bias; forward conduction occurs above ~0.7 V. The CA version eliminates polarity dependency and simplifies layout in differential or dual-rail systems.
What is the maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) for SM15T12CAHM3/I?
The maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) for SM15T12CAHM3/I is 90 A when tested with a 10/1000 μs waveform, as specified in the Vishay SM15T datasheet (Document Number: 88380). This value is derived from its 1500 W peak pulse power rating and 16.7 V clamping voltage (IPPM = PPPM/VC = 1500 W / 16.7 V ≈ 90 A), confirmed under standard mounting conditions (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads).
Does SM15T12CAHM3/I require heatsinking for typical operation?
No, SM15T12CAHM3/I does not require external heatsinking for transient suppression duty cycles. Its RθJA of 75 °C/W and 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation rating are sufficient for intermittent surge events. Continuous power dissipation must remain below 6.5 W at TA = 50 °C; for high-duty-cycle applications, thermal simulation using the provided pad layout is recommended to ensure junction temperature stays ≤150 °C.
SM15T12CAHM3/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:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SM15T12CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM15T12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM15T12CAHM3/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 SM15T12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM15T12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM15T12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM15T12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM15T12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM15T12CAHM3/I?
SM15T12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM15T12CAHM3/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 SM15T12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM15T12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM15T12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM15T12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM15T12CAHM3/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 SM15T12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM15T12CAHM3/I?
All SM15T12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM15T12CAHM3/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 SM15T12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM15T12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM15T12CAHM3/I Tags

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