Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T12CA-M3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SM15T12CA-M3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,558
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Product details
Overview
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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), 13.4 V clamping voltage at 90 A IPPM, and operating up to +150 °C junction temperature. It protects signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor interfaces against lightning-induced and inductive-switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SM15T12CA-M3/9AT datasheet, SM15T12CA-M3/9AT pinout, SM15T12CA-M3/9AT application, or SM15T12CA-M3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 13.4 V VC at 90 A, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), SMC package thermal resistance (RθJL = 15 °C/W), and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
The SM15T12CA-M3/9AT uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for low-inductance transient suppression in bidirectional configurations. Its breakdown voltage (VBR) is 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA test current, ensuring stable triggering across temperature and production lots.
Designed for high-impedance source environments, it clamps reliably at 13.4 V under 90 A 10/1000 μs pulses while maintaining <5 μA reverse leakage at 12 V - critical for low-power sensor I/O protection where standby current must remain minimal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; sets operating margin for 12 V rail protection. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - precise threshold for reliable transient detection without false triggering. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 13.4 V at 90 A (10/1000 μs) - limits downstream voltage stress during surge events. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 1500 W - sustains high-energy transients like lightning surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard 2-pin surface-mount outline with 75 °C/W RθJA and 15 °C/W RθJL. |
| Compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix); AEC-Q101 qualified variants available (HM3). |
Pinout & Package
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT is housed in an SMC (DO-214AB) package - a 2-terminal, non-polarized surface-mount outline with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Bidirectional construction means no cathode/anode marking; both terminals are functionally symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Transient Input/Output Node | Connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or LIN bus); carries full IPPM during clamping. |
| Terminal 2 | Transient Input/Output Node | Completes bidirectional path to ground or reference; identical electrical role to Terminal 1. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surges on automotive data lines. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.12) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients - critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic interface survivability. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow) | Supports single-pass lead-free assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3) | Fulfills strict environmental requirements for automotive Tier-1 and industrial OEM supply chains. |
| Low junction-to-lead thermal resistance (15 °C/W) | Improves power handling during repetitive transients by enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial CAN Bus Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceiver I/O pins in engine control modules exposed to load-dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp limiting voltage excursions to safe levels during ESD and surge events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers such as TJA1042 or SN65HVD230 when subjected to ±30 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV surge (ISO 7637-3). |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485/CAN FD physical layer nodes in factory automation PLCs connected to long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power transient suppressor placed at connector entry point to shunt induced lightning energy. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping to ≤13.4 V during 10/1000 μs surges up to 90 A, preventing receiver saturation and communication dropout. |
| Consumer IoT Power Input | Telecom DC Power Feed Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding 12 V input stage of smart home hubs powered via wall adapters subject to AC line transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on unregulated DC input before LDO or buck converter. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W surges without degradation, eliminating need for secondary crowbar circuits and reducing BOM count. |
Use Scenario: Protecting PoE-powered base stations and remote radio units receiving 48 V DC over Ethernet cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional surge limiter on PSE/PD side to meet IEEE 802.3bt surge immunity requirements. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 90 A while maintaining <5 μA leakage at 48 V derated VWM (via higher-voltage variant), ensuring low standby loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Lower PPPM (400 W), same VWM (12 V), larger SMA package (higher RθJA = 100 °C/W) | Limited to lower-energy threats (IEC 61000-4-2 only); unsuitable for ISO 7637-2 or lightning surges | Select SMAJ12CA only for cost-sensitive consumer applications with verified low-surge exposure. |
| SMCJ12CA | Same SMC package, identical VWM/VC specs, but rated for 1500 W with tighter VBR tolerance (13.3–14.7 V vs. 13.3–15.0 V) | Direct functional replacement with enhanced process consistency; M3 suffix available | SMCJ12CA offers improved lot-to-lot VBR stability but requires validation of revised thermal layout due to minor RθJL variation (14.5 °C/W). |
Compared with SM15T12CA-M3/9AT, SMAJ12CA provides lower surge capacity in a smaller footprint, while SMCJ12CA delivers identical protection performance with tighter parametric control - making it preferable for high-reliability automotive designs where VBR consistency directly impacts system-level surge margin.
Availability
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN bus nodes, and telecom DC power feed protection requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101 upgrade path.
Supply support for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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 reliability, thermal performance, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SM15T Series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive powertrain, body electronics, and industrial control systems where 1500 W surge handling and +150 °C operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM15T12CA-M3/9AT at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM15T12CA-M3/9AT clamps to a maximum of 13.4 V at 90 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured with the device mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is SM15T12CA-M3/9AT suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SM15T12CA-M3/9AT itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified, but Vishay offers the HM3-suffix variant (e.g., SM15T12CAHM3_A/I) which is fully AEC-Q101 qualified. The M3 suffix indicates halogen-free RoHS compliance only; for automotive production, the HM3 version must be specified to meet qualification requirements.
How does the bidirectional design of SM15T12CA-M3/9AT affect its placement on the PCB?
The SM15T12CA-M3/9AT has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, simplifying layout and eliminating risk of reverse installation. This symmetry allows flexible routing on differential lines like CAN or LIN, where both conductors require matched protection without directional constraints.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of SM15T12CA-M3/9AT at its standoff voltage?
At the 12 V standoff voltage (VWM) and TA = 25 °C, the SM15T12CA-M3/9AT exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 5.0 μA. This low leakage ensures minimal impact on battery-powered or low-quiescent-current systems such as automotive sensors and IoT endpoints.
Can SM15T12CA-M3/9AT be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SM15T12A?
No - SM15T12CA-M3/9AT is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional types like SM15T12A in circuits requiring forward conduction (e.g., DC power rail clamping with cathode-to-ground configuration). Their VBR and VC values differ slightly, and polarity-dependent behavior is not supported in the CA variant.
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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-M3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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-M3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SM15T12CA-M3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT?
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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-M3/9AT?
For technical support, including SM15T12CA-M3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM15T12CA-M3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM15T12CA-M3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM15T12CA-M3/9AT 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-M3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM15T12CA-M3/9AT?
All SM15T12CA-M3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM15T12CA-M3/9AT, 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-M3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM15T12CA-M3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM15T12CA-M3/9AT Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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