Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T18CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM15T18CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SM15T18CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,771
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Product details
Overview
SM15T18CAHM3/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), 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), and clamping voltage of 25.2 V at 59.5 A peak pulse current. It provides robust protection for automotive-grade sensor signal lines and I/O interfaces against lightning-induced and inductive-switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SM15T18CAHM3/I datasheet, SM15T18CAHM3/I pinout, SM15T18CAHM3/I application, or SM15T18CAHM3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance data, clamping behavior under standardized waveforms, and direct alternatives with documented differences in breakdown voltage and unidirectional/bidirectional configuration.
Technical Context
The SM15T18CAHM3/I operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 15.3 V).
Designed for high-energy transient suppression, it sustains 1500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform with a maximum clamping voltage of 25.2 V at 59.5 A, and exhibits thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal swing margin for protected line. |
| VBR min / max | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA test current - Confirmed bidirectional breakdown range ensuring consistent turn-on across polarity. |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 59.5 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage during worst-case surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; validates suitability for lightning-level threats per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments with derating above 25 °C. |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on recommended pad layout; informs heatsinking requirements for repetitive surge duty. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Certified for automotive applications including engine control, ADAS sensors, and infotainment I/O protection. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). Cathode band absent - bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional conduction path | No polarity distinction; either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - enables placement on AC or differential lines without orientation check. |
| Case (cathode band area) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Exposed metal slug acts as primary heat path to PCB copper; requires minimum 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm pad per terminal for rated RθJA. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Validated energy absorption capability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV/2 Ω) surges on industrial and automotive I/O lines. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., keeps 3.3 V or 5 V logic inputs below destructive thresholds during transients. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Guarantees reliability for automotive applications including powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction | Meets automotive OEM material compliance requirements (e.g., GMW3172, Ford WSS-M99P9999-A1) and EU environmental directives. |
| MSL level 1 moisture sensitivity | Enables standard SMT assembly without baking or dry-pack handling - reduces manufacturing cost and risk of popcorning. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD or LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt ESD and load-dump energy before reaching PHY layer. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V transceivers by limiting transient voltage to ≤25.2 V during 59.5 A surges. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC analog input channels (4–20 mA, 0–10 V) and digital fieldbus ports (RS-485, Profibus) against induced lightning surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end transient suppressor mounted on PCB edge near terminal block, coordinated with GDT or MOV upstream. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping fast-rising transients within 1 ns response time while surviving repeated 1500 W pulses. |
| Consumer Device USB/DisplayPort | Telecom Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Shielding high-speed USB 2.0/3.0 or DisplayPort lanes in laptops and docking stations from ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV contact discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed adjacent to connector, minimizing signal distortion on differential pairs. Use Value: Delivers sub-100 pF junction capacitance (typical) and <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V, preserving signal rise/fall times without loading. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-stage surge protection on DC input rails (e.g., 12 V, 24 V, 48 V) of telecom base station power supplies and PoE injectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp absorbing residual energy after primary MOV/GDT stages, preventing thermal runaway in downstream regulators. Use Value: Withstands 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and maintains short-circuit failure mode - avoids open-circuit hazards in safety-critical power systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same 18 V VWM, but lower 400 W PPPM; SOD-123FL package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W) | Limited to lower-energy threats (IEC 61000-4-2 only); unsuitable for lightning-level IEC 61000-4-5 testing. | Select SMAJ18CA only when space-constrained and surge threat profile excludes conducted lightning transients. |
| SMCJ18CA | Identical 18 V VWM, 1500 W PPPM, and SMC package; differs in AEC-Q101 status - HM3 suffix denotes qualification, while standard SMCJ18CA is commercial grade. | Non-automotive industrial use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated; same clamping and thermal performance. | Choose SMCJ18CA for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs; retain SM15T18CAHM3/I where automotive qualification and halogen-free compliance are mandatory. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and SMCJ18CA, the SM15T18CAHM3/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and guaranteed 1500 W surge handling in the SMC footprint - making it the only option meeting Tier-1 automotive I/O protection requirements without design compromise.
Availability
SM15T18CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer USB/DP port protection, and telecom DC input rail safeguarding requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM15T18CAHM3/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, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SM15T Series is engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 compliance and 1500 W surge immunity are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SM15T18CAHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SM15T18CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with full AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive applications. It confirms compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, MSL level 1 handling, and extended temperature operation from −65 °C to +150 °C - critical for under-hood deployment.
Is SM15T18CAHM3/I unidirectional or bidirectional?
SM15T18CAHM3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by the "CA" suffix and absence of cathode band marking. Its symmetrical breakdown (17.1 V to 18.9 V in both directions) allows protection of AC-coupled signals, differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485), and polarity-agnostic I/O lines without orientation constraints.
What is the clamping voltage of SM15T18CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The clamping voltage of SM15T18CAHM3/I is 25.2 V at 59.5 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform), measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88380. This value defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and is validated across production lots.
Does SM15T18CAHM3/I meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SM15T18CAHM3/I is fully AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HM3" suffix and explicitly stated in the Vishay SM15T Series datasheet (Rev. 09-Jan-2024, Doc. #88380). This qualification covers stress tests including HTOL, TCT, ESD-HBM/MM, and surge endurance - required for automotive ECUs and sensor modules.
What is the thermal resistance of SM15T18CAHM3/I, and how is it measured?
SM15T18CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W, measured with the device mounted on 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, per JEDEC JESD51-3. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB with no additional heatsinking and guides thermal design for repetitive surge duty cycles.
SM15T18CAHM3/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):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 59.5A
- 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)
SM15T18CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM15T18CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM15T18CAHM3/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 SM15T18CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM15T18CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM15T18CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM15T18CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM15T18CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM15T18CAHM3/I?
SM15T18CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM15T18CAHM3/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 SM15T18CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM15T18CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM15T18CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM15T18CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM15T18CAHM3/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 SM15T18CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM15T18CAHM3/I?
All SM15T18CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM15T18CAHM3/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 SM15T18CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM15T18CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM15T18CAHM3/I Tags

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