Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5A27THE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5A27THE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM5A27THE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 22VWM 40VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,245
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Product details
Overview
SM5A27THE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 27 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10 × 1000 μs), 22 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-218AC package with anode-heatsink polarity.
For engineers reviewing the SM5A27THE3/I datasheet, SM5A27THE3/I pinout, SM5A27THE3/I application, or SM5A27THE3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its 175 °C junction rating, ISO 7637-2 compliance, low 0.2 μA leakage at 25 °C, 40.0 V clamping voltage at 55 A, and MSL Level 1 reflow capability up to 245 °C.
Technical Context
The SM5A27THE3/I employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-temperature stability and surge robustness. Its unidirectional structure provides reverse-biased transient clamping with 27 V nominal breakdown and 40.0 V maximum clamping at 55 A, enabling effective suppression of automotive load dump transients per ISO 7637-2.
Thermal performance is defined by a 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and operation across –55 °C to +175 °C. The device supports 500 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and maintains <10.0 μA leakage at 175 °C, meeting stringent automotive reliability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR | 24–30 V at 10 mA - ensures precise breakdown initiation within automotive 24 V system tolerance bands |
| VWM | 22.0 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 0.2 μA at 25 °C |
| PPPM | 3600 W (10 × 1000 μs) - handles severe load dump surges without failure |
| VC | ≤40.0 V at IPP = 55 A - limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case transients |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables under-hood deployment in modern automotive ECUs and power modules |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - allows efficient heat transfer to heatsink for sustained 5 W dissipation |
| Polarity | Unidirectional, anode = metal heatsink - defines PCB layout orientation and thermal path |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - surface-mount, anode-connected metal heatsink case with UL 94 V-0 molding compound, J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 rated, matte tin-plated leads compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Metal Heatsink) | Current return path & thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal management; electrically connects to system ground in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Transient clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); conducts surge current to anode during overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance per stress test plan |
| ISO 7637-2 compliant | Meets Pulse 5a/b load dump immunity requirements for 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems |
| 175 °C junction rating | Enables direct mounting near high-power components in engine control units and ADAS modules |
| Low 0.2 μA leakage @ 25 °C | Minimizes standby power loss in always-on automotive subsystems such as body controllers and telematics |
| DO-218AC mechanical robustness | Withstands mechanical shock and vibration per AEC-Q200; metal heatsink improves board-level thermal cycling life |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V supply inputs in diesel engine ECUs exposed to alternator load dump transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between battery rail and DC-DC input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤40.0 V, preventing damage to downstream PMICs and microcontrollers while maintaining AEC-Q101 compliance. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding BCM power inputs against switching noise and relay-induced spikes in vehicle lighting circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on fused 12 V distribution bus feeding interior lighting drivers and door module logic. Use Value: Delivers 3600 W surge handling with <0.2 μA leakage, ensuring low quiescent current and long-term reliability in 15-year automotive service life. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Supply |
Use Scenario: Securing 12 V input to front-facing camera modules subject to ESD and load dump in ADAS domain controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor upstream of LDO regulators powering image sensors and SerDes interfaces. Use Value: Provides fast clamping (<1 ns response) and 175 °C operation, enabling compact placement near camera connectors without derating. | Use Scenario: Protecting high-current motor driver ICs in EPS systems where inductive kickback and battery transients coexist. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS mounted directly on motor driver PCB heatsink to shunt 500 A surge currents. Use Value: Leverages DO-218AC anode-heatsink construction and 1.0 °C/W RθJC to sustain repeated 8.3 ms surges without thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5A27HM3 | Same VBR (24–30 V), identical DO-218AC package, but HE3 suffix replaced with HM3 - RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified, same thermal specs | No functional difference; HM3 is Vishay's designated replacement for legacy HE3 variants in new designs | Select SM5A27HM3 for new designs requiring full lifecycle support; SM5A27THE3/I remains valid for legacy production continuity |
| SMAJ27A | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 3600 W), SMA package (smaller thermal mass), 27 V VBR, unidirectional, AEC-Q101 qualified | Suitable for lower-energy transients (e.g., ESD, relay bounce); not rated for ISO 7637-2 load dump | Choose SMAJ27A only when surge energy is <500 W; SM5A27THE3/I is required for full automotive load dump immunity |
Compared with SM5A27HM3, the SM5A27THE3/I offers identical electrical and thermal performance but reflects an earlier manufacturing suffix; compared with SMAJ27A, it delivers 9× higher surge power and DO-218AC thermal robustness essential for under-hood automotive deployment.
Availability
SM5A27THE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, ADAS camera power supplies, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SM5A27THE3/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 MOSFETs for automotive, industrial, and computing applications.
The SM5A27THE3/I belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Planar Avalanche Rectifier) TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy automotive transients including ISO 7637-2 load dump, with emphasis on thermal stability and AEC-Q101 reliability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM5A27THE3/I at 55 A?
The SM5A27THE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 40.0 V when subjected to a 10 μs/10 ms exponentially decaying waveform at IPP = 55 A. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table and verified per JEDEC test conditions. It ensures protected downstream ICs remain within safe operating voltage limits during automotive load dump events. The SM5A27THE3/I achieves this clamping performance while maintaining unidirectional polarity and DO-218AC thermal efficiency.
Is the SM5A27THE3/I suitable for 24 V automotive systems?
Yes, the SM5A27THE3/I is explicitly designed for 24 V automotive systems. Its 22 V working stand-off voltage (VWM) accommodates normal battery fluctuations, while its 27 V breakdown voltage (VBR) and 40.0 V clamping voltage align with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b load dump requirements. The device is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for 175 °C operation, making it suitable for under-hood deployment in commercial vehicle ECUs and power modules using the SM5A27THE3/I.
What does the "HE3/I" suffix mean in SM5A27THE3/I?
The "HE3" suffix denotes Vishay's RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified version with matte tin-plated leads passing JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. The "/I" indicates packaging in 13-inch plastic tape and reel, with 750 units per reel and anode orientation toward the sprocket hole. This full ordering code - SM5A27THE3/I - uniquely identifies the qualified, production-ready variant with documented thermal, surge, and reliability data in Vishay document 87913.
Does the SM5A27THE3/I require a heatsink?
The SM5A27THE3/I integrates a metal anode heatsink as part of the DO-218AC package and must be thermally anchored to a PCB copper pour or external heatsink to achieve its rated 5 W power dissipation and 3600 W surge capability. Its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance assumes direct metal-to-metal contact; insufficient thermal land area will cause premature thermal shutdown during repetitive surges. Proper layout using the recommended mounting pad dimensions is essential for reliable SM5A27THE3/I operation.
How does the SM5A27THE3/I differ from the SMAJ27A?
The SM5A27THE3/I delivers 3600 W peak pulse power (10 × 1000 μs) versus 400 W for the SMAJ27A, uses a DO-218AC package with integrated metal heatsink versus SMA, and is validated for ISO 7637-2 load dump immunity. While both are unidirectional 27 V TVS diodes and AEC-Q101 qualified, the SM5A27THE3/I supports automotive high-energy transients that the SMAJ27A cannot withstand. Designers must specify SM5A27THE3/I - not SMAJ27A - where full load dump protection is required.
SM5A27THE3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AB
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 22V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 24V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 40V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 55A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 3600W (3.6kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-218AB
SM5A27THE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5A27THE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5A27THE3/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 SM5A27THE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5A27THE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5A27THE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5A27THE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5A27THE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5A27THE3/I?
SM5A27THE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5A27THE3/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 SM5A27THE3/I?
For technical support, including SM5A27THE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5A27THE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5A27THE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5A27THE3/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 SM5A27THE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5A27THE3/I?
All SM5A27THE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5A27THE3/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 SM5A27THE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5A27THE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5A27THE3/I Tags

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