Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S12AHE3/2D
- Part No.:
- SM5S12AHE3/2D
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S12AHE3/2D.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,782
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Product details
Overview
SM5S12AHE3/2D from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection in high-reliability 12 V systems. It features a 12.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown range (VBR), 19.9 V clamping voltage at 181 A peak pulse current, and 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). Its DO-218AB package supports TJ = 175 °C operation and AEC-Q101 qualification.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S12AHE3/2D datasheet, SM5S12AHE3/2D pinout, SM5S12AHE3/2D application, or SM5S12AHE3/2D equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 175 °C junction rating, ISO7637-2 compliance for load dump transients, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and DO-218AB thermal performance with RθJC = 1.0 °C/W.
Technical Context
The SM5S12AHE3/2D employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-temperature stability and surge robustness. Its unidirectional architecture uses the metal heatsink as the anode terminal, enabling direct thermal coupling to PCB copper for efficient heat dissipation during 10/1000 μs transients up to 3600 W.
It is rated for 500 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine) and delivers 19.9 V clamping at 181 A IPPM - critical for protecting downstream 12 V automotive ECUs from load dump events exceeding 30 V. The device meets MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V - guaranteed breakdown range at 5 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold consistency |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - clamping voltage at 181 A peak pulse current; limits protected circuit voltage during transients |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standard surge waveform |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA - low reverse leakage ensures minimal standby power loss in 12 V battery systems |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - enables placement near hot engine-control components without derating |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to case; supports high-power dissipation with minimal ΔT |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - surface-mount, thermally enhanced case with integral metal heatsink (anode), matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and MSL Level 1 rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit's positive rail; conducts during overvoltage to clamp voltage |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Must be soldered to large copper pour for thermal management; serves as primary ground return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| Junction passivation | Reduces parameter drift and leakage increase under high-temperature, high-humidity conditions |
| ISO7637-2 compliant | Withstands standardized automotive load dump pulses (Pulse 5a) without degradation |
| Low VF (≤2.0 V @ 100 A) | Minimizes forward conduction loss during high-current surge events, reducing self-heating |
| MSL Level 1 | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at 245 °C peak without moisture-related failure |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V input of engine control units against alternator load dump transients during battery disconnect events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode clamping transient voltage to ≤19.9 V while diverting up to 181 A surge current. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to MCU, CAN transceivers, and analog sensors powered from same rail. | Use Scenario: Shields BCM power supply from switching noise and inductive kickback generated by door lock actuators and lighting loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response transient suppressor absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 3600 W without degradation. Use Value: Maintains stable 12 V rail integrity across multiple load cycles, avoiding brownout resets or communication errors. |
| ADAS Camera Power Rail | Infotainment System DC-DC Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguards front/rear camera modules connected directly to vehicle battery with minimal filtering. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element placed upstream of LDO or buck converter input. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted video stream by limiting transient-induced dropout or sensor reset during ignition transients. | Use Scenario: Guards infotainment head unit power entry against jump-start surges and generator regulation overshoot. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy clamping device with 175 °C junction rating for under-dash mounting near heat sources. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary thermal derating margin, enabling compact layout in space-constrained enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A | DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W); higher VC (20.1 V at 21.2 A); RθJC ≈ 45 °C/W | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive non-automotive 12 V systems with <500 W surge exposure |
| TPSMD12A | DO-218AB package; same VWM/VBR; slightly higher VC (20.3 V); AEC-Q101 qualified; 3500 W PPPM | Nearly identical thermal and surge performance; minor clamping voltage trade-off | Drop-in alternative when SM5S12AHE3/2D lead time exceeds 12 weeks; verify reel orientation compatibility |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and TPSMD12A, the SM5S12AHE3/2D delivers 9× higher surge power handling and superior thermal dissipation (RθJC = 1.0 vs. ~45 °C/W), making it uniquely suited for automotive load dump where sustained energy absorption and junction temperature control are critical.
Availability
SM5S12AHE3/2D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, body control module hardening, and ADAS camera power conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SM5S12AHE3/2D 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 optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The SM5SxxA series is part of Vishay's PAR® TVS platform engineered specifically for high-energy automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature operation (175 °C), AEC-Q101 compliance, and DO-218AB thermal efficiency.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM5S12AHE3/2D at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S12AHE3/2D has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 181 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per the conditions defined in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88382 and ensures downstream 12 V circuitry remains within safe operating limits during load dump events. The SM5S12AHE3/2D maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SM5S12AHE3/2D suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the SM5S12AHE3/2D is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional operation. Its electrical characteristics - including breakdown voltage, clamping behavior, and polarity marking - are specified only for reverse-biased (anode-to-ground) configuration. For bidirectional protection, a dedicated bidirectional device such as the SM5S12AY or SMBJ12CA must be selected. The SM5S12AHE3/2D datasheet explicitly states "Available in uni-directional polarity only".
Does the SM5S12AHE3/2D meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?
Yes, the SM5S12AHE3/2D is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88382, Revision 22-Jul-16). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. The HE3 suffix further indicates RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The SM5S12AHE3/2D is approved for use in automotive powertrain and chassis applications.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for the SM5S12AHE3/2D?
The SM5S12AHE3/2D has a typical thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics section of the Vishay datasheet. This low value results from the DO-218AB package's integrated metal heatsink, which provides direct thermal conduction from the silicon die to the PCB copper. Proper soldering of the metal heatsink terminal to a ≥1 cm² copper area is required to achieve this RθJC in actual designs. The SM5S12AHE3/2D leverages this to sustain 3600 W surges without exceeding TJ = 175 °C.
Can the SM5S12AHE3/2D be used in non-automotive 12 V systems?
Yes, the SM5S12AHE3/2D is fully functional in non-automotive 12 V applications such as industrial power supplies, telecom equipment, and battery-powered instrumentation. Its 12.0 V stand-off voltage, 19.9 V clamping, and 3600 W surge rating provide robust protection against inductive switching transients and ESD events. While AEC-Q101 qualification and ISO7637-2 compliance are automotive-specific, they reflect exceptional reliability - the SM5S12AHE3/2D performs identically in any environment meeting its thermal and mounting requirements.
SM5S12AHE3/2D 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):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 181A
- 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
SM5S12AHE3/2D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S12AHE3/2D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S12AHE3/2D 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 SM5S12AHE3/2D reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S12AHE3/2D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S12AHE3/2D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S12AHE3/2D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S12AHE3/2D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S12AHE3/2D?
SM5S12AHE3/2D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S12AHE3/2D 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 SM5S12AHE3/2D?
For technical support, including SM5S12AHE3/2D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S12AHE3/2D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S12AHE3/2D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S12AHE3/2D 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 SM5S12AHE3/2D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S12AHE3/2D?
All SM5S12AHE3/2D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S12AHE3/2D, 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 SM5S12AHE3/2D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S12AHE3/2D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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