Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S12AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S12AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S12AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,185
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Product details
Overview
SM5S12AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AB package, rated for 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and 175 °C junction temperature - designed for automotive load dump protection in engine control units and body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S12AHM3/I datasheet, SM5S12AHM3/I pinout, SM5S12AHM3/I application, or SM5S12AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification, ISO7637-2 compliance, low leakage at 12 V, and thermal robustness up to 175 °C in high-reliability automotive environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its DO-218AB package features a metal heatsink anode configuration and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 at 245 °C peak reflow.
It delivers 150 A peak pulse current (IPPM) at 10/1000 μs, clamps to ≤19.9 V at that current, and maintains <10 μA reverse leakage at VWM and TJ = 175 °C - enabling reliable protection in 12 V automotive systems exposed to load dump transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines system-level DC bus compatibility. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 13.3 / 14.0 / 14.7 V at 5 mA - precise breakdown threshold ensures predictable clamping onset during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤19.9 V at 150 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during worst-case surges. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - high single-pulse energy handling supports ISO7637-2 Load Dump Pulse 5a compliance. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - enables operation in under-hood environments without derating in engine control modules. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing. |
| Package | DO-218AB - thermally enhanced surface-mount package with integrated metal heatsink anode for low RθJM (0.45 °C/W). |
Pinout & Package
DO-218AB package features two terminals: Lead 1 (cathode) and Lead 2/metal heatsink (anode). The anode serves as both electrical terminal and thermal path to PCB copper, requiring direct mounting to a large copper pour for optimal thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); conducts surge current toward anode during overvoltage events. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal interface and return path; must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper area for rated 3600 W dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivated anisotropic rectifier | Enables stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, minimizing parameter drift in automotive under-hood applications. |
| 175 °C TJ max. rating | Supports uninterrupted operation in high-ambient environments such as powertrain ECUs without thermal shutdown. |
| MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak) | Allows standard lead-free reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| ISO7637-2 compliant (Load Dump) | Validated for Pulse 5a (10 ms exponential waveform), meeting OEM requirements for 12 V vehicle architectures. |
| Low ID at VWM (≤10 μA @ 25 °C) | Minimizes standby power loss in always-on automotive modules like gateway controllers and telematics units. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) Battery Rail Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power supply against load dump transients during alternator regulation failure in gasoline/diesel engines. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤19.9 V during 3600 W surges, preventing damage to 16 V-rated LDOs and MCU I/O pins. |
Use Scenario: Shields BCM logic circuitry from battery voltage spikes caused by relay switching of lighting or HVAC loads. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage suppression device on 12 V main input, upstream of DC/DC converters. Use Value: Withstands 150 A peak pulses while maintaining <10 μA leakage, preserving low-power sleep mode integrity. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power Line | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Supply Rail |
Use Scenario: Safeguards image sensor and ISP power rails in rear-view or surround-view cameras mounted near engine compartments. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary clamping stage after primary LC filter, absorbing residual fast transients. Use Value: 175 °C rating ensures functionality during sustained under-hood temperatures exceeding 125 °C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Protects gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers from inductive kickback when EPS motor commutates. IC Role / Device Role: High-energy TVS placed across H-bridge supply inputs to clamp switching-induced overshoot. Use Value: 0.45 °C/W RθJM enables effective heat transfer to chassis ground, sustaining repeated 10/1000 μs surges without thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12AHE3_A/H | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (RθJA = 110 °C/W), same VWM/VBR range but lower surge rating. | Not suitable for ISO7637-2 Load Dump; limited to low-energy ESD/surge in infotainment or sensors. | Select only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where 3600 W capability is unnecessary. |
| SM5S12AHM3/5B | Identical electrical specs and DO-218AB package; differs only in packaging format (7" tape vs. 13" tape) and reel quantity (2500 vs. 750). | No functional or design impact; compatible in all circuits and layouts. | Choose based on production volume and SMT line feeder compatibility - no redesign required. |
Compared with SMAJ12AHE3_A/H and SM5S12AHM3/5B, the SM5S12AHM3/I provides full automotive-grade surge immunity with validated 3600 W capability and superior thermal management, while the /5B variant offers identical performance in higher-volume packaging.
Availability
SM5S12AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, ADAS camera systems, and electric power steering designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM5S12AHM3/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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM5SxxA family was engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature stability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-218AB thermal efficiency to replace older SMA/SMB-based TVS solutions in next-generation ECUs.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM5S12AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S12AHM3/I clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V at 150 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform), as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This value ensures downstream 16 V-rated ICs remain within safe operating limits during ISO7637-2 Load Dump events. The SM5S12AHM3/I achieves this with minimal voltage overshoot due to its low dynamic impedance and optimized junction design.
Is the SM5S12AHM3/I qualified for automotive use per AEC-Q101?
Yes, the SM5S12AHM3/I carries the "H" suffix in its part number, confirming AEC-Q101 qualification per the Vishay ordering information table. It has passed stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, temperature cycling, and ESD (HBM > 8 kV), making it suitable for safety-critical automotive applications such as engine control and ADAS. The SM5S12AHM3/I is explicitly listed in Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualified product matrix.
Does the SM5S12AHM3/I meet ISO7637-2 Load Dump requirements?
Yes, the SM5S12AHM3/I is rated for 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) and validated for ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) under defined test conditions. Its DO-218AB package and 175 °C junction rating allow it to absorb the full 10 ms exponential waveform without failure. The SM5S12AHM3/I datasheet confirms compliance in the Features section and Load Dump Power Characteristics curve (Fig. 3).
What is the thermal resistance from junction to mount (RθJM) for the SM5S12AHM3/I?
The SM5S12AHM3/I has a typical RθJM of 0.45 °C/W, measured using JEDEC®51-14 Transient Dual Interface Method. This low value is enabled by the metal heatsink anode in the DO-218AB package, which must be soldered directly to a large PCB copper area. Proper mounting ensures the SM5S12AHM3/I sustains repeated 3600 W surges without exceeding 175 °C junction temperature.
How does the SM5S12AHM3/I differ from the base SM5S12A part?
The SM5S12AHM3/I adds three critical qualifications over SM5S12A: "H" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, "M3" indicates compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and "/I" specifies packaging in 13" tape with anode orientation toward sprocket hole. Electrically and thermally, the SM5S12AHM3/I matches SM5S12A but is fully automotive-qualified - a distinction confirmed in Vishay's ordering information table and revision notes.
SM5S12AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AC
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-218AC
SM5S12AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S12AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S12AHM3/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 SM5S12AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S12AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S12AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S12AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S12AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S12AHM3/I?
SM5S12AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S12AHM3/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 SM5S12AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S12AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S12AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S12AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S12AHM3/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 SM5S12AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S12AHM3/I?
All SM5S12AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S12AHM3/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 SM5S12AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S12AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S12AHM3/I 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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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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