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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S12CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S12CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S12CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- 3600 W BI-DIRECTIONAL TVS IS DO-
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,000
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Product details
Overview
SM5S12CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in DO-218AC package, designed for automotive load dump protection with 12 V nominal standoff voltage (VWM), 14.0 V typical breakdown voltage (VBR), and 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It operates from −55 °C to +175 °C and meets AEC-Q101 qualification.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S12CAHM3/I datasheet, SM5S12CAHM3/I pinout, SM5S12CAHM3/I application, or SM5S12CAHM3/I equivalent, this device delivers high-reliability clamping for 12 V automotive power rails, supports ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 surge compliance, and offers low leakage (<10 μA at VWM) with halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology to provide fast-response overvoltage clamping during transients such as load dump and inductive switching. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetric clamping without polarity sensitivity, and its DO-218AC package integrates a metal heatsink terminal for low thermal resistance (RθJM = 0.45 °C/W).
The device sustains 175 °C junction temperature and exhibits stable clamping voltage (VC = 19.9 V at IPPM) under 10/1000 μs surges up to 181 A. Its MSL Level 1 rating and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance confirm suitability for high-volume automotive PCB assembly.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.0 V - Maximum reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets threshold for 12 V automotive system protection. |
| VBR (typ) | 14.0 V - Typical breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current; defines onset of avalanche conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - Clamping voltage at 181 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs); limits downstream voltage stress. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - Peak pulse power handling; enables robust suppression of severe load dump events. |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal quiescent power loss in battery-sensitive systems. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood placement in modern automotive ECUs. |
| RθJM | 0.45 °C/W - Junction-to-mount thermal resistance; enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsink pad. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount plastic case with integrated metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2), UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | No polarity marking; symmetrical terminals allow mounting without orientation check. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Thermal and electrical common node | Primary heat path to PCB; electrically connected to both semiconductor junctions; must be soldered to large copper area. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per JEDEC standards. |
| Bidirectional clamping | Eliminates need for polarity-aware layout or dual-device configurations in DC power rail protection. |
| MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without preconditioning or special handling. |
| Junction temperature rating (175 °C) | Enables operation in engine compartment environments where ambient exceeds 125 °C. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets global environmental regulations and supports sustainable manufacturing requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | 12 V Power Rail Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting engine control units (ECUs) and body control modules (BCMs) during alternator load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed directly across battery input to limit transient voltage to safe levels. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤19.9 V during 3600 W surges, preventing damage to downstream 3.3 V/5 V regulators and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding infotainment head units and ADAS camera modules against inductive switching noise from solenoids and relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector on 12 V supply line upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: Sub-10 μA leakage preserves battery life in always-on systems; 181 A surge capability handles repetitive transients. |
| Industrial 12 V DC Power Systems | Commercial Vehicle Battery Management |
Use Scenario: Securing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and I/O modules in factory automation equipment exposed to motor drive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on main 12 V distribution bus to absorb coupled transients from adjacent high-current circuits. Use Value: 12.0 V VWM ensures no false triggering during normal operation; 175 °C rating supports enclosed cabinet environments. |
Use Scenario: Protecting telematics gateways and fleet management units in trucks and buses subject to harsh vibration and wide thermal swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive-qualified transient suppressor mounted on power entry board with direct heatsink connection. Use Value: Metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2) provides low-impedance thermal path to chassis ground, sustaining repeated 2200 W (10/10,000 μs) surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A (Vishay) | DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W); unidirectional; 12 V VWM; 13.3 V VBR min. | Limited to less severe transients; requires polarity-aware layout; not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Select when cost or footprint constraints outweigh automotive reliability requirements. |
| TPSMD12CA (Texas Instruments) | DO-218AC package; same 12 V VWM and bidirectional function; 3600 W PPPM; AEC-Q101 qualified; VC = 19.2 V. | Nearly identical performance; slightly lower clamping voltage improves margin for 12 V rail ICs. | Consider for design-in flexibility where TI sourcing or dual-sourcing strategy applies. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A, SM5S12CAHM3/I delivers 9× higher surge power and automotive qualification; versus TPSMD12CA, it offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5 % vs ±10 %) and lower leakage at elevated temperature.
Availability
SM5S12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and commercial vehicle power management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant TVS protection.
Supply support for SM5S12CAHM3/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 protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability and automotive-grade solutions.
The SM5SxxCA family is engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in 12 V–85 V automotive and industrial power systems, prioritizing thermal robustness, surge endurance, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM5S12CAHM3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SM5S12CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 181 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 4 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 98458) and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during load dump events. The SM5S12CAHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SM5S12CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the SM5S12CAHM3/I is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision dated 23-Jan-2026. Its qualification covers temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and mechanical shock testing required for under-hood and powertrain applications. The HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101-qualified construction - making SM5S12CAHM3/I appropriate for automotive ECU, BCM, and telematics designs.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SM5S12CAHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SM5S12CAHM3/I specifies three critical attributes: "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification; "M3" denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant materials and matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. This suffix confirms that SM5S12CAHM3/I meets automotive environmental and reliability standards - distinct from industry-grade variants lacking the "H" prefix or non-M3 termination options.
How does the DO-218AC package of the SM5S12CAHM3/I improve thermal performance compared to DO-214AC?
The DO-218AC package of the SM5S12CAHM3/I incorporates a dedicated metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2) that reduces junction-to-mount thermal resistance to 0.45 °C/W - over 10× better than typical DO-214AC packages (~5–10 °C/W). This allows SM5S12CAHM3/I to sustain higher surge energy without thermal runaway. The metal terminal must be soldered to a large PCB copper area to realize this benefit, unlike DO-214AC's two-terminal configuration.
Does the SM5S12CAHM3/I require polarity-specific PCB layout?
No, the SM5S12CAHM3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode with no cathode band or polarity marking, as stated in the Vishay datasheet. Its symmetrical internal structure means either terminal (Lead 1 or Lead 2) can serve as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity. This eliminates orientation checks during automated placement and simplifies layout - a key advantage over unidirectional alternatives like SMAJ12A-E3/5A. The SM5S12CAHM3/I functions identically regardless of mounting direction.
SM5S12CAHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AB
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
SM5S12CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S12CAHM3/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 SM5S12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S12CAHM3/I?
SM5S12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S12CAHM3/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 SM5S12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S12CAHM3/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 SM5S12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S12CAHM3/I?
All SM5S12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S12CAHM3/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 SM5S12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S12CAHM3/I Tags
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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated
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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
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Diodes Incorporated
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