Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S15AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S15AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S15AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,535
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Product details
Overview
SM5S15AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AB package, rated for 15 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.6 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S15AHM3/I datasheet, SM5S15AHM3/I pinout, SM5S15AHM3/I application, or SM5S15AHM3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal performance at TJ = 175 °C, unidirectional clamping behavior, and direct alternative part guidance for legacy design continuity.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for high-temperature stability. It operates across -55 °C to +175 °C and meets ISO7637-2 surge requirements under defined test conditions.
Its DO-218AB package features a metal heatsink acting as the anode terminal, enabling low thermal resistance (RθJM = 0.45 °C/W) and high surge capability (IPPM = 150 A at 10/1000 μs). The device exhibits ≤15 μA reverse leakage at VWM and clamps to ≤24.4 V at rated IPPM.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold. |
| VBR (nom) | 17.6 V - Breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current; defines onset of avalanche clamping under transient stress. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V - Clamping voltage at 150 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs); determines maximum voltage seen by protected IC. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports high-energy automotive load dump transients. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤15 μA - Reverse leakage current at 15 V; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits. |
| RθJM | 0.45 °C/W - Junction-to-mount thermal resistance; allows effective heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsink. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount molded case with integral metal heatsink (anode terminal), UL 94 V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads, MSL Level 1, JESD201 Class 2 whisker compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 (Anode) | Anode connection / heatsink interface | Primary current path during clamping; must be connected to system ground or low-impedance return plane for thermal and electrical performance. |
| Lead 2 (Cathode) | Cathode connection | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); reverse-biased during normal operation, avalanches to clamp transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. |
| Junction passivation | Enhanced long-term stability under high-temperature bias and humidity exposure, reducing parameter drift over life. |
| 175 °C junction rating | Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power modules, ECUs) without derating, supporting compact under-hood layouts. |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Meets Pulse 5a/b load dump immunity requirements when used with appropriate layout and grounding practices. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.38 - Tight voltage margin between breakdown and clamping ensures robust protection without overdesigning downstream components. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery rail in passenger vehicles subjected to alternator load dump events up to 35 V for 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed at main power input to absorb energy and limit voltage excursion. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤24.4 V during 3600 W transients, protecting MCU, CAN transceivers, and analog sensors from overvoltage damage. |
Use Scenario: Input power line of a diesel ECU exposed to switching noise from solenoid drivers and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response transient suppressor located adjacent to power entry connector to shunt inductive kickback. Use Value: Clamps sub-microsecond spikes within 1 ns response time, maintaining <15 μA leakage to avoid sensor reference errors. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) | ADAS Camera Power Input |
Use Scenario: 12 V supply to BCM managing door locks, lighting, and HVAC actuators in harsh ambient conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element on main power bus, mounted directly to copper pour for thermal management. Use Value: Sustains 150 A surge current with RθJM = 0.45 °C/W, preventing thermal runaway during repeated load dump cycles. |
Use Scenario: Power input to 5 MP automotive camera module requiring stable 12 V supply in front-end mounting location. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after fuse and upstream filter, guarding against ESD and conducted transients. Use Value: Delivers ≤24.4 V clamping with 17.6 V VBR to preserve headroom for LDO regulators feeding image sensor and ISP. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5S15AHM3 | No /I suffix - standard tape-and-reel packaging without moisture-sensitive labeling; identical electrical and thermal specs. | Same automotive-grade performance; suitable where J-STD-033 moisture sensitivity labeling is not required. | Select SM5S15AHM3/I only if MSL Level 1 compliance documentation and dry-pack labeling are mandated by assembly process control. |
| SM5S16AHM3/I | Higher VWM (16 V) and VBR (18.8 V nominal); VC = 26.0 V at same IPPM; 0.081 %/°C tempco vs. 0.080 %/°C. | Better margin against 13.5–14.4 V nominal battery float voltages; slightly higher clamping voltage reduces protection headroom. | Choose SM5S16AHM3/I only if system nominal voltage exceeds 14.5 V and clamping margin above downstream regulator dropout is verified. |
Compared with SM5S15AHM3/I, SM5S15AHM3 offers identical protection performance with simplified packaging logistics, while SM5S16AHM3/I trades 1 V higher standoff for reduced clamping margin-requiring explicit validation against protected IC absolute maximum ratings.
Availability
SM5S15AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, engine control unit (ECU) protection, and body control module (BCM) designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101-compliant surge resilience.
Supply support for SM5S15AHM3/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, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM5SxxA family is engineered specifically for automotive load dump and ISO7637-2 transient suppression, leveraging DO-218AB's metal heatsink for superior thermal performance in space-constrained under-hood applications.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM5S15AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S15AHM3/I clamps to a maximum of 24.4 V at its rated peak pulse current of 150 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88382, page 2) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transients.
Is SM5S15AHM3/I suitable for new automotive designs?
No-SM5S15AHM3/I is marked "Not For New Designs" in the Vishay datasheet, with SM5S10AHM3 through SM5S85AHM3 cited as alternative devices. While fully functional and AEC-Q101 qualified, new designs should evaluate the newer SM5SxxAHM3 series for long-term supply assurance and updated characterization.
What does the "/I" suffix indicate in SM5S15AHM3/I?
The "/I" suffix denotes compliance with J-STD-033 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) Level 1, including dry-pack packaging with humidity indicator card and bake-optional labeling. It confirms the device is shipped in moisture-barrier bags meeting IPC/JEDEC standards for surface-mount assembly processes.
How does the DO-218AB package improve thermal performance of SM5S15AHM3/I?
The DO-218AB package integrates a large metal heatsink that serves as the anode terminal, achieving a junction-to-mount thermal resistance (RθJM) of 0.45 °C/W. This enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pours or external heatsinks-critical for sustaining repeated 3600 W surges without thermal runaway.
Does SM5S15AHM3/I meet ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a and 5b requirements?
Yes-SM5S15AHM3/I is specified to meet ISO7637-2 surge requirements, with documented performance under Pulse 5a (load dump, 35 V, 400 ms) and Pulse 5b (clamped load dump, 20 V, 400 ms) test conditions. Compliance is validated per test setup defined in the Vishay application notes and datasheet footnote.
SM5S15AHM3/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):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 148A
- 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
SM5S15AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S15AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S15AHM3/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 SM5S15AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S15AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S15AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S15AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S15AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S15AHM3/I?
SM5S15AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S15AHM3/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 SM5S15AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S15AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S15AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S15AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S15AHM3/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 SM5S15AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S15AHM3/I?
All SM5S15AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S15AHM3/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 SM5S15AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S15AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S15AHM3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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