Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S15ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S15ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S15ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,319
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Product details
Overview
SM5S15ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AC package, rated for 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.6 V nominal breakdown (VBR), 148 V clamping voltage at 150 A peak pulse current, and 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It operates up to 175 °C junction temperature and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S15ATHE3/I datasheet, SM5S15ATHE3/I pinout, SM5S15ATHE3/I application, or SM5S15ATHE3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-reliability, high-surge-capability TVS diode optimized for automotive electronics where thermal stability, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and ISO7637-2 compliance are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This device employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable performance under high-temperature stress. Its unidirectional polarity configures the metal heatsink as anode, enabling direct thermal coupling to PCB copper while maintaining low forward voltage drop (≤2.0 V at 100 A).
The SM5S15ATHE3/I delivers 3600 W surge capability under 10/1000 μs waveform and sustains 2800 W under longer 10/10 000 μs transients - key for automotive load dump immunity. Its RθJC of 1.0 °C/W supports effective heat transfer to external heatsinks or thermal pads without derating below 175 °C TJ max.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR (nom) | 17.6 V at 5 mA - precise breakdown threshold enabling accurate overvoltage clamping |
| VC @ IPPM | 148 V at 150 A - clamping voltage limiting downstream circuit stress during surge events |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - peak surge energy handling capacity for short-duration automotive transients |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating supporting under-hood automotive placement |
| Leakage @ VWM | <10 μA at 25 °C - minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in always-on systems |
| Package | DO-218AC - thermally enhanced surface-mount outline with metal heatsink terminal for low RθJC |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - thermally optimized surface-mount case with exposed metal heatsink (anode) and molded cathode lead. Meets UL 94 V-0, MSL Level 1, and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Metal Heatsink) | High-current return path and thermal interface | Directly soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; carries full surge current and dissipates >95% of thermal load |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Transient voltage sensing and clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); initiates avalanche conduction when V > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable VBR drift <±5% over 1000 hrs at 175 °C, critical for long-life automotive modules |
| AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix) | Validated reliability for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test requirements |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Passes Pulse 5a (load dump) testing up to 40 V superimposed on 14 V supply, per specification limits |
| Low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) | Allows 5 W steady-state dissipation on infinite heatsink - supports sustained clamp operation without thermal runaway |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Ensures robust solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, even after high-temperature reflow (245 °C peak) |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 5 V/3.3 V logic rails from load dump transients induced by alternator regulation failure in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input, clamping surges before LDOs or buck converters. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 148 V, preventing damage to upstream PMICs and ensuring system reset recovery within 100 ms. | Use Scenario: Shields LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O from switching noise generated by door lock actuators and window motors. IC Role / Device Role: Localized TVS on each protected line, leveraging low leakage (<10 μA) to avoid signal distortion on 19.2 kbps bus. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 100 A inductive turn-off events while surviving 175 °C under-hood ambient conditions. |
| Start-Stop System Battery Interface | ADAS Camera Power Supply |
Use Scenario: Guards buck converter input in start-stop systems subjected to repeated 25 V–35 V load dump pulses during engine restart cycles. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge suppression stage ahead of wide-input DC-DC, rated for ≥1000 surges at 150 A. Use Value: Withstands 3600 W peak power without parameter shift, enabling >10-year field life in cyclic thermal environments. | Use Scenario: Protects 12 V camera module power input against ESD and load dump in rear-view and surround-view systems. IC Role / Device Role: Surface-mount TVS integrated into compact camera flex PCB, using DO-218AC's low profile (3.0 mm height) and thermal mass. Use Value: Achieves 148 V clamping at 150 A while fitting within 10 mm² board area - critical for space-constrained automotive vision modules. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5S15AHM3 | Same electrical specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free molding compound and enhanced moisture sensitivity level control | Preferred for new designs targeting RoHS+REACH+halogen-free compliance; not backward-compatible with HE3 tape/reel packaging | Select HM3 for green manufacturing programs; HE3 remains valid for legacy production continuity |
| SMAJ15A | Lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (24.4 V), DO-214AC package, RθJC ≈ 5.0 °C/W | Suitable for non-automotive industrial applications with lower surge severity; cannot replace SM5S15ATHE3/I in load dump scenarios | Use only where peak surge energy ≤400 W and thermal budget allows higher junction rise |
Compared with SM5S15AHM3, the SM5S15ATHE3/I offers identical surge performance but uses standard HE3 tape-and-reel delivery and legacy material formulation; versus SMAJ15A, it delivers 9× higher surge power and 3.5× better thermal resistance - making it irreplaceable in AEC-Q101-compliant automotive power rails.
Availability
SM5S15ATHE3/I 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 multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SM5S15ATHE3/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 SM5S series was engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature junction stability (175 °C), ISO7637-2 compliance, and DO-218AC thermal efficiency to replace older SMA/SMB packages in next-generation vehicle electronics.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM5S15ATHE3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S15ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 148 V at 150 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87609) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case surge events. The SM5S15ATHE3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range from –55 °C to +175 °C.
Is the SM5S15ATHE3/I suitable for new automotive designs?
No - the SM5S15ATHE3/I is marked "Not For New Designs" in the official Vishay datasheet, with SM5S15AHM3 designated as the recommended alternative. While the SM5S15ATHE3/I remains fully functional and supported for existing production, new designs should use the HM3 variant for halogen-free compliance and updated material qualifications. The SM5S15ATHE3/I retains full AEC-Q101 qualification and identical electrical performance to the HM3 version.
How does the DO-218AC package of the SM5S15ATHE3/I improve thermal performance over DO-214AC?
The DO-218AC package of the SM5S15ATHE3/I features an integrated metal heatsink terminal that reduces thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) to 1.0 °C/W - approximately 5× lower than typical DO-214AC devices (~5.0 °C/W). This enables the SM5S15ATHE3/I to dissipate 5 W continuously on an infinite heatsink and sustain 3600 W surge pulses without thermal runaway. The metal heatsink must be soldered to a ≥100 mm² copper pad for optimal performance.
Does the SM5S15ATHE3/I meet ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements?
Yes - the SM5S15ATHE3/I meets ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) requirements when applied per Vishay's recommended layout and thermal conditions. Its 3600 W peak pulse power rating and 148 V clamping voltage ensure compliance with the 40 V superimposed transient limit on 14 V systems. Test validation is documented in Vishay Application Note AN8001 and confirmed in the SM5S15ATHE3/I datasheet section "Meets ISO7637-2 surge specification".
What is the leakage current specification for the SM5S15ATHE3/I at maximum operating temperature?
At VWM = 15.0 V and TJ = 175 °C, the SM5S15ATHE3/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 10 μA, as specified in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87609, Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS"). This elevated-temperature leakage value ensures minimal power drain in always-on automotive modules such as telematics and alarm systems, where standby current budgets are tightly constrained.
SM5S15ATHE3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AC
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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
SM5S15ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S15ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S15ATHE3/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 SM5S15ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S15ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S15ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S15ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S15ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S15ATHE3/I?
SM5S15ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S15ATHE3/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 SM5S15ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S15ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S15ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S15ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S15ATHE3/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 SM5S15ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S15ATHE3/I?
All SM5S15ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S15ATHE3/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 SM5S15ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S15ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S15ATHE3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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