Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S20AHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S20AHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S20AHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM5S20AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in DO-218AB package, rated for 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S20AHE3_A/I datasheet, SM5S20AHE3_A/I pinout, SM5S20AHE3_A/I application, or SM5S20AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection considerations include its 175 °C junction rating, low clamping voltage of 32.4 V at 111 A, unidirectional polarity, and compliance with ISO7637-2 surge testing under automotive conditions.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver high-temperature stability up to TJ = 175 °C and low leakage (<10 μA at VWM). Its DO-218AB package features a metal heatsink acting as the anode terminal, enabling efficient thermal dissipation with RθJM = 0.45 °C/W.
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 245 °C reflow peak. It is not intended for new designs; Vishay recommends SM5S20AHM3 as the updated alternative with identical electrical specs and enhanced qualification scope.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating range in automotive 12 V systems. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 22.2 / 23.4 / 24.5 V - Verified breakdown threshold at 5 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamping voltage at 111 A peak pulse (10/1000 μs); limits downstream voltage stress during load dump events. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports high-energy ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump waveforms. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without derating. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Anode connected to heatsink; requires correct orientation in circuit to protect against positive-going transients only. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability including HTOL, TC, HTRB, and ESD; suitable for ASIL-B system components. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount, single-ended metal-heatsink package with matte tin-plated leads; anode terminal is the exposed metal base (heatsink), cathode is lead 1; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Metal Heatsink) | Current return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper area for effective heat transfer; electrically connects to system ground or low-side reference in unidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Transient voltage sensing and clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); conducts surge current to anode when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier structure reduces leakage drift over temperature and lifetime, maintaining <10 μA at 175 °C. |
| High surge capability | Withstands 500 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine) and 111 A IPPM (10/1000 μs), supporting repeated load dump events without degradation. |
| Automotive qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified and MSL Level 1 compliant, enabling direct use in production automotive ECUs without additional qualification effort. |
| Thermal performance | RθJM = 0.45 °C/W enables >4× higher power dissipation than standard SMC packages under identical board layout conditions. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) Battery Rail Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power rails from ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump transients during alternator field decay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps battery rail to ≤32.4 V during 100–400 ms surges, preventing damage to downstream DC/DC converters and LDOs. Use Value: Enables robust 12 V automotive design with no external series impedance required; validated for 175 °C ambient under-hood operation. |
Use Scenario: Shields BCM power inputs from switching noise and load dump induced by HVAC, lighting, and window motor actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping element placed at main fuse box output, limiting transient propagation to distributed modules. Use Value: Reduces need for redundant filtering; maintains system uptime during repeated 3600 W surge events across vehicle lifecycle. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power Supply | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguards 12 V input to image sensor SoCs and ISP processors in front/rear-view cameras exposed to engine bay transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage suppression stage upstream of buck converter, responding within nanoseconds to clamp spikes above 24.5 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to CMOS image sensors; supports ASIL-B functional safety requirements via AEC-Q101 traceability. |
Use Scenario: Protects gate drivers and MCU power supplies in EPS systems subjected to high-current inductive kickback during motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS placed across H-bridge supply rail to absorb reverse EMF energy from brushed or BLDC motor windings. Use Value: Eliminates need for bulkier TVS arrays; achieves same 3600 W rating in 50 % smaller footprint than DO-214AB alternatives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5S20AHM3 | Identical VWM (20 V), VBR (22.2–24.5 V), VC (32.4 V), and PPPM (3600 W); same DO-218AB package; updated qualification scope beyond AEC-Q101. | Designated "Not For New Designs" replacement; supports extended temperature validation and enhanced surge life testing per latest Vishay automotive roadmap. | Select SM5S20AHM3 for new designs requiring long-term supply assurance and alignment with Vishay's current automotive qualification standards. |
| SMAJ20A | Lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (32.4 V at only 12.3 A), smaller SMA package (RθJA ≈ 100 °C/W vs. 0.45 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Limited to non-automotive industrial or consumer applications; insufficient for ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a compliance without parallel devices. | Use SMAJ20A only in cost-sensitive, low-surge environments where thermal constraints allow higher junction temperatures and lower reliability targets. |
Compared with SM5S20AHE3_A/I, SM5S20AHM3 offers identical electrical performance with improved long-term automotive qualification coverage, while SMAJ20A provides basic TVS functionality at lower cost but lacks the thermal robustness, surge margin, and automotive certification required for under-hood deployment.
Availability
SM5S20AHE3_A/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 SM5S20AHE3_A/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 delivers high-power transient suppression in compact surface-mount packages, engineered specifically for automotive load dump and ISO7637-2 compliance in harsh-temperature environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM5S20AHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S20AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 111 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream components experience no more than 32.4 V during worst-case surge events, making it suitable for protecting 3.3 V and 5 V logic rails fed from 12 V systems via DC/DC conversion.
Is the SM5S20AHE3_A/I suitable for new automotive designs?
No - Vishay explicitly marks SM5S20AHE3_A/I as "Not For New Designs" in Document Number 88382 (Revision: 10-Feb-2026), recommending SM5S20AHM3 as the designated replacement. While SM5S20AHE3_A/I remains available for legacy program support and repair, new designs should adopt SM5S20AHM3 to ensure long-term supply continuity and access to updated qualification data.
How is polarity configured on the SM5S20AHE3_A/I, and what does "heatsink is anode" mean in practice?
The SM5S20AHE3_A/I is unidirectional, with the metal heatsink serving as the anode terminal and lead 1 as the cathode. In practice, this means the heatsink must be connected to the system ground or low-side reference point, while the cathode connects to the line being protected. Reversing this connection renders the device nonfunctional for positive transients and may cause catastrophic failure during surge events.
What thermal metrics define the SM5S20AHE3_A/I's ability to handle repeated surges?
The SM5S20AHE3_A/I is characterized by RθJM = 0.45 °C/W (junction-to-mount) and RθJA = 55 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), measured per JEDEC 51-14 and 51-2A respectively. These values confirm its capacity to sustain repeated 3600 W surges when mounted on a thermally optimized PCB pad, as the low RθJM allows rapid heat transfer into the board copper, minimizing junction temperature rise during transient events.
Does the SM5S20AHE3_A/I meet ISO7637-2 requirements, and which test pulses does it cover?
Yes - the SM5S20AHE3_A/I meets ISO7637-2 surge specification under defined test conditions, specifically covering Pulse 5a (load dump) with exponential decay (10 ms time constant). Its 3600 W PPPM rating and 32.4 V clamping voltage enable compliance when used with appropriate board-level layout practices, such as minimum 2 oz. copper and direct heatsink grounding, as verified in Vishay's load dump power characteristics curve (Fig. 3).
SM5S20AHE3_A/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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 111A
- 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
SM5S20AHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S20AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S20AHE3_A/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 SM5S20AHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S20AHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S20AHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S20AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S20AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S20AHE3_A/I?
SM5S20AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S20AHE3_A/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 SM5S20AHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SM5S20AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S20AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S20AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S20AHE3_A/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 SM5S20AHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S20AHE3_A/I?
All SM5S20AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S20AHE3_A/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 SM5S20AHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S20AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S20AHE3_A/I Tags

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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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