Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S20AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S20AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S20AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,702
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Product details
Overview
SM5S20AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AB package, rated for 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S20AHM3/I datasheet, SM5S20AHM3/I pinout, SM5S20AHM3/I application, or SM5S20AHM3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-reliability TVS diode for 12 V automotive power rail surge suppression with 175 °C junction capability, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping under repetitive transients, with thermal resistance RθJM = 0.45 °C/W enabling efficient heat transfer to the metal heatsink (anode). Its unidirectional polarity and 2.0 V max forward voltage at 100 A support robust reverse-biased surge clamping without forward conduction during normal operation.
The device meets ISO 7637-2 surge test requirements for automotive load dump and is characterized across -55 °C to +175 °C operating range. Its DO-218AB package integrates a metal heatsink terminal that serves as the anode, providing low-inductance current path and enhanced thermal performance versus standard SMD packages.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets threshold for 12 V automotive system protection. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 22.2 / 23.4 / 24.5 V - Verified breakdown range at 5 mA; ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM for noise immunity. |
| 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 surge power handling; supports high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a without failure. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood environments with no derating up to 125 °C ambient. |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off; minimizes quiescent power loss in always-on vehicle modules. |
| IFSM | 500 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating; withstands high-current inrush or fault conditions without bond wire failure. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount package with integrated metal heatsink (anode) and molded body meeting UL 94 V-0. Anode terminal is the large metal tab; cathode is the smaller lead. Mounting pad layout follows IPC-7351 standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Metal Heatsink Tab) | High-current return path and thermal interface | Serves as primary surge current sink and direct thermal conduction path to PCB copper pour or heatsink; must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper area. |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Surge voltage sensing and clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); reverse-biased during normal operation and avalanches during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and mechanical shock per JESD47; supports PPAP documentation. |
| Junction passivation | Optimized die surface treatment prevents moisture ingress and parametric drift under high-humidity, high-temperature bias life testing. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Can be reflowed at peak 245 °C without popcorn effect or delamination; eliminates pre-bake requirement for high-volume SMT assembly. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Tested to Pulse 5a (load dump) waveform with 10 ms exponential decay; clamps to ≤32.4 V at 111 A, protecting downstream DC-DC converters and MCUs. |
| Low thermal resistance RθJM | 0.45 °C/W from junction to metal tab enables >90 % of surge energy dissipation via heatsink rather than PCB traces. |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | 12 V Power Rail Surge Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting engine control units (ECUs) and body control modules (BCMs) during alternator load dump events where battery disconnection causes 40 V+ spikes on the 12 V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery input and input filter capacitor, clamping transients within 1 ns response time. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤32.4 V at 111 A, preventing damage to 36 V-rated DC-DC regulators and ensuring uninterrupted MCU operation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding infotainment head units and ADAS camera modules against switching transients from fuel pumps, fans, and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on main 12 V input, operating continuously at 20 V with <10 μA leakage to minimize standby power draw. Use Value: Maintains system availability during cold-cranking (down to -40 °C) and hot-soak (up to +175 °C junction), validated per AEC-Q101. |
| Industrial Vehicle Power Systems | Commercial Truck Battery Management |
Use Scenario: Securing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and CAN gateways in construction equipment exposed to generator-induced surges and cable inductance spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp on 24 V nominal systems, leveraging 3600 W peak power rating to absorb multi-pulse surge sequences. Use Value: Survives repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 3600 W without parameter shift, verified by accelerated life testing at TJ = 175 °C. |
Use Scenario: Protecting battery monitoring ICs and charge controllers in Class 8 truck auxiliary power distribution units subject to ISO 16750-2 load dump profiles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability TVS mounted directly to chassis ground plane via metal tab anode, minimizing loop inductance. Use Value: Achieves <0.5 Ω total clamping loop impedance, reducing overshoot during 100 A/μs edge-rate transients per ISO 7637-2. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20AHE3_A/H | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (DO-214AC), RθJA = 60 °C/W, no metal heatsink tab | Suitable for lower-energy consumer or industrial I/O protection; not rated for ISO 7637-2 load dump | Select when cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs require basic ESD/surge protection with simpler layout. |
| SMCJ20AHE3_A/H | Same VWM/VBR, higher PPPM (3000 W), larger SMC package (DO-214AB), RθJM = 0.85 °C/W, no anode heatsink | Used in mid-tier automotive modules where 3000 W suffices and board space allows larger footprint | Choose when DO-218AB's metal heatsink is unnecessary but higher surge margin than SMAJ is required. |
Compared with SMAJ20AHE3_A/H and SMCJ20AHE3_A/H, the SM5S20AHM3/I delivers 20× higher peak power (3600 W vs. 400 W), direct metal thermal path (RθJM = 0.45 °C/W), and full AEC-Q101/ISO 7637-2 validation-making it the only option qualified for critical 12 V automotive load dump protection.
Availability
SM5S20AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, 12 V power rail surge suppression, and industrial vehicle power systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM5S20AHM3/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 optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM5S family is engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, combining high-temperature silicon design, metal-heatsink packaging, and rigorous AEC-Q101 validation to meet ISO 7637-2 load dump requirements.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM5S20AHM3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SM5S20AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 111 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during standardized load dump events defined in ISO 7637-2.
Is the SM5S20AHM3/I suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the SM5S20AHM3/I is unidirectional only, with polarity marked by the metal heatsink serving as the anode. It is designed to clamp positive transients on a DC line referenced to ground. For bidirectional protection, two devices in series-opposing configuration or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as SMBJ20CAHE3_A/H would be required.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SM5S20AHM3/I?
In SM5S20AHM3/I, "H" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, "M3" specifies the DO-218AB package with matte tin-plated leads and RoHS-compliant, halogen-free molding compound (E3), and "I" indicates 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging with anode orientation toward sprocket holes. The full suffix confirms automotive-grade reliability and SMT-ready delivery format.
How does the DO-218AB package improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMA packages?
The DO-218AB package of the SM5S20AHM3/I integrates a large metal heatsink tab as the anode terminal, achieving RθJM = 0.45 °C/W-over 50 % lower than typical SMC packages. This enables >90 % of surge energy to dissipate directly into the PCB copper or external heatsink, reducing junction temperature rise and improving reliability under repetitive surge conditions.
Does the SM5S20AHM3/I meet moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements for lead-free reflow?
Yes, the SM5S20AHM3/I is rated MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 245 °C. This eliminates the need for dry-packaging or pre-baking prior to standard lead-free reflow soldering, supporting high-yield, high-throughput SMT manufacturing for automotive electronics.
SM5S20AHM3/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):
- 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-218AC
SM5S20AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S20AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S20AHM3/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 SM5S20AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S20AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S20AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S20AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S20AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S20AHM3/I?
SM5S20AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S20AHM3/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 SM5S20AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S20AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S20AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S20AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S20AHM3/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 SM5S20AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S20AHM3/I?
All SM5S20AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S20AHM3/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 SM5S20AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S20AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S20AHM3/I Tags

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