Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S20ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S20ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S20ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,879
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Product details
Overview
SM5S20ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AC package, rated for 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown (VBR), 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 111 A clamping current, and 175 °C junction temperature-designed for automotive load dump protection in engine control units and body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S20ATHE3/I datasheet, SM5S20ATHE3/I pinout, SM5S20ATHE3/I application, or SM5S20ATHE3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix), DO-218AC thermal performance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W), ISO7637-2 compliance, and 175 °C high-temperature operation in harsh automotive environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping under repetitive surge stress, with low leakage (<10 μA at VWM) and low forward voltage drop (<2.0 V at 100 A). Its heatsink-is-anode configuration enables efficient thermal transfer to PCB copper planes or external heatsinks.
The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (245 °C peak reflow), supports 500 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM), and maintains specified VBR across -55 °C to +175 °C operating range using a temperature coefficient of +0.085 %/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 22.2 / 23.4 / 24.5 V - Breakdown voltage range at 5 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamping voltage at 111 A peak pulse current; limits downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 3600 W - Peak pulse power handling capability for standard lightning/surge waveform |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive locations without derating |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to case; supports high-power dissipation with minimal ΔT |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Anode connected to heatsink; cathode is signal terminal; blocks reverse voltage only |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount, thermally enhanced plastic case with metal heatsink tab (anode), matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Heatsink Tab) | Power return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for RθJC = 1.0 °C/W performance |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Transient voltage sensing and clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V battery rail); conducts during overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable VBR and low leakage over lifetime, even under high-temperature bias stress |
| TJ = 175 °C rating | Eliminates thermal derating in engine bay applications up to +150 °C ambient with proper layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive use including vibration, thermal cycling, and humidity testing per AEC standard |
| Meets ISO7637-2 surge specification | Withstands load dump transients up to 35 V for 400 ms and other coupled surges per automotive test plan |
| MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power rails and CAN transceivers from battery load dump spikes during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps 35 V/400 ms load dump transients to ≤32.4 V at 111 A, preventing damage to downstream LDOs and logic ICs. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by limiting voltage excursion below 33 V while dissipating 3600 W peak energy without degradation. | Use Scenario: Shields LIN bus interfaces and sensor inputs from inductive switching noise generated by door lock actuators and window motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Suppresses fast-rising transients (≤10 ns rise time) induced by relay coil de-energization, preserving signal integrity on 12 V supply lines. Use Value: Delivers <10 μA leakage at 20 V to avoid false wake-up in low-power sleep modes while clamping to safe levels. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguards image sensor and ISP power supplies in rear-view and surround-view cameras exposed to under-hood EMI and load dump. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides robust front-end protection with 175 °C junction rating, enabling direct placement near camera module power entry points. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted video streaming during cold-cranking and load dump events due to stable clamping performance across full temperature range. | Use Scenario: Guards gate drivers and current sense amplifiers in EPS H-bridge circuits against inductive kickback from motor windings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Absorbs 500 A IFSM surge pulses from motor commutation, preventing latch-up or destruction of sensitive analog front-ends. Use Value: Supports functional safety requirements by maintaining clamping voltage ≤32.4 V during worst-case 10/1000 μs transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5S20AHM3 | Same electrical specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified with enhanced moisture resistance | Preferred for new designs requiring halogen-free compliance and improved MSL robustness | Select SM5S20AHM3 for new automotive programs; SM5S20ATHE3/I remains valid for legacy production with existing qualification |
| SMAJ20A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (RθJC ≈ 45 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification, higher leakage (≤50 μA) | Suitable for cost-sensitive industrial or consumer applications-not automotive-grade | Use SMAJ20A only where 3600 W surge immunity and 175 °C operation are not required |
Compared with SM5S20AHM3, SM5S20ATHE3/I offers identical electrical performance but lacks halogen-free certification; versus SMAJ20A, it delivers 9× higher surge power, 45× lower thermal resistance, and automotive qualification-making it irreplaceable for under-hood load dump protection.
Availability
SM5S20ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, ADAS camera systems, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM5S20ATHE3/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 Intertechnology is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-reliability devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM5SxxAT family is engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive power networks, emphasizing thermal stability, AEC-Q101 compliance, and ISO7637-2 conformance under extreme temperature conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM5S20ATHE3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM5S20ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 111 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating voltage limits during surge events.
Is SM5S20ATHE3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SM5S20ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HE3 suffix, indicating RoHS compliance, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and validation for automotive use. It meets ISO7637-2 load dump requirements and operates reliably from -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SM5S20ATHE3/I?
The HE3 suffix in SM5S20ATHE3/I denotes a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified version with matte tin-plated leads that meet J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards, and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing-ensuring long-term reliability in automotive assembly and field operation.
Can SM5S20ATHE3/I replace SM5S20AHM3 in existing designs?
SM5S20ATHE3/I and SM5S20AHM3 share identical electrical specifications and DO-218AC packaging, but HM3 adds halogen-free compliance and enhanced moisture resistance. While functionally interchangeable in most cases, SM5S20ATHE3/I should only replace HM3 where halogen-free certification is not mandated by program requirements.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for SM5S20ATHE3/I?
The SM5S20ATHE3/I has a typical thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W from junction to case (RθJC), measured with the anode heatsink tab fully soldered to a minimum 1-inch² copper area. This low value enables effective heat dissipation during high-energy transients and supports sustained operation at TJ = 175 °C.
SM5S20ATHE3/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):
- 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
SM5S20ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S20ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S20ATHE3/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 SM5S20ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S20ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S20ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S20ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S20ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S20ATHE3/I?
SM5S20ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S20ATHE3/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 SM5S20ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S20ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S20ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S20ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S20ATHE3/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 SM5S20ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S20ATHE3/I?
All SM5S20ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S20ATHE3/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 SM5S20ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S20ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S20ATHE3/I Tags

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