Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM5S33ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM5S33ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM5S33ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 33VWM 53.3VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,389
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Product details
Overview
SM5S33ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in DO-218AC package, rated for 33 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 38.7 V nominal breakdown (VBR), 53.3 V clamping voltage (VC) at 150 A peak pulse current, and 3600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It delivers automotive-grade surge protection for load dump events in 12 V systems.
For engineers reviewing the SM5S33ATHE3/I datasheet, SM5S33ATHE3/I pinout, SM5S33ATHE3/I application, or SM5S33ATHE3/I equivalent, this device requires attention to heatsink-anode polarity, TJ = 175 °C operation, ISO7637-2 compliance, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-218AC thermal mounting constraints.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for high-temperature reliability. Its unidirectional architecture provides low forward voltage drop (≤2.0 V at 100 A) and low leakage (<10 µA at VWM, 25 °C), enabling stable clamping during repetitive transients.
Designed for automotive load dump protection, it meets ISO7637-2 test conditions and supports MSL Level 1 reflow (245 °C peak). Thermal resistance is RθJC = 1.0 °C/W, and its metal heatsink terminal serves as the anode - critical for PCB layout and thermal path design.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 33 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR (nom) | 38.7 V - nominal breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current, defining turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 53.3 V - clamping voltage at 150 A (10/1000 µs), limiting downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM (10/1000 µs) | 3600 W - peak transient power handling capability under standard surge waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling under-hood automotive deployment |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - conducts only in forward direction; heatsink is anode terminal |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to case, guiding heatsink sizing and thermal interface design |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - surface-mount, thermally enhanced plastic case with integral metal heatsink; RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix), MSL Level 1, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker tested.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Standard cathode connection; reverse-biased during clamping; routed to protected circuit node |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal and electrical anode terminal; must be connected to system ground or low-impedance return path for effective clamping and heat dissipation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable VBR drift and low leakage over lifetime and temperature cycling (αT = 0.091 %/°C) |
| TJ = 175 °C capability | Supports placement near hot engine compartments without derating or failure risk |
| Meets ISO7637-2 surge specification | Validated for automotive load dump waveforms (10 ms exponential), not just generic transients |
| Low forward voltage drop (≤2.0 V @ 100 A) | Minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during high-current clamping events |
| MSL Level 1, 245 °C peak reflow | Permits standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V vehicle electronics against alternator load dump surges up to 35 V sustained for 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at main power input of ECU or body control module. Use Value: Clamps transient to ≤53.3 V while absorbing 3600 W, preventing damage to downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding low-voltage analog sensor inputs (e.g., MAP, TPS) from coupled switching noise and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local TVS mounted adjacent to connector or IC input pins. Use Value: Low leakage (<10 µA at 33 V) avoids signal offset; fast response ensures sub-ns clamping before sensitive front-end amplifiers saturate. |
| Power Distribution Module (PDM) Protection | Start-Stop System Battery Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding fused power distribution nodes from battery reversal and cranking transients in multi-fuse boxes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS on main feed lines upstream of individual fuse outputs. Use Value: 500 A IFSM rating withstands repeated cold-cranking pulses; DO-218AC metal heatsink enables direct mounting to chassis ground. | Use Scenario: Securing bidirectional 12 V bus between AGM battery and start-stop controller during regenerative braking and restart events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on battery-side input to prevent reverse conduction during negative transients. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and TJ = 175 °C rating ensure reliability across wide ambient range (-40 to +125 °C case temp). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM5S33AHM3 | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings and DO-218AC package; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, matte tin-plated leads per JESD 201 Class 2, but not AEC-Q101 qualified | Not approved for automotive safety-critical modules requiring AEC-Q101 certification | Select when halogen-free compliance is mandatory and AEC-Q101 is not required |
| SMAJ33A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (RθJC ≈ 45 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification, higher VC (53.3 V → 58.1 V at same IPPM) | Limited to non-automotive or low-energy transient environments; unsuitable for load dump | Use only for cost-sensitive industrial applications with lower surge exposure |
Compared with SM5S33ATHE3/I, SM5S33AHM3 offers identical electrical performance and packaging but lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, while SMAJ33A provides significantly lower surge capacity and thermal performance - making SM5S33ATHE3/I the only choice for validated automotive load dump protection.
Availability
SM5S33ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, power distribution modules, and start-stop system interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM5S33ATHE3/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 diodes, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The SM5SxAT family was engineered specifically for high-energy automotive load dump protection, combining DO-218AC thermal efficiency with AEC-Q101 validation and ISO7637-2 compliance.
FAQ
Is SM5S33ATHE3/I AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, SM5S33ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified. The HE3 suffix explicitly denotes RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified construction per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87609, Revision: 21-Mar-2024). This qualification covers temperature cycling, humidity testing, and surge robustness required for automotive under-hood applications.
What is the polarity configuration of SM5S33ATHE3/I?
SM5S33ATHE3/I is unidirectional, with the metal heatsink serving as the anode and Lead 1 as the cathode. This configuration must be observed during PCB layout - reversing polarity will prevent proper clamping and may cause catastrophic failure during surge events.
Does SM5S33ATHE3/I meet ISO7637-2 requirements?
Yes, SM5S33ATHE3/I meets ISO7637-2 surge specification under defined test conditions, including the 10 ms exponential load dump waveform. Figure 2 in the official datasheet confirms its load dump power capability across case temperature, validating suitability for automotive 12 V system protection.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended mounting method for SM5S33ATHE3/I?
The typical thermal resistance junction-to-case (RθJC) of SM5S33ATHE3/I is 1.0 °C/W. To achieve rated power dissipation, the metal heatsink (anode) must be soldered to a large copper area or directly to a chassis ground plane - not isolated traces - ensuring low-impedance thermal and electrical paths.
Why is SM5S33ATHE3/I marked "Not For New Designs"?
SM5S33ATHE3/I is marked "Not For New Designs" because Vishay recommends the newer SM5S33AHM3 variant for new projects. However, SM5S33ATHE3/I remains fully supported, in active production, and available for legacy program continuity and existing qualified designs requiring AEC-Q101 compliance.
SM5S33ATHE3/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):
- 33V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 36.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 53.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 68A
- 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
SM5S33ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM5S33ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM5S33ATHE3/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 SM5S33ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM5S33ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM5S33ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM5S33ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM5S33ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM5S33ATHE3/I?
SM5S33ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM5S33ATHE3/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 SM5S33ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM5S33ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM5S33ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM5S33ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM5S33ATHE3/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 SM5S33ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM5S33ATHE3/I?
All SM5S33ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM5S33ATHE3/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 SM5S33ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM5S33ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM5S33ATHE3/I Tags

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onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
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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