Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM8S12ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM8S12ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM8S12ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,575
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Product details
Overview
SM8S12ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 6600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 19.9 V clamping voltage at rated current, 175 °C junction temperature rating, and DO-218AC package with heatsink-anode polarity.
For engineers reviewing the SM8S12ATHE3/I datasheet, SM8S12ATHE3/I pinout, SM8S12ATHE3/I application, or SM8S12ATHE3/I equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability 12 V automotive power rail protection where ISO 7637-2 compliance, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low leakage (<10 μA at 12 V) are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional configuration and heatsink-anode terminal arrangement enable direct thermal coupling to PCB copper pour or external heatsinks, supporting sustained 8 W power dissipation at TC = 25 °C.
The device meets AEC-Q101 stress testing and MSL Level 1 (245 °C reflow), with verified performance across –55 °C to +175 °C operating range. Its 0.90 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and 10/1000 μs waveform capability make it suitable for transient suppression in alternator load dump events per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 13.3 / 14.0 / 14.7 V - Ensures reliable turn-on before system overvoltage damages downstream 12 V electronics |
| VWM | 12.0 V - Stand-off voltage compatible with nominal 12 V automotive battery systems |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - Clamping level limits protected circuit stress during 332 A 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 6600 W - Handles high-energy load dump transients without failure |
| IFSM | 700 A - Withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge common in alternator fault conditions |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in engine compartment environments with minimal derating |
| RθJC | 0.90 °C/W - Supports efficient heat transfer to heatsink or large copper area for thermal reliability |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount, thermally enhanced case with metal heatsink acting as anode terminal; RoHS-compliant matte tin plating; JESD201 Class 2 whisker tested; UL 94 V-0 molding compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 (cathode) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); carries full surge current during clamping |
| Lead 2 / metal heatsink (anode) | Reference and thermal path | Must be soldered to large copper pour or external heatsink; serves as both electrical return and primary thermal interface |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable VBR drift <0.074 %/°C and low leakage (<10 μA at 12 V, 175 °C) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock |
| DO-218AC thermal construction | 0.90 °C/W RθJC allows 8 W continuous dissipation on infinite heatsink at 25 °C case temperature |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Meets Pulse 5a load dump requirements up to 100 V, 100 ms exponential waveform |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow (peak 245 °C) without moisture-induced damage |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses 12 V battery rail transients caused by alternator field-circuit interruption during engine run. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery input and ECU power stage to clamp surges above 19.9 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 12 V-rated DC/DC converters and microcontrollers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Protects power supply inputs of engine control modules exposed to harsh under-hood voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient suppressor on main 12 V input rail upstream of LDOs and PMICs. Use Value: Maintains functional safety integrity by limiting voltage stress to ≤19.9 V during 332 A, 10/1000 μs surges. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail | ADAS Camera Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Shields BCM power inputs from switching noise and load dump in vehicle lighting and HVAC circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS (12 V) with fast response to protect CAN/LIN transceivers and microcontroller I/O. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted communication by preventing bus reset due to >19.9 V transients on 12 V supply. | Use Scenario: Secures 12 V input to front/rear ADAS cameras mounted near engine or battery compartments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-temperature-stable TVS (TJ = 175 °C) placed at camera module connector entry point. Use Value: Guarantees operational continuity during extended hot-soak conditions and repeated load dump events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM8S12AHM3 | Same VBR, VC, and package; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, higher-reliability molding compound | Preferred for new designs requiring halogen-free compliance and extended lifetime under thermal cycling | Select SM8S12AHM3 for new automotive programs; SM8S12ATHE3/I remains valid for legacy production and repair |
| SMAJ12A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package, no AEC-Q101 qualification, RθJC not specified | Limited to non-automotive, lower-energy surge environments; unsuitable for load dump or under-hood use | Use only in cost-sensitive consumer or industrial applications where 6600 W surge capacity and 175 °C operation are unnecessary |
Compared with SM8S12AHM3, the SM8S12ATHE3/I offers identical electrical performance but lacks halogen-free certification; versus SMAJ12A, it delivers 16.5× higher surge power and automotive-grade reliability-critical for load dump immunity in modern vehicles.
Availability
SM8S12ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive load dump protection, engine control unit (ECU) power input hardening, and body control module (BCM) power rail stabilization requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SM8S12ATHE3/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 and automotive qualification.
The SM8SxxAT family was engineered specifically for high-energy automotive transient suppression, targeting ISO 7637-2 compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification in under-hood power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM8S12ATHE3/I and how is it measured?
The SM8S12ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 332 A, tested using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #87734) and reflects the voltage seen across the device terminals during worst-case surge conduction-critical for ensuring downstream 12 V ICs remain within safe operating limits. The SM8S12ATHE3/I achieves this with low dynamic impedance and optimized junction passivation.
Is the SM8S12ATHE3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM8S12ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly intended for automotive use. Its qualification covers temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and mechanical shock testing. The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, while the DO-218AC package supports MSL Level 1 reflow. These attributes make the SM8S12ATHE3/I suitable for engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power interfaces.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SM8S12ATHE3/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SM8S12ATHE3/I indicates RoHS-compliant packaging with matte tin-plated leads, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and AEC-Q101 qualification. It also specifies tape-and-reel delivery (750 units per 13″ reel) with anode orientation toward sprocket holes. This suffix distinguishes the automotive-grade version from non-qualified variants and confirms compliance with automotive manufacturing and reliability standards required for the SM8S12ATHE3/I.
Can the SM8S12ATHE3/I replace the SMAJ12A in existing designs?
No-the SM8S12ATHE3/I is not a drop-in replacement for the SMAJ12A. While both are unidirectional 12 V TVS diodes, the SM8S12ATHE3/I uses DO-218AC packaging with heatsink-anode polarity and requires different PCB layout (larger thermal pad, specific lead spacing). Its 6600 W surge rating and AEC-Q101 qualification also exceed SMAJ12A's 400 W and commercial-grade specs. Redesign is required to leverage the SM8S12ATHE3/I's performance and automotive suitability.
Why is the SM8S12ATHE3/I marked "Not For New Designs"?
The "Not For New Designs" notice applies to the entire SM8SxxAT series and signals Vishay's recommendation to adopt the newer SM8SxxAHM3 family for future projects. The SM8S12ATHE3/I remains fully manufactured, supported, and available for legacy production and repair. Its specifications, AEC-Q101 qualification, and ISO 7637-2 compliance are unchanged-only the HM3 variant adds halogen-free material and enhanced long-term reliability metrics for next-generation automotive platforms.
SM8S12ATHE3/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):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 332A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 6600W (6.6kW)
- 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
SM8S12ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM8S12ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM8S12ATHE3/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 SM8S12ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM8S12ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM8S12ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM8S12ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM8S12ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM8S12ATHE3/I?
SM8S12ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM8S12ATHE3/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 SM8S12ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM8S12ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM8S12ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM8S12ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM8S12ATHE3/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 SM8S12ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM8S12ATHE3/I?
All SM8S12ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM8S12ATHE3/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 SM8S12ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM8S12ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM8S12ATHE3/I Tags

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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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onsemi

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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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