Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM8S12CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM8S12CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM8S12CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- 6600 W BI-DIRECTIONAL TVS IS DO-
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,000
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Product details
Overview
SM8S12CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-218AC package, with 14.0 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 12.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 332 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 μs waveform. It delivers 6600 W peak pulse power and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM8S12CAHM3/I datasheet, SM8S12CAHM3/I pinout, SM8S12CAHM3/I application, or SM8S12CAHM3/I equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability 12 V automotive power rail surge suppression where TJ = 175 °C operation, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and ISO 7637-2 compliance are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type overvoltage protector using avalanche breakdown. Its bidirectional symmetry enables symmetrical transient suppression on AC-coupled or floating DC lines without polarity sensitivity. The DO-218AC package provides low thermal resistance (RθJM = 0.35 °C/W) and supports high surge energy dissipation via direct metal heatsink contact.
Designed for automotive-grade reliability, it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing, and maintains stable clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range. Its 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM ensures downstream ICs remain within safe operating limits during load dump events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (Nominal) | 14.0 V - Ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset above normal 12 V system voltage |
| VWM | 12.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 10 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 332 A 10/1000 μs surge |
| IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 332 A - Peak surge current capability matching ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a severity levels |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 6600 W - Sustains high-energy transients without thermal runaway |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot engine-control electronics without derating |
| Leakage @ VWM, 25 °C | <10 μA - Minimizes quiescent power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
Pinout & Package
DO-218AC surface-mount package with dual terminals: Lead 1 (anode/cathode indeterminate due to bidirectionality) and Lead 2 (metal heatsink tab). The metal tab serves as primary thermal path and must be soldered to a large copper pour for RθJM = 0.35 °C/W performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | No polarity marking; connects to protected line regardless of DC bias direction |
| Lead 2 / Metal Tab | Thermal Heatsink Terminal | Must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper area for rated 6600 W surge handling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood deployment including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Meets Pulse 5a (load dump) requirements up to 120 V/350 ms without failure |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant M3 termination | Matte tin plating meets J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 22-B102 lead finish standards |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Reflow-compatible up to 245 °C peak without moisture-induced popcorning |
| 175 °C junction capability | Enables use in proximity to powertrain ECUs without thermal derating penalties |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Industrial Power Supply Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery rail in engine control units subjected to alternator load dump transients up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping TVS diode placed directly at power entry point to limit voltage excursion before LDOs or MCUs. Use Value: 19.9 V clamping ensures downstream 24 V-rated regulators remain within absolute maximum ratings during 332 A surges. | Use Scenario: Unregulated DC input stage of industrial PLC power module exposed to switching transients from relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp protecting bulk capacitor charging circuitry and upstream rectifier bridge. Use Value: 6600 W peak power rating absorbs repetitive 10/1000 μs spikes without degradation over >100,000 cycles. |
| DC Motor Drive Surge Suppression | Telecom Power Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: H-bridge motor driver board where inductive kickback generates ±80 V transients on 24 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device across power rail to ground, suppressing both positive and negative polarity spikes. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices, reducing BOM count and PCB area. | Use Scenario: Central office power feed interface receiving -48 V DC with lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground TVS on telecom power entry, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) front-end. Use Value: Low 10 μA leakage at -48 V VWM prevents excessive standby current drain in always-powered systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package, RθJA = 110 °C/W, not AEC-Q101 qualified | Suitable for consumer-grade 12 V circuits with lower surge severity; insufficient for automotive load dump | Select SM8S12CAHM3/I when ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a compliance and 175 °C operation are mandatory |
| TPSMD12CA | Same DO-218AC package, 6600 W rating, but VC = 21.2 V and IPPM = 312 A; AEC-Q101 qualified | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 24 V-tolerant downstream ICs; identical thermal design rules apply | Choose SM8S12CAHM3/I for tighter clamping (19.9 V vs. 21.2 V) where protected ICs have narrow VDD tolerance |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and TPSMD12CA, SM8S12CAHM3/I offers the lowest clamping voltage (19.9 V) among AEC-Q101-qualified 12 V TVS diodes in DO-218AC, enabling higher immunity margins for 24 V-rated automotive microcontrollers while maintaining identical board-level thermal management requirements.
Availability
SM8S12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and DC motor drive systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM8S12CAHM3/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 SM8SxxCA family is engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, emphasizing high-temperature stability, surge robustness, and AEC-Q101 compliance in surface-mount form factors.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM8S12CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM8S12CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated 332 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 4 in the Vishay datasheet 98229 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. Maintaining VC below 20 V allows compatibility with 24 V-tolerant automotive ICs.
Is SM8S12CAHM3/I suitable for use in under-hood automotive applications?
Yes, SM8S12CAHM3/I is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 and rated for continuous operation from -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood environments such as engine control units and transmission control modules. Its DO-218AC package with metal heatsink tab enables effective thermal coupling to PCB copper, sustaining 6600 W surges even at elevated ambient temperatures.
Does SM8S12CAHM3/I require a specific PCB footprint or thermal pad layout?
Yes, SM8S12CAHM3/I requires adherence to the DO-218AC mounting pad layout specified in Vishay's datasheet 98229, including a minimum 100 mm² copper area connected to the metal tab (Lead 2) to achieve the published RθJM = 0.35 °C/W and full 6600 W surge rating. Deviation from the recommended IPC 7351-compliant footprint will degrade thermal performance and reduce surge endurance.
How does the HM3 suffix in SM8S12CAHM3/I affect its compliance status?
The HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 for whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 for moisture sensitivity. It confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and compliance with automotive material standards per Vishay document 99912, distinguishing it from non-HM3 variants that may lack full automotive process validation.
Can SM8S12CAHM3/I replace unidirectional TVS diodes in existing designs?
SM8S12CAHM3/I is bidirectional and may replace unidirectional TVS diodes only if the application involves AC-coupled signals or floating DC rails where polarity reversal is possible. For fixed-polarity DC lines, a unidirectional device provides lower leakage and tighter VC; substituting SM8S12CAHM3/I introduces symmetric clamping but no cathode band - verify system-level polarity tolerance before replacement.
SM8S12CAHM3/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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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-218AB
SM8S12CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM8S12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM8S12CAHM3/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 SM8S12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM8S12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM8S12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM8S12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM8S12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM8S12CAHM3/I?
SM8S12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM8S12CAHM3/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 SM8S12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM8S12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM8S12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM8S12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM8S12CAHM3/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 SM8S12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM8S12CAHM3/I?
All SM8S12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM8S12CAHM3/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 SM8S12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM8S12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM8S12CAHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated
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