Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM8S15CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM8S15CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM8S15CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- 6600 W BI-DIRECTIONAL TVS IS DO-
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,920
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Product details
Overview
SM8S15CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 270 A peak pulse current, and 6600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). Rated for TJ = 175 °C and AEC-Q101 qualified, it operates in DO-218AC package for high-reliability 12 V automotive power rail protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM8S15CAHM3/I datasheet, SM8S15CAHM3/I pinout, SM8S15CAHM3/I application, or SM8S15CAHM3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal derating behavior, ISO 7637-2 compliance context, and direct alternatives for automotive ECU, body control module, and infotainment power supply design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche junction technology to clamp transients via controlled reverse breakdown. Its bidirectional symmetry enables protection against both positive and negative polarity surges without polarity marking - critical for unidirectional DC bus lines subject to reverse EMF or coupled noise.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJM = 0.35 °C/W (junction-to-mount) and RθJA = 55 °C/W (junction-to-ambient on FR4), supporting high-power surge dissipation when mounted to a metal heatsink plane. The DO-218AC case integrates a metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2) to enable low-impedance thermal path routing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction; sets minimum system overvoltage threshold for protection activation. |
| VBR (min–max) | 16.7–18.5 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 5 mA test current; defines turn-on consistency across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 270 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines worst-case stress on downstream ICs like MCU power rails. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 6600 W - Peak transient energy handling capacity; supports ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 35 V, 100 ms duration with margin. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; enables operation in under-hood environments without thermal shutdown. |
| Leakage @ VWM | 10 μA at 25 °C - Low reverse leakage preserves battery drain budget in always-on automotive modules. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per JESD22-A114. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount plastic case with integrated metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2), UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity is bidirectional; no cathode band marking required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Common connection point for transient current path; symmetric conduction allows use without orientation check during placement. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Thermal & Electrical Return | Low-inductance, high-current return path tied directly to PCB copper pour or chassis ground; reduces clamping overshoot during fast transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of DC power lines against both positive and negative polarity transients - eliminates need for dual-diode configurations. |
| 175 °C junction rating | Supports sustained operation in engine compartment locations where ambient exceeds 125 °C, maintaining clamping integrity without thermal runaway. |
| ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a compliance | Validated for automotive load dump events up to 35 V × 100 ms; clamps within 24.4 V at 270 A, protecting 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies downstream. |
| DO-218AC metal heatsink terminal | Reduces thermal resistance to 0.35 °C/W (RθJM); enables >5× higher surge duty cycle vs. standard SMC packages under identical PCB layout. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Includes HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and ESD testing per AEC standard - confirms suitability for safety-critical automotive ECUs without additional qualification effort. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Infotainment Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V input rail of BCM against load dump surges from alternator regulation failure or battery disconnect events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary transient suppression device placed upstream of DC-DC converters and LDOs powering microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 24.4 V, ensuring downstream 36 V-rated input converters remain within safe operating area during 35 V/100 ms load dump pulses. |
Use Scenario: Shields USB-C PD and HDMI power delivery circuits in head units from coupled transients induced by adjacent motor drivers or antenna systems. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level TVS on 5 V/12 V auxiliary rails, complementing primary front-end protection to reduce EMI filter stress. Use Value: 10 μA leakage at 15 V VWM prevents standby current accumulation across multiple parallel rails, preserving <100 μA total system quiescent draw. |
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Sensor Interface | ADAS Camera Power Input |
Use Scenario: Guards LIN bus and analog sensor inputs (e.g., MAP, IAT) against inductive switching spikes from solenoid drivers and fuel injectors. IC Role / Device Role: Localized TVS at connector entry point, placed before ESD protection diodes and signal conditioning amplifiers. Use Value: 24.4 V clamping ensures 24 V-rated op-amps and ADC references remain undamaged during 100 V/100 ns spike events per ISO 16750-2. |
Use Scenario: Secures 12 V input to camera modules mounted near radiator fans or electric power steering motors. IC Role / Device Role: First-line defense against conducted transients entering via FAKRA connectors, preceding DC-DC conversion to 3.3 V image sensor supply. Use Value: 6600 W peak power rating sustains repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 270 A without parametric shift - critical for camera uptime in stop-start driving cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CA | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package, RθJA = 110 °C/W, not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Suitable only for non-automotive industrial controls with lower surge exposure and no under-hood thermal constraints. | Select SMAJ15CA only if cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and thermal performance requirements. |
| TPSMD15CA | Same DO-218AC package, 6600 W PPPM, but VBR = 16.7–18.5 V and VC = 24.4 V identical; AEC-Q101 qualified, MSL 1, halogen-free. | Drop-in replacement with identical electrical and mechanical specs; differs only in manufacturer (Littelfuse) and traceability documentation. | TPSMD15CA offers equivalent performance and qualification - ideal for dual-sourcing strategies requiring second-source validation. |
Compared with SM8S15CAHM3/I, SMAJ15CA lacks automotive qualification and thermal robustness for under-hood use, while TPSMD15CA matches all key parameters and qualifications - making it a validated second source for supply chain resilience without design change.
Availability
SM8S15CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, infotainment power supplies, and ADAS camera input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-surge environments.
Supply support for SM8S15CAHM3/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 passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM8S family is engineered specifically for automotive load dump and ISO 16750-2 transient protection, emphasizing high-temperature stability, AEC-Q101 compliance, and metal-heatsink thermal efficiency in surface-mount form.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM8S15CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM8S15CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 270 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 4 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #98229) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
Is SM8S15CAHM3/I suitable for under-hood automotive applications?
Yes, SM8S15CAHM3/I is explicitly qualified for under-hood use: it carries AEC-Q101 certification, supports junction temperatures up to +175 °C, and is packaged in DO-218AC with a metal heatsink terminal optimized for thermal transfer in high-ambient environments. Its 175 °C rating exceeds typical under-hood maxima of 150 °C.
Does SM8S15CAHM3/I meet ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements?
Yes, SM8S15CAHM3/I meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) requirements. With 6600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 24.4 V clamping at 270 A, and validated performance up to 35 V/100 ms, it provides sufficient margin to protect downstream 36 V-rated DC-DC converters during standardized automotive load dump testing.
What is the meaning of the 'HM3' and '/I' suffixes in SM8S15CAHM3/I?
The 'HM3' suffix indicates AEC-Q101 qualification (H), halogen-free/RoHS-compliant construction (M3), and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The '/I' denotes tape-and-reel packaging in 13-inch reels with 750 units per reel and anode-first orientation toward sprocket holes - confirmed in Vishay's Ordering Information Table (Doc. #98229, p.3).
How does the DO-218AC package of SM8S15CAHM3/I improve thermal performance versus standard SMC?
The DO-218AC package of SM8S15CAHM3/I incorporates a dedicated metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2) that achieves RθJM = 0.35 °C/W - over 3× better than typical SMC packages (~1.2 °C/W). This enables faster heat extraction into PCB copper pours, sustaining higher surge repetition rates and preventing thermal runaway during multi-pulse events.
SM8S15CAHM3/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):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 270A
- 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
SM8S15CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM8S15CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM8S15CAHM3/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 SM8S15CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM8S15CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM8S15CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM8S15CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM8S15CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM8S15CAHM3/I?
SM8S15CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM8S15CAHM3/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 SM8S15CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM8S15CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM8S15CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM8S15CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM8S15CAHM3/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 SM8S15CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM8S15CAHM3/I?
All SM8S15CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM8S15CAHM3/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 SM8S15CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM8S15CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM8S15CAHM3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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