Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM8S20A-E3/2D
- Part No.:
- SM8S20A-E3/2D
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM8S20A-E3/2D.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,476
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Product details
Overview
SM8S20A-E3/2D from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 32.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 204 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), and 6600 W peak pulse power capability. Rated for TJ = 175 °C and AEC-Q101 qualified, it operates in engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SM8S20A-E3/2D datasheet, SM8S20A-E3/2D pinout, SM8S20A-E3/2D application, or SM8S20A-E3/2D equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-218AB package thermal performance (RθJC = 0.90 °C/W), ISO7637-2 compliance, and 175 °C junction temperature rating for under-hood automotive deployment.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver low leakage (<10 μA at VWM) and low forward voltage drop (VF ≤ 1.8 V at 100 A). Its DO-218AB case enables direct heatsink mounting via the metal anode tab, supporting high-reliability transient suppression in 12 V automotive systems.
The device is characterized for 10/1000 μs and 10/10,000 μs surge waveforms, with 6600 W and 5200 W peak pulse power ratings respectively. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing, confirming robustness for automated SMT assembly.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 20.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 22.2–24.5 V at 5 mA - Ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 32.4 V at IPPM = 204 A (10/1000 μs) - Limits downstream IC stress during load dump transients |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 6600 W (10/1000 μs) - Handles severe ISO7637-2 Load Dump Pulse 5a without failure |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables placement near hot engine compartments without derating penalties |
| RθJC | 0.90 °C/W - Supports >7 W dissipation on heatsinked PCB layout per Fig. 1 derating curve |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronic modules per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount, thermally enhanced case with integral metal heatsink tab (anode terminal). Matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1, LF peak 245 °C compatible.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Anode | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path; primary conduction path during clamping |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink Tab | Anode (common) | Electrically and thermally connected to Lead 1; must be soldered to large copper pour or external heatsink for RθJC = 0.90 °C/W performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable 175 °C operation and <10 μA leakage at VWM across full temperature range |
| DO-218AB thermal architecture | 0.90 °C/W junction-to-case resistance supports 7+ W steady-state dissipation with minimal PCB area |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Validated for Load Dump Pulse 5a (10 ms exponential) up to 5200 W (10/10,000 μs) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Passes HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD tests required for automotive power semiconductor deployment |
| Uni-directional polarity only | Simplifies layout by eliminating reverse-bias protection concerns in DC supply rail applications |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply input of microcontroller-based ECUs against alternator load dump transients (ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps voltage spikes to ≤32.4 V within nanoseconds, preventing overvoltage damage to LDOs and MCU power pins. Use Value: Enables use of cost-effective 36 V-rated input capacitors and eliminates need for series resistors or active crowbar circuits. |
Use Scenario: Shields BCM power rail from switching noise and load dump events generated by window lift motors, seat actuators, and lighting loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Absorbs 6600 W surges without degradation, maintaining system uptime during repeated actuator cycling. Use Value: Reduces field failure rate in harsh environments where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C and vibration stresses solder joints. |
| Infotainment System Power Supply | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Module |
Use Scenario: Guards USB-C PD and 12 V auxiliary inputs of head units and display modules against battery disconnection surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamps transients in <1 ns with low capacitance (<45 pF at VWM), preserving signal integrity on high-speed data lines. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or reset events in SoCs during vehicle jump-start or battery replacement procedures. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards 12 V input of camera modules mounted near engine bay or rear bumper exposed to thermal cycling and ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides AEC-Q101-qualified transient immunity while operating continuously at TJ = 150 °C ambient. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary TVS stages or derating, reducing BOM count and enabling compact module designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ20A | DO-214AC package, RθJC = 1.8 °C/W, 400 W lower PPPM (6200 W), same VWM/VC specs | Lower thermal performance limits sustained surge duty cycle in high-temperature enclosures | Select when board space constraints favor smaller footprint and thermal derating is acceptable |
| ON Semiconductor SMA6J20A | DO-214AC, 6000 W PPPM, higher VC = 34.0 V at 200 A, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not validated for automotive under-hood use; requires additional reliability screening | Select for industrial or commercial 12 V systems where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Compared with SMAJ20A and SMA6J20A, SM8S20A-E3/2D delivers superior thermal management (0.90 vs. ≥1.8 °C/W), higher surge margin (6600 W), and certified automotive qualification-making it the preferred choice for ECU, BCM, and ADAS power protection where junction temperature stability and long-term reliability are critical.
Availability
SM8S20A-E3/2D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, and infotainment systems requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and high-temperature operational continuity.
Supply support for SM8S20A-E3/2D 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 SM8SxxA family is engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature silicon design, robust packaging, and ISO7637-2 validation to replace legacy TVS solutions in next-generation vehicle electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM8S20A-E3/2D under standard test conditions?
The SM8S20A-E3/2D has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 204 A. This value is measured at TC = 25 °C and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during ISO7637-2 load dump events. The SM8S20A-E3/2D maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SM8S20A-E3/2D suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the SM8S20A-E3/2D is unidirectional only, with polarity defined by its DO-218AB package: the metal heatsink tab and Lead 1 are both anode terminals. It is not rated for reverse breakdown and must be installed with correct orientation in DC circuits. For bidirectional protection, a separate device such as the SM8S20CA-E3/2D would be required. The SM8S20A-E3/2D datasheet explicitly states "Available in uni-directional polarity only."
Does the SM8S20A-E3/2D meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SM8S20A-E3/2D is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay document 88387 revision 14-Sep-11. It has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, unbiased highly accelerated stress testing, and electrostatic discharge per AEC-Q101 requirements. This qualification makes the SM8S20A-E3/2D suitable for automotive power electronics deployed in engine compartments and other harsh environments.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case for the SM8S20A-E3/2D?
The SM8S20A-E3/2D has a typical thermal resistance of RθJC = 0.90 °C/W, measured under TC = 25 °C conditions. This low value is enabled by the DO-218AB package's integral metal heatsink tab, which must be soldered to a substantial copper area or external heatsink to achieve rated power dissipation. The SM8S20A-E3/2D derating curve (Fig. 1) shows usable power remains above 7 W up to TC = 100 °C.
Can the SM8S20A-E3/2D be used in non-automotive applications?
Yes, the SM8S20A-E3/2D is technically suitable for any 12 V DC system requiring high-power transient suppression, including industrial power supplies and telecom equipment. Its 175 °C junction rating, low leakage, and 6600 W surge capability provide margin beyond typical commercial requirements. However, its AEC-Q101 qualification and ISO7637-2 validation make the SM8S20A-E3/2D especially valuable where automotive-grade reliability is desired-even outside automotive end equipment.
SM8S20A-E3/2D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AB
- 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):
- 204A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 6600W (6.6kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-218AB
SM8S20A-E3/2D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM8S20A-E3/2D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM8S20A-E3/2D 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 SM8S20A-E3/2D reliable?
The price and inventory of SM8S20A-E3/2D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM8S20A-E3/2D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM8S20A-E3/2D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM8S20A-E3/2D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM8S20A-E3/2D?
SM8S20A-E3/2D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM8S20A-E3/2D 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 SM8S20A-E3/2D?
For technical support, including SM8S20A-E3/2D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM8S20A-E3/2D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM8S20A-E3/2D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM8S20A-E3/2D 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 SM8S20A-E3/2D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM8S20A-E3/2D?
All SM8S20A-E3/2D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM8S20A-E3/2D, 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 SM8S20A-E3/2D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM8S20A-E3/2D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM8S20A-E3/2D Tags

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