Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 19.9 V clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12AHM3/I datasheet, SMA5J12AHM3/I pinout, SMA5J12AHM3/I application, or SMA5J12AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification (HM3 suffix), halogen-free RoHS compliance, and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient under standard pad layout.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that remains non-conductive below 12 V reverse stand-off voltage and rapidly avalanches above its 13.3–14.7 V breakdown threshold to limit transient overvoltages. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins.
Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power dissipation with 10/1000 µs waveform when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. The HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamped voltage during 500 W transient event; determines protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; defines surge energy capacity |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports inrush tolerance |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard PCB pad layout; informs heatsinking needs |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity marked by cathode band on one end; unidirectional configuration only.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane; completes clamping loop during transients |
| Cathode | Protected line connection / Surge input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor output); avalanche conduction originates here |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and HTRB |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance mandates for Tier-1 automotive supply chains and industrial CE marking |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tighter clamping (19.9 V at 25.1 A) versus higher-resistance TVS devices, reducing IC stress |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA) across temperature and lifetime |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied control modules from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between power rail and chassis ground to shunt surges exceeding 13.3 V. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤19.9 V during 500 W transients, preventing damage to downstream PMICs and MCUs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry transient suppressor on sensor output line, referenced to system ground. Use Value: Clamps ESD and switching-induced spikes to <20 V, preserving ADC accuracy and interface integrity. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Stage | Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Input-side surge suppression for buck converters in automotive body control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp ahead of input capacitor and controller IC. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining converter startup reliability under ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a conditions. | Use Scenario: Protection of high-side N-channel MOSFET gate drive signals against Miller-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp between gate and source, limiting dv/dt-induced overshoot. Use Value: Sub-ns response and 19.9 V clamping prevent unintended turn-on and gate oxide stress in 40 V-rated MOSFETs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J12AHE3/I | RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Suitable for commercial/industrial use only; not approved for automotive production | Select when AEC-Q101 and halogen-free requirements are not mandated |
| SMC5J12AHE3/A | Larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; same electrical specs but higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W) | Better suited for high-power, low-frequency surge events where board space allows | Choose for improved thermal performance in non-space-constrained designs |
Compared with SMA5J12AHM3/I, SMA5J12AHE3/I omits halogen-free and automotive qualification while retaining identical clamping behavior; SMC5J12AHE3/A offers superior thermal dissipation in a larger footprint, trading miniaturization for robustness in sustained surge scenarios.
Availability
SMA5J12AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC-DC converter input stages requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMA5J12AHM3/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, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMA5J series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where compact size and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J12AHM3/I under maximum rated surge conditions?
The SMA5J12AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects the actual voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a 500 W transient event. The SMA5J12AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C) when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Is the SMA5J12AHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J12AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix, indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction validated for automotive use. It meets stress test requirements including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and humidity testing. The SMA5J12AHM3/I is specified for under-hood and body-control module applications where ambient temperatures reach +125 °C and transient immunity per ISO 7637-2 is required.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SMA5J12AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J12AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade versions (e.g., E3 or M3) and confirms compliance with automotive supply chain requirements. The "I" indicates 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (7500 units), and the device is supplied in moisture-sensitive level 1 packaging compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles up to 260 °C.
How does the SMA5J12AHM3/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SMA5J12CA?
The SMA5J12AHM3/I is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., 12 V supply rails), offering lower leakage and forward voltage drop. In contrast, SMA5J12CA is bidirectional and used in AC or floating signal lines. The SMA5J12AHM3/I cannot replace SMA5J12CA in bidirectional applications without circuit redesign, as it conducts only in reverse avalanche and blocks forward current beyond ~3.5 V.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J12AHM3/I, and how does it affect layout design?
The SMA5J12AHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB with no internal copper planes. To maintain safe junction temperature under repeated surges, designers must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length. The SMA5J12AHM3/I's RθJA directly impacts maximum allowable average power dissipation in repetitive transient environments.
SMA5J12AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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):
- 25.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J12AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12AHM3/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 SMA5J12AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12AHM3/I?
SMA5J12AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12AHM3/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 SMA5J12AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMA5J12AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12AHM3/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 SMA5J12AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12AHM3/I?
All SMA5J12AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12AHM3/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 SMA5J12AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J12AHM3/I Tags

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