Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O ports, and telecom line drivers against ESD and lightning-induced transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J12CA-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J12CA-E3/5A application, or SMA5J12CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3/HM3 variants), and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse (or forward, in bidirectional mode) voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (VBR min = 13.3 V, max = 14.7 V at 1 mA), it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 µA at VWM) and fast response (<1 ns), critical for safeguarding high-speed analog and digital inputs.
The SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with thermal resistance RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W. Its bidirectional symmetry means identical clamping behavior in both polarities - eliminating polarity-sensitive layout constraints and enabling use on AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse (or forward) operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin for protected circuits. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Breakdown voltage range confirming reliable turn-on under surge conditions without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamping voltage during 500 W surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected ICs or MOSFETs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform; quantifies single-event surge energy absorption capability. |
| ID @ VWM | <1 µA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures negligible standby power loss and no signal distortion in high-impedance nodes. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint, optimized for automated placement and thermal dissipation via PCB copper pads. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking - both terminals are electrically symmetric and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Surge current path terminal | Either terminal conducts avalanche current during overvoltage events in either direction; no cathode band marking required for bidirectional types. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both polarities - enables protection of AC signals, differential buses, and floating grounds without polarity awareness. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM) | 1.66 - Ratio of clamping voltage to stand-off voltage; lower value indicates tighter voltage control and better protection margin for 12 V systems. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Compatible with lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak - supports standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Stable leakage and long-term reliability under thermal cycling - prevents parameter drift in automotive and industrial environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode placed across signal/power pins to clamp transients before they reach sensitive input stages. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surges, preserving integrity of 12 V rail-connected sensors and avoiding latch-up in transceiver ICs. |
Use Scenario: Guarding digital input modules against field-wiring transients, relay coil back-EMF, and ESD during panel servicing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp on 24 V DC input lines to absorb repetitive switching spikes without polarity constraints. Use Value: Withstands ≥500 W surges while maintaining <1 µA leakage, ensuring stable logic thresholds and zero false triggering in noisy factory environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY magnetics or RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on differential pair or power feed lines to reduce surge energy before secondary protection stages. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response and symmetrical clamping ensure balanced differential signal integrity remains intact during common-mode transients. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 12 V output rails of wall adapters exposed to mains switching noise and capacitor discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated shunt protector placed after DC-DC converter output filter to clamp residual overshoot. Use Value: 12 V VWM aligns precisely with nominal output, while 19.9 V VC prevents damage to connected USB-PD or PoE-powered devices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J12CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package; same thermal and clamping performance. | No functional difference - selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM environmental policy. | Choose SMA5J12CA-M3/5A if halogen-free bill-of-materials (BOM) is required; otherwise SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is standard commercial-grade option. |
| SMA6J12CA-E3/5A | 600 W PPPM rating (vs. 500 W), higher IPPM (30.2 A), same VWM/VBR/VC; larger junction area but identical SMA footprint. | Higher surge margin for applications subject to repeated or severe transients (e.g., outdoor industrial gateways); requires same PCB layout. | Select SMA6J12CA-E3/5A when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4; SMA5J12CA-E3/5A suffices for Level 3 and automotive ISO 16750-2. |
Compared with SMA5J12CA-M3/5A, the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance; versus SMA6J12CA-E3/5A, it trades 100 W surge headroom for cost and supply-chain maturity - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-volume 12 V protection where 500 W meets design validation requirements.
Availability
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line drivers requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained SMT designs - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-5, and ESD events is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMA5J12CA-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals under specified test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is qualified per AEC-Q101 when ordered with HE3 or HM3 suffixes (e.g., SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I). While the base SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is commercial-grade, its electrical specs (12 V VWM, 19.9 V VC, -55 °C to +150 °C TJ range) meet core requirements for automotive sensor and body-control module protection; full qualification requires the designated automotive ordering code.
Does the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A have polarity markings?
No - the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Both terminals are functionally identical, allowing flexible PCB layout without orientation constraints. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants like SMA5J12A, which feature a visible cathode band.
What is the maximum leakage current of the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A at its stand-off voltage?
The SMA5J12CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1 µA when biased at its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and tested at TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and avoids interference with high-impedance sensing circuits or precision reference nodes.
Can the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMA5J12A?
No - the SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional devices in circuits requiring DC blocking or asymmetric clamping. For example, it must not be substituted in series with a DC power rail where forward conduction would cause short-circuit failure. Use only where bidirectional surge protection is explicitly required and verified in the schematic.
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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):
- 25.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J12CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A?
SMA5J12CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J12CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J12CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J12CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12CA-E3/5A?
All SMA5J12CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12CA-E3/5A, 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 SMA5J12CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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