Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I 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 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 19.9 V at 25.1 A, and operates from –55 °C to +150 °C - used in automotive sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I application, or SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 500 W surge rating, low thermal resistance (RθJL = 25 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device functions as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transients, leveraging an avalanche junction to limit reverse voltage across protected circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, with no polarity marking required on the SMA package.
It delivers fast response (<1 ps) to ESD and lightning-induced surges, maintains stable performance under repetitive stress due to low incremental surge resistance, and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow), supporting lead-free assembly without derating.
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 at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range for reliable turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - clamped voltage seen by downstream ICs during 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity per single event |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJL | 25 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports sustained surge handling with minimal temperature rise |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, unmarked bidirectional configuration - no cathode band; terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Identical bidirectional conduction - either terminal serves as input or return; no polarity dependency in layout |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Direct thermal path to PCB copper pad; requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) minimum pad area per terminal per datasheet fig. 2 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
| Low RθJL (25 °C/W) | Minimizes junction temperature rise during repeated surges, extending device lifetime in cyclic stress environments |
| MSL Level 1 | Supports standard SMT reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak without preconditioning or dry-pack requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial CAN Bus Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceiver inputs from load-dump and jump-start induced transients in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-clamping TVS placed directly at connector entry point to shunt >500 W surges away from transceiver ESD structures. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers such as TCAN1042 or SN65HVD230 during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding differential CAN FD data lines in factory automation gateways exposed to motor drive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element absorbing common-mode surges while preserving signal integrity up to 5 Mbps. Use Value: Maintains <19.9 V clamping across both lines simultaneously, ensuring receiver common-mode range compliance per ISO 11898-2. |
| Consumer USB Type-C Port | Telecom DSL Line Interface |
Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection for VBUS and CC lines in portable docking stations compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS suppressing 15 kV contact discharge transients before reaching USB PD controller or multiplexer. Use Value: Achieves sub-100 ps response with <19.9 V clamping, preventing false overvoltage shutdowns in TUSB546 or FSA642 devices. | Use Scenario: Primary protection stage for ADSL/VDSL line drivers interfacing with outside plant wiring subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line crowbar device diverting multi-kA surges to ground before reaching transformer-coupled front-end amplifiers. Use Value: Handles 500 W 10/1000 µs pulses per ITU-T K.20/K.21, reducing secondary protector stress and improving system MTBF. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J12CAHM3_A/I | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM spec | Choose SMA5J12CAHM3_A/I if environmental compliance requires halogen-free molding compound |
| SMC5J12CAHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package with higher thermal mass (RθJL = 15 °C/W) and 600 W PPPM rating | Better suited for high-repetition-rate industrial surges where thermal dissipation is critical | Choose SMC5J12CAHE3_A/I when board space allows and surge repetition rate exceeds 1 Hz |
Compared with SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I, the HM3 variant offers identical protection performance with halogen-free materials, while the SMC5J12CAHE3_A/I provides higher thermal endurance and surge margin in physically larger footprint - neither is pin-compatible due to differing package outlines and pad layouts.
Availability
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN bus nodes, and consumer USB Type-C port protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability and automotive-grade solutions.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial systems, balancing 500 W surge capability with SMA package manufacturability and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C with devices mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per the datasheet test condition. The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance bidirectionally, making it suitable for protecting balanced or floating signal paths.
Is the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use via its "HE3" suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant construction with automotive reliability validation. It supports operating temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, enabling direct placement in engine control units, ADAS sensor modules, and body electronics. The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is referenced in Vishay's automotive ordering matrix and tested per stress conditions relevant to vehicle environments.
Does the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I does not feature polarity markings such as a cathode band because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Its internal structure provides symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions, so either terminal may be connected to the line or ground side of the protected circuit. This eliminates orientation constraints during automated placement and simplifies PCB layout for differential or AC-coupled signals.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I?
The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 25 °C/W, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics table of the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88875). This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper pads through the SMA package leads, supporting reliable operation during repetitive surge events. The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I achieves this performance using glass-passivated chip junctions and optimized leadframe design.
How does the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I differ from unidirectional variants like SMA5J12AHE3_A/I?
The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no polarity marking, whereas SMA5J12AHE3_A/I is unidirectional, featuring a cathode band and conducting only in reverse bias. Electrically, the SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I has identical VWM, VBR, and VC ratings but lacks forward voltage (VF) specification since it does not conduct DC forward current. The SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is selected for AC signal lines or floating buses; the unidirectional version suits DC power rail protection.
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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:
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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 SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I?
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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 SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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 SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I?
All SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12CAHE3_A/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 SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J12CAHE3_A/I Tags

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