Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12CAHM3/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12CAHM3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12CAHM3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,164
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and operates across -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. It is used to protect automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O lines against ESD and load dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12CAHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J12CAHM3/H pinout, SMA5J12CAHM3/H application, or SMA5J12CAHM3/H equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance data, clamping behavior under surge, and real-world design implications for PCB layout and reliability validation.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-5). Its symmetrical breakdown characteristic (VBR min/max = 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA) ensures consistent clamping in both polarities without polarity marking.
The device is rated for 500 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 μs waveform, derated above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and exhibits RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W - critical for thermal management in compact automotive and industrial modules where copper pad area is limited to 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V rail protection. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on above system nominal voltage while avoiding false triggering during normal operation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 500 W surge; enables robust protection of 20 V-tolerant receivers. |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - Supports high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and industrial motor switching environments. |
| TJ range | -55 °C to +150 °C - Qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial control cabinet applications without derating. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount, low-profile package compatible with automated placement and reflow (MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak). |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, H3TRB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Two-terminal bidirectional device in SMA (DO-214AC) package; no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, with MSL Level 1 rating (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; bidirectional clamping occurs regardless of voltage polarity applied across the device. |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic body provides UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; thermal path relies on copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2") per terminal per spec. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns or external circuitry. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients from inductive switching in automotive power distribution and industrial PLC backplanes. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive use - eliminates need for additional qualification testing in Tier-1 module designs. |
| Low RθJL = 25 °C/W | Supports efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, reducing thermal runaway risk during repetitive surge events. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Improves long-term reliability and stability of breakdown voltage under humidity and temperature cycling stress. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN, LIN, or analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units and ADAS modules from ISO 7637-2 pulses and ESD. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, ensuring survival of 20 V-rated op-amps and microcontroller GPIOs during load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding programmable logic controller (PLC) digital input channels exposed to 24 V DC field wiring with inductive load switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-clamp TVS placed between input terminal and ground to shunt surge energy away from optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Maintains 12 V standoff while clamping to 19.9 V, preserving signal integrity and preventing false triggering during 500 W transients. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers in base station equipment from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level TVS deployed after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary protection to handle residual fast-rising energy. Use Value: Sub-20 V clamping voltage prevents damage to 3.3 V or 5 V transceiver ICs when paired with appropriate series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Adding surge immunity to 12 V output rails of wall-mounted AC/DC adapters used in smart home hubs and set-top boxes. IC Role / Device Role: Final-stage protector located immediately before USB-PD or PMIC input to absorb coupling noise from shared PCB traces. Use Value: Halogen-free (HM3) construction meets RoHS and IEC 61249-2-21 compliance for consumer end-product certification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ12CA | Same 12 V VWM, but lower PPPM = 400 W; VC = 20.1 V at 20.1 A; not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Approved for commercial/industrial use only; unsuitable for automotive under-hood deployment without additional validation. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification requirement and surge energy is limited to ≤400 W. |
| ON Semiconductor SMCJ12CA | Higher PPPM = 1500 W; larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; VC = 19.9 V at 75.3 A; AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix). | Requires more PCB area and higher mounting torque; better suited for main power rail protection than signal line level. | Choose for higher-energy threats where board space permits and thermal mass supports SMC footprint. |
Compared with SMA5J12CAHM3/H, SMAJ12CA offers lower cost but lacks automotive qualification and surge margin, while SMCJ12CA delivers triple the power rating at the expense of footprint and assembly compatibility - making SMA5J12CAHM3/H optimal for space-constrained, AEC-Q101–mandated signal-line protection.
Availability
SMA5J12CAHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, telecom line interfaces, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with halogen-free, AEC-Q101–qualified TVS protection.
Supply support for SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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-grade qualification.
The SMA5J family is engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial systems, balancing clamping performance, thermal efficiency, and manufacturability in surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What does the 'HM3' suffix indicate in SMA5J12CAHM3/H?
The 'HM3' suffix in SMA5J12CAHM3/H denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It confirms compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, MSL Level 1 reflow capability (260 °C peak), and automotive-grade reliability testing - essential for under-hood and safety-critical applications. SMA5J12CAHM3/H meets all requirements specified in the Vishay document 88875 revision 09-Jan-2024.
Is SMA5J12CAHM3/H unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMA5J12CAHM3/H is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor, as indicated by the 'CA' suffix. Its symmetrical breakdown and clamping behavior apply equally in both directions, with no polarity marking on the SMA (DO-214AC) package. This makes SMA5J12CAHM3/H ideal for protecting AC-coupled signals, differential buses, or floating nodes where voltage polarity reversal is possible.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J12CAHM3/H and at what current?
The maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J12CAHM3/H is 19.9 V, measured at the peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet 88875 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 20 V-tolerant ICs in automotive and industrial designs using SMA5J12CAHM3/H.
Does SMA5J12CAHM3/H require a heatsink for standard operation?
No, SMA5J12CAHM3/H does not require an external heatsink under typical single-pulse or low-duty-cycle surge conditions. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W) is specified for mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, which provides sufficient heat dissipation. However, for repetitive surge scenarios or elevated ambient temperatures, PCB copper area optimization - not a discrete heatsink - is the recommended thermal enhancement method for SMA5J12CAHM3/H.
How does SMA5J12CAHM3/H compare to SMAJ12CA in terms of surge handling?
SMA5J12CAHM3/H handles 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), whereas SMAJ12CA is rated for 400 W under identical conditions. SMA5J12CAHM3/H also achieves lower clamping voltage (19.9 V vs. 20.1 V) at its respective IPPM, and is AEC-Q101 qualified - unlike SMAJ12CA. These differences make SMA5J12CAHM3/H more suitable for demanding automotive and industrial surge environments where higher energy absorption and qualification rigor are required.
SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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:
- -
- 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:
- 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)
SMA5J12CAHM3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12CAHM3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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 SMA5J12CAHM3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12CAHM3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12CAHM3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12CAHM3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12CAHM3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12CAHM3/H?
SMA5J12CAHM3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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 SMA5J12CAHM3/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J12CAHM3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12CAHM3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12CAHM3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12CAHM3/H 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 SMA5J12CAHM3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12CAHM3/H?
All SMA5J12CAHM3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12CAHM3/H, 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 SMA5J12CAHM3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12CAHM3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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