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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12CAHM3/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 a 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 and industrial I/O line hardening.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12CAHM3/I datasheet, SMA5J12CAHM3/I pinout, SMA5J12CAHM3/I application, or SMA5J12CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °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 transient events, responding within picoseconds to divert surge current away from protected circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 µA at VWM) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for maintaining clamping integrity under repetitive surges.
Designed for bidirectional operation, SMA5J12CAHM3/I exhibits symmetrical electrical characteristics in both polarities - no polarity marking on the case - and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood and chassis applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - defines guaranteed breakdown threshold across temperature and unit variation |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient power handling capacity under standardized waveform, enabling robust ESD/Lightning-level immunity |
| TJ max | +150 °C - junction temperature limit supporting under-hood automotive deployment without derating |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm pad layout |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1 µA - ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity on high-impedance sensor lines |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Bidirectional construction means no cathode/anode marking; terminals are symmetric and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals serve identical bidirectional conduction paths - no polarity dependency in layout or routing |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic body provides UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; thermal path relies on PCB copper pad area (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm minimum per terminal) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating differential lines without polarity concerns |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive powertrain, ADAS, and body electronics requiring extended temperature cycling and humidity exposure |
| Low RθJL (25 °C/W) | Supports efficient heat transfer to PCB leads, reducing thermal runaway risk during repeated surge events |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Permits unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile (260 °C peak) without baking preconditioning |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and ID parameters across humidity, bias, and temperature stress |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN transceiver inputs and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage shunt element placed directly at connector entry point before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤19.9 V while sustaining 500 W surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs. | Use Scenario: Hardening PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges from relay coil switching or motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed across input terminals to absorb fast-rising common-mode transients before optocoupler isolation stage. Use Value: 12 V VWM matches typical 24 V DC industrial logic thresholds; bidirectional symmetry eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer USB/Display Port ESD Guard |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY magnetics interfaces and RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges in outdoor telecom cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor mounted adjacent to RJ-45 jack, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary protection. Use Value: 500 W PPPM handles multi-kV surge energy; low capacitance (<100 pF at VWM) avoids signal integrity degradation at 100 Mbps. | Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection for USB 2.0 data lines and DisplayPort AUX channels in laptops and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed inline between connector and controller IC to meet IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air). Use Value: Sub-1 µA leakage at 12 V VWM prevents pull-up/pull-down interference; fast response time preserves high-speed signal edge fidelity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J12CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; AEC-Q101 qualified | Identical automotive use cases; lacks halogen-free certification required by some Tier 1 OEMs | Select when halogen content is not restricted, but AEC-Q101 and RoHS remain mandatory |
| SMAJ12CA-M3 | Lower PPPM (400 W); same VWM/VBR/VC; halogen-free RoHS; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Suitable for commercial/industrial environments where automotive qualification is unnecessary | Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs needing halogen-free compliance without AEC-Q101 validation |
Compared with SMA5J12CAHM3/I, SMA5J12CAHE3/I offers identical performance and automotive qualification but omits halogen-free status, while SMAJ12CA-M3 reduces surge capacity by 20 % and excludes AEC-Q101 - making SMA5J12CAHM3/I the only option meeting all three requirements: 500 W, halogen-free, and AEC-Q101.
Availability
SMA5J12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom base station interface protection, and consumer portable device ESD guard circuits requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMA5J12CAHM3/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 reliability, power density, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications - particularly targeting AEC-Q101-compliant automotive subsystems and industrial equipment exposed to harsh electromagnetic environments.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMA5J12CAHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J12CAHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. The "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, "M3" confirms halogen-free and RoHS compliance, and "/I" specifies 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (7500 units). This distinguishes it from E3 (RoHS only) and HE3 (AEC-Q101 + RoHS, not halogen-free) variants.
Is SMA5J12CAHM3/I suitable for protecting 24 V industrial control inputs?
Yes, SMA5J12CAHM3/I is appropriate for 24 V industrial control inputs. Its 12 V VWM provides sufficient margin below 24 V nominal rails, and its 19.9 V clamping voltage ensures protected downstream circuitry remains within safe operating limits during transients. Bidirectional operation supports AC-coupled or floating input configurations common in PLC modules.
Does SMA5J12CAHM3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMA5J12CAHM3/I has no polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. The SMA (DO-214AC) package is symmetric, with identical electrical behavior in both directions - eliminating the need for cathode band or other orientation indicators. PCB layout requires no directional placement.
What is the maximum surge current SMA5J12CAHM3/I can handle?
SMA5J12CAHM3/I can handle a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is derived from its 500 W peak pulse power rating and 19.9 V clamping voltage (IPPM = PPPM / VC). Derating applies above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
How does SMA5J12CAHM3/I differ from SMAJ12CA-M3 in practical design use?
SMA5J12CAHM3/I delivers 500 W peak pulse power and AEC-Q101 qualification, whereas SMAJ12CA-M3 is rated for 400 W and lacks automotive qualification. In practice, SMA5J12CAHM3/I supports higher-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and is approved for under-hood automotive use, while SMAJ12CA-M3 suits commercial/industrial applications with lower surge severity requirements.
SMA5J12CAHM3/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:
- -
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12CAHM3/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 SMA5J12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12CAHM3/I?
SMA5J12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12CAHM3/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 SMA5J12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMA5J12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12CAHM3/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 SMA5J12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12CAHM3/I?
All SMA5J12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12CAHM3/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 SMA5J12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J12CAHM3/I Tags

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