Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown range (VBR), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12C-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J12C-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J12C-E3/5A application, or SMA5J12C-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional surge protection capability, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pads.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, delivering consistent clamping performance without polarity dependency. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during fast transients.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits 80 °C/W typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. It meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing and is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood and infotainment applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant conduction begins; defines operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum voltage at which device enters avalanche breakdown; ensures predictable turn-on behavior. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 19.9 V at 25.1 A (10/1000 µs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during specified surge; determines safe overvoltage margin for downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 500 W - Maximum transient energy dissipation capability; supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 25.1 A - Surge current level at which VC is measured; directly correlates with system-level surge test compliance. |
| TJmax | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; enables reliable operation in high-ambient environments such as automotive engine control units. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; no polarity marking (bi-directional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction between terminals; either lead may connect to line or ground; enables single-component protection of AC or differential signals. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive electronics including powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules under temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without pre-baking; eliminates production delays and moisture-related delamination risk. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA) across temperature and lifetime; critical for precision sensor interface protection. |
| Low-profile DO-214AC package | 0.208" × 0.157" footprint with 0.090" height; fits dense PCB layouts and enables automated pick-and-place with industry-standard feeders. |
Applications
| Automotive CAN Bus Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN_H/CAN_L differential pair from ESD and load dump transients in vehicle networking systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across differential bus lines to limit common-mode and differential surges. Use Value: Maintains CAN signal integrity up to ±19.9 V clamping level while supporting >25 A surge current-meeting ISO 11898-2 immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground transient suppressor on sensor output traces exposed to relay switching noise and motor drive coupling. Use Value: Prevents sensor IC latch-up or damage from 500 W surges without adding capacitance that would distort low-bandwidth analog signals. |
| Consumer USB Interface Protection | Telecom Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Shielding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines against human-body-model (HBM) ESD events in portable devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS placed between data lines and chassis ground to shunt ESD current away from USB transceiver. Use Value: Achieves <1.0 µA leakage at 12 V, minimizing standby current impact; clamps 8 kV HBM ESD to <20 V within nanoseconds. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on 12 V DC input rails of telecom base station power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient limiter before DC/DC converters and LDO regulators to prevent upstream failure propagation. Use Value: Handles repetitive 500 W surges with 150 °C junction rating and 80 °C/W thermal resistance-enabling compact heatsink-free designs. |
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-E3/5A | Same electrical specs and package; identical marking code and RoHS compliance; CA suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional version per Vishay nomenclature. | No functional difference-SMA5J12C-E3/5A and SMA5J12CA-E3/5A refer to the same bi-directional device; "CA" is the standardized suffix per datasheet naming convention. | Select SMA5J12CA-E3/5A when strict alignment with Vishay's official part numbering (e.g., for BOM accuracy or distributor search) is required. |
| SMCJ12CA | Higher power rating (1500 W), larger DO-214AB (SMC) package, same 12 V VWM and bi-directional function; 20% higher clamping voltage (23.2 V). | Better suited for high-energy surges (e.g., lightning-induced) but requires larger PCB area and different pad layout; not drop-in compatible. | Choose SMCJ12CA only when system-level surge tests exceed 500 W; otherwise, SMA5J12C-E3/5A offers optimal size-power balance for space-constrained designs. |
Compared with SMA5J12CA-E3/5A (identical device), and SMCJ12CA (higher-power alternative), the SMA5J12C-E3/5A delivers certified AEC-Q101 reliability in the smallest qualified DO-214AC footprint-making it the preferred choice for automotive and portable industrial applications where board space and qualification rigor are prioritized over ultra-high surge capacity.
Availability
SMA5J12C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMA5J12C-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-grade qualification.
The SMA5J series was engineered specifically for high-density, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments-balancing low profile, AEC-Q101 compliance, and 500 W surge capability in the DO-214AC package.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
The SMA5J12C-E3/5A is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor, meaning it functions identically in both forward and reverse bias. Unlike uni-directional variants, it has no cathode band marking and provides symmetrical clamping across its terminals-ideal for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths where polarity is undefined or alternating.
Is SMA5J12C-E3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMA5J12C-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life. This certification confirms its suitability for automotive subsystems such as body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS sensor interfaces where reliability under harsh environmental conditions is mandatory.
What does the "E3/5A" suffix indicate in SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/5A" indicates packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units-optimized for high-volume SMT assembly lines using standard 13″ feeder systems.
How does SMA5J12C-E3/5A compare to SMA5J12A in terms of functionality?
SMA5J12C-E3/5A is bi-directional, while SMA5J12A is uni-directional. The "C" suffix explicitly designates bi-directional operation, enabling protection of AC signals or differential buses without polarity concerns. SMA5J12A includes a cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias-making them functionally incompatible despite identical VWM and power ratings.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J12C-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The SMA5J12C-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at 25.1 A peak pulse current. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet and represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a standardized surge event-critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
SMA5J12C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 22.7A
- 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)
SMA5J12C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12C-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 SMA5J12C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12C-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 SMA5J12C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
SMA5J12C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12C-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 SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J12C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12C-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 SMA5J12C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12C-E3/5A?
All SMA5J12C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12C-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 SMA5J12C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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