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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12-E3/5A

Name: SMA5J12-E3/5A
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SMA5J12-E3/5A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SMA5J12-E3/5A

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AC, SMA

Datasheet:: SMA5J12-E3/5A.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO214AC

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Product details

Overview

SMA5J12-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 19.9 V clamping voltage at 25.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J12-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J12-E3/5A application, or SMA5J12-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under automotive load-dump transients, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, activating when reverse voltage exceeds V_BR to divert surge energy away from downstream ICs or MOSFETs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at 12 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), critical for protecting sensitive inputs against ESD and inductive switching spikes.

The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits low incremental surge resistance, enabling consistent clamping across repetitive 10/1000 µs transients. Thermal resistance is 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient (on recommended pad layout) and 25 °C/W junction-to-lead, supporting reliable operation in compact, thermally constrained PCB layouts.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working margin for 12 V rail protection.
V_BR (min/max)	13.3 V / 14.7 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold.
V_C @ I_PPM	19.9 V - Clamping voltage at 25.1 A peak pulse current; limits voltage seen by protected circuit during surge.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports automotive ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b energy levels.
I_FSM	40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine); validates robustness against power-line fault currents.
Junction Temp	-55 °C to +150 °C - Wide operating range enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial environments.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by band marking; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / Surge return path	Connected to ground or low-impedance return; completes shunt path during transient events.
Cathode	Reverse-biased input / Protected line connection	Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V supply); blocks normal operation but conducts during overvoltage.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA) over temperature and lifetime, critical for long-term reliability in automotive ECUs.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive-grade stress testing including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD, enabling use in safety-critical vehicle subsystems.
MSL Level 1 (260 °C)	Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns-no baking required prior to assembly.
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 10605 ESD), improving clamping fidelity versus higher-R_surge alternatives.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontrollers and CAN transceivers from load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, up to 60 V/100 ms). IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between V_BAT and chassis ground, absorbing >500 W surge energy without failure. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog front-end inputs of pressure or temperature sensors exposed to field wiring surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF at 0 V) TVS placed at connector entry point, suppressing ±1 kV EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 12 V, avoiding DC offset errors in precision 4–20 mA loops.
DC-DC Converter Input Protection	Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression
Use Scenario: Shielding buck converter ICs from voltage spikes generated by relay coil de-energization or hot-swap events in PoE-powered equipment. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V input rail, coordinated with upstream fuse and downstream ceramic capacitors for multi-stage filtering. Use Value: Withstands 40 A single-half-sine surge (8.3 ms), preventing catastrophic failure during repeated inrush or fault conditions.	Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE PD controllers from lightning-induced surges entering via RJ45 ports in outdoor access points. IC Role / Device Role: First-stage shunt device on 48 V PoE supply line, clamping common-mode transients before they reach isolation transformers. Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse power handling with UL 94 V-0 molded compound, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) requirements.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontrollers and CAN transceivers from load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, up to 60 V/100 ms).

IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between V_BAT and chassis ground, absorbing >500 W surge energy without failure.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog front-end inputs of pressure or temperature sensors exposed to field wiring surges in factory automation systems.

IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF at 0 V) TVS placed at connector entry point, suppressing ±1 kV EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4.

Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 12 V, avoiding DC offset errors in precision 4–20 mA loops.

DC-DC Converter Input Protection

Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression

Use Scenario: Shielding buck converter ICs from voltage spikes generated by relay coil de-energization or hot-swap events in PoE-powered equipment.

IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V input rail, coordinated with upstream fuse and downstream ceramic capacitors for multi-stage filtering.

Use Value: Withstands 40 A single-half-sine surge (8.3 ms), preventing catastrophic failure during repeated inrush or fault conditions.

Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE PD controllers from lightning-induced surges entering via RJ45 ports in outdoor access points.

IC Role / Device Role: First-stage shunt device on 48 V PoE supply line, clamping common-mode transients before they reach isolation transformers.

Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse power handling with UL 94 V-0 molded compound, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) requirements.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMA5J12AHE3/5A	AEC-Q101 qualified variant with identical electrical specs; differs only in whisker test class (JESD 201 Class 2 vs. Class 1A for E3).	Required for automotive modules requiring extended whisker resistance; otherwise electrically interchangeable in commercial designs.	Select SMA5J12AHE3/5A when AEC-Q101 compliance documentation and Class 2 whisker resistance are mandatory.
SMCJ12A-E3/57T	Higher 1500 W P_PPM, larger DO-214AB (SMC) package, same V_WM/V_C but 69.4 V clamping at 123 A.	Used where higher surge energy (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b) must be absorbed without board area penalty from parallel devices.	Choose SMCJ12A-E3/57T only if 500 W is insufficient and PCB space allows DO-214AB footprint.

Compared with SMA5J12AHE3/5A, the SMA5J12-E3/5A offers identical surge ratings and clamping but targets commercial-grade applications with Class 1A whisker resistance; versus SMCJ12A-E3/57T, it trades lower power handling for smaller DO-214AC footprint-ideal when board space is constrained and 500 W suffices.

Availability

SMA5J12-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, and telecom power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101-optional surge protection.

Supply support for SMA5J12-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 applications, targeting 12 V and 24 V systems where fast clamping, low leakage, and automated assembly compatibility are essential.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J12-E3/5A under maximum surge conditions?

The SMA5J12-E3/5A clamps to 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured and guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet, ensuring downstream circuits see no more than 19.9 V during standardized surge events. The SMA5J12-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C), making it suitable for under-hood automotive use.

Is the SMA5J12-E3/5A RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the SMA5J12-E3/5A is RoHS compliant and lead-free, as confirmed by the "E3" suffix in its part number and Vishay's material declarations. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and it passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The SMA5J12-E3/5A uses UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound and is rated MSL Level 1 for lead-free reflow.

Does the SMA5J12-E3/5A have AEC-Q101 qualification?

No, the SMA5J12-E3/5A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; that designation applies only to the "HE3" suffix variant (e.g., SMA5J12AHE3/5A). The SMA5J12-E3/5A is commercial-grade with identical electrical specifications but lacks the extended stress-test validation required for automotive qualification. For AEC-Q101 compliance, specify SMA5J12AHE3/5A instead of SMA5J12-E3/5A.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for the SMA5J12-E3/5A at its stand-off voltage?

The SMA5J12-E3/5A has a maximum reverse leakage current (I_D) of 1.0 µA at its 12 V stand-off voltage (V_WM) and 25 °C ambient temperature. This low leakage preserves system efficiency in always-on circuits and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensor interfaces. Leakage remains below 5.0 µA across the full -55 °C to +125 °C operating range, as verified in Vishay's characterization data.

Can the SMA5J12-E3/5A be used in bi-directional protection applications?

No, the SMA5J12-E3/5A is strictly unidirectional and must not be used for bi-directional surge suppression. Bi-directional variants carry the "CA" suffix (e.g., SMA5J12CA) and lack polarity marking. Using SMA5J12-E3/5A in a bi-directional configuration risks forward conduction and failure during negative transients. Always match the device polarity-unidirectional SMA5J12-E3/5A for DC rails with defined ground reference, CA types for AC-coupled or floating lines.

SMA5J12-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:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

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)

SMA5J12-E3/5A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12-E3/5A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12-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 SMA5J12-E3/5A reliable?

The price and inventory of SMA5J12-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 SMA5J12-E3/5A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12-E3/5A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12-E3/5A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12-E3/5A?

SMA5J12-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMA5J12-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 SMA5J12-E3/5A?

For technical support, including SMA5J12-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12-E3/5A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMA5J12-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 SMA5J12-E3/5A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12-E3/5A?

All SMA5J12-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12-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 SMA5J12-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMA5J12-E3/5A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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