Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J12HE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J12HE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J12HE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,163
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J12HE3/5A 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 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 19.9 V clamping voltage at 25.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power dissipation with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J12HE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J12HE3/5A pinout, SMA5J12HE3/5A application, or SMA5J12HE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 25.1 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: it remains high-impedance below 12 V (VWM), breaks down within 13.3–14.7 V (VBR @ 1 mA), and limits transient voltages to ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A (IPPM). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response to sub-nanosecond transients.
Designed for surface-mount placement on PCBs with minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power while maintaining 150 °C maximum junction temperature and meeting MSL Level 1 reflow profile (260 °C peak).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring reliable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V @ 25.1 A - Clamping voltage limiting downstream circuit stress during 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with standard 10/1000 µs waveform |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Thermal resistance defining junction temperature rise per watt under natural convection |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating for 8.3 ms half-sine wave |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature for sustained reliability |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; cathode indicated by band marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / low-side connection | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased terminal / protected line interface | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 12 V supply rail or signal trace) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA) across temperature and lifetime |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients via low dynamic impedance |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Enables standard SMT reflow without baking; peak temperature up to 260 °C allowed |
| HE3 suffix | RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance for long-term solder joint integrity |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs against load dump and alternator ripple in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS clamping transient energy before it reaches LDOs or MCU VDD pins. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream silicon. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors connected to PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response voltage clamp placed between sensor output and ADC input to absorb ESD and switching noise. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 12 V, avoiding DC offset errors in precision measurement paths. |
| DC Motor Drive Line Protection | Telecom Power Supply Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in HVAC actuators or window lift systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS absorbing flyback energy when H-bridge switches off. Use Value: Withstands 40 A single-half-sine forward surge (IFSM), enabling robust operation during repeated motor commutation. | Use Scenario: Guarding primary-side DC input of telecom power converters against lightning-induced surges on -48 V distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping device upstream of bulk capacitors and active regulation stages. Use Value: Delivers 500 W peak pulse power handling with 80 °C/W thermal resistance, supporting sustained duty-cycle surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J12A-E3/5A | Commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101), same electrical specs and DO-214AC package | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial power supplies only | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost optimization is prioritized |
| 1.5KE12A | Higher package thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 100 °C/W), through-hole DO-201 package, same VWM/VBR/VC ratings | Requires PCB through-hole mounting; less suitable for high-density automotive PCBs | Choose only if legacy through-hole design or higher surge margin beyond 500 W is needed |
Compared with SMA5J12A-E3/5A, the SMA5J12HE3/5A adds AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance - critical for automotive under-hood deployment. Versus 1.5KE12A, it offers surface-mount compatibility and superior thermal performance (80 vs. 100 °C/W), enabling tighter layout integration and better power density.
Availability
SMA5J12HE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power supply designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and high surge immunity.
Supply support for SMA5J12HE3/5A 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where compact size, AEC-Q101 compliance, and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J12HE3/5A under maximum rated surge current?
The SMA5J12HE3/5A clamps to 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under defined test conditions with devices mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, ensuring consistent thermal dissipation during transient events. The SMA5J12HE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its operational temperature range.
Is the SMA5J12HE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J12HE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HE3 suffix indicating compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance - both essential for under-hood automotive use. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and validated performance across temperature cycling make the SMA5J12HE3/5A appropriate for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems.
What does the 'HE3' suffix mean in SMA5J12HE3/5A?
The 'HE3' suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Unlike the 'E3' commercial variant, 'HE3' confirms extended reliability testing for automotive environments, including bias-HAST, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock. The SMA5J12HE3/5A meets these requirements while retaining identical electrical specifications as its E3 counterpart.
How does the thermal performance of SMA5J12HE3/5A compare to similar TVS diodes?
The SMA5J12HE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads - significantly lower than many competing DO-214AC TVS devices rated at ~100 °C/W. This enables higher sustained surge duty cycles and improved reliability in thermally constrained layouts, a key advantage of the SMA5J12HE3/5A in dense automotive PCBs.
Can SMA5J12HE3/5A replace SMA5J12A-E3/5A in an existing design?
Yes, the SMA5J12HE3/5A is a direct form-fit-function replacement for SMA5J12A-E3/5A, sharing identical electrical parameters, DO-214AC package dimensions, and soldering profiles. The only differences are AEC-Q101 qualification and enhanced whisker resistance in the SMA5J12HE3/5A - making it suitable for upgrading existing commercial designs to automotive-grade reliability without layout changes.
SMA5J12HE3/5A 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J12HE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J12HE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J12HE3/5A 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 SMA5J12HE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J12HE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J12HE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J12HE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J12HE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J12HE3/5A?
SMA5J12HE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J12HE3/5A 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 SMA5J12HE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J12HE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J12HE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J12HE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J12HE3/5A 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 SMA5J12HE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J12HE3/5A?
All SMA5J12HE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J12HE3/5A, 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 SMA5J12HE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J12HE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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