Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18AHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 29.2 V clamping voltage at 17.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform. Used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18AHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18AHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J18AHE3/5A application, or SMA5J18AHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 17.1 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with cathode-band polarity marking, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology for stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance. Its response time is sub-nanosecond, enabling effective suppression of ESD and inductive switching transients.
Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, it meets MSL level 1 per J-STD-020 (260 °C peak reflow), and its 500 W peak pulse power is specified with derating above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 of the datasheet. The device is AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix), confirming suitability for automotive electronics.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on within defined tolerance band |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamping voltage limiting downstream component stress during surge |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity for common lightning/surge waveforms |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - thermal resistance defining junction-to-ambient temperature rise under power dissipation |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum allowable junction temperature for sustained operation |
| IFSM | 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - forward surge capability for accidental polarity events |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode indicated by band; no marking on bidirectional variants.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace); conducts during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved humidity resistance vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving clamping precision |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables standard lead-free reflow without preconditioning or special handling |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability requirements for safety-critical industrial and automotive enclosures |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges before they reach DC-DC converters or microcontrollers. Use Value: Clamps to 29.2 V at 17.1 A, keeping downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic supply inputs within safe operating area during 500 W transient events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC I/O modules exposed to field wiring noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point to shunt induced EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response and 29.2 V clamping limit sensor output excursion, preserving ADC accuracy and preventing latch-up in interface amplifiers. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feed Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in 19 V laptop adapters subjected to AC line surges and capacitor discharge transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS across output capacitor terminals to absorb residual energy after primary-side MOV clamping. Use Value: 500 W peak power rating handles repetitive 10/1000 μs surges without degradation; RθJA = 80 °C/W enables thermal management on compact PCBs. | Use Scenario: Protecting -48 V DC feed lines in telecom base station remote radio units from lightning-induced longitudinal surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS deployed in series with feed-line fuse and parallel to DC-DC input to clamp common-mode transients before isolation stage. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification confirms robustness under extended temperature cycling (-40 °C to +85 °C ambient), critical for outdoor telecom deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18A-E3/5A | Commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101), identical electrical specs and package | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for consumer/industrial only | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost sensitivity is higher |
| SMA6J18AHE3/5A | 600 W PPPM rating, same VWM/VBR/VC, identical AEC-Q101 qualification | Higher surge margin for systems facing repeated or severe transients (e.g., heavy-duty vehicle alternators) | Choose when design requires >500 W headroom while retaining footprint and thermal profile |
Compared with SMA5J18AHE3/5A, SMA5J18A-E3/5A offers identical protection performance without automotive qualification, whereas SMA6J18AHE3/5A provides 20 % higher peak pulse power in the same footprint-enabling longer surge duration tolerance without layout change.
Availability
SMA5J18AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, telecom power feeds, and consumer adapter designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for SMA5J18AHE3/5A 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 and application-specific optimization.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability environments-including automotive power distribution, industrial control I/O, and telecom infrastructure-where consistent clamping and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J18AHE3/5A under maximum rated surge current?
The SMA5J18AHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C on minimum recommended copper pads (0.2" × 0.2") and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMA5J18AHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is the SMA5J18AHE3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J18AHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HE3" suffix in its ordering code. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and ESD (HBM/MM), validating its suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems. The SMA5J18AHE3/5A is rated for junction temperatures up to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 reflow requirements.
What is the difference between SMA5J18AHE3/5A and SMA5J18A-E3/5A?
The SMA5J18AHE3/5A and SMA5J18A-E3/5A share identical electrical characteristics (VWM = 18 V, VBR = 20.0–22.1 V, VC = 29.2 V), package (SMA/DO-214AC), and RoHS compliance-but differ in qualification: HE3 denotes AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, while E3 indicates commercial-grade only. Both use the same 5A tape-and-reel packaging (7500 pcs/reel). The SMA5J18AHE3/5A is the appropriate choice where automotive reliability standards apply.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J18AHE3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMA5J18AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes minimal copper area; increasing pad size or adding thermal vias reduces RθJA, lowering junction temperature during repetitive surges. For reliable operation near TJmax = +150 °C, designers must ensure average power dissipation stays within limits defined by ambient temperature and layout. The SMA5J18AHE3/5A's RθJA is validated per JEDEC test conditions.
Does the SMA5J18AHE3/5A have polarity marking, and how is it oriented in circuit?
Yes, the SMA5J18AHE3/5A is unidirectional and marked with a cathode band at one end. In circuit, the banded (cathode) terminal connects to the line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail), while the anode connects to ground or the return path. This orientation ensures the device remains reverse-biased during normal operation and conducts only during overvoltage events. Bidirectional variants (e.g., SMA5J18CA) omit the band and conduct in both directions.
SMA5J18AHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 17.1A
- 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)
SMA5J18AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18AHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18AHE3/5A?
SMA5J18AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18AHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18AHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18AHE3/5A?
All SMA5J18AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18AHE3/5A, 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 SMA5J18AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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