Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18AHE3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18AHE3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18AHE3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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 - deployed in automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H datasheet, SMA5J18AHE3_A/H pinout, SMA5J18AHE3_A/H application, or SMA5J18AHE3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (20.0–22.1 V), limiting transient-induced overvoltage to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 18 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ps), critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The device is rated for non-repetitive 40 A forward surge current (IFSM) and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance with matte tin-plated leads.
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 - guaranteed avalanche initiation range at 1 mA test current |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, defining protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized waveform |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature, supporting under-hood automotive use |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - cathode marked with band; blocks forward current above ~3.5 V |
| MSL Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020 - no floor life limitation; safe for standard reflow up to 260 °C peak |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by black band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; defines directionality of clamping |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction path / clamping node | Marked with band; ties to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC or signal line) to shunt transients to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade deployment including engine control, ADAS sensors, and body electronics |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a) |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Eliminates bake-out requirement and supports direct placement into high-volume SMT lines |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy surges common in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems and industrial motor drives |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs of engine control units against load dump and alternator transients per ISO 16750-2. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor to clamp surges >35 V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream LDOs and MCUs to ≤29.2 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and inductive switching noise in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role: TVS mounted across signal and return lines at connector entry point. Use Value: Clamps fast transients (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V for precision current accuracy. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Stage | Consumer Device USB Port |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding buck converter front-end against back-EMF from relay coils and solenoid drivers in smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-input rail upstream of input capacitor. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses without degradation, preserving converter enable logic and feedback resistors. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge immunity to USB VBUS line in portable medical monitors exposed to hospital-grade ESD events. IC Role / Device Role: TVS placed between VBUS and GND, sized to meet IEC 61000-4-5 (10/700 μs, 1 kV) Use Value: Provides 29.2 V clamping margin above 5 V nominal, ensuring USB PHY remains functional after repeated surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18A-E3/61 | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant commercial grade, not AEC-Q101 qualified | Lacks automotive qualification; unsuitable for under-hood or safety-critical modules | Select when cost-sensitive industrial or consumer designs do not require automotive reliability validation |
| SMC5J18AHE3_A/H | Same VWM/VBR/VC, but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package with higher thermal mass (RθJA = 40 °C/W) | Better power dissipation for repetitive surge environments; requires larger PCB footprint | Choose when thermal derating or multi-pulse robustness is required beyond single-event 500 W rating |
Compared with SMA5J18A-E3/61, the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H adds AEC-Q101 qualification and whisker-resistant plating for automotive use; versus SMC5J18AHE3_A/H, it trades thermal performance for space-constrained layouts where 80 °C/W RθJA is acceptable.
Availability
SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor signal conditioning, and DC-DC converter input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle requirements.
Supply support for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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 specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial applications, balancing clamping performance, thermal robustness, and SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H and how is it measured?
The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V, measured at 17.1 A peak pulse current using a 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a standardized surge event, verified per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and specified in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with ordering code suffix "HE3". It meets stringent reliability requirements for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems, including MSL Level 1, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and operation from –55 °C to +150 °C. The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is validated for load dump and ISO 7637-2 compliance in 12 V systems.
What does the "_A/H" suffix mean in SMA5J18AHE3_A/H?
The "_A/H" suffix in SMA5J18AHE3_A/H indicates packaging configuration: "A" denotes the revision code (Revision A), and "H" specifies the preferred package code for 7-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with base quantity 1800 units. This matches Vishay's ordering convention in Document Number 88875, where "H" corresponds to delivery mode "7\" diameter plastic tape and reel".
How does the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H differ from bidirectional variants like SMA5J18CA?
The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is unidirectional, with polarity marked by a cathode band and forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 25 A), whereas SMA5J18CA is bidirectional and symmetrical in both directions with no polarity marking. The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H provides lower leakage (<1.0 μA at 18 V) and is used where DC bias exists (e.g., power rails); SMA5J18CA suits AC-coupled or differential signal lines.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H and how does it affect layout?
The SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges, PCB layout must adhere to this pad size and avoid excessive trace length or isolation. Derating curves in Figure 2 of the datasheet show power reduction above TA = 25 °C - critical for the SMA5J18AHE3_A/H in enclosed enclosures.
SMA5J18AHE3_A/H Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18AHE3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H?
SMA5J18AHE3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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_A/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J18AHE3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18AHE3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18AHE3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18AHE3_A/H 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_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18AHE3_A/H?
All SMA5J18AHE3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18AHE3_A/H, 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_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18AHE3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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