Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18AHM3/I 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 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 29.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 17.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial DC power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18AHM3/I datasheet, SMA5J18AHM3/I pinout, SMA5J18AHM3/I application, or SMA5J18AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include verified unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), junction temperature range (–55 to +150 °C), and halogen-free RoHS compliance per ordering suffix HM3.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents <1.0 µA reverse leakage at 18 V, then rapidly avalanches when transients exceed VBR (20.0–22.1 V), limiting downstream voltage to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.
Designed for surface-mount automated assembly, the device meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak) and supports bidirectional variants via CA suffix - though SMA5J18AHM3/I itself is unidirectional, with cathode band marking. It is not a regulator or ESD-only device but a high-power transient suppressor rated for non-repetitive 8.3 ms surges up to 40 A forward surge (IFSM).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating window for 12–15 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress on protected IC or MOSFET. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges. |
| TJ Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - full automotive-grade junction temperature operation; supports under-hood and engine-control module deployment. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads; informs PCB thermal design for sustained surge duty. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode indicated by band at one end; anode is unmarked end. Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | High-side connection point for unidirectional clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when overvoltage occurs. |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Low-side reference terminal | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes clamping loop during transient events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements - enables use in ADAS sensors, body control modules, and infotainment power supplies. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3 suffix) | Fulfills EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JS709C material restrictions - required for Tier 1 automotive supply chain compliance. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., load dump), improving protection margin for sensitive 3.3 V or 5 V logic. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and single-reflow processing at 260 °C peak - eliminates baking requirements and simplifies SMT line integration. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial DC Power Rail Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and jump-start transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground, clamping within nanoseconds of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤29.2 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preserving integrity of 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs without requiring series impedance or filtering. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V industrial PLC I/O modules and motor drive control inputs against switching transients from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on DC input terminals, absorbing up to 500 W of surge energy without degradation. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in downstream MOSFETs and microcontrollers during repetitive inductive kick events. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side surge suppression in universal-input AC/DC adapters powering USB-C PD devices and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on 5–20 V output rails, triggered after primary MOV and fuse coordination. Use Value: Provides precise 29.2 V clamping threshold - tighter than Zener-based solutions - enabling smaller output capacitors and faster recovery post-surge. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHYs and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on RJ45 data lines and 48 V power pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectionally configured (via CA variant) or unidirectionally grounded clamp on differential pairs or DC feed lines. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 µs surges up to 500 W while maintaining <1.0 µA leakage at 18 V - critical for low-noise signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18AHE3/I | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant commercial grade (not AEC-Q101 qualified); E3 suffix, no halogen-free assurance. | Lacks automotive qualification - suitable for industrial/commercial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMA5J18AHE3/I only if automotive qualification and halogen-free content are not required; otherwise SMA5J18AHM3/I is preferred. |
| SMA6J18A-M3/5A | 600 W PPPM, same VWM/VBR, but larger SMA package with higher thermal mass; RθJA = 70 °C/W. | Better surge endurance for high-cycle environments (e.g., factory automation), but requires revised PCB pad layout. | Choose SMA6J18A-M3/5A when 600 W rating is needed and board space allows larger footprint; SMA5J18AHM3/I remains optimal for space-constrained AEC-Q101 designs. |
Compared with SMA5J18AHE3/I, SMA5J18AHM3/I adds AEC-Q101 qualification and halogen-free compliance without sacrificing clamping performance; versus SMA6J18A-M3/5A, it trades 100 W peak power for smaller size and guaranteed automotive suitability - making it the balanced choice for compact, certified automotive modules.
Availability
SMA5J18AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial DC power rails, and consumer power adapter inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable halogen-free sourcing.
Supply support for SMA5J18AHM3/I 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, TVS, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive qualification.
The SMA5Jxx series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure resilience is critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J18AHM3/I and how is it measured?
The SMA5J18AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V, measured at 17.1 A peak pulse current using a 10/1000 µs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across temperature and unit variation, and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during surge events - not a theoretical or typical value.
Is SMA5J18AHM3/I AEC-Q101 qualified and what does that cover?
Yes, SMA5J18AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix HM3 and documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - validating reliability for automotive electronic control units and sensor modules.
Does SMA5J18AHM3/I have bidirectional capability?
No, SMA5J18AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode. Its cathode band indicates polarity, and it conducts only when the cathode is at higher potential than the anode. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the SMA5J18CA variant - the 'CA' suffix explicitly denotes bidirectional construction.
What is the meaning of the 'HM3' suffix in SMA5J18AHM3/I?
The 'HM3' suffix in SMA5J18AHM3/I indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. 'H' denotes automotive qualification, 'M3' specifies halogen-free materials meeting JEDEC JS709C, and '/I' refers to 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (7500 units per reel).
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for SMA5J18AHM3/I?
SMA5J18AHM3/I 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 during repeated surges, PCB layout must replicate this minimum copper area - undersized pads will cause thermal derating and premature failure.
SMA5J18AHM3/I 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J18AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18AHM3/I 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 SMA5J18AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18AHM3/I?
SMA5J18AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18AHM3/I 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 SMA5J18AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMA5J18AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18AHM3/I 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 SMA5J18AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18AHM3/I?
All SMA5J18AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18AHM3/I, 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 SMA5J18AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J18AHM3/I Tags

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