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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18A-M3/5A

Part No.:
SMA5J18A-M3/5A
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category:
TVS Diodes
Package:
DO-214AC, SMA
Datasheet:
AetrixSMA5J18A-M3/5A.pdf
Description:
TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:6,556

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Product details

Overview

SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), and clamps transients to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A IPPM - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and DC power rail conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18A-M3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18A-M3/5A pinout, SMA5J18A-M3/5A application, or SMA5J18A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), 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 triggered by reverse-biased avalanche breakdown above VWM. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 18 V) and fast response (<1 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during 10/1000 μs transients.

Rated for 500 W peak pulse power under standardized waveform conditions and derated linearly above 25 °C ambient, it supports robust protection in environments with repetitive switching surges - including inductive load switching in 12 V/24 V automotive systems and industrial PLC inputs.

Key Specifications

Parameter Value and Actual Design Meaning
VWM 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets threshold for protection of 15–18 V nominal rails.
VBR min/max 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - verified avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on without premature conduction.
VC @ IPPM ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamping voltage under full-rated 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress to safe levels.
PPPM 500 W - peak transient power handling capability; supports EN 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity when properly laid out.
ID @ VWM ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at stand-off; preserves efficiency in battery-powered or high-impedance sensing circuits.
TJ max +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial enclosures.
RθJA 80 °C/W - thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm pads; informs heatsinking requirements for repeated surge events.

Pinout & Package

Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, M3 suffix. Cathode indicated by band; anode and cathode terminals are axially oriented along the body axis.

Pin/Terminal Circuit Role Design Meaning
Anode Forward current entry / reverse surge return path Connected to protected line's lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return rail); completes clamping loop during transient.
Cathode Avalanche conduction node / surge sink Connected to protected line's higher-potential side (e.g., VCC or signal line); conducts surge current into anode/GND when V > VBR.

Key Features

Feature Design Value
Low-profile SMA package Enables compact PCB layout in space-constrained modules (e.g., ADAS camera ECUs or motor drive control boards).
Glass-passivated junction Ensures long-term reliability and stable VBR over temperature and lifetime, critical for automotive AEC-Q101-aligned designs.
MSL Level 1 rating Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at 260 °C peak - compatible with standard lead-free SMT assembly without baking.
500 W peak pulse power Provides margin against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 surges in 12 V/24 V systems.
Halogen-free (M3) Meets stringent environmental compliance (IEC 61249-2-21) for industrial and automotive supply chains requiring green materials.

Applications

Automotive Sensor Protection Industrial PLC Input Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD in engine control units.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between sensor signal line and chassis ground, absorbing transients before they reach precision amplifier inputs.

Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V bias.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid valves and relay coils.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected across input terminal and common rail to shunt 500 W surges away from optocoupler or Schmitt trigger input stages.

Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 μs transients to ≤29.2 V within nanoseconds, enabling reliable operation in noisy factory environments without false triggering or component degradation.

DC Power Rail Conditioning Consumer Device USB Port Protection

Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage protection on 12 V or 24 V DC distribution rails feeding motor drivers, lighting controllers, or communication modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS providing fail-safe clamping after primary fuse or polyfuse, limiting rail voltage during sustained overvoltage events.

Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and operates up to +150 °C junction temperature, supporting continuous duty-cycle protection in thermally demanding power subsystems.

Use Scenario: Reverse-polarity and surge protection on 5 V USB VBUS lines in portable medical monitors or smart home hubs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBUS and GND to block reverse connection and clamp ESD/inductive spikes induced by hot-plug events.

Use Value: Delivers <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V stand-off and sub-1 ns response, preserving USB enumeration integrity while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15 kV air) requirements.

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 Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant commercial grade (E3) without halogen-free certification; no M3 material compliance. Approved for non-automotive industrial or consumer use where halogen-free mandate is not enforced. Select SMA5J18A-E3/5A only if halogen-free requirement is waived and cost optimization is prioritized.
SMA6J18A-M3/5A Higher PPPM (600 W vs. 500 W), same VWM/VBR/VC, identical SMA package and M3 suffix; requires verification of board-level thermal margin. Better suited for systems facing higher-energy surges (e.g., heavy-duty vehicle alternator load dump) where extra power headroom is needed. Choose SMA6J18A-M3/5A when design margins demand ≥600 W surge rating and thermal layout supports increased dissipation.

Compared with SMA5J18A-M3/5A, the E3 variant trades halogen-free compliance for lower cost in non-regulated applications, while the SMA6J18A-M3/5A delivers 20 % higher pulse power without changing footprint - both require separate validation of layout thermal performance and system-level surge test compliance.

Availability

SMA5J18A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, and DC power rail conditioning requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101-aligned reliability.

Supply support for SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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-grade qualification.

The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting 12 V/24 V automotive, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure where compact size, thermal robustness, and repeatable clamping are essential.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of the SMA5J18A-M3/5A?

The SMA5J18A-M3/5A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode. Its cathode is marked by a band on the SMA (DO-214AC) package body. When installed correctly - cathode toward the protected line's higher potential - it clamps reverse transients while blocking forward current below its forward voltage threshold. This polarity must be observed to ensure proper surge diversion in the SMA5J18A-M3/5A circuit implementation.

Does the SMA5J18A-M3/5A meet AEC-Q101 qualification?

No, the SMA5J18A-M3/5A is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It carries the M3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant commercial grade construction. For automotive-qualified versions, Vishay offers the SMA5J18AHM3_A/H or SMA5J18AHM3_A/I variants - these include the HM3 suffix and explicit AEC-Q101 qualification noted in the ordering code and datasheet revision notes.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA5J18A-M3/5A under rated surge conditions?

The SMA5J18A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TJ = 25 °C and reflects worst-case clamping performance used for downstream component voltage stress analysis in the SMA5J18A-M3/5A protection circuit.

How does the thermal resistance of the SMA5J18A-M3/5A affect its surge handling capability?

The SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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. This value directly impacts how many consecutive surges the SMA5J18A-M3/5A can absorb without exceeding its 150 °C maximum junction temperature - higher RθJA reduces permissible surge repetition rate unless additional copper area or thermal vias are added.

Can the SMA5J18A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional protection applications?

No, the SMA5J18A-M3/5A is strictly unidirectional. For bidirectional transient suppression - such as AC signal lines or differential buses - Vishay specifies the SMA5J18CA family (e.g., SMA5J18CA-M3/5A), which uses the CA suffix and exhibits symmetrical clamping in both polarities. Using SMA5J18A-M3/5A in bidirectional roles will result in forward conduction and failure during negative transients.

SMA5J18A-M3/5A Specifications

Product attributes
Attribute value
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Package/Case:
DO-214AC, SMA
Series:
TransZorb®
Packaging:
Tape & Reel (TR)
Product Status:
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:
General Purpose
Capacitance @ Frequency:
-
Operating Temperature:
-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Grade:
-
Qualification:
-
Mounting Type:
Surface Mount
Supplier Device Package:
DO-214AC (SMA)

SMA5J18A-M3/5A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18A-M3/5A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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 SMA5J18A-M3/5A reliable?

The price and inventory of SMA5J18A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18A-M3/5A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18A-M3/5A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18A-M3/5A?

SMA5J18A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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 SMA5J18A-M3/5A?

For technical support, including SMA5J18A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18A-M3/5A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMA5J18A-M3/5A 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 SMA5J18A-M3/5A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18A-M3/5A?

All SMA5J18A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18A-M3/5A, 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 SMA5J18A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMA5J18A-M3/5A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

SMA5J18A-M3/5A Tags

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