Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18A-M3/61
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18A-M3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18A-M3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18A-M3/61 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 power rails and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18A-M3/61 datasheet, SMA5J18A-M3/61 pinout, SMA5J18A-M3/61 application, or SMA5J18A-M3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 17.1 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), unidirectional polarity marking, 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 voltage-clamped shunt protector, activating when reverse voltage exceeds its 20.0 V minimum breakdown threshold to divert transient energy away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at 18 V) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for safeguarding MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins against ESD and inductive switching spikes.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2; it sustains 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow profile (260 °C peak). Polarity is indicated by a cathode band, confirming unidirectional conduction path.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC bias margin for protected line. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - Measured at 1 mA test current; ensures reliable turn-on within defined tolerance for consistent surge response. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream components. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust protection against lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| IFSM | 40 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (8.3 ms); supports protection of rectifier stages and DC input rails. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad per terminal for rated power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by molded band on case body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to ground or low-side reference in unidirectional TVS configuration. | Provides return path for surge current during clamping; must be routed with low-inductance trace to minimize voltage overshoot. |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail, CAN_H). | Defines polarity-sensitive connection - reversal causes permanent failure under normal bias; critical for correct placement in automated SMT. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMA package | Enables high-density PCB layouts and compatibility with standard pick-and-place equipment (0.208" × 0.157", 5.28 mm × 3.99 mm). |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved reliability in humid or thermally cycled environments (e.g., under-hood automotive). |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns (peak 260 °C, per J-STD-020). |
| Halogen-free (M3 suffix) | Meets IPC-4101D/126 and JEDEC J-STD-20E environmental requirements for green electronics manufacturing. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump transients up to 35 V and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges before they reach PMIC or MCU power inputs. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or overvoltage damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies downstream. |
Use Scenario: Analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from pressure sensors in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across sensor output and local ground to suppress ESD events and relay-switching noise coupled onto long cables. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response clamps transients before op-amp input stages saturate, preserving signal integrity and avoiding ADC offset errors. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Protection | USB Port VBUS Line Protection |
Use Scenario: 24 V input to isolated flyback converter powering isolated CAN transceivers in railway control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS on converter input to absorb repetitive switching spikes and coupling from adjacent high-current traces. Use Value: Withstands ≥500 W surges without degradation, maintaining clamping performance over >10⁵ transient events per MIL-STD-883H Method 3015.7. |
Use Scenario: VBUS line of USB 2.0 host port in medical handheld devices subject to frequent human-body-model ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS between VBUS and GND to protect USB controller's internal LDO and overcurrent detection circuitry. Use Value: 1.0 µA max leakage at 18 V prevents standby current drain; 29.2 V clamping avoids triggering VBUS OVP shutdown during ESD. |
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-E3/61 | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant commercial grade without halogen-free certification (E3 vs. M3). | Acceptable for non-automotive industrial use where halogen-free mandate does not apply. | Select E3 for cost-sensitive consumer applications; M3 required for automotive Tier-1 BOMs with IPC-1752A reporting. |
| 1.5SMC18A | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings, but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package (RθJA = 50 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W); higher IFSM (100 A). | Better thermal performance in high-ambient environments (>85 °C), but occupies 40% more board area. | Choose SMC for high-power industrial motor drives; retain SMA5J18A-M3/61 for space-constrained automotive modules. |
Compared with SMA5J18A-E3/61, the M3 variant adds halogen-free compliance without sacrificing clamping or surge capability; versus 1.5SMC18A, SMA5J18A-M3/61 trades thermal margin for footprint reduction - critical for compact ADAS camera modules and telematics units.
Availability
SMA5J18A-M3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and USB VBUS line protection requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMA5J18A-M3/61 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 and AEC-Q qualification.
The SMA5J series targets high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, engineered for robustness under repeated surge stress and extended temperature operation (-55 °C to +150 °C).
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J18A-M3/61 under maximum rated surge current?
The SMA5J18A-M3/61 clamps to 29.2 V when subjected to its peak pulse current of 17.1 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C with devices mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events.
Does the SMA5J18A-M3/61 meet automotive qualification standards?
The SMA5J18A-M3/61 itself is commercial-grade; however, the same die in HM3 suffix variants (e.g., SMA5J18AHM3_A/H) is AEC-Q101 qualified. The M3 suffix confirms halogen-free and RoHS compliance - essential for automotive supply chains - but full qualification requires the HM3 ordering code with underscored revision letter.
How does the SMA5J18A-M3/61 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SMA5J18CA?
The SMA5J18A-M3/61 is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias above VBR, with polarity marked by a cathode band. SMA5J18CA is bidirectional, symmetric in both directions, and has no polarity marking. Using SMA5J18A-M3/61 on AC-coupled lines risks forward conduction and failure; bidirectional types are mandatory for data lines like RS-485 or CAN.
What is the maximum printed circuit board pad size recommended for optimal thermal performance of the SMA5J18A-M3/61?
Vishay specifies that the SMA5J18A-M3/61 achieves its rated 500 W peak pulse power only when mounted on minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Reducing pad area increases RθJA, degrading surge handling and risking thermal runaway during repetitive transients.
Can the SMA5J18A-M3/61 be used in place of a zener diode for overvoltage regulation?
No - the SMA5J18A-M3/61 is optimized for transient suppression, not steady-state regulation. Its leakage current (≤1.0 µA at 18 V) and dynamic impedance are not specified for DC bias stability. For continuous voltage regulation, a precision zener or shunt regulator IC is required; SMA5J18A-M3/61 should only be used as a parallel surge clamp.
SMA5J18A-M3/61 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-M3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18A-M3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18A-M3/61 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-M3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18A-M3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18A-M3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18A-M3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18A-M3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18A-M3/61?
SMA5J18A-M3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18A-M3/61 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-M3/61?
For technical support, including SMA5J18A-M3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18A-M3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18A-M3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18A-M3/61 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-M3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18A-M3/61?
All SMA5J18A-M3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18A-M3/61, 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-M3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18A-M3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J18A-M3/61 Tags

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