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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), clamping voltage of 29.2 V at 17.1 A IPPM, and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CA-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18CA-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J18CA-E3/5A application, or SMA5J18CA-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 500 W surge rating with low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetric clamping in both polarities without external polarity management, eliminating need for orientation-aware layout.
Thermal design relies on low RθJL (25 °C/W) and RθJA (80 °C/W) values, enabling reliable operation under repeated 10/1000 μs surges when mounted per recommended pad layout. It meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) and supports AEC-Q101 qualification via HE3/HM3 variants.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC/AC signal swing margin. |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 500 W transient; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - standardized surge energy handling capacity; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 systems. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage at rated stand-off; preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor or communication lines. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with JEDEC-standard reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is housed in an SMA (DO-214AC) package: a molded plastic case with two coplanar matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking (bidirectional), UL 94 V-0 rated, and MSL Level 1 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Identical electrical behavior in either direction; no cathode band; requires no orientation during placement. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Surge current path | Low-inductance conduction path for transient energy diversion to ground or rail; symmetrical layout simplifies PCB routing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, USB D+/D−) without polarity concerns. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge (line-to-ground) with margin; reduces need for cascaded protection stages. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Improves long-term reliability under humidity and thermal cycling; eliminates risk of junction corrosion in harsh environments. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard lead-free reflow (260 °C peak) without pre-baking; lowers manufacturing cost and process complexity. |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance; qualifies for commercial and industrial BOMs. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ABS wheel speed sensor outputs against load dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between differential signal pair and chassis ground to clamp ±200 V spikes. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or damage to downstream signal conditioners while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V common-mode bias. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD72) on factory floor networks exposed to motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground transient suppressor on A/B bus lines, operating symmetrically across ±12 V data swings. Use Value: Clamps 500 W surges to ≤29.2 V within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and avoiding false logic states during EMC testing. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD | Telecom DSL Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on USB 2.0 D+ and D− lines behind primary polymer-based TVS arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response secondary clamp limiting residual voltage after primary suppression to <30 V. Use Value: Achieves <1 ns response time and 29.2 V clamping to prevent gate oxide rupture in USB PHY ICs during ±8 kV contact discharge. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on POTS/DSL line interface circuits subjected to lightning-induced surges up to 10/1000 μs waveforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge diverter between tip/ring and codec IC, rated for repeated 500 W events. Use Value: Maintains 1.0 μA leakage at 18 V stand-off to avoid loading DSL line impedance matching, ensuring <0.5 dB insertion loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA-E3/5A | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 500 W); identical VWM/VBR/VC specs; same SMA package. | Suitable for lower-energy threat environments (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2 ESD only), not recommended for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. | Select SMA5J18CA-E3/5A when 500 W surge margin is required; choose SMAJ18CA-E3/5A only if system-level testing confirms 400 W sufficiency. |
| 1.5SMC18CA | Same VWM/VBR/VC, but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package (7.11 mm × 6.22 mm); higher thermal mass. | Better sustained surge handling due to larger copper pad area; less suitable for space-constrained layouts. | Prefer SMA5J18CA-E3/5A for dense PCBs; use 1.5SMC18CA where board real estate allows and thermal derating is critical. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA-E3/5A and 1.5SMC18CA, the SMA5J18CA-E3/5A delivers optimal power density: 500 W in the smallest standard footprint (SMA), enabling compact, high-reliability protection without sacrificing surge margin or thermal performance.
Availability
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, and telecom DSL line protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The SMA5J series is engineered specifically for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained, high-surge environments - targeting automotive ECUs, industrial PLCs, and telecom infrastructure where 500 W clamping in SMA form factor is essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J18CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A clamps to 29.2 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its qualified temperature range.
Is SMA5J18CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A itself is RoHS-compliant commercial-grade (E3 suffix) and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers AEC-Q101 variants under ordering codes SMA5J18CAHE3_A/I (halogen-free) or SMA5J18CAHE3_A/H. For automotive designs requiring qualification, those HE3/HM3 versions must be specified - the SMA5J18CA-E3/5A remains appropriate for non-automotive industrial and consumer systems.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMA5J18CA-E3/5A affect PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A has no polarity marking and behaves identically in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during placement and reducing assembly errors. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes (e.g., SMA5J18A), it requires no cathode alignment and supports symmetric routing on differential or AC-coupled lines - simplifying layout for RS-485, CAN, or audio interfaces. The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A thus reduces design review cycles and improves manufacturing yield.
What is the maximum leakage current of SMA5J18CA-E3/5A at its 18 V stand-off voltage?
The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 18 V and TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal loading on high-impedance signal paths such as sensor bridges, precision ADC references, or telecom line drivers - preserving accuracy and dynamic range without requiring additional bias compensation. The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A maintains this spec across its full operating temperature range.
Can SMA5J18CA-E3/5A be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is not characterized or recommended for parallel operation. Due to minor VBR tolerances (20.0–22.1 V), paralleling units risks current imbalance, thermal runaway, and premature failure under surge. For higher current requirements, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., 5.0SMDJ18CA) or verify matched-bin pairing per Vishay's application guidance. The SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is designed for standalone deployment per IEC 61000-4-5 compliance.
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A?
SMA5J18CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CA-E3/5A 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CA-E3/5A?
All SMA5J18CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CA-E3/5A, 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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