Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CA-E3/61
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CA-E3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CA-E3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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 - used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CA-E3/61 datasheet, SMA5J18CA-E3/61 pinout, SMA5J18CA-E3/61 application, or SMA5J18CA-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 500 W surge rating, DO-214AC thermal performance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve sub-nanosecond response time and low incremental surge resistance. Its symmetrical avalanche structure enables identical clamping behavior in both polarities, supporting robust protection against ESD, lightning-induced transients, and inductive switching spikes without polarity sensitivity.
The device is rated for 500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions, with thermal derating above 25 °C per Figure 2. Mounting on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads ensures effective heat dissipation, critical for sustaining repeated surge events in automotive and industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected line. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 500 W surge event; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); supports high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump scenarios. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial control cabinets. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard pad layout; informs board-level thermal design margin. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint; compatible with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow. |
Pinout & Package
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is housed in an SMA (DO-214AC) package: a two-terminal, non-polarized, bidirectional surface-mount device with no cathode marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No polarity marking required; either terminal serves as input/output for transient suppression in AC or floating lines. |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic body meets UL 94 V-0; transfers heat to PCB copper pads; no electrical connection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485) without polarity concerns. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 when properly mounted. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved reliability vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives in humid or high-bias environments. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak without preconditioning; eliminates moisture sensitivity handling overhead. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | Base part SMA5J18CAHE3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified; E3/61 variant shares same die and construction, enabling automotive qualification traceability. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply and signal lines of wheel speed sensors and pressure transducers exposed to load dump and ISO 16750-2 transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching ASIC or microcontroller analog front-end. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤29.2 V during 500 W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3 V/5 V signal conditioning circuits. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers subjected to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protector across loop terminals, operating in parallel with precision shunt regulators and op-amps. Use Value: Maintains loop integrity by clamping transients within 1 ns while adding <1 pF capacitance - no signal distortion at 1 kHz bandwidth. |
| Telecom Line Card Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY power rails and MDI-X pairs in residential gateways against lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS deployed after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary protection to handle residual fast-rising edges. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to 29.2 V with <500 ps response, reducing let-through energy to levels compatible with 25 V-rated Ethernet magnetics. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to MCU GPIOs and relay drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-inductance, surface-mount TVS placed across motor terminals and H-bridge outputs to absorb inductive energy. Use Value: Handles repetitive 40 A IFSM surges (8.3 ms half-sine) without degradation, extending MOSFET lifetime and eliminating need for snubber RC networks. |
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 | Unidirectional version; same VWM (18 V), VBR (20.0–22.1 V), VC (29.2 V), and PPPM (500 W), but includes cathode band marking and forward conduction path. | Required where DC-biased lines (e.g., 12 V supply rail) demand asymmetric clamping and forward rectification capability. | Select SMA5J18A-E3/61 only if circuit polarity is fixed and forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V @ 25 A) is acceptable. |
| SMCJ18CA-E3/5A | Same bidirectional function and VWM/VBR specs, but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package with 1500 W PPPM rating and lower RθJA (35 °C/W). | Suitable for higher-power applications (e.g., main battery feed) where board space allows larger footprint and thermal mass is prioritized. | Choose SMCJ18CA-E3/5A when surge energy exceeds 500 W or ambient temperature exceeds 105 °C with limited copper area. |
Compared with SMA5J18CA-E3/61, the unidirectional SMA5J18A-E3/61 adds forward conduction but restricts use to polarized lines, while the SMCJ18CA-E3/5A offers 3× higher power handling at the cost of 2.5× larger PCB area - making SMA5J18CA-E3/61 optimal for space-constrained, medium-energy bidirectional protection.
Availability
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial I/O terminals, telecom line cards, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive-grade qualification.
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of high-power-density TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J18CA-E3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J18CA-E3/61 clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is SMA5J18CA-E3/61 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is built on the same die and construction as the AEC-Q101-qualified SMA5J18CAHE3_A/H variant. While the E3/61 suffix denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance, its thermal rating (TJ max = +150 °C), surge robustness (500 W), and packaging (MSL Level 1) align with automotive under-hood and body-control module requirements when validated per system-level testing.
Does SMA5J18CA-E3/61 have polarity markings?
No - SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Its symmetrical internal structure allows installation in either orientation, simplifying layout and eliminating risk of reverse placement during automated assembly.
What is the maximum leakage current of SMA5J18CA-E3/61 at its stand-off voltage?
At its 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMA5J18CA-E3/61 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance sensor and communication circuits.
Can SMA5J18CA-E3/61 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMA5J18A-E3/61?
Only in circuits where polarity is undefined or alternating - such as AC-coupled data lines or floating power domains. SMA5J18CA-E3/61 lacks forward conduction capability, so it cannot replace SMA5J18A-E3/61 in DC-biased applications requiring rectification or forward surge handling (e.g., 12 V rail protection with reverse-battery tolerance).
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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:
- -
- 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-E3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CA-E3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CA-E3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CA-E3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CA-E3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18CA-E3/61?
SMA5J18CA-E3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/61?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CA-E3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CA-E3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CA-E3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CA-E3/61 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CA-E3/61?
All SMA5J18CA-E3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CA-E3/61, 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 SMA5J18CA-E3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CA-E3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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