Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A 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, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18CAHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J18CAHE3/5A application, or SMA5J18CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance supports effective energy diversion during fast transients.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and exhibits typical thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead). It meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and is RoHS-compliant with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - Measured at 1 mA test current; guarantees consistent breakdown initiation across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream components. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω). |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (per J-STD-020) - No floor life limitation; allows indefinite storage and standard reflow without baking. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Bidirectional construction means no polarity marking; terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Either terminal serves as input/output for bidirectional clamping; no cathode band marking required. |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Plastic body provides electrical isolation; thermal path relies on soldered pad area (0.2" × 0.2") for RθJA = 80 °C/W. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485, CAN), and floating power rails without external polarity management. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS sensor interfaces, and infotainment power inputs. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low leakage (<1.0 μA) over temperature and lifetime, critical for low-power sensor nodes. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM) | 1.62 - Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs compared to alternatives with ratios >1.8, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay environments subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to ground before reaching sensor signal conditioning IC. Use Value: Withstands 500 W surges and maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V, preserving sensor accuracy and enabling AEC-Q101-compliant system certification. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs exposed to EFT bursts and lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Symmetrical clamping device across A/B differential pair, limiting common-mode and differential-mode transients simultaneously. Use Value: 29.2 V clamping voltage ensures transceiver remains within absolute maximum ratings (±12 V common-mode, ±7 V differential) during 4 kV IEC 61000-4-5 events. |
| Consumer USB Power Line | Telecom DSL Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on 5 V USB VBUS lines in portable docking stations where hot-plug insertion induces inductive spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between upstream power source and USB controller's VBUS pin, conducting only during transients >18 V. Use Value: Fast response time and 500 W rating absorb repetitive 100 ns–1 μs spikes without degradation, while RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix meets consumer regulatory requirements. |
Use Scenario: Primary surge protection on DSL line cards handling POTS/ADSL coexistence, subjected to longitudinal surges per GR-1089-CORE. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional front-end protector across tip/ring pair, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) secondary protection. Use Value: 20.0–22.1 V VBR range ensures reliable triggering before GDT ionization (~250 V), enabling staged protection architecture with minimal let-through voltage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; same SMA package and thermal performance. | No functional difference; selected when halogen-free material compliance is mandated by OEM or regional environmental regulations. | Choose SMA5J18CA-M3/5A if halogen-free composition is required; otherwise SMA5J18CAHE3/5A offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance. |
| SMA6J18CAHE3/5A | 600 W peak pulse power (vs. 500 W); same VWM, VBR, and VC; larger junction area increases surge margin but raises RθJA to 90 °C/W. | Preferred for higher-energy threat environments (e.g., 6 kV IEC 61000-4-5) where 500 W margin is insufficient; requires thermal derating above 25 °C ambient. | Select SMA6J18CAHE3/5A when system-level surge testing exceeds 500 W capability; verify PCB copper area and airflow support its higher thermal resistance. |
Compared with SMA5J18CAHE3/5A, SMA5J18CA-M3/5A delivers identical protection with halogen-free materials, while SMA6J18CAHE3/5A trades higher surge capacity (600 W) for reduced thermal efficiency-making the former ideal for eco-regulated designs and the latter for extreme surge environments requiring headroom beyond 500 W.
Availability
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, and consumer USB power line protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A 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 space-constrained SMT applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 threats is mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in SMA5J18CAHE3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device clamps transient voltages equally in both polarities. This eliminates the need for polarity-aware layout and makes it suitable for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential interfaces like RS-485 or CAN, and floating power rails where voltage reversals may occur. Unidirectional variants use "A" only.
Is SMA5J18CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMA5J18CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with the "HE3" suffix. It meets stringent requirements for temperature cycling, humidity resistance, and surge robustness, making it appropriate for engine control modules, ADAS camera interfaces, and body electronics exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses.
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J18CAHE3/5A and why does it matter?
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at 17.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value defines the highest voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a surge event. A lower VC relative to VWM (clamping ratio = 1.62) minimizes stress on downstream ICs, reducing risk of damage or malfunction in sensitive analog or digital circuits.
How does the SMA (DO-214AC) package affect thermal performance of SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
The SMA (DO-214AC) package of SMA5J18CAHE3/5A delivers a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This thermal performance enables reliable 500 W surge dissipation in compact layouts, but requires adherence to recommended pad dimensions-reducing pad area increases RθJA and risks thermal runaway during repeated surges.
Can SMA5J18CAHE3/5A replace unidirectional TVS diodes in existing designs?
No-SMA5J18CAHE3/5A is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, so it cannot directly replace unidirectional TVS diodes (e.g., SMA5J18AHE3/5A) without layout review. In unidirectional applications, using SMA5J18CAHE3/5A may allow conduction during normal reverse bias, causing leakage or malfunction. Always verify circuit polarity and clamping direction before substitution.
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
SMA5J18CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CAHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CAHE3/5A?
All SMA5J18CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CAHE3/5A, 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 SMA5J18CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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