Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 (PPPM), and clamps transients to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A IPPM - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H datasheet, SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H pinout, SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H application, or SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during ESD or lightning-induced surges, leveraging a glass-passivated silicon junction for stable avalanche behavior. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping in both polarities, with no polarity marking required on the SMA package.
Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform per JEDEC standards, and exhibits low incremental surge resistance enabling fast response (<1 ns) and minimal let-through energy to downstream ICs like MCUs and CAN transceivers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V automotive or 15 V industrial bus lines. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - Measured at 1 mA IT; guarantees reliable turn-on within ±5.5% tolerance, critical for predictable overvoltage thresholding. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V - Clamping voltage at 17.1 A peak pulse current; limits stress on protected 24 V-rated components during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 μs waveform; supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surges. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures. |
| RθJA | 80 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; informs PCB thermal design for sustained surge duty cycles. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL level 1 (260 °C reflow peak). Bidirectional construction - no cathode band marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical terminals; conducts surge current in either direction when voltage exceeds VBR - eliminates orientation concerns during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for engine control, ADAS sensor, and infotainment modules. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift - critical for long-life industrial deployments. |
| Low profile SMA package | Height ≤0.090" (2.29 mm); fits space-constrained layouts in compact ECUs and IoT edge nodes without compromising thermal pad area. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and single-reflow processing at 260 °C peak - simplifies manufacturing and avoids moisture sensitivity handling. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceiver inputs and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching MCU GPIO or analog front-end. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤29.2 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs while maintaining signal integrity during normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controller (PLC) modules exposed to field wiring surges and relay coil kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element across input terminals, coordinated with series current-limiting resistors and optocouplers. Use Value: Withstands repeated 500 W surges per IEC 61000-4-4/5, extending field unit MTBF and reducing warranty returns in factory automation systems. |
| Telecom Power Line Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered Ethernet switch ports and base station RF front-end bias lines from lightning-induced common-mode surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS deployed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT), providing fast-response clamping for residual energy. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time captures fast-rising edges missed by slower protectors, reducing risk of data corruption or PHY IC failure. |
Use Scenario: Guarding microcontroller reset lines and motor driver enable inputs in washing machines and HVAC blower units against brush-commutator noise and transformer coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized suppression at IC pins to prevent false resets or unintended actuation during high-dI/dt motor commutation. Use Value: 18 V VWM aligns with 15–18 V supply rails used in appliance MCU subsystems, avoiding nuisance triggering during normal brown-out conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18CAHE3_A/H | Same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; differs only in RoHS compliance (Pb-free, non-halogen-free vs. halogen-free). | No functional difference in circuit performance; selected where halogen-free materials are not mandated by end-equipment environmental policy. | Choose SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H when halogen-free compliance is required per IEC 61249-2-21 or customer green procurement rules. |
| SMA6J18CAHM3_A/H | Higher PPPM (600 W vs. 500 W); same VWM/VBR/VC but larger junction area increases thermal mass and surge endurance. | Better suited for applications requiring >500 W surge margin (e.g., heavy-duty industrial drives), though footprint differs (SMB vs. SMA). | Select SMA6J18CAHM3_A/H only if layout allows SMB (DO-214AA) package and higher surge headroom is validated necessary. |
Compared with SMA5J18CAHE3_A/H, the HM3 suffix adds halogen-free compliance without altering clamping behavior; versus SMA6J18CAHM3_A/H, the SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H offers identical protection in a smaller footprint but lower absolute surge capacity - ideal for space-constrained AEC-Q101 designs where 500 W meets system test requirements.
Availability
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power line protection requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101 qualification.
Supply support for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 validation.
The SMA5JxxCA family delivers high-power-density TVS protection optimized for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive electronics and ruggedized industrial control systems where bidirectional clamping and consistent surge response are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and ensures downstream 24 V-rated ICs remain within safe operating voltage limits during surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, MSL Level 1 reflow rating, and guaranteed performance from -55 °C to +150 °C make it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The "HM3" suffix confirms automotive-grade material compliance per Vishay's ordering nomenclature.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H affect PCB layout?
The SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H has symmetrical terminals with no polarity marking, eliminating orientation constraints during PCB layout and automated placement. Engineers can route traces without regard to anode/cathode direction, simplifying board design and reducing assembly errors. This symmetry also enables use in AC-coupled or floating signal paths where voltage polarity reverses dynamically.
What is the thermal resistance of SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H, and how does it impact PCB design?
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges, designers must allocate adequate copper area and consider thermal vias beneath the SMA pads - especially in enclosed or high-ambient-temperature environments.
Does SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H require external current limiting in series?
No, SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H does not require external current limiting for transient suppression, as it self-limits via avalanche conduction. However, a series impedance (e.g., resistor or ferrite bead) is often used upstream to reduce peak current demand on the TVS and coordinate with upstream protectors like GDTs. The device's low incremental surge resistance ensures efficient energy diversion without external components for basic clamping.
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H?
SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H?
All SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H, 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 SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CAHM3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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