Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CAHM3/H
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CAHM3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CAHM3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,607
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CAHM3/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 power and signal 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 operates from −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CAHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J18CAHM3/H pinout, SMA5J18CAHM3/H application, or SMA5J18CAHM3/H equivalent, this part serves as a halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified TVS for automotive and industrial overvoltage protection where bidirectional clamping, low clamping ratio, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are required.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping under repetitive transients. Its symmetrical I-V characteristics ensure identical protection in both polarities without polarity marking.
The device is rated for 500 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 µs waveform, derated above 25 °C per thermal curve Fig. 2, and exhibits 25 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance-enabling effective heat dissipation when mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 15–18 V DC bus systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures reliable turn-on during transients while avoiding false triggering. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress; clamping ratio (VC/VWM) = 1.62 supports robust protection of 24 V tolerant interfaces. |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 µs) - Sustains high-energy surges common in automotive load-dump and inductive switching events. |
| TJ range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in engine bay, powertrain, and industrial control environments with extreme ambient conditions. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount, low-profile package compatible with automated placement and J-STD-020 reflow (MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak). |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per AEC standard; suffix HM3 denotes halogen-free compliance. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional terminal pair | No designated anode/cathode; terminals interchangeable-enables placement without orientation check in PCB layout. |
| Case | Non-connected | Plastic body provides electrical isolation; no thermal or electrical connection to PCB except via leads. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions-eliminates need for polarity-aware routing on differential or AC-coupled lines. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VWM = 1.62 ensures minimal overvoltage exposure to protected ICs compared to typical 1.8–2.2 ratios in legacy TVS devices. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive underhood use-supports design-in for ADAS camera modules, body control units, and motor drivers without additional qualification effort. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | HM3 suffix confirms compliance with JEDEC J-STD-208 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU-meets Tier 1 automotive supply chain requirements. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Unlimited floor life and compatibility with standard 260 °C reflow profiles-reduces manufacturing risk and eliminates bake-out steps. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails in vehicle ECUs against ISO 7637-2 pulse 1, 2a, and 5a transients. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge suppression element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontroller power inputs. Use Value: Withstands 500 W surges and clamps to 29.2 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 36 V-rated regulators and PMICs in battery management systems. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in factory automation PLC I/O modules from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional line protector on unshielded 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal paths exposed to field wiring. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping avoids signal inversion or offset shift during ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), preserving measurement accuracy. |
| Telecom Data Line Surge Suppression | Consumer USB Port Overvoltage Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in base station backhaul equipment subjected to lightning-induced surges on long-distance twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), absorbing residual energy after GDT crowbar action. Use Value: 29.2 V clamping voltage aligns with RS-485 receiver common-mode range (−7 V to +12 V), preventing damage to transceiver input stages. |
Use Scenario: Adding robustness to USB 2.0 VBUS lines in smart home hubs against hot-plug inrush and adapter fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role: Standalone overvoltage clamp on 5 V supply rail feeding USB controller and port switches. Use Value: 18 V VWM allows full 5 V operation with margin, while 29.2 V clamping prevents damage to 6 V-rated USB switch ICs during 12 V adapter misconnection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18CAHE3/H | Same electrical specs and package; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs HM3); lacks JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance certification. | Approved for commercial/industrial use; not qualified for automotive underhood due to missing AEC-Q101 and halogen-free status. | Select SMA5J18CAHE3/H only if halogen-free requirement or automotive qualification is not mandated. |
| SMA6J18CAHM3/H | Higher 600 W PPPM rating; otherwise identical VWM, VBR, VC, and package; larger junction area increases thermal mass. | Preferred for systems requiring extended surge endurance beyond 500 W (e.g., heavy-duty truck 24 V systems with higher energy pulses). | Choose SMA6J18CAHM3/H when surge test margins require >500 W headroom; note increased RθJA (90 °C/W) may impact thermal design. |
Compared with SMA5J18CAHE3/H, SMA5J18CAHM3/H adds halogen-free construction and AEC-Q101 qualification-critical for automotive Tier 1 sourcing-while SMA6J18CAHM3/H trades identical footprint for higher surge capacity at the cost of slightly reduced thermal efficiency.
Availability
SMA5J18CAHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with guaranteed halogen-free and AEC-Q101-compliant TVS diodes.
Supply support for SMA5J18CAHM3/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 qualification.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial applications-delivering 500 W surge capability in the compact SMA (DO-214AC) package.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J18CAHM3/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J18CAHM3/H has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A, measured using a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is specified in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88875, Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS", row for SMA5J18A (bidirectional variant SMA5J18CA shares identical VC). The clamping performance remains consistent across temperature and lifetime when operated within rated conditions.
Is SMA5J18CAHM3/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMA5J18CAHM3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction-meeting Tier 1 automotive supply chain requirements. It is explicitly validated for underhood use per Vishay's ordering information table, where "HM3" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification. The device's −55 °C to +150 °C operating range and MSL Level 1 reflow rating further support automotive deployment in ECUs, body controllers, and ADAS modules.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMA5J18CAHM3/H affect PCB layout?
The SMA5J18CAHM3/H has no polarity marking and symmetric electrical behavior in both directions, so PCB layout requires no orientation alignment-either lead can connect to either side of the protected line. This simplifies placement, eliminates risk of reverse installation, and enables use on AC-coupled or differential signal paths (e.g., RS-485, CAN) without concern for terminal assignment. The DO-214AC package's center-symmetry reinforces this flexibility.
What is the thermal resistance of SMA5J18CAHM3/H, and how does it impact board design?
SMA5J18CAHM3/H has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 25 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C during repeated surges, designers must provide adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length between the device and ground/power planes-especially critical in high-duty-cycle industrial applications.
Does SMA5J18CAHM3/H meet any industry-standard surge immunity tests out of the box?
SMA5J18CAHM3/H is characterized to withstand standardized surge waveforms including 10/1000 µs (per ANSI/IEEE C62.35) and 8.3 ms half-sine (for unidirectional variants), but system-level compliance (e.g., ISO 16750-2, IEC 61000-4-5) depends on full circuit implementation-including PCB layout, upstream impedance, and coordination with other protectors. Its 500 W rating and 29.2 V clamping make it suitable as a key component in designs targeting these standards, though validation must occur at the board level.
SMA5J18CAHM3/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:
- 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:
- 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/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CAHM3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CAHM3/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/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CAHM3/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/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CAHM3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CAHM3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18CAHM3/H?
SMA5J18CAHM3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CAHM3/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/H?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CAHM3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CAHM3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CAHM3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CAHM3/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/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CAHM3/H?
All SMA5J18CAHM3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CAHM3/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/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CAHM3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA5J18CAHM3/H Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

