Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18C-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18C-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18C-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18C-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for robust overvoltage 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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18C-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J18C-E3/5A application, or SMA5J18C-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C junction temperature rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with electrical characteristics defined identically for forward and reverse directions per J-STD-020 MSL level 1 handling. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior under repetitive surge stress, and its thermal resistance (RθJA = 80 °C/W) supports operation up to TJ = 150 °C when mounted per recommended pad layout.
The device responds to 10/1000 µs waveform transients with sub-nanosecond intrinsic response time and clamps with VC = 29.2 V at IPPM = 17.1 A. It exhibits ≤1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM = 18 V and meets AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability without polarity marking on the case.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse stand-off voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - guaranteed breakdown range at 1 mA test current, defining turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V - clamping voltage at 17.1 A peak pulse current, limiting protected circuit stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling for 10/1000 µs transients, enabling high-energy surge absorption |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature, supporting under-hood and industrial ambient conditions |
| MSL Level | Level 1 - no floor life limitation; compatible with standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AC (SMA), surface-mount, bi-directional configuration with no polarity marking. Cathode band absent; terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (either direction) | One end of the bi-directional avalanche junction; connects to line under protection |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (either direction) | Other end of the bi-directional avalanche junction; connects to ground or return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low parameter drift across temperature and lifetime |
| Low Rsurge | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) |
| Automated placement ready | DO-214AC footprint and matte tin plating meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 22-B102 reliability |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS sensor interface applications |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Port Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN, LIN, or analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground, absorbing ±100 V/500 W surges. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or damage to downstream MCU inputs while maintaining signal integrity below 29.2 V clamping threshold. | Use Scenario: Shielding PLC digital input modules from field-side surges caused by relay coil de-energization or lightning-induced coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage suppression element on 24 V DC input channels, mounted directly at connector entry point. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 µs transients up to 500 W without degradation, extending system uptime in factory environments. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Interface | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB-C or barrel-jack input stages in wall adapters against ESD and AC line cross-talk. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor between input rectifier and primary-side controller, rated for bi-directional 18 V operation. Use Value: Clamps fast ESD events (<1 ns rise) to <29.2 V while exhibiting only 1.0 µA leakage at 18 V, minimizing standby power loss. | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or VDSL line drivers from induced surges on outdoor telecom drops or building entry points. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on differential pairs, used alongside gas discharge tubes (GDTs) in hybrid protection schemes. Use Value: Provides low-clamp, fast-response layer that handles residual energy after GDT crowbar action, ensuring PHY IC survival. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18CA-E3/5A | Identical electrical specs and packaging; CA suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional version per Vishay naming convention | No functional difference; SMA5J18C-E3/5A and SMA5J18CA-E3/5A refer to same device per datasheet revision 24-Oct-12 | Select SMA5J18CA-E3/5A if ordering system requires explicit 'CA' suffix for bi-directional identification |
| SMCJ18CA | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W) | Better suited for higher average power dissipation or extended surge duty cycles; requires larger PCB footprint | Choose SMCJ18CA where board space allows and thermal derating margin is critical beyond single-event 500 W pulses |
Compared with SMA5J18C-E3/5A, SMA5J18CA-E3/5A is a naming variant with identical performance, while SMCJ18CA offers superior thermal handling at the cost of footprint - making the SMA5J18C-E3/5A optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial SMT designs requiring AEC-Q101 compliance.
Availability
SMA5J18C-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant sourcing, and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMA5J18C-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 diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where compact size, AEC-Q101 validation, and repeatable clamping behavior are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SMA5J18C-E3/5A?
SMA5J18C-E3/5A is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor, meaning it functions identically in both forward and reverse bias directions. Unlike uni-directional variants, it has no cathode band marking on the DO-214AC (SMA) package, and its electrical characteristics - including VBR, VC, and IPPM - apply symmetrically across polarity. This makes SMA5J18C-E3/5A ideal for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths where voltage reversals occur.
Does SMA5J18C-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SMA5J18C-E3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 24-Oct-12. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and electrostatic discharge (ESD), validating its suitability for automotive applications such as body control modules, sensor interfaces, and infotainment power rails. The "HE3" suffix denotes AEC-Q101 grade, but SMA5J18C-E3/5A itself carries full qualification per the base specification.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J18C-E3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J18C-E3/5A is 29.2 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under a standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during transient events. The low VC ensures downstream components - such as automotive MCUs or industrial ADCs - remain within safe operating voltage margins even during high-energy surges.
How does the thermal performance of SMA5J18C-E3/5A compare to larger package alternatives?
SMA5J18C-E3/5A 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. In comparison, the SMCJ18CA in DO-214AB (SMC) package achieves RθJA ≈ 35 °C/W due to greater thermal mass and pad area. Thus, SMA5J18C-E3/5A is optimized for space-constrained layouts where single-pulse 500 W handling is sufficient, while SMCJ18CA better supports repeated or sustained surge duty cycles.
Is SMA5J18C-E3/5A compatible with lead-free reflow processes?
Yes, SMA5J18C-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and rated for lead-free reflow with a maximum peak temperature of 260 °C, meeting J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1. Its matte tin-plated leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and the E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 class 1A whisker testing. No pre-baking is required prior to assembly.
SMA5J18C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.5A
- 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)
SMA5J18C-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18C-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18C-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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18C-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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18C-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18C-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18C-E3/5A?
SMA5J18C-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18C-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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18C-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18C-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18C-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18C-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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18C-E3/5A?
All SMA5J18C-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18C-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 SMA5J18C-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18C-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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