Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18CHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18CHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18CHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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), 29.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 17.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18CHE3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18CHE3/5A pinout, SMA5J18CHE3/5A application, or SMA5J18CHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix, 150 °C max junction temperature, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, with clamping action triggered when reverse or forward voltage exceeds VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM) and fast response time (<1 ns), critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O against ESD and inductive switching transients.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 80 °C/W and RθJL = 25 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing due to its matte tin-plated leads and HE3 qualification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown threshold defining turn-on precision |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capacity under standardized transient waveform |
| IPPM | 17.1 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without failure |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature supporting under-hood automotive use |
| Leakage (ID) | <1.0 µA at 18 V - negligible standby current ensuring low-power system integrity |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-020 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bi-directional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient conduction path | No functional polarity - terminals interchangeable; clamps voltage surges equally in either direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhanced long-term stability and reduced parameter drift under thermal stress and humidity |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without preconditioning or baking |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for sensitive ICs |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and full EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across differential or single-ended signal lines upstream of interface ICs. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤29.2 V, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in AEC-Q100 qualified microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on 24 V DC input rails and optocoupler front-end circuits. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W surges without degradation, maintaining >100 k-cycle lifetime under repeated 17.1 A transients. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Interface | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for USB-C PD adapters and AC/DC converters subject to lightning-induced surges on primary-side rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side clamping device across DC output rails feeding PMICs and USB controllers. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs transients within 1 ns, preventing brownout resets and data corruption in embedded firmware. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers in network edge equipment subjected to induced surges per ITU-T K.20/21. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS integrated into RJ-45 magnetics module PCB layout near connector entry point. Use Value: Withstands ≥1000 surges at rated IPPM, ensuring field-replaceable line cards meet 10-year telecom infrastructure MTBF targets. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18CA-E3/5A | Same electrical specs but E3 suffix (commercial grade, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test) | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification; not approved for automotive under-hood use | Select when cost-sensitive industrial or consumer designs do not require automotive qualification |
| SMC5J18CAHE3/5A | Same VWM/VC but larger DO-214AB (SMB) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 50 °C/W) | Better power dissipation for repetitive surges; requires larger PCB footprint | Choose for high-duty-cycle environments where 500 W must be sustained multiple times per second |
Compared with SMA5J18CHE3/5A, the E3 variant trades automotive qualification for lower cost, while the SMC5J18CAHE3/5A offers superior thermal performance at the expense of board space - making SMA5J18CHE3/5A optimal for space-constrained AEC-Q101-compliant designs requiring precise 18 V standoff and bi-directional symmetry.
Availability
SMA5J18CHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line card protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMA5J series delivers high-power-density TVS protection optimized for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive electronics and ruggedized industrial control systems demanding repeatable clamping performance and MSL Level 1 assembly compatibility.
FAQ
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SMA5J18CHE3/5A?
The HE3 suffix in SMA5J18CHE3/5A indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes this automotive-grade variant from the commercial E3 version, confirming compliance with stringent automotive reliability standards including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock testing - all verified per the official Vishay datasheet 88875.
Is SMA5J18CHE3/5A unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMA5J18CHE3/5A is a bi-directional transient voltage suppressor, as confirmed by its "CA" designation (SMA5J18**C**A) and absence of cathode band marking. Its electrical characteristics - including symmetrical VBR, VC, and leakage - apply identically in both polarities, making it suitable for AC-coupled lines and differential bus protection without polarity concerns.
What is the clamping voltage of SMA5J18CHE3/5A at its rated surge current?
The clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J18CHE3/5A is 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 and Table on page 2 of Vishay document 88875 and defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a worst-case transient event.
Can SMA5J18CHE3/5A replace SMA5J18A in a design?
No - SMA5J18CHE3/5A is bi-directional (CA), while SMA5J18A is uni-directional (A). They differ in polarity marking, leakage behavior under forward bias, and application scope. Substituting SMA5J18CHE3/5A for SMA5J18A would eliminate required forward conduction paths in DC-biased circuits and may compromise protection efficacy. Always verify polarity and circuit topology before interchange.
What is the thermal resistance of SMA5J18CHE3/5A, and how does it affect layout?
SMA5J18CHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 80 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per datasheet note. This requires careful PCB layout: minimum pad size, adequate copper pour, and avoidance of thermal isolation - especially in automotive applications where ambient temperatures approach 125 °C and sustained surges could raise junction temperature beyond the 150 °C limit.
SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMA5J18CHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18CHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18CHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA5J18CHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18CHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18CHE3/5A transactions.
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SMA5J18CHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18CHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18CHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18CHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18CHE3/5A 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 SMA5J18CHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18CHE3/5A?
All SMA5J18CHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18CHE3/5A, 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 SMA5J18CHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18CHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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