Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J18-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA5J18-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA5J18-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA5J18-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown range (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 - used to protect automotive ECUs, industrial I/O ports, and DC power rails against ESD and load dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMA5J18-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J18-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J18-E3/5A application, or SMA5J18-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HE3 variant), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents <1.0 µA reverse leakage at 18 V, then rapidly avalanches when transient voltage exceeds 20.0 V (min VBR), limiting downstream voltage to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.
Designed for single-polarity DC systems, it supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and exhibits 80 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance when mounted per recommended pad layout - enabling reliable operation in automotive under-hood and industrial control environments up to 150 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working margin for 12 V/24 V DC systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable clamping onset across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamped voltage during 500 W 10/1000 µs surge; limits stress on protected ICs like microcontrollers or CAN transceivers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates robustness against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a/b surges in automotive applications. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables deployment in engine control units and industrial motor drives without derating at ambient ≤125 °C. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - Surface-mount package with 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm footprint and 2.29 mm height; compatible with standard reflow profiles (MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak). |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, cathode band marking on one end. Terminals are anode and cathode; polarity is unidirectional - cathode band denotes the cathode terminal.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage events. |
| Anode | Reference/return path | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return; completes clamping path and defines reference potential for VWM/VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (SMA5J18AHE3/5A) | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD - supports Tier-1 ECU designs. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 10605 ESD), improving protection margin for sensitive inputs. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking - reduces manufacturing overhead in high-volume SMT lines. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs in body control modules against load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS diode placed between VCC and GND, clamping transients to ≤29.2 V to prevent MCU latch-up or brownout. Use Value: Withstands 500 W surges and 40 A forward surge, ensuring survival of repeated load dump events while maintaining <1 µA leakage at 18 V standby. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog input pins of industrial temperature/pressure sensors connected to PLC analog input cards via long field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on sensor signal line (e.g., 4–20 mA loop), referenced to local ground to clamp induced lightning-induced surges. Use Value: 29.2 V clamping voltage prevents op-amp input stage damage; DO-214AC package allows compact PCB layout near connector entry point. |
| DC Power Supply Output Protection | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 24 V switched-mode power supply outputs feeding motor drivers or lighting controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on output rail, activated only during fault conditions (e.g., feedback loop failure), diverting excess energy to ground. Use Value: 18 V VWM provides 20 % margin above nominal 24 V output; 500 W rating handles sustained overvoltage without thermal runaway. | Use Scenario: ESD protection for VBUS line in USB 2.0 host ports of smart home hubs and set-top boxes exposed to user-handling events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS between USB VBUS and chassis ground, suppressing ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-30 V clamping preserves USB PHY integrity; RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations ensure solder joint reliability in consumer reflow processes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA5J18AHE3/5A | AEC-Q101 qualified; identical electrical specs but validated for automotive stress testing (HTOL, TCT, ESD). | Required for automotive OEM designs; not necessary for commercial/industrial use where qualification is not mandated. | Select SMA5J18AHE3/5A when automotive qualification is contractually required; otherwise SMA5J18-E3/5A meets all electrical and mechanical specs. |
| SMC5J18A-E3/57T | Same VWM/VC, but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; higher thermal mass (RθJA = 35 °C/W vs. 80 °C/W) and 600 W PPPM. | Better suited for high-repetition surge environments or higher ambient temperatures where junction heating must be minimized. | Choose SMC5J18A-E3/57T if board space permits and thermal performance under repeated surges is critical; SMA5J18-E3/5A is optimal for space-constrained, cost-sensitive SMT layouts. |
Compared with SMA5J18AHE3/5A, the SMA5J18-E3/5A omits automotive qualification but retains identical clamping behavior and packaging - making it ideal for industrial and consumer applications. Versus SMC5J18A-E3/57T, it trades thermal robustness for smaller footprint and lower cost, fitting tight-layout designs where single-event surge immunity suffices.
Availability
SMA5J18-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and DC power supply output protection requiring stable component supply, consistent RoHS compliance, and support for high-volume tape-and-reel delivery.
Supply support for SMA5J18-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and TVS devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive-grade validation.
The SMA5J series is engineered for high-power-density transient suppression in space-constrained surface-mount applications - targeting automotive, industrial, and computing systems where robustness against ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-2, and lightning-induced surges is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of the SMA5J18-E3/5A?
The SMA5J18-E3/5A has a standoff voltage (VWM) of 18 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse working voltage at which leakage remains below 1.0 µA. This value establishes the operational margin before avalanche conduction begins, making it suitable for 12 V and 24 V DC systems where transient headroom is critical. The SMA5J18-E3/5A maintains this specification across its full temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C).
Is the SMA5J18-E3/5A unidirectional or bidirectional?
The SMA5J18-E3/5A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional). It conducts only in reverse bias during overvoltage events, with a cathode band marking the cathode terminal. This configuration is intended for DC power line protection where polarity is fixed - unlike bidirectional types used on AC or data lines. The SMA5J18-E3/5A does not conduct in forward bias except during specified surge conditions.
What is the clamping voltage (VC) of the SMA5J18-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMA5J18-E3/5A clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This clamping voltage defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - ensuring downstream components such as microcontrollers or CAN transceivers remain within safe operating limits. The SMA5J18-E3/5A achieves this with low incremental surge resistance for minimal overshoot.
Does the SMA5J18-E3/5A meet automotive qualification standards?
The SMA5J18-E3/5A itself is RoHS-compliant and manufactured to commercial-grade specifications. However, its AEC-Q101-qualified counterpart - SMA5J18AHE3/5A - shares identical electrical parameters and DO-214AC packaging but undergoes extended stress testing (HTOL, TCT, ESD) per automotive requirements. For designs requiring formal automotive qualification, SMA5J18AHE3/5A must be selected; the SMA5J18-E3/5A remains fully suitable for industrial and consumer applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
What package type and mounting requirements apply to the SMA5J18-E3/5A?
The SMA5J18-E3/5A uses the DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package - measuring 5.28 mm × 4.50 mm with 2.29 mm height - and requires mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for rated 500 W pulse power dissipation. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and the device meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow), eliminating bake requirements prior to assembly. The SMA5J18-E3/5A is optimized for high-speed automated placement.
SMA5J18-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SMA5J18-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA5J18-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA5J18-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 SMA5J18-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA5J18-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 SMA5J18-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA5J18-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA5J18-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA5J18-E3/5A?
SMA5J18-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA5J18-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 SMA5J18-E3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA5J18-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA5J18-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA5J18-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA5J18-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 SMA5J18-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA5J18-E3/5A?
All SMA5J18-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA5J18-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 SMA5J18-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA5J18-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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