Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA6J12A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA6J12A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA6J12A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 18.8VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA6J12A-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, with 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR at IT = 1 mA), and 18.8 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 31.9 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs). It delivers 600 W peak pulse power and is designed for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients in industrial and telecom equipment.
For engineers reviewing the SMA6J12A-M3/5A datasheet, SMA6J12A-M3/5A pinout, SMA6J12A-M3/5A application, or SMA6J12A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected device's absolute maximum rating, unidirectional polarity compatibility with DC-biased lines, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and halogen-free RoHS-compliant M3 suffix for industrial-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias (≤12 V), it exhibits ≤0.2 μA reverse leakage; during transient overvoltage exceeding VBR (13.3–14.7 V), it avalanches to clamp the line at ≤18.8 V (at 31.9 A, 10/1000 μs). Its dynamic resistance (RD = 0.128 Ω) ensures low voltage overshoot during fast surges.
Designed for PCB-mounted surge suppression, it uses a planar junction structure in an SMA package with matte tin-plated leads, rated for MSL level 1 per J-STD-020 and 260 °C reflow peak. The cathode band denotes polarity, and its thermal performance assumes 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for protected circuit's DC bias. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Breakdown onset range; defines minimum overvoltage threshold triggering clamping action. |
| VC @ IPP | 18.8 V at 31.9 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamped voltage during standardized surge; must stay below protected IC's absolute max rating. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 600 W - Peak surge energy handling capability under industry-standard long-duration waveform. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤0.2 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; determines temperature rise under 4 W steady-state dissipation at TA = 50 °C. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Only protects against positive transients on cathode-side biased lines; not suitable for AC or bidirectional paths. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode denoted by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink path during avalanche | Connected to protected line's lower-potential side (e.g., GND or negative rail); carries full surge current during clamping. |
| Cathode | Reference node for breakdown initiation | Connected to protected line's higher-potential side (e.g., VCC or signal); color band identifies this terminal for correct PCB orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMA package | Enables high-density PCB layouts and compatibility with automated SMT placement equipment without height interference. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak without moisture-induced damage, eliminating bake requirements pre-assembly. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Fulfills industrial environmental compliance mandates and reduces corrosive gas emission during end-of-life incineration. |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR | 1.41 (18.8 V / 13.3 V min) - Tight ratio ensures predictable voltage limiting with minimal headroom overhead for downstream ICs. |
| Dynamic resistance RD | 0.128 Ω - Low impedance during conduction minimizes clamping voltage rise under high di/dt transients. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Protection | Telecom Power Supply Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses voltage spikes induced by relay coil de-energization or IGBT switching in PLC output modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode placed across motor driver outputs or relay coils to clamp transients before they reach gate drivers or logic ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤18.8 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 24 V-rated control ICs while surviving 50 A IFSM surge events. |
Use Scenario: Guards primary-side DC input of telecom power supplies against lightning-induced surges on -48 V distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between input rail and chassis ground to divert 8/20 μs surges up to 4000 W. Use Value: Withstands 4000 W (8/20 μs) peak pulse power and clamps within 18.8 V, maintaining supply stability without crowbar action. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Sensor Lines | Consumer Appliance Microcontroller I/O Protection |
Use Scenario: Protects LIN bus or analog sensor inputs (e.g., temperature, pressure) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed in series with sensor signal traces to clamp ESD and switching noise before reaching MCU ADC or comparator inputs. Use Value: Delivers <0.2 μA leakage at 12 V, preserving signal accuracy, and clamps 31.9 A transients with 0.128 Ω RD for minimal overshoot. |
Use Scenario: Shields GPIO and UART lines of white-goods MCUs from ESD and inductive kickback from solenoid valves or fan motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode mounted directly at connector entry point to absorb human-body-model (HBM) ESD and board-level transients. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15 kV air, 8 kV contact) via low clamping voltage and fast response (<1 ns), preventing MCU reset or latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA6J12A-E3/5A | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant with lead-free plating only (not halogen-free); base P/N-E3 vs. M3. | Acceptable where halogen-free requirement is not mandated; slightly higher whisker risk (E3 meets JESD 201 Class 1, M3 meets Class 2). | Select SMA6J12A-E3/5A for cost-sensitive consumer designs without halogen restrictions. |
| SMAJ12A-M3 | Lower PPPM: 400 W (vs. 600 W); same VWM/VBR/VC, but reduced surge capacity due to different construction and derating. | Suitable for lower-energy transients (e.g., ESD-only); insufficient for 10/1000 μs inductive load switching per IEC 61000-4-4. | Choose SMAJ12A-M3 only when peak surge energy is confirmed ≤400 W; otherwise SMA6J12A-M3/5A provides necessary 50 % margin. |
Compared with SMA6J12A-E3/5A, the M3 suffix adds halogen-free compliance and enhanced whisker resistance; compared with SMAJ12A-M3, SMA6J12A-M3/5A delivers 50 % higher 10/1000 μs surge rating-critical for industrial motor drive and telecom infrastructure where sustained energy absorption is required.
Availability
SMA6J12A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, automotive body control modules, and consumer appliance microcontroller protection requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMA6J12A-M3/5A 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and industrial-grade qualification.
The SMA6JxxA family is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting applications demanding high surge immunity, MSL-1 reflow compatibility, and halogen-free materials for long-lifecycle industrial systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA6J12A-M3/5A at 31.9 A?
The SMA6J12A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 18.8 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs surge current of 31.9 A. This value is measured per the manufacturer's test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during such a transient event. The SMA6J12A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SMA6J12A-M3/5A suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, SMA6J12A-M3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode and only protects against positive-going transients on lines referenced to ground. It cannot suppress negative excursions or AC-coupled signals. For bidirectional protection, a symmetric TVS like SMBJ12CA or a dual-diode array would be required. The SMA6J12A-M3/5A polarity is marked by a cathode band and must be oriented correctly in-circuit.
What does the "M3/5A" suffix mean in SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
The "M3" suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "/5A" denotes packaging in 13-inch diameter tape-and-reel format containing 7500 units. This differs from "/61", which specifies 7-inch reels with 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications.
How does SMA6J12A-M3/5A compare to SMAJ12A-M3 in surge handling?
SMA6J12A-M3/5A delivers 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), whereas SMAJ12A-M3 is rated for 400 W under the same waveform. This 50 % higher energy rating makes SMA6J12A-M3/5A appropriate for higher-energy inductive switching events, such as those found in industrial motor controls. The SMA6J12A-M3/5A also features tighter VBR tolerance and lower dynamic resistance (0.128 Ω vs. ~0.15 Ω typical).
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal performance of SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
Vishay specifies a minimum pad layout of 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper area per terminal to achieve the published RθJA of 120 °C/W. Using smaller pads increases thermal resistance and reduces safe operating current during repetitive surges. The SMA6J12A-M3/5A datasheet provides exact dimensions in inches and millimeters for the SMA (DO-214AC) outline and mounting footprint.
SMA6J12A-M3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 18.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 31.9A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- 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)
SMA6J12A-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA6J12A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA6J12A-M3/5A 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 SMA6J12A-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA6J12A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA6J12A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA6J12A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
SMA6J12A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA6J12A-M3/5A 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 SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA6J12A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA6J12A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA6J12A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA6J12A-M3/5A 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 SMA6J12A-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA6J12A-M3/5A?
All SMA6J12A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA6J12A-M3/5A, 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 SMA6J12A-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA6J12A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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