Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA6J18AHM3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMA6J18AHM3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA6J18AHM3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 28.3VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA6J18AHM3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR at IT = 1 mA), 28.3 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 10/1000 μs 65.9 A pulse, and 600 W peak pulse power rating - deployed to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and telecom equipment.
For engineers reviewing the SMA6J18AHM3/5A datasheet, SMA6J18AHM3/5A pinout, SMA6J18AHM3/5A application, or SMA6J18AHM3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include verified unidirectional polarity, clamping performance under 10/1000 μs and 8/20 μs surge waveforms, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), MSL Level 1 compliance, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction per suffix M3.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches to limit transient energy across protected circuit nodes. Its dynamic resistance (RD = 0.292 Ω) and low leakage current (ID ≤ 0.2 μA at VWM) ensure minimal standby loading while delivering fast response to ESD and lightning-induced surges.
Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, it sustains 50 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and dissipates 4 W at TA = 50 °C with no heatsink required for typical PCB layouts using 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe standoff level for 18 V nominal rails. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at IT = 1 mA - Verified avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPPM | 28.3 V at 65.9 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage under standard surge; guarantees downstream ICs see ≤28.3 V during transient events. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 600 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges on 24 V systems. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; enables thermal design with standard FR-4 PCB copper area without forced cooling. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Cathode-band marked; suitable only for DC-biased or positive-polarity transient suppression, not AC line applications. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - No floor life limitation; compatible with standard SMT reflow up to 260 °C peak without baking. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102; cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry during forward conduction; connected to lower-potential node in unidirectional configuration. | Enables forward surge current path (IFSM = 50 A); must be routed to ground or return path in clamping topology. |
| Cathode | Current exit during reverse avalanche; connected to protected line (e.g., 18 V rail or signal trace). | Defines clamping reference point; voltage between cathode and anode is limited to ≤28.3 V during transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction | M3 suffix confirms full halogen-free material set and industrial-grade reliability per JEDEC standards. |
| Low-profile SMA package | 0.208" × 0.157" footprint with 0.074" height - enables high-density layout and automated placement on compact PCBs. |
| Clamping efficiency (VC/VBR) | 1.41× (28.3 V / 20.0 V) - Tight ratio ensures minimal overvoltage overshoot during fast transients. |
| Dynamic resistance (RD) | 0.292 Ω - Low impedance during clamping reduces voltage rise under high-current surges (ΔV = RD × IPP). |
| Junction temperature range | -55 °C to +150 °C - Supports operation in harsh environments including industrial motor drives and outdoor telecom enclosures. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Protection | Telecom Power Rail Clamping |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from relay coils and solenoid drivers in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed across 24 V DC coil supply to clamp flyback spikes before they reach driver ICs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤28.3 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces sharing the same ground plane. |
Use Scenario: Protecting 18 V bias rails feeding RF front-end amplifiers in base station power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected between 18 V rail and chassis ground to absorb lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. Use Value: Withstands 600 W (10/1000 μs) pulses without degradation, maintaining stable VWM = 18 V for long-term system uptime. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Consumer Sensor Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor controllers against load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed on 12 V–18 V supply inputs to absorb ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a surges. Use Value: MSL Level 1 and -55 °C to +150 °C rating ensure robustness through automotive reflow and under-hood thermal cycling. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines of temperature/humidity sensors in smart home hubs from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤0.2 μA) TVS placed on sensor VOUT traces to prevent false readings or ADC saturation during human-body-model ESD. Use Value: Clamps 8/20 μs surges to ≤33.2 V at 102 A, preserving signal integrity without adding capacitance that would distort <10 kHz sensor bandwidth. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA6J18AHE3/5A | Same electrical specs but RoHS-compliant E3 suffix (tin-lead-free, not halogen-free); RθJA identical; MSL Level 1 retained. | No halogen-free requirement; acceptable where industrial grade is sufficient but halogen restriction is not mandated. | Select SMA6J18AHE3/5A if halogen-free certification is unnecessary and cost sensitivity favors standard RoHS over M3. |
| SMCJ18A-M3/57 | Higher-power SMC (DO-214AB) package: 1500 W PPPM (10/1000 μs), VC = 29.2 V at 51.7 A, RθJA = 40 °C/W - larger footprint, higher surge capacity. | Required for >1000 W surge immunity or extended thermal margin in high-power industrial inverters. | Choose SMCJ18A-M3/57 only when 600 W is insufficient and PCB space allows larger SMC package; not drop-in compatible. |
Compared with SMA6J18AHM3/5A, SMA6J18AHE3/5A offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance, while SMCJ18A-M3/57 provides significantly higher surge rating at the cost of larger size and different thermal behavior - neither is pin-compatible, but both serve adjacent design tiers in unidirectional TVS selection.
Availability
SMA6J18AHM3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, automotive body control modules, and consumer sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and MSL Level 1 manufacturability.
Supply support for SMA6J18AHM3/5A 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, precision, and high-volume manufacturability.
The SMA6JxxA series is part of Vishay's Transient Voltage Suppressor family, engineered specifically for robust, low-profile, surface-mount surge protection in industrial, automotive, and telecom power and signal lines.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMA6J18AHM3/5A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMA6J18AHM3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.3 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 65.9 A. This value is measured per the test conditions specified in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 89460), with device mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. The SMA6J18AHM3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range.
Is SMA6J18AHM3/5A suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the SMA6J18AHM3/5A is strictly unidirectional, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation stating "Available in unidirectional polarity only" and specifying cathode-band marking. It conducts only in reverse avalanche mode and does not suppress negative-going transients on AC-coupled lines. For bidirectional protection, a dedicated symmetric TVS like SMA6J18CA must be selected instead of SMA6J18AHM3/5A.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SMA6J18AHM3/5A?
The "M3" suffix in SMA6J18AHM3/5A denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade construction per Vishay's material categorization standard. It confirms compliance with JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing and UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. This distinguishes it from the "E3" variant, which is RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free - a critical distinction for environmental compliance in EU and Asia-Pacific markets.
Can SMA6J18AHM3/5A be used on a 24 V DC system?
Yes, the SMA6J18AHM3/5A is commonly applied on 24 V DC systems where transient clamping is needed - its 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM) provides adequate margin below 24 V nominal, and its 28.3 V clamping voltage remains safely below typical 30 V absolute maximum ratings of many DC-DC controllers and interface ICs. System validation must confirm that worst-case surge energy stays within the 600 W (10/1000 μs) rating of the SMA6J18AHM3/5A.
What is the thermal resistance of SMA6J18AHM3/5A, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMA6J18AHM3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on PCBs with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. This value assumes no external heatsinking; exceeding 4 W power dissipation (at TA = 50 °C) requires increased copper area or thermal vias. Layout must maintain minimum pad dimensions and avoid excessive trace length to preserve thermal and surge-current integrity for the SMA6J18AHM3/5A.
SMA6J18AHM3/5A 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:
- 28.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 21.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- 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)
SMA6J18AHM3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA6J18AHM3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA6J18AHM3/5A 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 SMA6J18AHM3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA6J18AHM3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA6J18AHM3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA6J18AHM3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA6J18AHM3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA6J18AHM3/5A?
SMA6J18AHM3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA6J18AHM3/5A 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 SMA6J18AHM3/5A?
For technical support, including SMA6J18AHM3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA6J18AHM3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA6J18AHM3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA6J18AHM3/5A 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 SMA6J18AHM3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA6J18AHM3/5A?
All SMA6J18AHM3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA6J18AHM3/5A, 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 SMA6J18AHM3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA6J18AHM3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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