Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12AHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12AHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,222
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 20.1 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - ideal for safeguarding MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ12AHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ12AHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ12AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q101 qualification, low incremental surge resistance, fast response time (<1 ps), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on consumer, industrial, and automotive PCBs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with cathode-banded polarity, leveraging a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve stable avalanche breakdown behavior under transient stress. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and junction temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C) support reliable operation in compact, thermally constrained layouts.
The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (reflow peak 260 °C), uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and delivers consistent clamping performance across its rated surge current range - validated under non-repetitive 10/1000 μs pulses with ≤0.01% duty cycle.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC/AC signal line operating margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 20.1 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 400 W surge; limits downstream voltage stress. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak transient energy absorption capability; sufficient for automotive load-dump and inductive kick events. |
| IFSM | 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - Surge current handling for unidirectional forward conduction; supports rare high-energy fault conditions. |
| Junction Temp Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial control, and outdoor embedded systems. |
| Leakage Current | 1.0 μA max at VWM - Minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in always-on circuits. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with molded UL 94 V-0 compound and cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity identification.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance reference; completes clamping loop during overvoltage events. |
| Cathode | Avalanche breakdown terminal | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., I/O, power rail); conducts when VAK exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per JESD22 standards. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients without degradation - critical for CAN/LIN bus protection and motor driver gate drive lines. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term parameter stability under thermal and humidity stress. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns; eliminates bake requirements pre-SMT. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping - preserves timing margins and logic thresholds in high-speed interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and analog front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA or 0–10 V analog sensor outputs from ESD and field-induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1 μA) standoff protection on signal line input to ADC or isolator. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity during normal operation while clamping ±1 kV ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Suppression | Telecom DSL Line Transient Guarding |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level ESD protection on USB VBUS and D+/D− lines in portable chargers and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-nanosecond) clamping device placed after primary polymer fuse. Use Value: Absorbs 30 A contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) without latch-up or parametric shift. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on twisted-pair DSL subscriber lines exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power (400 W) unidirectional TVS integrated into line interface module PCB. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 20.1 A while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 12 V. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/61 | Same electrical specs and SMA package; RoHS-compliant commercial grade (non-AEC-Q101). | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for consumer/industrial designs without AEC requirements. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive reliability validation needs. |
| SMAJ12AHM3_A/I | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM. | Meets stricter environmental mandates (e.g., EU automotive OEM halogen bans) without performance trade-offs. | Choose for Tier 1 automotive supply chains requiring halogen-free compliance documentation. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/61 and SMAJ12AHM3_A/I, the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I provides identical surge performance and AEC-Q101 qualification but uses standard RoHS-compliant plating (not halogen-free), making it optimal for cost-sensitive automotive modules where halogen content is not restricted.
Availability
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer USB power delivery systems, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where robustness, consistency, and qualification compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I under maximum rated surge current?
The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 20.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88390) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems. Its construction - glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, and −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range - meets stringent automotive reliability requirements. The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is explicitly designated for automotive use via its "HE3" suffix per Vishay's ordering nomenclature.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMAJ12AHE3_A/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SMAJ12AHE3_A/I denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification - distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants like "E3" (RoHS, non-automotive) or "HM3" (halogen-free + AEC-Q101). The "_A/I" portion specifies packaging: "A" indicates tape-and-reel format, and "I" denotes 7500-unit quantity on 13-inch reels. This full designation ensures traceability to Vishay's qualified automotive product line.
How does the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SMAJ12CA?
The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is unidirectional and intended for DC-biased lines (e.g., power rails, single-ended signals), whereas SMAJ12CA is bidirectional for AC-coupled or symmetric signal paths. Their VWM (12 V) and VC (19.9 V) match, but SMAJ12AHE3_A/I conducts only in reverse avalanche mode, while SMAJ12CA clamps in both polarities. The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I offers lower leakage (<1 μA) than SMAJ12CA above 10 V, making it preferable for precision DC sensing nodes.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I, and how does it affect layout design?
The SMAJ12AHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended copper pads (0.2" × 0.2" per terminal). This value implies that at 3.3 W steady-state dissipation, junction temperature rise could exceed 396 °C - underscoring that the device is intended for transient (not continuous) power dissipation. Layout must prioritize short, wide traces to ground and avoid thermal isolation; the SMAJ12AHE3_A/I relies on system-level heat sinking rather than intrinsic thermal performance.
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I 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:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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)
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ12AHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12AHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I?
SMAJ12AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12AHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ12AHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ12AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12AHE3_A/I 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 SMAJ12AHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12AHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ12AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12AHE3_A/I, 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 SMAJ12AHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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