Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. 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 - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12CAHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ12CAHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ12CAHE3/5A application, or SMAJ12CAHE3/5A equivalent, this device delivers AEC-Q101 qualified surge protection with low incremental surge resistance, fast response time, and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity - critical for high-reliability board-level ESD and lightning transient suppression in space-constrained designs.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, enabling robust protection without polarity dependency on AC-coupled or differential signal paths. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the SMA package supports automated placement and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
The device sustains repetitive 400 W pulses (duty cycle 0.01%) up to 150 °C junction temperature, with thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead). It is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) in unidirectional mode - though SMAJ12CAHE3/5A is bidirectional and thus not rated for forward conduction.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal swing margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 20.1 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream component stress to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| IFSM | Not applicable - Bidirectional configuration lacks defined forward surge rating; only unidirectional variants specify 40 A. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Low-profile SMD outline (5.28 mm × 4.50 mm); compatible with standard reflow profiles and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional - no polarity marking; symmetrical terminal configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; conducts surge current in either direction when VWM exceeded. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 without degradation. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping - critical for protecting 3.3 V and 5 V logic rails. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C lead-free reflow compatible | Enables single-pass assembly without pre-baking; reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage performance across temperature and lifetime. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching protected IC. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 19.9 V clamping level while surviving repeated 400 W transients - meeting ISO 16750-2 pulse 5a requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input/output channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary line-side TVS on 24 V DC I/O terminals, working alongside series impedance and filtering to limit let-through energy. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles without parameter shift due to stable glass-passivated junction and low thermal resistance (RθJL = 30 °C/W). |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 5–12 V DC outputs of wall adapters and USB PD chargers subjected to hot-plug and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (sub-nanosecond) clamp limiting output rail excursions during ESD or capacitive coupling transients. Use Value: Achieves <1.0 μA leakage at 12 V, minimizing standby power loss while delivering 19.9 V clamping - preserving efficiency and compliance with Energy Star. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers from induced surges on twisted-pair telecom/data lines in outdoor or industrial deployments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS across data pairs (e.g., TX+/TX−), leveraging bidirectional symmetry to handle polarity-agnostic surges. Use Value: Symmetric VBR (13.3–14.7 V) and matched clamping ensure balanced protection without skew or common-mode distortion. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated (e.g., EU public infrastructure projects). | Direct drop-in replacement for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A in all layouts and thermal environments. |
| SMBJ12CAHE3/5A | Same VWM, VBR, and VC, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 30 % larger footprint and 50 % higher PPPM (600 W). | Better suited for higher-energy threats (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) or where PCB real estate allows larger pad layout. | Choose when surge energy exceeds 400 W margin or when improved thermal dissipation (RθJA = 85 °C/W) is required. |
Compared with SMAJ12CAHE3/5A, SMAJ12CA-M3/5A offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while SMBJ12CAHE3/5A provides higher surge capacity and lower thermal resistance at the cost of increased board area - enabling tiered design flexibility across reliability, regulatory, and energy-class requirements.
Availability
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and long-term lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series targets board-level transient suppression in harsh environments - engineered for fast response, stable clamping, and seamless integration into automated SMT lines across automotive, industrial, and telecom sectors.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ12CAHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ12CAHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.1 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024, page 2, Electrical Characteristics table. The clamping performance ensures protected circuits remain within safe voltage margins during surge events.
Is SMAJ12CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ12CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet (page 1, FEATURES section and page 3, Thermal Characteristics note). This certification validates its reliability for automotive use cases including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor protection - with full temperature cycling, humidity testing, and surge endurance verification performed per the AEC standard.
Does SMAJ12CAHE3/5A have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMAJ12CAHE3/5A does not have polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. As specified in the Vishay datasheet (page 1, MECHANICAL DATA section), "no marking on bidirectional types." Its symmetrical construction means both terminals perform identically - eliminating orientation concerns during placement and simplifying PCB layout for differential or AC-coupled lines.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
The SMAJ12CAHE3/5A has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C, as documented in the Vishay datasheet (page 1, PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS and page 2, MAXIMUM RATINGS). This rating enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures, supported by thermal resistance values of RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W.
How does the HE3 suffix affect the specifications of SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
HE3 denotes RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified construction - it does not alter electrical or thermal parameters. As confirmed in the Vishay ordering information (page 3), "Base P/NHE3_X – RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified," meaning SMAJ12CAHE3/5A retains identical VWM, VBR, VC, PPPM, and thermal ratings as non-HE3 variants, while adding automotive qualification and lead-free compliance.
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ12CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
SMAJ12CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CAHE3/5A 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 SMAJ12CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CAHE3/5A?
All SMAJ12CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CAHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ12CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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