Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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 standoff voltage (VWM), 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 control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H datasheet, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H pinout, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H application, or SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional surge suppression capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance requires careful PCB layout for sustained surge handling.
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V, derating to 300 W above that threshold; it sustains 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) in unidirectional mode but is rated for bidirectional use per its CA suffix. Clamping occurs within picoseconds, with incremental surge resistance optimized to minimize let-through energy during ESD or lightning-induced transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V rail protection |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1.0 mA - verified breakdown threshold range ensuring consistent turn-on across production lots |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 20.1 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress to ≤1.66× VWM |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 μs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity |
| IFSM | 40 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms); validates robustness against inductive switch-off events |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - no floor life limitation; compatible with standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. No polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Accepts surge current from either direction; connects to protected line without polarity constraint |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Completes surge path to ground or return rail; symmetrical with anode for CA-type devices |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD; base P/NHE3 denotes qualification |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 4 kV/2 Ω without degradation when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to downstream ICs - critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfacing with 12 V supply domains |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Eliminates bake-out requirement prior to reflow; supports high-throughput SMT assembly without moisture-related defects |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 % typical) and <1.0 μA leakage at VWM, reducing standby power loss in always-on systems |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V CAN bus signal lines and microcontroller GPIOs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between CAN_H/CAN_L and chassis ground to limit common-mode surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events by clamping to ≤19.9 V, preventing MCU reset or transceiver latch-up. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input terminals from field-wiring induced transients in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end surge suppressor on optocoupler input side, shunting induced spikes before isolation barrier. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) standards using a single discrete component per channel. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board | Telecom Power Supply Monitoring Line |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller ADC inputs and gate drivers from commutation noise generated by BLDC motor inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on low-voltage analog and PWM signal traces adjacent to high-current switching nodes. Use Value: Reduces need for ferrite beads or RC filters by absorbing sub-100 ns transients with <1 ns response time, preserving signal fidelity. |
Use Scenario: Protecting voltage sense lines feeding PMBus/I²C monitoring ICs in 48 V telecom rectifiers from back-EMF coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level transient suppressor on isolated feedback paths where primary MOVs cannot reach. Use Value: Prevents false overvoltage trips in digital power management ICs by limiting sensed voltage excursions to <20 V during 1 kV surge events. |
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 | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; differs only in material composition (HM3 vs HE3) | Identical functional performance; selected when halogen-free BOM compliance is mandated | Drop-in replacement if halogen-free requirement applies; verify sourcing availability for HM3 variant |
| SMCJ12CAHE3_A/H | Same VWM/VC ratings but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; 1500 W peak pulse power (vs. 400 W) | Used where higher surge energy absorption is required - e.g., main DC input rails vs. signal-level protection | Choose SMCJ12CAHE3_A/H only when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W; requires PCB footprint change |
Compared with SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H, SMAJ12CA-M3 offers identical protection performance with halogen-free materials, while SMCJ12CAHE3_A/H provides triple the surge power rating in a larger package - making the latter suitable for primary-side rather than secondary-side protection points.
Availability
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer appliance motor controls, and telecom power monitoring systems requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered specifically for board-level transient protection in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where fast-response, bidirectional clamping and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H?
The "CA" suffix in SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H designates a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities - unlike unidirectional "A" variants which conduct only in reverse bias. This makes SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H ideal for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential buses like CAN, or any circuit where polarity reversal may occur during surge events.
Is SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H suitable for protecting 12 V automotive power rails?
Yes, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is explicitly rated for 12 V standoff (VWM = 12 V) and AEC-Q101 qualified, making it appropriate for protecting 12 V power domains in automotive applications. Its 19.9 V clamping voltage ensures downstream components see less than 20 V during transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), provided it is mounted on recommended 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 or M3 in SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H?
The "HE3" suffix in SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification - distinguishing it from "E3" (RoHS-compliant commercial grade) and "M3" (halogen-free RoHS-compliant commercial grade). HE3 devices undergo extended stress testing per AEC-Q101, including HTOL and temperature cycling, validating suitability for automotive under-hood use.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is 19.9 V at 20.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and process variation, and reflects the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 20 V-rated downstream components.
Can SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H be used in place of a unidirectional SMAJ12AHE3_A/H?
No - SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, while SMAJ12AHE3_A/H is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substituting them requires circuit redesign: SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H can protect AC or floating lines but cannot replace unidirectional devices in DC-biased applications where forward conduction must be blocked, such as power rail clamping with defined anode/cathode orientation.
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H 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:
- -
- 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_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H?
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H 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_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H?
All SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H, 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_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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