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

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,450
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I 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 or 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 (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed to protect MOSFETs and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.66), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped surge protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ leakage at 12 V), but switches to low-impedance conduction within <1 ns when transient voltage exceeds VBR. Its bidirectional symmetry enables protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.
The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I uses a glass-passivated silicon junction housed in an SMA package rated for TJ = –55 °C to +150 °C, with thermal resistance RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W - enabling reliable operation on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at IT = 1 mA - verified breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on across production lot and temperature |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 20.1 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to ≤19.9 V under worst-case transient |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at 12 V; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - no floor life limitation; supports unlimited exposure to ambient conditions prior to reflow soldering |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking - terminals are symmetrical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path | Both terminals serve identical roles; no cathode band marking; connects across protected line and return (e.g., LIN bus, RS-485 differential pair) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements - supports deployment in engine control units, body modules, and ADAS sensors |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhances long-term reliability and stability of VBR and leakage under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands repeated lightning-induced surges up to 20.1 A without degradation when mounted on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - critical for 12 V rail protection where downstream logic tolerates ≤20 V |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Ensures solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; compatible with lead-free reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak |
Applications
| Automotive LIN Bus Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN transceivers from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle door modules and seat controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across LIN bus (signal and ground) to clamp ±30 V spikes to ≤20 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to LIN PHY ICs while maintaining signal integrity due to sub-nanosecond response and low capacitance (<100 pF). |
Use Scenario: Shields analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across sensor output and system ground to suppress ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and burst noise (IEC 61000-4-4). Use Value: Enables compliance with industrial immunity standards without adding series resistance or filtering that would degrade loop accuracy. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Protection | Telecom Ethernet Port Surge Guard |
|
Use Scenario: Installed at AC-DC adapter input stage to absorb switching transients from relay contact bounce or mains surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamps common-mode voltage spikes between L/N and earth ground before entering bridge rectifier and primary-side controller. Use Value: Extends adapter lifetime by preventing overvoltage failure of primary-side MOSFETs and optocouplers without derating transformer insulation. |
Use Scenario: Used on RJ45 connector side of PoE-enabled Ethernet PHYs to meet IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed differentially across each twisted pair (e.g., TD+/TD–) to suppress longitudinal surges up to 1 kV. Use Value: Maintains 100BASE-TX signal integrity (≤100 pF junction capacitance) while passing 400 W surge energy away from magnetics and PHY pins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA-E3/61 | Same electrical specs and SMA package; RoHS-compliant commercial grade (non-AEC-Q101) | Lacks automotive qualification; unsuitable for under-hood or safety-critical ECUs | Select when cost-sensitive industrial or consumer designs do not require AEC-Q101 validation |
| SMCJ12CAHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings but in larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; 1500 W PPPM rating | Higher surge capacity but requires 2× PCB area; thermal performance differs (RθJA = 40 °C/W) | Choose for higher-energy threat environments (e.g., 48 V battery systems) where board space permits larger footprint |
Compared with SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I, the SMAJ12CA-E3/61 offers identical protection performance at lower cost but lacks automotive qualification, while the SMCJ12CAHE3_A/I delivers 3.75× higher surge power handling at the expense of PCB real estate and thermal design complexity.
Availability
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive LIN bus protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom Ethernet port surge suppression requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for SMAJ12CAHE3_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, TVS devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and application-specific qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - particularly targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.1 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and ensures downstream components see no more than 19.9 V during surge events - a critical parameter for protecting 12 V rail logic and analog front-ends. The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C).
Is SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with the "HE3" suffix indicating RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified construction. It meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge endurance - making it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I is validated for operation up to +150 °C junction temperature, supporting under-hood deployment.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I affect its circuit placement?
The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions - meaning either terminal can connect to signal or return without affecting clamping behavior. This allows direct placement across AC-coupled lines (e.g., LIN, RS-485, CAN FD), transformer-coupled interfaces, or floating sensor outputs. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I eliminates risk of incorrect orientation during assembly and simplifies layout for differential or symmetric protection schemes.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I at its stand-off voltage?
At its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at 25 °C - verified per datasheet Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS". This ultra-low leakage prevents loading of high-impedance sensor outputs or bias networks and avoids false triggering in precision analog circuits. Leakage remains below 5 μA up to +85 °C, ensuring stable operation across industrial temperature ranges.
Does SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I require special PCB layout considerations for optimal surge handling?
Yes - to achieve its rated 400 W peak pulse power, the SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I must be mounted on minimum recommended copper pad areas: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) per terminal, per Vishay's datasheet Fig. 1 and thermal characterization. Smaller pads increase thermal resistance and reduce surge current capability. Additionally, short, wide traces to ground/power planes minimize inductance and preserve sub-nanosecond response. The SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I's low RθJL (30 °C/W) relies on this layout to dissipate surge energy effectively.
SMAJ12CAHE3_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:
- -
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CAHE3_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 SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CAHE3_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 SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I?
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CAHE3_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 SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CAHE3_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 SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CAHE3_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 SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I Tags

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