Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ12CAHM3P/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ12CAHM3P/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,012
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I 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 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage 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 SMAJ12CAHM3P/I datasheet, SMAJ12CAHM3P/I pinout, SMAJ12CAHM3P/I application, or SMAJ12CAHM3P/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical breakdown behavior in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ps), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs transients at 0.01% duty cycle.
The SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, and uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Its halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction (HM3 suffix) supports automotive-grade reliability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - guaranteed conduction onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 19.9 V at IPPM = 20.1 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - maximum transient energy absorption capability with 10/1000 μs waveform; defines protection robustness against lightning/inductive spikes. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA at VWM - minimal standby current leakage; preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient; informs PCB copper pad design (0.2" × 0.2" per terminal required for full 400 W rating). |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Either end serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no orientation required during placement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces requiring long-term reliability under thermal cycling and vibration. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets automotive environmental compliance mandates (e.g., ELV, REACH) without compromising surge performance or thermal stability. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line) surge immunity when properly mounted on recommended copper pads. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Enables single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without moisture-related popcorning or delamination risks. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift in harsh environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD events in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point or IC input pins. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V during 20.1 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp across 24 V DC input terminals before optocoupler or Schmitt trigger conditioning stage. Use Value: Absorbs up to 400 W of surge energy without degradation, maintaining signal fidelity during repeated 10/1000 μs transients in factory automation. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V output rails of AC/DC adapters for smart home hubs and IoT gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS placed after DC-DC converter to shield USB-PD controllers and PMICs from coupling noise. Use Value: Clamps output overshoot to 19.9 V within picoseconds, eliminating need for additional RC snubbers or ferrite beads. |
Use Scenario: Protection of Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers against induced surges from nearby power lines or lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode clamp between differential pairs (e.g., TX+/TX−) referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 12 V, preserving signal-to-noise ratio while surviving repeated 1 kV/μs transients per GR-1089-CORE. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I | Same electrical specs and package; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification. | Suitable for commercial/industrial designs where automotive qualification is not mandated. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free or automotive compliance requirements. |
| SMBJ12CAHM3 | Higher 600 W PPPM rating; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; identical VWM/VC but higher IPPM (30.2 A). | Better suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom cabinets) where board space allows larger footprint. | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and PCB layout permits SMB package. |
Compared with SMAJ12CAHE3_A/I, the SMAJ12CAHM3P/I adds halogen-free construction and AEC-Q101 validation for automotive use; compared with SMBJ12CAHM3, it trades 200 W pulse power for 30% smaller PCB area in space-constrained modules.
Availability
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter outputs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ12CAHM3P/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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series was developed to deliver high-power transient suppression in compact surface-mount packages for automotive, industrial, and communications equipment where space, thermal performance, and qualification rigor are critical.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMAJ12CAHM3P/I?
The HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. SMAJ12CAHM3P/I meets automotive reliability standards and environmental regulations without brominated flame retardants, making it suitable for under-hood and safety-critical applications where material compliance is mandatory.
Is SMAJ12CAHM3P/I unidirectional or bidirectional?
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" in its part number. It provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - essential for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential buses like CAN, or any circuit where voltage transients may swing positive or negative relative to ground.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMAJ12CAHM3P/I under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is 19.9 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.1 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can SMAJ12CAHM3P/I be used in lead-free reflow processes?
Yes, SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is rated for MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and supports peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, enabling reliable single-pass lead-free soldering without popcorn effect or intermetallic degradation.
How does SMAJ12CAHM3P/I differ from SMAJ12A variants?
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping, whereas SMAJ12A is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking. The "CA" version supports AC or floating-line protection, while "A" types are intended for DC rail clamping where polarity is fixed - selecting the wrong variant risks non-functional protection.
SMAJ12CAHM3P/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:
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ12CAHM3P/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 SMAJ12CAHM3P/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ12CAHM3P/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I?
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ12CAHM3P/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 SMAJ12CAHM3P/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ12CAHM3P/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ12CAHM3P/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ12CAHM3P/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ12CAHM3P/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 SMAJ12CAHM3P/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ12CAHM3P/I?
All SMAJ12CAHM3P/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ12CAHM3P/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 SMAJ12CAHM3P/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ12CAHM3P/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ12CAHM3P/I Tags

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