Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ18AHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ18AHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ18AHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,204
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 13.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed on power rails and I/O lines of automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ18AHE3/5A datasheet, SMAJ18AHE3/5A pinout, SMAJ18AHE3/5A application, or SMAJ18AHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42), 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on standard PCB pad layouts per JEDEC DO-214AC footprint.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR, diverting surge current away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive transients.
The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine), supports operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C, and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with peak reflow temperature up to 260 °C - confirming suitability for lead-free reflow processes without preconditioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - precise breakdown onset range ensuring predictable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 13.7 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits stress on protected circuitry |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability; enables suppression of high-energy ESD and load-dump events |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage, minimizing standby power loss |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating supporting operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC specification |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; compliant with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002 solderability requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Protected line connection point | Connected to the line requiring overvoltage protection (e.g., 12 V rail); anode ties to ground or lower potential reference |
| Anode | Reference/return path | Typically connected to system ground; completes shunt path for transient current during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Robustly handles ISO 7637-2 Load Dump Pulse 5a (up to 120 V, 100 ms) and IEC 61000-4-5 surges |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to downstream MOSFETs or MCUs |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Enables direct placement into lead-free SMT lines without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature, critical for long-life deployments in harsh environments |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in engine control units against load dump transients up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS diode placed between battery rail and local regulator input. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤29.2 V within nanoseconds, preventing regulator latch-up and MCU brownout. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable protection element (though SMAJ18AHE3/5A is unidirectional, used with series resistor for bidirectional effect) on signal path to PLC input. Use Value: Limits induced surge voltages to <30 V, preserving ADC front-end integrity and avoiding calibration drift. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feeding Line |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp in USB-C PD adapter auxiliary power circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode protector across 5–20 V output rails during hot-plug and fault conditions. Use Value: Sub-1 μA leakage at 18 V maintains low no-load power consumption while enabling fast (<1 ns) response to fast-rising spikes. |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on -48 V DC feeding lines for remote radio units in 5G base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS referenced to chassis ground on power return path. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 400 W, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 telecom immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/5A | No AEC-Q101 qualification; commercial-grade only; identical electrical specs and package | Not approved for automotive production; suitable for consumer or industrial prototypes | Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost optimization is prioritized |
| SMAJ18AHM3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; same AEC-Q101 qualification and electrical performance | Required where halogen-free compliance is mandated by OEM or regional environmental regulations | Choose for automotive Tier 1 supply chains enforcing IPC-1752A material declarations |
Compared with SMAJ18AHE3/5A, the E3/5A variant lacks automotive qualification but offers identical clamping and thermal behavior for non-automotive use, while HM3/5A adds halogen-free construction without sacrificing AEC-Q101 compliance - enabling design reuse across commercial and regulated automotive programs.
Availability
SMAJ18AHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor modules, and telecom power interface designs requiring stable component supply and full AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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, efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - delivering consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 assurance in compact surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ18AHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ18AHE3/5A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 13.7 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per test condition defined in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88390), and directly determines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ18AHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ18AHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ18AHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD verification required for automotive electronics. Its operating junction temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C), MSL Level 1 reflow rating, and stable VBR/VC characteristics make it appropriate for under-hood and cabin applications such as body control modules and ADAS sensor power rails. The SMAJ18AHE3/5A part number explicitly denotes this qualification via the "HE3" suffix.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SMAJ18AHE3/5A?
The "HE3" suffix in SMAJ18AHE3/5A identifies the part as RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified, distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants like SMAJ18A-E3/5A (no AEC-Q101) or halogen-free versions like SMAJ18AHM3/5A. Per Vishay's ordering nomenclature, "HE3" confirms both environmental compliance and automotive reliability validation. This designation is critical for traceability in automotive BOMs and ensures the SMAJ18AHE3/5A meets OEM requirements for qualification documentation and lot-level reporting.
How does SMAJ18AHE3/5A differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SMAJ18CA?
SMAJ18AHE3/5A is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement, whereas SMAJ18CA is bidirectional with symmetric breakdown in both directions and no polarity marking. The unidirectional SMAJ18AHE3/5A provides lower forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5 V at 25 A) and is preferred for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed. In contrast, SMAJ18CA suits AC-coupled or floating signal lines. Both share the same VWM (18 V) and VC (29.2 V), but SMAJ18AHE3/5A cannot replace SMAJ18CA in true bidirectional configurations without circuit redesign.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ18AHE3/5A, and how does it affect layout design?
The SMAJ18AHE3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per JEDEC DO-214AC guidelines. These values mean that sustained power dissipation above ~300 mW can cause significant junction temperature rise - so layout must include adequate copper area and thermal vias if operating near its 3.3 W steady-state power limit. For transient-only use (e.g., ESD), thermal design is less critical, but the SMAJ18AHE3/5A's RθJL supports rapid heat transfer to PCB traces during short pulses.
SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.7A
- 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)
SMAJ18AHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ18AHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ18AHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ18AHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ18AHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ18AHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ18AHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ18AHE3/5A?
SMAJ18AHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ18AHE3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ18AHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ18AHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ18AHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ18AHE3/5A 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 SMAJ18AHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ18AHE3/5A?
All SMAJ18AHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ18AHE3/5A, 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 SMAJ18AHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ18AHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ18AHE3/5A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

