Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBG18CA-E3/5B
- Part No.:
- SMBG18CA-E3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-215AA, SMB Gull Wing
- Datasheet:
-
SMBG18CA-E3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO215AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,489
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Product details
Overview
SMBG18CA-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMBG (DO-215AA) package, rated for 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamping voltage of 29.2 V at 20.5 A IPPM. It protects signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O modules against ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMBG18CA-E3/5B datasheet, SMBG18CA-E3/5B pinout, SMBG18CA-E3/5B application, or SMBG18CA-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C junction temperature rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical VBR min/max (20.0 V / 22.1 V), ID ≤ 1.0 μA at VWM = 18 V, and VC = 29.2 V at IPPM = 20.5 A under 10/1000 μs waveform. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage and fast response (<1 ns).
Designed for surface-mount use, it meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, supports 260 °C lead-free reflow, and delivers 600 W surge capability at TA = 25 °C - derated linearly above that temperature per Fig. 2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V - guaranteed breakdown threshold range at 1 mA test current |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 20.5 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, defining protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient power handling capability under standardized waveform |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Package | SMBG (DO-215AA) - low-profile SMT outline with 0.235" × 0.255" footprint and gull-wing leads |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SMBG18CA-E3/5B uses the SMBG (DO-215AA) surface-mount package: gull-wing leads, matte tin-plated terminals, no polarity marking (bidirectional), and 0.235" × 0.255" body dimensions with 0.030" lead thickness. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal per datasheet Fig. 2 derating guidance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (positive half-cycle) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts during positive overvoltage events |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (negative half-cycle) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts during negative overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and ADAS sensor interface applications |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients from inductive load switching (e.g., solenoid drivers, relay coils) |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during suppression, reducing risk to downstream ICs like CAN transceivers |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Permits unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking, simplifying SMT line integration |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus or analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤29.2 V, preserving ADC integrity and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V or 5 V signal chains. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input channels connected to 24 V DC field devices subject to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge suppression element across input terminals prior to optocoupler or Schmitt trigger conditioning. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W surges without degradation, maintaining channel accuracy and eliminating need for secondary crowbar circuits. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cabling. IC Role / Device Role: Differential-mode TVS mounted directly at connector entry point, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Symmetric clamping ensures equal protection on A/B lines, preserving common-mode rejection and data integrity up to 10 Mbps. | Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, washing machines). IC Role / Device Role: Across-motor terminals to clamp flyback energy during PWM switching. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 20.5 A surges at 0.01% duty cycle, extending motor driver MOSFET lifetime and reducing EMI emissions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | Same VWM (18 V), same SMB (DO-214AA) package but 20% larger footprint; 600 W rating; slightly higher VC (29.2 V vs. 29.2 V - identical) | Less suitable for space-constrained PCBs due to larger DO-214AA outline (0.295" × 0.230") versus DO-215AA (0.255" × 0.235") | Select SMBJ18CA only if legacy layout accommodates larger body or thermal pad area is prioritized |
| SMCJ18CA | Same VWM and bidirectionality, but SMC (DO-214AB) package; 1500 W rating; higher VC (32.4 V); larger thermal mass | Better for higher-energy threats (e.g., ISO 16750-2 Pulse 5a), but excessive for typical sensor-level transients | Choose SMCJ18CA when system-level testing reveals insufficient margin with 600 W rating |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and SMCJ18CA, SMBG18CA-E3/5B offers optimal balance of compact DO-215AA footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 600 W capability-making it preferred for modern automotive and space-limited industrial designs where board area and qualification rigor are critical.
Availability
SMBG18CA-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMBG18CA-E3/5B 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, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMBG series was developed specifically for high-reliability surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments-including under-hood automotive and industrial control systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMBG18CA-E3/5B and how is it measured?
The SMBG18CA-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 20.5 A using a 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed per datasheet Table on page 2 under "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" for SMBG18CA.
Is SMBG18CA-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMBG18CA-E3/5B is AEC-Q101 qualified per datasheet page 1 and page 3 notes, confirming its reliability for automotive use. It supports operating junction temperatures up to +150 °C and passes stress tests including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and humidity bias HTRB - making SMBG18CA-E3/5B appropriate for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor protection.
What does the "CA" suffix mean in SMBG18CA-E3/5B?
The "CA" suffix in SMBG18CA-E3/5B denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMBG18A), SMBG18CA-E3/5B has no cathode band marking and exhibits identical VBR and VC characteristics in either polarity - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
What is the thermal resistance of SMBG18CA-E3/5B and how does it affect layout?
SMBG18CA-E3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table on page 3. To maintain safe junction temperature under repeated surges, PCB layout must replicate this pad area - undersized pads increase RθJA and risk thermal runaway during high-duty-cycle transients.
How does the SMBG package differ from SMB or SMC packages in practical design?
The SMBG (DO-215AA) package used by SMBG18CA-E3/5B measures 0.235" × 0.255", smaller than SMB (DO-214AA: 0.230" × 0.295") and significantly smaller than SMC (DO-214AB: 0.285" × 0.345"). This enables tighter routing in dense layouts and reduces parasitic inductance - critical for sub-10 ns transient response. Unlike SMB/SMBG, SMC adds thermal mass for higher PPPM but sacrifices board space; SMBG18CA-E3/5B thus optimizes size, speed, and 600 W capability in one footprint.
SMBG18CA-E3/5B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-215AA, SMB Gull Wing
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMBG)
SMBG18CA-E3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBG18CA-E3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBG18CA-E3/5B 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 SMBG18CA-E3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBG18CA-E3/5B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMBG18CA-E3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBG18CA-E3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBG18CA-E3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBG18CA-E3/5B?
SMBG18CA-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBG18CA-E3/5B 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 SMBG18CA-E3/5B?
For technical support, including SMBG18CA-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBG18CA-E3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBG18CA-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBG18CA-E3/5B 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 SMBG18CA-E3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBG18CA-E3/5B?
All SMBG18CA-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBG18CA-E3/5B, 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 SMBG18CA-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBG18CA-E3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBG18CA-E3/5B Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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