Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ12A-E3/5B
- Part No.:
- SMBJ12A-E3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ12A-E3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMBJ12A-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping inductive switching transients and ESD events on power and signal 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 30.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), commonly deployed to protect MOSFET gate drivers and sensor I/O in industrial motor controls.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ12A-E3/5B datasheet, SMBJ12A-E3/5B pinout, SMBJ12A-E3/5B application, or SMBJ12A-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), unidirectional polarity marking (cathode band), and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device placed in parallel with sensitive circuit nodes. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable breakdown characteristics over temperature (VBR tempco = 0.083 %/°C).
It is rated for non-repetitive 10/1000 µs surge pulses up to 600 W, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2, and supports peak forward surge current of 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - applicable only in unidirectional configuration due to inherent asymmetry.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for normal circuit operation. |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at IT = 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown onset range; ensures reliable triggering above VWM with margin. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 30.2 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; must remain below protected device's absolute max rating. |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling capability; defines transient energy absorption capacity under standardized waveform. |
| ID @ VWM | 5.0 µA max - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; low value minimizes standby power loss and false triggering. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; determines thermal design headroom when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; used to calculate temperature rise under sustained power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode identified by molded band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry (unidirectional) | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); conducts during forward surge or clamp event. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal (marked with band) | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal); avalanche conduction initiates here during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V DC rails without derating. |
| 19.9 V clamping voltage at 30.2 A | Provides ≥2.1 V margin below typical 22 V absolute max rating of logic-level MOSFETs, preventing gate oxide damage. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3 suffix) | Meets global environmental compliance mandates; suitable for consumer, industrial, and telecom equipment without halogen restrictions. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback), improving protection fidelity. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Control | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of microcontroller GPIO pins and MOSFET gate drivers from inductive kickback during solenoid/relay switching in PLC output modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between gate driver output and MOSFET gate, clamping negative-going transients to prevent gate-source breakdown. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, preserving gate oxide integrity while maintaining <5 µA leakage during 12 V nominal operation. |
Use Scenario: Input line protection for LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor drivers exposed to load dump and jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 12 V supply rail upstream of LDO regulators, absorbing 600 W surges without latch-up. Use Value: Withstands 30.2 A peak current at 19.9 V clamp, ensuring regulator input remains within safe operating area during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
| Consumer Appliance Power Supply | Telecom Remote Sensor Node |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 12 V auxiliary rail in switched-mode power supplies for smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across bulk capacitor output, triggered only during fault conditions to shunt surge energy to ground. Use Value: 12 V VWM avoids conduction during normal regulation; 100 °C/W RθJA allows thermal management via standard PCB copper pour. |
Use Scenario: ESD and lightning-induced surge protection on RS-485 communication lines linking outdoor environmental sensors to gateway units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on data line pair referenced to local ground, clamping common-mode transients before receiver input stage. Use Value: 19.9 V VC ensures RS-485 transceiver (e.g., MAX13487) stays within ±25 V common-mode range while adding <1 pF capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA-E3/5B | Bidirectional variant; symmetric VBR (13.3–14.7 V) in both polarities; no cathode marking. | Required for AC-coupled or dual-polarity signal lines (e.g., USB D+/D−, CAN H/L); unsuitable for DC rail protection where polarity matters. | Select SMBJ12CA-E3/5B only when protecting bidirectional signals or floating references; SMBJ12A-E3/5B remains optimal for unidirectional 12 V rails. |
| SMCJ12A-E3/57T | Larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; same VWM/VBR/VC specs but higher IPPM (43.4 A) and PPPM (1500 W). | Used where higher surge energy (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) or improved thermal mass is required; occupies more PCB area. | Choose SMCJ12A-E3/57T if system-level testing reveals 600 W insufficient; otherwise SMBJ12A-E3/5B offers better board density and cost efficiency. |
Compared with SMBJ12CA-E3/5B and SMCJ12A-E3/57T, SMBJ12A-E3/5B delivers optimal balance of compact SMB footprint, precise 12 V standoff, and verified 600 W surge handling for space-constrained DC power rail protection - without over-specifying size or cost.
Availability
SMBJ12A-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, and telecom sensor interface designs requiring stable component supply and full traceability through Vishay's commercial-grade production line.
Supply support for SMBJ12A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific qualification.
The SMBJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in compact surface-mount formats, targeting cost-sensitive yet robust protection needs in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ12A-E3/5B under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMBJ12A-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 30.2 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that protected downstream components will not experience voltages exceeding this threshold during specified surge events. The SMBJ12A-E3/5B achieves this performance with minimal incremental resistance, ensuring predictable and repeatable clamping behavior across temperature and lifetime.
Is SMBJ12A-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications?
SMBJ12A-E3/5B is qualified to commercial grade specifications and is not AEC-Q101 certified. For automotive applications requiring qualification, engineers should select the HE3-suffixed variant (e.g., SMBJ12AHE3_B/I). The SMBJ12A-E3/5B remains appropriate for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment power rails or accessory modules where full AEC-Q101 compliance is not mandated. Always verify system-level requirements before deploying SMBJ12A-E3/5B in vehicle platforms.
How does the SMBJ12A-E3/5B differ from the SMBJ12CA-E3/5B?
The SMBJ12A-E3/5B is unidirectional with a marked cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias, while the SMBJ12CA-E3/5B is bidirectional with identical breakdown characteristics in both directions and no polarity marking. This makes SMBJ12A-E3/5B ideal for DC power line protection (e.g., 12 V rail to ground), whereas SMBJ12CA-E3/5B suits AC or differential signal lines like RS-485 or CAN. Both share identical VWM (12 V), VBR (13.3–14.7 V), and VC (19.9 V), but their circuit integration and layout constraints differ fundamentally.
What is the thermal resistance of SMBJ12A-E3/5B, and how does it affect layout?
The SMBJ12A-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. This value assumes minimum recommended pad layout per Vishay's datasheet Figure 5. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges or elevated ambient conditions, designers must allocate adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length between the SMBJ12A-E3/5B and ground/power planes. The SMBJ12A-E3/5B's MSL Level 1 rating further simplifies reflow compatibility.
Can SMBJ12A-E3/5B be used to protect 3.3 V or 5 V logic circuits?
No - SMBJ12A-E3/5B is not suitable for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic circuits because its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM) exceeds those rail voltages, causing immediate conduction and potential damage. For 3.3 V systems, use SMBJ3.3A-E3/5B (VWM = 3.3 V); for 5 V, SMBJ5.0A-E3/5B (VWM = 5.0 V) is appropriate. Selecting a TVS with VWM ≥ 1.1× nominal rail voltage ensures reliable non-conduction during normal operation while retaining sufficient margin for tolerance and ripple. The SMBJ12A-E3/5B is strictly intended for 12 V nominal applications.
SMBJ12A-E3/5B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 30.2A
- 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 (SMBJ)
SMBJ12A-E3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ12A-E3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ12A-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 SMBJ12A-E3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ12A-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 SMBJ12A-E3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ12A-E3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ12A-E3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ12A-E3/5B?
SMBJ12A-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ12A-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 SMBJ12A-E3/5B?
For technical support, including SMBJ12A-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ12A-E3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ12A-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ12A-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 SMBJ12A-E3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ12A-E3/5B?
All SMBJ12A-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ12A-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 SMBJ12A-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ12A-E3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ12A-E3/5B Tags

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