Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ12CA-E3/5B
- Part No.:
- SMBJ12CA-E3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features 12 V standoff voltage (VWM), 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), protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and telecom systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ12CA-E3/5B datasheet, SMBJ12CA-E3/5B pinout, SMBJ12CA-E3/5B application, or SMBJ12CA-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66), JEDEC-compliant SMB package footprint, and AEC-Q101 qualification availability in related variants.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities with breakdown voltage (VBR) ranging from 13.3 V to 14.7 V at 1.0 mA test current, ensuring consistent transient suppression regardless of signal polarity. Its low incremental surge resistance enables rapid energy diversion during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device delivers 600 W peak pulse power handling under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions, with thermal resistance of 100 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature in properly mounted PCB layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal circuits. |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1.0 mA; ensures predictable turn-on threshold for transient suppression. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - Clamped voltage at 30.2 A peak pulse current; limits downstream voltage stress to ≤19.9 V during surge events. |
| IPPM | 30.2 A - Peak surge current survivable with 10/1000 µs waveform; determines protection level against common industrial transients. |
| PPPM | 600 W - Peak pulse power dissipation capability; validates robustness against repetitive or single high-energy transients. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in high-temperature industrial environments without derating. |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - Thermal resistance to ambient on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained surge duty. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1, compatible with reflow soldering (peak 260 °C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity) | Accepts reverse surge current during negative transients; symmetrical with cathode for bidirectional operation. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity) | Accepts reverse surge current during positive transients; functionally identical to anode in bidirectional mode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables suppression of high-energy transients common in motor drives and relay switching without device failure. |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Eliminates need for polarity-aware layout; protects AC-coupled or differential signal lines without orientation constraints. |
| 19.9 V clamping voltage at 30.2 A | Provides tight voltage limiting for 12 V systems, keeping protected ICs below absolute maximum ratings during surge events. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), improving protection fidelity for sensitive analog inputs. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Automotive Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontroller I/O pins against inductive kickback from solenoids and brushed DC motors. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across motor coil terminals or driver output lines. Use Value: Limits transient spikes to ≤19.9 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 12 V-rated logic and power ICs. |
Use Scenario: Shielding CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role: Line-side TVS on differential bus pairs and single-ended sensor outputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping ±19.9 V transients while adding <1 pF capacitance, avoiding data corruption. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 12 V DC input rails of base station power modules exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role: Final-stage clamping device after primary MOV and fuse, absorbing residual energy. Use Value: Handles 600 W pulses without degradation, enabling compact design versus multi-stage alternatives. |
Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection on VBUS and D+/D− lines of USB 2.0 ports in smart home hubs and peripherals. IC Role / Device Role: Board-level TVS array replacement for discrete placement on high-density PCBs. Use Value: Delivers 30 kV contact ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 while occupying only 2.2 mm × 4.6 mm PCB area. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A-E3/5B | Unidirectional variant; cathode-marked; forward voltage drop (≤3.5 V at 50 A) present. | Requires polarity-aware layout; unsuitable for AC or differential signals without external biasing. | Select when protecting DC-only lines where polarity is fixed and lower forward conduction loss is needed. |
| SMAJ12CA-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC specs but lower PPPM (400 W); SMA (DO-214AC) package with smaller footprint (2.5 mm × 4.3 mm). | Lower surge rating limits use to light-duty consumer electronics; reduced thermal mass affects repetitive surge endurance. | Choose for space-constrained designs where 400 W peak power suffices and board area is critical. |
Compared with SMBJ12A-E3/5B, the SMBJ12CA-E3/5B eliminates polarity dependency for flexible routing; versus SMAJ12CA-E3/52, it provides 50 % higher surge power headroom and superior thermal dissipation via larger SMB package, making it preferred for industrial-grade reliability.
Availability
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive sensor interface, and telecom power supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMBJ12CA-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, power efficiency, and automotive qualification.
The SMBJ series was engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting industrial automation, transportation, and infrastructure systems where surge immunity and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMBJ12CA-E3/5B at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMBJ12CA-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 30.2 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMBJ12CA-E3/5B maintains this clamping performance bidirectionally, ensuring consistent protection regardless of transient polarity.
Is SMBJ12CA-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications?
The SMBJ12CA-E3/5B itself is commercial-grade (RoHS-compliant, E3 suffix), not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the functionally identical SMBJ12CAHE3_B variant (HE3 suffix) with full AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use. For non-automotive industrial or telecom designs, the SMBJ12CA-E3/5B meets all electrical and mechanical specifications required for robust transient suppression. Always verify qualification status using the full ordering code when selecting for automotive programs.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMBJ12CA-E3/5B affect PCB layout?
The SMBJ12CA-E3/5B has no polarity marking and operates identically in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during automated placement. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMBJ12A-E3/5B), it requires no cathode alignment check, reducing assembly errors and enabling direct placement across AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating sensors. Its symmetric I-V curve ensures matched clamping behavior for positive and negative transients without additional circuitry.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact SMBJ12CA-E3/5B's surge handling?
The SMBJ12CA-E3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This value directly impacts its ability to dissipate heat during repetitive surges: higher RθJA reduces allowable duty cycle. For single-event protection, thermal mass dominates; for repetitive 0.01 % duty cycle surges, proper pad layout is essential to avoid junction overheating beyond 150 °C. The lower RθJL of 20 °C/W supports efficient heat transfer to PCB traces or ground planes.
Can SMBJ12CA-E3/5B replace SMBJ12A-E3/5B in an existing design?
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B can replace SMBJ12A-E3/5B only if the circuit is inherently bidirectional or polarity-insensitive - for example, across AC signal lines, transformer secondaries, or differential pairs. In DC-only applications with defined polarity, substitution may cause improper clamping or failure to activate during negative transients. Layout review is mandatory: the CA variant lacks cathode marking, so physical orientation becomes irrelevant, but system-level polarity behavior must be verified. Always validate with surge testing before deployment.
SMBJ12CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ12CA-E3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ12CA-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 SMBJ12CA-E3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ12CA-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 SMBJ12CA-E3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ12CA-E3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ12CA-E3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ12CA-E3/5B?
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ12CA-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 SMBJ12CA-E3/5B?
For technical support, including SMBJ12CA-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ12CA-E3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ12CA-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ12CA-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 SMBJ12CA-E3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ12CA-E3/5B?
All SMBJ12CA-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ12CA-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 SMBJ12CA-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ12CA-E3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ12CA-E3/5B Tags

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onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
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