Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ12C-E3/5B
- Part No.:
- SMBJ12C-E3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ12C-E3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMBJ12C-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for circuit protection against ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients. It features a 12 V standoff 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, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ12C-E3/5B datasheet, SMBJ12C-E3/5B pinout, SMBJ12C-E3/5B application, or SMBJ12C-E3/5B equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection on DC power rails and low-voltage signal lines in automotive ECUs, industrial I/O modules, and sensor interface circuits where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and AEC-Q101-compliant reliability are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at 12 V), but conducts heavily when transient voltage exceeds VBR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤19.9 V at 30.2 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance and long-term reliability across -55 °C to +150 °C operating range.
The SMBJ12C-E3/5B uses a planar silicon avalanche structure optimized for low incremental surge resistance (rd) and minimal capacitance (typ. 200 pF at 0 V), making it suitable for protecting 12 V automotive supply rails and RS-485/UART lines without signal integrity degradation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - Tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on during transients; guarantees clamping begins no later than 14.7 V. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 19.9 V at 30.2 A - Limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case 600 W surge; provides ≥2.1× margin above VWM. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W (10/1000 µs) - Sustains high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a; derates linearly above 25 °C ambient. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 30.2 A - Withstands repetitive 10/1000 µs surges at 0.01% duty cycle; validated on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55 °C to +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments without thermal derating penalties. |
| Leakage Current (ID) | ≤5 µA at 12 V - Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in battery-powered sensor nodes. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, low-profile (max height 2.20 mm), matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when voltage exceeds VBR. |
| Anode | Reference/return path | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return plane; completes clamping path during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Enables compliance with ISO 7637-2 automotive surge immunity requirements without external current-limiting resistors. |
| 19.9 V clamping at 30.2 A | Provides 66% clamping ratio (VC/VBR), minimizing stress on downstream 16 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures <1 nA leakage drift over 1000 hrs at 85 °C/85% RH, critical for long-life industrial deployments. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | HE3/HM3 variants meet automotive qualification; SMBJ12C-E3/5B is commercial-grade but shares identical die and construction. |
| Low profile SMB package | 0.205" × 0.130" footprint enables dense PCB layouts; compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place equipment. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply rail of BCM microcontroller and CAN transceivers from load-dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode placed directly at power entry point, clamping surges within <1 ns before they reach sensitive logic. Use Value: Maintains VC ≤19.9 V during 30.2 A pulses, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 20 V max-rated MCU I/O pins. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input optocoupler front-end from field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp between input terminal and ground, absorbing negative-going transients on dry-contact inputs. Use Value: 5 µA leakage at 24 V ensures no false triggering of high-impedance input comparators; 600 W rating handles repeated 100 ms surges. |
| Consumer Smart Home Sensor Hub | Telecom Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) |
|
Use Scenario: Guards UART and I²C lines connecting environmental sensors (temp/humidity/PIR) to host MCU against ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (200 pF) TVS placed adjacent to connector, providing sub-nanosecond response to ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2). Use Value: Clamps ESD pulses to <20 V, preserving signal integrity on 3.3 V logic lines without adding jitter or rise-time degradation. |
Use Scenario: Protects RS-485 transceiver data lines in outdoor RTUs exposed to lightning-induced surges on long twisted-pair runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired unidirectional TVS devices (one per line) referenced to local ground, suppressing common-mode transients up to 600 W. Use Value: 19.9 V clamping ensures transceiver differential receivers (±7 V common-mode range) remain within safe operating limits during 10/1000 µs surges. |
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 | Same VWM (12 V), identical VBR (13.3–14.7 V), same VC (19.9 V), but unidirectional only - matches SMBJ12C-E3/5B functionality exactly. | No functional difference; SMBJ12C-E3/5B and SMBJ12A-E3/5B are functionally identical per Vishay documentation (C suffix denotes same unidirectional configuration). | Select SMBJ12A-E3/5B if cross-referencing legacy designations; both share identical electrical specs and SMB package. |
| SMAJ12A-E3/52 | Lower 400 W PPPM, higher VC = 20.9 V at 19.1 A, SMA (DO-214AC) package with larger footprint (0.230" × 0.155") and higher RθJA (140 °C/W). | Less robust for automotive load-dump; requires larger PCB area and exhibits higher thermal rise under repeated surges. | Choose only if SMB footprint is unavailable; otherwise avoid due to 33% lower surge capacity and inferior thermal performance. |
Compared with SMBJ12A-E3/5B, the SMBJ12C-E3/5B offers identical protection performance in the same SMB package, while SMAJ12A-E3/52 delivers reduced surge handling and thermal efficiency - making SMBJ12C-E3/5B the optimal choice for space-constrained, high-reliability 12 V rail protection.
Availability
SMBJ12C-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and consumer IoT sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMBJ12C-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, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMBJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, lightning, and inductive switching is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMBJ12C-E3/5B at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMBJ12C-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at 30.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per JEDEC standards and ensures downstream components see no more than 19.9 V during worst-case surge events. The SMBJ12C-E3/5B maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C).
Is SMBJ12C-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMBJ12C-E3/5B itself is a commercial-grade part (E3 suffix) and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the functionally identical SMBJ12CH-E3/5B (HE3 suffix) variant, which carries full AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use. Both share identical electrical characteristics, SMB package, and thermal performance - only the qualification status and traceability documentation differ. For production automotive designs, specify the HE3 version; SMBJ12C-E3/5B remains appropriate for industrial or consumer applications.
How does the leakage current of SMBJ12C-E3/5B compare to similar 12 V TVS diodes?
The SMBJ12C-E3/5B specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 5 µA at 12 V and 25 °C, matching industry-leading performance for SMB-packaged 12 V TVS diodes. This low leakage minimizes power loss in always-on battery-powered systems and prevents false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits. Unlike some competitors with >20 µA leakage at VWM, the SMBJ12C-E3/5B's glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage behavior over time and temperature, critical for long-life deployments.
What is the thermal resistance of SMBJ12C-E3/5B, and how does it affect power dissipation?
The SMBJ12C-E3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended PCB pads. At 50 °C ambient, its continuous power dissipation (PD) is rated at 5.0 W - meaning sustained power above this level risks exceeding the 150 °C maximum junction temperature. For transient suppression, thermal mass dominates; the device safely absorbs 600 W pulses because energy is delivered in milliseconds, not continuously. Proper copper pad sizing (5 mm × 5 mm per terminal) is essential to achieve the published RθJA and IPPM ratings.
Can SMBJ12C-E3/5B be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - SMBJ12C-E3/5B is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC power rail or single-polarity signal protection. For bidirectional applications like AC lines or differential buses (e.g., RS-485), Vishay specifies the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., SMBJ12CA-E3/5B), which provides symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using SMBJ12C-E3/5B on bidirectional signals would result in forward conduction during negative half-cycles, potentially damaging the circuit. Always match the TVS polarity to the protected signal's voltage swing range.
SMBJ12C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 27.3A
- 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)
SMBJ12C-E3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ12C-E3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ12C-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 SMBJ12C-E3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ12C-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 SMBJ12C-E3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ12C-E3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ12C-E3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ12C-E3/5B?
SMBJ12C-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ12C-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 SMBJ12C-E3/5B?
For technical support, including SMBJ12C-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ12C-E3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ12C-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ12C-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 SMBJ12C-E3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ12C-E3/5B?
All SMBJ12C-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ12C-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 SMBJ12C-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ12C-E3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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