Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- 3KW, 18V 5%,BIDIR,SMC TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:895
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Product details
Overview
SMC3K18CAHM3_A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 3000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage, and 29.2 V clamping voltage at 763 A peak pulse current. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial systems against ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMC3K18CAHM3_A datasheet, SMC3K18CAHM3_A pinout, SMC3K18CAHM3_A application, or SMC3K18CAHM3_A equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, bidirectional polarity, UL 497B safety recognition, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (30 kV contact/air).
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown range (20.0–22.1 V), limiting downstream voltage to ≤29.2 V at 763 A (10/1000 μs). Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective suppression of inductive switching spikes and load-dump events.
It meets automotive-grade reliability requirements including MSL Level 1 reflow (260 °C peak), JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, halogen-free/RoHS-compliant construction, and thermal resistance of 4.0 °C/W junction-to-mount-enabling robust thermal performance on standard FR4 PCBs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 20.0–22.1 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 2.0 μA, ensuring no false triggering during normal operation |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 29.2 V at 763 A (10/1000 μs) - limits protected circuit voltage to safe level during worst-case surge, preserving downstream components |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 3000 W (10/1000 μs) - sustains high-energy transients without failure, validated per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 waveform standards |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments where thermal extremes are routine |
| ESD Withstand (IEC 61000-4-2) | 30 kV contact & air discharge - provides system-level electrostatic immunity without external shielding or filtering |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Validated for automotive electronics - ensures reliability across temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and lifetime stress testing |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking; matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, halogen-free molding compound rated UL 94 V-0.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (K) | Transient current sink (anode referenced) | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when voltage exceeds VBR |
| Anode (A) | Reference node / ground return path | Typically tied to system ground; completes low-impedance path for clamped energy dissipation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints-ideal for CAN, LIN, and sensor differential pairs |
| 30 kW surge capability (8/20 μs) | Handles severe lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5, enabling single-device protection for 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.32) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping-critical for safeguarding 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces adjacent to high-power circuits |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking-reduces manufacturing overhead and avoids moisture-related popcorning |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Meets safety agency requirements for telecom and industrial equipment-eliminates need for additional certification effort |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain Control | Industrial Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver pins from load-dump pulses (ISO 16750-2 Pulse b) and inductive kickback in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector interface to limit transient voltage before it reaches sensitive ASICs. Use Value: Enables compliance with OEM pulse test requirements while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 18 V system rail-preserving low-power sleep modes. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC analog input channels and digital I/O against switching transients from contactors, solenoids, and VFDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor on field-side signal conditioning PCBs, mounted adjacent to terminal blocks. Use Value: Clamps 763 A surges to ≤29.2 V within nanoseconds-preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in precision op-amps and ADC drivers. |
| Automotive Body Electronics | Telecom Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN bus nodes and door module sensors from ESD and battery reversal events in 12 V architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. <100 pF at 0 V) bidirectional TVS placed inline with data lines upstream of transceivers. Use Value: Delivers 30 kV IEC 61000-4-2 immunity without distorting 20 kbps LIN waveforms-verified per ISO 11898-4 test plan. |
Use Scenario: Securing RS-485/RS-232 ports in base station controllers and remote IO modules against induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection cascaded after gas discharge tube (GDT), absorbing residual energy after primary diversion. Use Value: Withstands repeated 3000 W surges while maintaining stable VBR-ensuring long-term reliability in unattended infrastructure deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint), higher VC/VBR ratio (1.44), not AEC-Q101 qualified | Limited to consumer or non-automotive industrial use; insufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a validation | Select only for space-constrained, cost-sensitive designs where automotive qualification and 3000 W rating are unnecessary |
| SMCJ18CA | Same SMC package and AEC-Q101 qualification, but lower PPPM (1500 W), higher VC (32.4 V @ 469 A) | Marginally adequate for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 3b but fails Pulse 1/2a in 12 V systems requiring >700 A handling | Use where thermal budget or board area permits derating; verify clamping margin against downstream component VDS/VIO ratings |
Compared with SMC3K18CAHM3_A, SMAJ18CA offers smaller size but lacks automotive qualification and surge capacity, while SMCJ18CA shares the same package and qualification but delivers only half the peak power-making SMC3K18CAHM3_A the sole option meeting full ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a/3b and ISO 16750-2 Pulse b in compact SMC form factor.
Availability
SMC3K18CAHM3_A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, industrial motor drive inputs, automotive body electronics, and telecom interface protection requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SMC3K18CAHM3_A 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 high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMC3KxxCAHM3_A series was developed specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression-balancing high surge capability, low clamping voltage, and process-controlled consistency across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMC3K18CAHM3_A under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMC3K18CAHM3_A clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 763 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards and represents the upper bound of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. The SMC3K18CAHM3_A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (−55 to +175 °C), making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications.
Is SMC3K18CAHM3_A qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMC3K18CAHM3_A is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and accelerated life testing required for automotive electronics. It also meets ISO 7637-2 (Pulse 1, 2a, 3a, 3b) and ISO 16750-2 (Pulse b) immunity standards-making it appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The SMC3K18CAHM3_A carries Vishay's full automotive reliability documentation and traceability.
What does the "HM3_A" suffix indicate in SMC3K18CAHM3_A?
The "HM3_A" suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and qualification to MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). This suffix identifies the SMC3K18CAHM3_A as Vishay's highest-reliability variant within the SMC3K family-specifically engineered for automotive and industrial applications demanding long-term stability and lead-free assembly compatibility. The SMC3K18CAHM3_A is supplied in 7" tape-and-reel packaging (850 units/reel).
How does SMC3K18CAHM3_A compare to standard SMAJ or SMCJ series TVS diodes?
The SMC3K18CAHM3_A delivers 3000 W peak pulse power-double the 1500 W of SMCJ18CA and 7.5× the 400 W of SMAJ18CA-while retaining the same SMC (DO-214AB) footprint. Its lower clamping voltage (29.2 V vs. 32.4 V for SMCJ18CA) and tighter VBR tolerance (±5.5%) improve protection margin for 18 V-rated circuits. Unlike SMAJ18CA, the SMC3K18CAHM3_A is AEC-Q101 qualified and UL 497B recognized-making it the only choice among the three for full automotive compliance.
Can SMC3K18CAHM3_A be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, SMC3K18CAHM3_A is inherently bidirectional and requires no polarity marking-making it ideal for protecting differential buses like CAN, LIN, RS-485, and sensor bridges where voltage transients may swing positive or negative relative to ground. Its symmetrical clamping behavior ensures equal protection for both polarities, and its typical junction capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V) minimizes signal integrity impact on data lines up to 1 Mbps. The SMC3K18CAHM3_A has been validated in such configurations per ISO 11898-2 and TIA/EIA-485-A test plans.
SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- 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):
- 103A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 3000W (3kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H?
SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H?
For technical support, including SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H 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 SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H?
All SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H, 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 SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC3K18CAHM3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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