Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K12A-M3/H
- Part No.:
- SMC5K12A-M3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K12A-M3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,565
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K12A-M3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 19.9 V max clamping voltage at 251 A (10/1000 μs), 5000 W peak pulse power, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K12A-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K12A-M3/H pinout, SMC5K12A-M3/H application, or SMC5K12A-M3/H equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal derating behavior, ESD immunity (30 kV HBM), UL 497B recognition, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility - all critical for robust overvoltage design in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
Technical Context
The SMC5K12A-M3/H operates as a clamping-type unidirectional TVS diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its 13.3 V minimum breakdown threshold to divert surge current away from protected circuitry. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective suppression of transients induced by inductive switching or lightning surges.
It is rated for 5000 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform and supports 8/20 μs surges up to 1581 A with clamping voltage ≤25.3 V. Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is 90 °C/W, enabling stable operation up to +150 °C junction temperature with proper PCB copper area.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V - defines precise conduction onset; ensures reliable clamping before downstream IC damage |
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; sets safe margin below breakdown |
| VC @ IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 19.9 V @ 251 A - actual clamping voltage during standard surge; determines protected circuit's peak stress level |
| PPPM | 5000 W - energy-handling capacity under 10/1000 μs waveform; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; allows use in under-hood automotive environments |
| ESD Rating | 30 kV HBM (contact & air) - meets IEC 61000-4-2; protects against handling and system-level electrostatic events |
| UL Recognition | UL 497B File E136766 - certified for safety in telecom and industrial equipment designs |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamping configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply or CAN bus); conducts only during overvoltage events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Peak pulse power rating | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - sustains high-energy transients without failure in automotive load-dump scenarios |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Qualified for automotive applications (SMC5K10A–SMC5K20A family) - validated for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress per automotive standards |
| Low clamping voltage | 19.9 V @ 251 A - minimizes voltage overshoot across protected MOSFET gates or microcontroller I/O pins |
| Fast response time | <1 ns - activates before sensitive components experience damaging overvoltage |
| MSL Level 1 compliance | 260 °C peak reflow tolerance - eliminates pre-baking requirement for standard SMT assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients in passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground, absorbing >5000 W surges within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to MCU, CAN transceivers, and power management ICs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS connected across sensor output and reference ground, suppressing EFT bursts and cable-coupled noise. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and measurement accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset shifts and preventing ADC saturation. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Computer Peripheral USB/Power Delivery Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V DC input stages of telecom base station power supplies against lightning-induced surges on outdoor feeder lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power unidirectional TVS mounted at board edge, clamping incoming transients before upstream DC/DC converters. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (4 kV/2 Ω) while maintaining <20 V clamping to protect secondary-side control ICs. | Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on 5 V/20 V power rails of USB-C PD adapters and docking stations exposed to hot-plug and fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable layout not applicable; SMC5K12A-M3/H used in unidirectional 5 V rail clamp with cathode to VBUS, anode to GND. Use Value: Limits VBUS overshoot to ≤19.9 V during 251 A surge, preventing damage to PD controller ICs and port power switches. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RthJA = 110 °C/W), same VWM/VBR range | Suitable for space-constrained consumer electronics; insufficient for automotive load dump or industrial 4 kV surges | Select SMC5K12A-M3/H when ≥5000 W surge handling and AEC-Q101 qualification are required. |
| 1.5KE12A | Through-hole DO-201 package, identical VBR/VC specs, but higher thermal resistance and no AEC-Q101 or MSL Level 1 rating | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where reflow compatibility and automotive qualification are not needed | Choose SMC5K12A-M3/H for new SMT designs requiring surface-mount reliability, reflow safety, and automotive validation. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and 1.5KE12A, the SMC5K12A-M3/H delivers 12.5× higher surge power handling, guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance, and MSL Level 1 process compatibility - making it the only option among the three qualified for next-generation automotive and high-reliability industrial power rail protection.
Availability
SMC5K12A-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits, telecom DC power inputs, and computer peripheral power delivery systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMC5K12A-M3/H 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on high-reliability, high-efficiency, and automotive-qualified solutions.
The SMC5K12A-M3/H belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of high-power TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for SMC5K12A-M3/H?
The SMC5K12A-M3/H has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 13.3 V to 14.7 V at 1.0 mA test current, per the Vishay datasheet Document Number 87742. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports reliable overvoltage protection design for 12 V nominal systems. The SMC5K12A-M3/H is tested and binned to meet these limits under standard conditions.
Is SMC5K12A-M3/H AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, the SMC5K12A-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified. As confirmed in the Vishay datasheet, the HM3 suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, and the SMC5K12A-M3/H falls within the SMC5K10A–SMC5K20A range explicitly listed as qualified. This validation covers temperature cycling, mechanical shock, humidity, and other stress tests required for automotive under-hood and body-control module applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMC5K12A-M3/H at rated surge current?
The SMC5K12A-M3/H has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at 251 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the Vishay datasheet and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Does SMC5K12A-M3/H meet UL safety certification?
Yes, the SMC5K12A-M3/H carries UL recognition under file number E136766 for UL 497B, which covers primary protector requirements for telecommunications and signaling circuits. This certification confirms compliance with flammability (UL 94 V-0), electrical insulation, and surge withstand criteria - essential for end-equipment safety approvals in telecom and industrial markets.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of SMC5K12A-M3/H?
The SMC5K12A-M3/H has a thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RthJA) of 90 °C/W and a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C. These values are specified in the Vishay datasheet and define the device's thermal performance envelope: with adequate PCB copper area, the SMC5K12A-M3/H can sustain repeated surges while maintaining safe operating temperatures in automotive and industrial ambient conditions.
SMC5K12A-M3/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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 251.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- 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-214AB (SMCJ)
SMC5K12A-M3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K12A-M3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K12A-M3/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 SMC5K12A-M3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K12A-M3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC5K12A-M3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K12A-M3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K12A-M3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K12A-M3/H?
SMC5K12A-M3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K12A-M3/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 SMC5K12A-M3/H?
For technical support, including SMC5K12A-M3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K12A-M3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K12A-M3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K12A-M3/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 SMC5K12A-M3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K12A-M3/H?
All SMC5K12A-M3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K12A-M3/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 SMC5K12A-M3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K12A-M3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K12A-M3/H Tags

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