Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K18AHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K18AHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and clamps to ≤29.2 V at 171 A peak pulse current - deployed on power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K18AHM3_A/I datasheet, SMC5K18AHM3_A/I pinout, SMC5K18AHM3_A/I application, or SMC5K18AHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 29.2/18), and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility - critical for automotive-grade board-level surge resilience.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of inductive switching transients and ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2 (±30 kV contact/air). Its thermal design supports continuous operation up to 150 °C junction temperature, with RthJA = 90 °C/W on standard FR4 PCB.
The SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is part of the SMC5KxxA series qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive applications; the HM3_A suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable turn-on threshold for overvoltage clamping |
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 2.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 171 A (10/1000 μs) - actual clamping voltage limiting downstream component stress |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - peak surge energy handling capacity under standardized waveform |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| ESD immunity | ±30 kV HBM (contact/air) - meets IEC 61000-4-2 for system-level electrostatic discharge robustness |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - surface-mount outline with 3.20 mm × 7.11 mm footprint and 2.06 mm height |
Pinout & Package
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I uses the industry-standard SMC (DO-214AB) package: cathode-indicating band at one end, anode at the opposite end. Leads are matte tin-plated, compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | High-side connection to protected line | Reverse-biased during normal operation; conducts only during overvoltage to clamp to ground |
| Anode | Low-side connection to reference (typically GND) | Provides return path for surge current; must be routed with low-inductance layout to maintain clamping performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports protection against severe load-dump and inductive kick events in 12 V/24 V systems |
| Clamping voltage ≤29.2 V at 171 A | Ensures downstream ICs rated to 30 V logic or power rails remain within safe operating area |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Enables single-pass lead-free assembly without moisture-related delamination risk |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3_A) | Meets global environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial OEM supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver power rails from load-dump spikes during battery disconnect/reconnect events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between 12 V supply and local ground plane, responding within nanoseconds to transients. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤29.2 V during 171 A surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic circuitry downstream. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges caused by relay coil de-energization or lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor on each isolated input channel, mounted adjacent to connector entry point. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 5000 W pulses while maintaining <2.0 μA leakage at 18 V, ensuring stable logic-level detection under normal operation. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Board |
Use Scenario: Guarding AC-DC converter DC bus against line-to-line and line-to-ground transients entering via telecom mains interface. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power unidirectional TVS connected across bulk capacitor terminals to absorb differential-mode surges. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 μs transients to 29.2 V before they propagate to downstream DC-DC regulators, preserving output regulation integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate drivers and MCU pins from back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on motor power traces and control signal lines, placed within 2 mm of MOSFET source/drain nodes. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and low dynamic impedance limit voltage overshoot to <30 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 40 V-rated logic-level MOSFETs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-M3/86A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (DO-214AC), VC = 29.2 V @ 13.7 A | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to consumer/industrial use where space and cost constrain higher-power needs | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is moderate (e.g., non-automotive sensors) |
| SMCJ18A-HM3_A/I | Same SMC package and AEC-Q101 rating, but 1500 W PPPM (10/1000 μs), VC = 29.2 V @ 51.3 A | Lower surge current capability suits applications with predictable, lower-energy transients (e.g., USB power delivery) | Choose for cost-sensitive automotive modules where full 5000 W headroom is not required |
Compared with SMC5K18AHM3_A/I, SMAJ18A-M3/86A offers compact size at reduced surge capacity, while SMCJ18A-HM3_A/I provides identical automotive qualification and package but with lower peak power - making SMC5K18AHM3_A/I optimal for high-threat environments like engine bay electronics or industrial motor drives requiring maximum transient margin.
Availability
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance motor control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I 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 reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SMC5KxxA series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - particularly targeting automotive AEC-Q101 compliance and industrial surge immunity standards such as IEC 61000-4-5.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I?
The SMC5K18AHM3_A/I has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 20.0 V to 22.1 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. This ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and validates its suitability for 18 V nominal systems where overvoltage margins must be tightly controlled. The SMC5K18AHM3_A/I's VBR tolerance supports robust design against process variation.
Is SMC5K18AHM3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the SMC5K10A–SMC5K20A subset. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing (uHAST), validating its use in automotive body control modules, infotainment power supplies, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The HM3_A suffix explicitly denotes this automotive-grade status.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMC5K18AHM3_A/I under surge conditions?
The SMC5K18AHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V at 171 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform), as specified in the Vishay datasheet. This clamping voltage directly determines the peak stress imposed on downstream components; for example, it ensures 30 V-rated ICs remain within safe operating limits during worst-case transients. The low VC/VWM ratio of 1.62 reflects high clamping efficiency.
Does SMC5K18AHM3_A/I meet lead-free reflow requirements?
Yes, SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is rated for MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C, fully compatible with standard lead-free soldering processes. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements, and the molding compound complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating - ensuring reliable assembly in high-volume automated manufacturing.
How does the SMC5K18AHM3_A/I differ from the SMCJ18A-HM3_A/I?
The SMC5K18AHM3_A/I delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) versus 1500 W for SMCJ18A-HM3_A/I, supporting significantly higher surge currents (171 A vs. 51.3 A) at identical clamping voltage (29.2 V). Both share AEC-Q101 qualification and SMC packaging, but SMC5K18AHM3_A/I targets high-threat environments like engine control units, whereas SMCJ18A-HM3_A/I serves cost-optimized automotive sub-systems with lower surge exposure.
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 171.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I 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 SMC5K18AHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K18AHM3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I?
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K18AHM3_A/I 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 SMC5K18AHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K18AHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K18AHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K18AHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K18AHM3_A/I 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 SMC5K18AHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K18AHM3_A/I?
All SMC5K18AHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K18AHM3_A/I, 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 SMC5K18AHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K18AHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K18AHM3_A/I Tags

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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