Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K18CA-M3/H
- Part No.:
- SMC5K18CA-M3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K18CA-M3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMC5K18CA-M3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), has a standoff voltage of 18 V, clamps at 29.2 V (10/1000 μs) under 171 A surge, and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K18CA-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K18CA-M3/H pinout, SMC5K18CA-M3/H application, or SMC5K18CA-M3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C junction rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to provide fast response (<1 ns) and precise voltage clamping during transient events such as ESD (30 kV HBM), lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching spikes. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetric protection without polarity constraints on AC or differential lines.
The device is optimized for high-energy transients: it sustains 5000 W (10/1000 μs) and up to 40 kW (8/20 μs), with thermal resistance RthJA = 90 °C/W and RthJM = 4.0 °C/W, enabling robust operation in thermally constrained PCB layouts typical in automotive ECUs and industrial controllers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below circuit rail voltage. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 20.0–22.1 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 29.2 V at 171 A (10/1000 μs) - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge; determines downstream component stress. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity for standard lightning/surge waveforms; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance. |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive, motor drives, and industrial environments without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per AEC specification. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 7.11 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with JEDEC-standard reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
SMC5K18CA-M3/H is a two-terminal bidirectional TVS diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package. No cathode band marking; terminals are non-polarized and interchangeable. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and pass JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Transient current path | Either terminal serves as current entry/exit point during positive or negative transients; no polarity dependency in layout. |
| Cathode/Anode (bidirectional) | Clamping node | Provides symmetrical voltage limiting across protected line pair (e.g., CAN_H/CAN_L, RS-485 A/B, or DC bus rails). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without external polarity management. |
| 40 kW surge rating (8/20 μs) | Supports high-energy lightning surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5, reducing need for multi-stage protection networks. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates long-term reliability in automotive applications including engine control, ADAS sensors, and body electronics. |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Confirms safety compliance for telecom and industrial equipment requiring certified transient protection components. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental regulations for industrial and consumer electronics without compromising surge performance or thermal stability. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control modules from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤29.2 V during 171 A surge, preventing ADC saturation and protecting 3.3 V/5 V input stages. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in PLC backplanes exposed to ground loop transients and EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional line protector on differential bus pairs (A/B), mounted adjacent to connector. Use Value: Clamps common-mode surges within 1 ns while maintaining signal integrity up to 20 Mbps due to low junction capacitance (~120 pF at 0 V). |
| Telecom Power Rail | Consumer Device USB Port |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding 48 V PoE-powered Ethernet switches against induced lightning surges on data/power lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on DC input rail upstream of DC-DC converter. Use Value: Absorbs 5000 W pulses without degradation, sustaining operation after repeated 10/1000 μs transients per IEC 61000-4-5. |
Use Scenario: ESD hardening of USB 2.0 D+/D– lines in smart home hubs subjected to human-body model discharges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Board-level ESD suppressor placed at USB connector, compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 ±30 kV contact. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and gate oxide damage in USB PHY ICs by clamping sub-100 ps ESD events to <30 V. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA-E3/52 | Lower peak pulse power (600 W vs. 5000 W); SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RthJA = 110 °C/W). | Suitable for lower-energy ESD-only scenarios; not recommended for lightning or inductive switching protection. | Select when space-constrained and surge requirements are limited to IEC 61000-4-2 only. |
| SMCJ18CA | Same SMC package and 5000 W rating, but base P/N lacks M3 halogen-free/RoHS designation and AEC-Q101 qualification. | Acceptable for industrial/commercial use where automotive qualification or green compliance is not mandated. | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where full M3 spec is unnecessary. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA-E3/52 and SMCJ18CA, the SMC5K18CA-M3/H provides superior surge handling and automotive-grade reliability in the same SMC footprint - making it optimal for high-reliability 12–24 V systems requiring both lightning immunity and AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SMC5K18CA-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom power rail hardening requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for SMC5K18CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability, high-power, and automotive-qualified solutions.
The SMC5K18CA-M3/H belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 validation and high-energy surge resilience.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMC5K18CA-M3/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K18CA-M3/H clamps to 29.2 V at its specified peak pulse current of 171 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig. 3 in the Vishay datasheet 87024 and represents the maximum voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a standardized surge event. The clamping performance remains stable across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SMC5K18CA-M3/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K18CA-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range, halogen-free M3 construction, and validation across temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity bias make it appropriate for engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is critical.
Does the SMC5K18CA-M3/H have polarity markings on the package?
No, the SMC5K18CA-M3/H is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMC (DO-214AB) package. Both terminals are functionally identical, allowing flexible PCB layout without orientation constraints - ideal for differential signal lines like CAN or RS-485 where symmetry is required.
What is the peak pulse power rating of the SMC5K18CA-M3/H for an 8/20 μs waveform?
The SMC5K18CA-M3/H is rated for 40 kW peak pulse power under the 8/20 μs waveform, as specified in the Vishay datasheet 87024. This high-energy capability supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing at Level 4 and enables robust protection against lightning-induced transients in outdoor and industrial installations.
How does the SMC5K18CA-M3/H compare to standard ESD suppressors like those rated for IEC 61000-4-2 only?
Unlike basic ESD suppressors rated solely for ±30 kV HBM, the SMC5K18CA-M3/H handles both high-voltage, high-current transients (e.g., 171 A, 5000 W) and fast ESD events. Its 1 ns response time, 40 kW 8/20 μs rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification make it suitable for system-level surge protection - not just board-level ESD - distinguishing it from low-energy polymer or multilayer varistor alternatives.
SMC5K18CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 171A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMC5K18CA-M3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K18CA-M3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K18CA-M3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K18CA-M3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K18CA-M3/H?
SMC5K18CA-M3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/H?
For technical support, including SMC5K18CA-M3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K18CA-M3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K18CA-M3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K18CA-M3/H?
All SMC5K18CA-M3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K18CA-M3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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