Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ12CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ12CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ12CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,493
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ12CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 12 V standoff voltage (VWM), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 75.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed on power rails and signal lines in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ12CAHM3/I datasheet, SMCJ12CAHM3/I pinout, SMCJ12CAHM3/I application, or SMCJ12CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance (HM3 suffix), junction temperature derating above 25 °C, and thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) for PCB layout validation.
Technical Context
The SMCJ12CAHM3/I operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both directions due to its bidirectional construction. Its breakdown voltage (VBR) ranges from 13.3 V to 14.7 V at 1 mA test current, with low incremental surge resistance enabling fast response to transients induced by inductive switching or ESD events.
Thermally, it supports operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with derated peak pulse power above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2. The device meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within tight tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 75.4 A - defines worst-case voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized waveform |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, critical for pad layout and power derating |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum allowable junction temperature for sustained reliability in high-temp environments |
| Compliance | AEC-Q101 qualified, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (HM3 suffix) - validated for automotive production use |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, low-profile case with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad layout recommended per datasheet Figure 6. Matte tin-plated terminals; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive transients and anode during negative transients - symmetric clamping node |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Anode in CA devices - no functional distinction; both terminals interchangeable |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock testing |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | HM3 suffix confirms full compliance with environmental regulations and supply chain sustainability requirements |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.45 - minimizes let-through voltage stress on downstream ICs during surge events |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow at peak 260 °C - compatible with standard SMT assembly processes |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied microcontrollers and CAN transceivers from load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between VBAT and GND, absorbing up to 1500 W surges without failure. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic ICs by limiting rail voltage to ≤19.9 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) from ESD and field-induced surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt element across signal pair, clamping differential and common-mode transients simultaneously. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under IEC 61000-4-2 (±8 kV contact) and IEC 61000-4-4 (±2 kV fast transient burst) stress conditions. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHYs and PoE controllers against lightning-induced surges on RJ45 ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS mounted adjacent to connector, working in coordination with primary gas discharge tube (GDT). Use Value: Responds in <1 ps to clamp residual transients after GDT firing, ensuring VC stays below PHY absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Protecting gate drivers and MCU I/O pins from back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in smart home appliances. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamp across motor coil terminals and control signal paths to suppress inductive kickback. Use Value: Eliminates need for external snubbers by absorbing 1500 W pulses with minimal board space in compact SMC package. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CAHE3/A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W) | Suitable for lower-energy transients; not rated for automotive AEC-Q101 | Select when cost or board area is prioritized over surge robustness and automotive qualification |
| SMCJ12AHE3/I | Unidirectional version; same VWM, VC, and PPPM but asymmetric clamping (cathode-marked) | Requires correct polarity placement; unsuitable for AC or floating signals | Choose only for DC-biased rails where polarity is fixed and reverse conduction must be blocked |
Compared with SMCJ12CAHM3/I, SMAJ12CAHE3/A offers reduced surge handling and no automotive qualification, while SMCJ12AHE3/I lacks bidirectional symmetry - making SMCJ12CAHM3/I the sole option meeting AEC-Q101, halogen-free, and true bidirectional requirements in SMC package.
Availability
SMCJ12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor modules, telecom line cards, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ12CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SMCJ series targets high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, engineered for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, AEC-Q101 validation, and precise clamping behavior are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ12CAHM3/I?
The "CA" suffix in SMCJ12CAHM3/I denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage clamping in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ12A), it has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.
Is SMCJ12CAHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ12CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HM3" suffix and Vishay documentation. This qualification covers rigorous stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and mechanical shock - validating its suitability for under-hood and body-control module deployments in passenger vehicles and commercial fleets.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ12CAHM3/I and under what test condition?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMCJ12CAHM3/I is 19.9 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 75.4 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a surge event and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range.
How does the HM3 suffix differ from M3 or HE3 in Vishay's SMCJ series?
The HM3 suffix in SMCJ12CAHM3/I indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction. In contrast, M3 denotes halogen-free/RoHS without automotive qualification, and HE3 is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified but not halogen-free - making HM3 the most stringent environmental and reliability grade in the family.
Can SMCJ12CAHM3/I replace SMCJ12AHE3/I in an existing design?
No - SMCJ12CAHM3/I is bidirectional while SMCJ12AHE3/I is unidirectional, so direct substitution requires verification of signal polarity and clamping symmetry needs. Replacing the unidirectional part with SMCJ12CAHM3/I may be acceptable in DC-biased applications but introduces unnecessary conduction in reverse bias; layout review and transient testing are required before implementation.
SMCJ12CAHM3/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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 75.4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMCJ12CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ12CAHM3/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 SMCJ12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ12CAHM3/I?
SMCJ12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ12CAHM3/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 SMCJ12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ12CAHM3/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 SMCJ12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ12CAHM3/I?
All SMCJ12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ12CAHM3/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 SMCJ12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ12CAHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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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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