Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H

Overview

1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 6.8 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 6.45–7.14 V at I_T = 10 mA), 5.8 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 10.5 V clamping voltage (V_C at I_PPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and DC power rail surge suppression.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H datasheet, 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H pinout, 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H application, or 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H equivalent, this AEC-Q101-qualified TVS offers verified clamping performance, low incremental surge resistance, and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity - critical for high-reliability automotive and industrial PCB designs requiring repeatable transient immunity without derating.

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS operates by avalanche breakdown to clamp transient overvoltages above its V_WM threshold while maintaining low leakage (<1000 µA at 5.8 V). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance and fast response time (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching spikes.

The device is rated for 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (I_FSM, 8.3 ms half-sine), supports continuous power dissipation of 6.5 W at 50 °C on infinite heatsink, and maintains operation across –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range - making it suitable for under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained industrial modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded case with matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified. Cathode indicated by band; anode is unmarked end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ6.8A-E3/52T and 1.5KE6.8A, the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H uniquely delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, 1500 W capability in SMC form factor, and MSL Level 1 compliance - making it the only option meeting full automotive production requirements without layout or process compromise.

Availability

1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 traceability.

Supply support for 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The 1.5SMC Series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, combining AEC-Q101 validation, glass-passivated junctions, and standardized SMC packaging to simplify design-in for mission-critical protection.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H under maximum surge conditions?

The 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 10.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 143 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured at the device terminals under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 5 V logic interfaces and automotive microcontrollers.

Is the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HE3 suffix and documentation in Vishay's 1.5SMC Series datasheet (Doc. #88303). It meets automotive reliability requirements including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing - making it approved for use in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and infotainment systems where transient immunity and long-term stability are mandatory.

What does the "_A/H" suffix mean in 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H?

The "_A/H" suffix in 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H indicates two attributes: "A" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification for the 6.8 V variant, and "H" specifies packaging in 7-inch plastic tape-and-reel format with 850 units per reel. This ordering code aligns with Vishay's documented scheme in the "Ordering Information" section of the 1.5SMC Series datasheet (Rev. 09-Mar-2026).

How does the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/H?

The 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., VCC-to-ground), whereas 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/H is bidirectional and used for AC or differential signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN). The unidirectional version offers lower leakage at V_WM and higher I_FSM rating (200 A vs. none specified for bidirectional), but cannot suppress negative-going transients on AC paths.

What is the thermal resistance of the 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H, and how does it affect PCB layout?

The 1.5SMC6.8AHE3_A/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.31″ × 0.31″ (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures under sustained power dissipation, designers must allocate adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length - especially critical in automotive applications where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C.