Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I

Overview

1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for clamping voltage transients up to 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), with a breakdown voltage of 6.45–7.14 V at 10 mA test current and maximum clamping voltage of 10.5 V at 143 A peak pulse current. It is AEC-Q101 qualified and RoHS-compliant, used for protecting automotive sensor signal lines, power rails, and I/O interfaces against ESD and lightning-induced surges.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I datasheet, 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I pinout, 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I application, or 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low 5.8 V stand-off voltage, 1000 μA max reverse leakage at V_WM, ±150 °C operating junction temperature, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamped surge protector with symmetrical bidirectional conduction-no polarity marking required-and exhibits fast response time (<1 ns) due to its glass-passivated silicon junction. Its thermal resistance is 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15 °C/W (junction-to-leads), enabling reliable operation under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle pulses.

The 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I meets UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow), with matte tin-plated leads compliant to JESD 22-B102 and J-STD-002. Its 10.5 V clamping voltage at 143 A ensures robust protection for 3.3 V and 5 V logic interfaces without overstressing downstream ICs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; polarity-unmarked for bidirectional operation; mounted on 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I delivers higher surge robustness in an automotive-qualified SMT package, enabling direct integration into modern ECU and ADAS PCBs without layout or process changes.

Availability

1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, consumer USB hubs, and telecom line interface boards requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and full traceability.

Supply support for 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.

The 1.5SMC Series was developed to deliver high-power, surface-mount TVS solutions for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 qualification, UL recognition, and repeatable clamping behavior under real-world surge conditions.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I?

The "CA" suffix in 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I denotes a bidirectional configuration-meaning the device clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities, with no cathode/anode marking required. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5SMC6.8A), which feature a band-marked cathode and conduct only in reverse bias. The CA version is ideal for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines.

Is 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I suitable for protecting 3.3 V logic circuits?

Yes, 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I is appropriate for 3.3 V logic protection when used with proper layout: its 5.8 V stand-off voltage provides sufficient margin above 3.3 V rail, and its 10.5 V clamping voltage prevents damage to 3.3 V ICs rated for ≤13 V absolute maximum. However, ensure PCB trace inductance is minimized to avoid voltage overshoot during sub-nanosecond ESD events.

What is the meaning of the "HE3_A/I" suffix in 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I?

The "HE3_A/I" suffix in 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I indicates RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified construction ("HE3"), with "A" denoting the revision level and "I" specifying packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel format (3500 units per reel). This distinguishes it from "H" (7-inch reel, 850 units) and non-automotive "E3" or "M3" variants.

How does the thermal performance of 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I compare to smaller packages like SMBJ?

1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads-lower than SMBJ's ~85 °C/W-enabling higher sustained power dissipation. Its larger SMC footprint improves heat spreading, making it more suitable for repetitive surge environments such as automotive powertrain modules where thermal cycling reliability is critical.

Does 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I meet UL 497B requirements?

Yes, 1.5SMC6.8CAHE3_A/I is UL 497B recognized under file number E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional configurations. This certification validates its suitability for use in telecommunications and industrial equipment requiring third-party verified surge protection performance, including longitudinal and transverse surge suppression on signal and power lines.