Vishay 6DFN20CA-M3/I
- Part No.:
- 6DFN20CA-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- 2-VDFN
- Datasheet:
-
6DFN20CA-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- 600W,20V 5%, DFN3820A BIDIR TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:13,980
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Product details
Overview
6DFN20CA-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount TRANSZORB® transient voltage suppressor in DFN3820A package, with 20 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage at 21.7 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It protects signal lines in sensor units and MOSFET gates against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the 6DFN20CA-M3/I datasheet, 6DFN20CA-M3/I pinout, 6DFN20CA-M3/I application, or 6DFN20CA-M3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional clamping behavior, low-profile DFN3820A footprint with side-wettable flanks for AOI, 175 °C max junction temperature, and M3-grade halogen-free/RoHS-compliant construction suitable for industrial-grade automated assembly.
Technical Context
This device uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable bidirectional clamping without polarity marking. Its junction passivation enables reliable operation up to 175 °C and supports MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility (260 °C peak).
The DFN3820A package provides low thermal resistance (RθJM = 5–6.5 °C/W) and high surge robustness: 21.7 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), 27.7 V clamping voltage, and 30 kV ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 (contact/air discharge).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 19.0 / 20.0 / 21.0 V - Ensures reliable conduction onset above 17.1 V operating voltage, preventing false triggering during normal operation |
| VWM | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA, defining safe working margin for 18 V rail protection |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - Clamped voltage at 21.7 A surge, limiting downstream IC stress to <28 V during 10/1000 μs transients |
| PPPM | 600 W - Sustains 10/1000 μs surge energy without failure, enabling protection of 24 V industrial control interfaces |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Supports operation in under-hood automotive modules or enclosed industrial enclosures without derating |
| ESD Rating | ±30 kV (IEC 61000-4-2) - Provides system-level ESD hardening for exposed USB, CAN, or sensor connectors |
| Package | DFN3820A (3.95 × 2.18 × 0.88 mm) - Low-profile, leadless, side-wettable flanks enable AOI-compatible automated placement on dense PCBs |
Pinout & Package
DFN3820A is a 2-terminal, bidirectional package with no cathode marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test. The package meets UL 94 V-0 and is compatible with SMP (DO-220AA) outline.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as input/output for transient suppression; no polarity dependency simplifies layout routing |
| Terminal 2 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Paired with Terminal 1 to form symmetric clamping path; both terminals equally rated for 21.7 A surge current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, audio) without polarity concerns |
| Side-wettable flanks | Supports automated optical inspection (AOI) of solder joints on bottom-side terminals, critical for high-reliability industrial PCB assembly |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows standard SMT reflow without dry-pack or baking, reducing manufacturing cost and cycle time for volume production |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | M3 suffix confirms compliance with environmental regulations and eliminates halogen-related corrosion risks in humid environments |
| 175 °C junction rating | Permits use in thermally constrained spaces such as motor drive inverters or sealed power supplies without thermal derating |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs exposed to relay coil flyback and EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor placed directly at connector entry point to clamp sub-μs spikes before reaching ADC front-end. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤27.7 V during 600 W surges, preserving 16-bit ADC accuracy and preventing latch-up in microcontroller I/O. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus inputs and switch sense lines in BCMs subjected to load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS shunting fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time) on 12 V vehicle networks while maintaining signal integrity. Use Value: Withstands 30 kV ESD and 21.7 A surges without degradation, ensuring >10-year field reliability in automotive under-hood environments. |
| Medical Patient Monitoring Signal Lines | Telecom DSL/ADSL Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding ECG/SpO₂ analog front-ends from electrostatic discharge during clinical handling and defibrillator coupling events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. 100 pF at 0 V) TVS placed adjacent to instrumentation amplifier inputs to avoid signal distortion. Use Value: Clamps 30 kV contact ESD to <28 V within nanoseconds, preventing amplifier saturation and preserving diagnostic waveform fidelity. | Use Scenario: Protecting ADSL line drivers and receivers from lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge protector at network interface unit (NIU) entrance, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) secondary stage. Use Value: 600 W peak power rating absorbs full ITU-T K.20/21 surge waveforms, extending GDT lifetime and reducing maintenance frequency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/57T | DO-214AC package (SMA), 20 V VWM, 32.4 V VC @ 18.9 A, 400 W PPPM | Larger footprint (4.5 × 2.7 mm), higher clamping voltage, lower surge rating - less suitable for space-constrained PCBs | Select when legacy SMA layout exists and AOI is not required; avoid for new DFN-based designs targeting miniaturization. |
| SMCJ20AHE3/73 | DO-214AB package (SMC), 20 V VWM, 32.4 V VC @ 30.2 A, 1500 W PPPM | Higher power but 7.1 × 6.2 mm footprint - incompatible with DFN3820A land pattern and unsuitable for fine-pitch routing | Choose only for high-energy surge zones (e.g., AC mains input); not a drop-in replacement due to mechanical and thermal interface mismatch. |
Compared with SMAJ20A-E3/57T and SMCJ20AHE3/73, the 6DFN20CA-M3/I delivers identical 20 V standoff with superior board-area efficiency (3.95 × 2.18 mm), lower clamping (27.7 V vs. ≥32.4 V), and AOI-ready construction - making it optimal for next-generation compact, high-volume industrial and automotive electronics.
Availability
6DFN20CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface protection, automotive body control module inputs, medical patient monitoring signal lines, and telecom DSL/ADSL line interface applications requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 6DFN20CA-M3/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 Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, passive elements, and sensors, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and high-power handling.
The 6DFN20CA-M3/I belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® DFN TVS family, engineered for space-constrained, high-reliability transient suppression in industrial, automotive, and medical systems where low profile, AOI compatibility, and extended temperature operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 6DFN20CA-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The 6DFN20CA-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 21.7 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in Vishay document 98490 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The 6DFN20CA-M3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Does the 6DFN20CA-M3/I require a cathode marking for correct orientation during PCB assembly?
No, the 6DFN20CA-M3/I is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor and does not have a cathode band or polarity marking. Both terminals are functionally identical, allowing unrestricted placement on PCBs without orientation constraints. This simplifies layout and reduces assembly errors - a confirmed feature stated in the "Polarity" note of Vishay document 98490 for the 6DFNxxCA series.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to mount (RθJM) for the 6DFN20CA-M3/I?
The 6DFN20CA-M3/I has a typical junction-to-mount thermal resistance (RθJM) of 5 °C/W and a maximum of 6.5 °C/W, per JEDEC® 51-14 TDIM testing. This low RθJM enables efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper pad, supporting sustained operation at +175 °C junction temperature - a specification verified in the Thermal Characteristics table of Vishay document 98490.
Is the 6DFN20CA-M3/I compliant with automotive AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, the 6DFN20CA-M3/I carries the "M3" suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and industrial-grade construction, but not AEC-Q101 qualification. The ordering information table in Vishay document 98490 explicitly states that "H" denotes AEC-Q101 qualification (e.g., 6DFN20CA-M3/H), whereas "I" denotes 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging for industrial use. Therefore, 6DFN20CA-M3/I is intended for industrial, medical, and telecom applications, not automotive qualification-critical systems.
What is the junction capacitance of the 6DFN20CA-M3/I at zero bias?
The junction capacitance (CJ) of the 6DFN20CA-M3/I is approximately 100 pF at zero bias, as shown in Figure 4 of Vishay document 98490. This value is measured at 1.0 MHz with 50 mVp-p signal amplitude and is typical for the entire 6DFN12CA–6DFN100CA family. The 6DFN20CA-M3/I's low capacitance ensures minimal loading on high-speed signal lines such as RS-485 or CAN FD interfaces.
6DFN20CA-M3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay
- Package/Case:
- 2-VDFN
- Series:
- TRANSZORB®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 21.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount, Wettable Flank
- Supplier Device Package:
- DFN3820A
6DFN20CA-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 6DFN20CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 6DFN20CA-M3/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 6DFN20CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of 6DFN20CA-M3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 6DFN20CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 6DFN20CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 6DFN20CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 6DFN20CA-M3/I?
6DFN20CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 6DFN20CA-M3/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 6DFN20CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including 6DFN20CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 6DFN20CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 6DFN20CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 6DFN20CA-M3/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 6DFN20CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 6DFN20CA-M3/I?
All 6DFN20CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 6DFN20CA-M3/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 6DFN20CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 6DFN20CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
6DFN20CA-M3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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