Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division GBU6B-M3/51

Overview

GBU6B-M3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a glass passivated single-phase bridge rectifier with 100 V maximum repetitive peak reverse voltage (V_RRM), 6.0 A average forward rectified output current (I_F(AV)), and 175 A non-repetitive peak forward surge current (I_FSM). It features 1.0 V forward voltage drop at 6.0 A, 5 μA reverse leakage at 25 °C, and is packaged in the GBU case for PCB mounting in AC/DC power supplies for consumer electronics.

For engineers reviewing the GBU6B-M3/51 datasheet, GBU6B-M3/51 pinout, GBU6B-M3/51 application, or GBU6B-M3/51 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 100 V blocking rating, thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (R_θJA), UL recognition (E54214), halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction, and suitability for high-surge environments in compact power adapters and audio equipment.

Technical Context

The GBU6B-M3/51 implements a standard full-wave bridge configuration with four silicon diodes in a single in-line GBU package. Its glass passivation ensures stable junction performance under thermal cycling and humidity exposure, while the matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability standards.

Designed for PCB-level integration without heatsink dependency, it supports 3.8 A average forward current at 40 °C ambient (free-air) and 6.0 A at 90 °C case temperature when mounted on an aluminum plate heatsink. Its 1500 V_RMS dielectric strength between case and terminals enables safe operation in isolated AC input stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: GBU - molded plastic case with in-line terminal configuration, 0.720–0.740 inch (18.3–18.8 mm) length, 0.290–0.310 inch (7.4–7.9 mm) width, 0.190–0.210 inch (4.83–5.33 mm) height, polarity marked on body (beveled corner indicates positive output).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bridge rectifier applications.

Compared with GBU6B-M3/51, GBU6B-E3/51 offers identical performance but lacks halogen-free compliance, while GBU6K-M3/51 trades lower voltage rating for significantly higher blocking capability-enabling reuse in higher-input designs without layout change but requiring verification of downstream capacitor and switch ratings.

Availability

GBU6B-M3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for monitor power supplies, printer SMPS input stages, and audio equipment AC adapters requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and high-surge tolerance.

Supply support for GBU6B-M3/51 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 optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The GBU series was developed for cost-sensitive, high-volume AC/DC front-end applications where compact size, surge robustness, and regulatory compliance (UL, RoHS, halogen-free) are mandatory in consumer and industrial power supplies.

FAQ

What is the maximum junction temperature rating for GBU6B-M3/51?

The GBU6B-M3/51 has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) rating of +150 °C. This allows reliable operation in enclosed or high-ambient environments such as sealed audio amplifiers or compact printer power modules. Thermal design must ensure that actual junction temperature remains below this limit under worst-case load and ambient conditions, using either PCB copper area or external heatsinking as specified in the datasheet derating curves.

Does GBU6B-M3/51 support lead-free soldering processes?

Yes, GBU6B-M3/51 supports lead-free soldering: its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and it withstands solder dip up to 275 °C for 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106. The M3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, making it compatible with standard Pb-free reflow profiles used in modern electronics manufacturing.

How does the GBU6B-M3/51 differ from GBU6A-M3/51?

The GBU6B-M3/51 differs from GBU6A-M3/51 solely in its maximum repetitive peak reverse voltage (V_RRM): 100 V vs. 50 V. All other parameters-including I_F(AV), I_FSM, V_F, R_θJA, and package-are identical. Therefore, GBU6B-M3/51 replaces GBU6A-M3/51 in any application requiring ≥100 V blocking, such as 230 VAC-derived supplies with safety margin.

Is GBU6B-M3/51 certified for use in UL-recognized end equipment?

Yes, GBU6B-M3/51 carries UL recognition file number E54214, confirming compliance with UL 60950-1 and UL 62368-1 for use in information technology and audio/video equipment. This certification covers flammability (UL 94 V-0), dielectric strength (1500 V_RMS), and construction-enabling faster end-product safety approval without additional component-level testing.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (R_θJC) for GBU6B-M3/51?

The GBU6B-M3/51 has a typical junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of 2.5 °C/W when mounted with silicone thermal compound on an aluminum heatsink using #6 screws. This value enables precise calculation of junction temperature rise above case temperature, supporting thermal validation in high-power-density designs like compact switching adapters where heatsink attachment is feasible.