STMicroelectronics ITA6V5B3

Overview

ITA6V5B3 from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional Transil™ diode array for high-speed data line ESD and surge protection, featuring 6.5 V stand-off voltage (VRM), 10 V breakdown (VBR @ 1 mA), 12.1 V clamping at 10 A (VCL), 1100 pF junction capacitance, and 40 A peak pulse current (8/20 µs). It implements a 4-point separated input/output structure in SO-20 to suppress L·di/dt-induced transients on RS-422/RS-485 differential lines.

For engineers reviewing the ITA6V5B3 datasheet, ITA6V5B3 pinout, ITA6V5B3 application, or ITA6V5B3 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping factor (VCL/VBR = 1.21), ±3.5 V max differential voltage between inputs, low leakage (<1 µA @ 6.5 V), IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15 kV air), and SO-20 thermal performance up to 125 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The ITA6V5B3 integrates 610 unidirectional Transil diodes with common cathode topology, configured as up to nine independent bidirectional protection channels. Its 4-point architecture physically separates input and output terminals per channel to eliminate parasitic inductance coupling during ESD events.

It delivers 300 W peak pulse power (8/20 µs) with a clamping voltage of 12.1 V at 10 A and 9.5 V at 5 A, enabling robust protection of 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs without signal distortion. Junction capacitance is specified at 1100 pF (1 MHz, VR = VRM), optimized for sub-25 Mbps RS-422/RS-485 data rates.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ITA6V5B3 is housed in a standard SO-20 (Small Outline, 20-pin) package with gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, and JEDEC MS-013 compliant footprint. The package meets UL94 V0 flammability rating and features lead-free second-level interconnect per ECOPACK® standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional data-line protection applications.

Compared with SMA6J6.5A and SP1003-01UTG, ITA6V5B3 uniquely combines 8-channel integration, 4-point I/O separation, and 40 A surge rating-enabling compact, high-reliability protection for industrial differential buses without compromising signal fidelity or thermal margin.

Availability

ITA6V5B3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RS-422/RS-485 differential line protection, industrial serial port hardening, and point-of-sale terminal interface safeguarding requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ITA6V5B3 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ITA series is part of ST's Transil™ protection portfolio, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in industrial communications interfaces where ESD robustness, surge immunity, and signal integrity must coexist.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for ITA6V5B3?

The maximum operating junction temperature is 125 °C, as specified in Table 1 of the datasheet. This rating enables reliable operation in enclosed industrial enclosures with ambient temperatures up to 85 °C and power dissipation within SO-20 thermal limits. Derating curves confirm sustained 40 A surge capability at Tj ≤ 125 °C.

Does ITA6V5B3 require external biasing or control signals?

No. ITA6V5B3 is a passive, silicon-avalanche-based Transil array with no external bias, enable pin, or control interface. It operates solely via voltage-triggered clamping-conducting only when line voltage exceeds VBR (10 V) and returning to high-impedance state once transient subsides.

Can ITA6V5B3 be used on single-ended interfaces like RS-232?

Yes-ITA6V5B3 supports RS-232 protection by using individual I/O pairs per signal line (e.g., TX, RX, RTS). Its ±3.5 V max differential voltage between inputs is compatible with RS-232's ±3 V to ±15 V swing, and its 6.5 V VRM avoids false triggering during normal signal transitions.

How does the 4-point structure improve ESD protection compared to standard TVS arrays?

The 4-point structure physically isolates input and output paths per channel, eliminating voltage spikes induced by PCB trace inductance during nanosecond-scale ESD events. Standard arrays share I/O nodes, causing L·di/dt coupling that elevates clamped voltage beyond VCL-whereas ITA6V5B3 maintains true 12.1 V clamping under 15 kV contact discharge.