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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,431
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features 6.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 5.8 V standoff voltage (VWM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 38.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 10.5 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) - deployed in sensor interface protection and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A datasheet, P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A pinout, P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A application, or P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, RoHS-compliant packaging, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for automotive-grade transient suppression design validation.
Technical Context
The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical forward and reverse conduction characteristics, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1000 µA at VWM), while MSL Level 1 rating supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), with derating applied above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2. The device sustains repetitive 10/1000 µs transients at 0.01% duty cycle and meets UL 497B recognition for telecom and industrial protectors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V at 10 mA test current - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for bidirectional clamping |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous working voltage before significant leakage begins; sets safe operating margin below VBR |
| IPPM | 38.1 A - peak surge current it can shunt during 10/1000 µs transient without failure |
| VC | 10.5 V - clamped voltage across device at IPPM; determines maximum stress imposed on protected downstream circuitry |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standard 10/1000 µs waveform; critical for lightning/surge immunity |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount outline with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pad thermal requirement; compatible with automated placement |
Pinout & Package
SMA (DO-214AC) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated, no polarity marking for bidirectional types.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional mode | Enables clamping in both polarities - no external polarity assignment required for AC or differential line protection |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with anode in bidirectional mode | Matches anode behavior - identical V-I curve in reverse direction; eliminates need for orientation-aware PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - simplifies protection of balanced interfaces like RS-485 or CAN bus |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 5 V rails when properly laid out with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm pads |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available as P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A - validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensors |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Ensures minimal VC overshoot during fast transients - critical for protecting 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Zero bake requirement before reflow; supports standard SMT assembly without dry-pack or floor-life management |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial RS-485 Bus |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting wheel speed, pressure, or temperature sensor outputs from load-dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between signal line and ground to clamp ±100 V spikes within 1 ns response time. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and ADCs while maintaining signal integrity below 10.5 V clamping limit. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against ESD and surge events in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line TVS connected across A/B lines and to ground, leveraging symmetrical clamping to suppress common-mode and differential-mode transients. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 (±8 kV contact) and IEC 61000-4-5 (2 kV line-earth) without adding series impedance or signal distortion. |
| Consumer USB Data Lines | Telecom DSL Line Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines from human-body-model ESD events during hot-plug insertion in portable devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector, minimizing trace length to preserve 480 Mbps signal integrity. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 10.5 V while adding <1 pF junction capacitance - avoids signal rise-time degradation or eye-diagram closure. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers and receivers exposed to lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair telephone lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge arrestor mounted at line-entry point, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) secondary protection. Use Value: Absorbs initial 400 W surge energy before GDT fires, reducing let-through voltage and extending system-level surge survivability to >6 kV. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ6.8CA | Same VBR/VC but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM; higher thermal mass and lower RθJA (80 °C/W) | Better suited for high-repetition surge environments (e.g., motor drives) due to superior power dissipation | Select when board space allows larger footprint and higher surge duty cycles are expected |
| 1.5KE6.8CA | Through-hole DO-201 package; 1500 W PPPM; higher VC (12.6 V); slower response than surface-mount variants | Used in legacy power supply inputs and AC mains protection where manual assembly or high-energy absorption dominates | Choose only for through-hole designs requiring >1 kW surge handling; not drop-in for SMT layouts |
Compared with P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A, SMBJ6.8CA offers higher surge robustness in a slightly larger SMT package, while 1.5KE6.8CA provides legacy through-hole compatibility at the cost of layout flexibility and response speed - making P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A optimal for space-constrained, high-density automotive and industrial PCBs.
Availability
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial communication interfaces, consumer USB port hardening, and telecom line driver circuits requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A 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, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom applications - engineered for automated assembly, AEC-Q101 readiness, and consistent clamping performance across temperature and surge repetition rates.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A has a specified breakdown voltage range of 6.45 V to 7.14 V at 10 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 6.8 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature ranges, critical for protecting 5 V logic rails where overvoltage margins are narrow. The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A maintains this specification under all qualified operating conditions per Vishay Document 88367.
Is P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the base P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade, but Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A (with "HE3" suffix and revision code "A") specifically for automotive use. That version undergoes stress testing per AEC-Q101 requirements including HTGB, TCT, and ESD, and is rated for junction temperatures up to +150 °C. The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A itself is not AEC-Q101 certified unless ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes.
What does the "/5A" suffix mean in P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
The "/5A" suffix in P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A denotes the packaging configuration: 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This contrasts with "/61", which indicates 7-inch reels of 1800 units. Both share identical electrical and thermal specifications; the /5A format is optimized for high-volume SMT production lines requiring extended reel life and reduced changeover frequency. The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A remains fully compatible with standard SMA pick-and-place feeders.
How does P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A compare to unidirectional P4SMA6.8A-E3/5A?
The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, while P4SMA6.8A-E3/5A is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias (cathode-to-anode). Key differences include identical VBR and VC values but different polarity markings - the "CA" version has no band marking, whereas "A" carries a cathode band. Use P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A for AC signals, differential buses, or polarity-agnostic protection; choose P4SMA6.8A-E3/5A only for DC rail clamping where forward conduction must be blocked.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 38.1 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per JEDEC standards. The P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A maintains this VC across its full operating temperature range (-65 °C to +150 °C), ensuring consistent protection margin for 5 V and 3.3 V ICs.
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 5.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6.45V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 10.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 38.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A?
All P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A, 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 P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA6.8CA-E3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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