Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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 a 6.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 5.8 V stand-off 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 automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A application, or P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR = 1.54), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering identical clamping performance in forward and reverse directions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the low incremental surge resistance minimizes voltage overshoot during transient events.
The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W) and 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation support operation under continuous leakage conditions in ambient temperatures up to +85 °C when mounted on recommended pad layout.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V at 10 mA test current - defines precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction begins in either polarity |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous working voltage before significant leakage; ensures no false triggering on 5 V logic or USB lines |
| VC @ IPPM | 10.5 V at 38.1 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 400 W transient, limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| IPPM | 38.1 A - peak current handled under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; validates robustness against ESD and inductive switching spikes |
| PPPM | 400 W - transient energy absorption capacity; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV line-to-line) surge testing |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures without derating |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC specification |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. No polarity marking on bidirectional variants.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Conducts surge current into device during positive or negative transients; symmetrical with cathode |
| Cathode | Transient current exit point (bidirectional) | Completes conduction path during either polarity event; functionally identical to anode in CA devices |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in differential or AC-coupled lines |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces requiring zero field failure risk |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Withstands repetitive 10/1000 µs surges at 0.01% duty cycle - supports long-term reliability in industrial motor drive I/O protection |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.54 (10.5 V / 6.8 V typical) - minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected 5 V or 3.3 V ICs during transient events |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - enables direct use from reel without baking, reducing manufacturing overhead |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and MEMS pressure sensors from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry to clamp ±100 V transients before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V rail-powered sensor front-ends while maintaining signal integrity below 10.5 V. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS shunting transients between loop terminals and ground, preserving analog accuracy. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) without degrading 16-bit ADC resolution. |
| USB 2.0 Data Line Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding D+/D− lines of embedded USB hosts from ESD events and hot-plug induced ringing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional suppressor placed adjacent to USB connector to limit voltage excursion during ±8 kV contact discharge. Use Value: Maintains signal rise/fall times <1 ns due to low junction capacitance (<100 pF at VWM), avoiding USB 2.0 eye diagram distortion. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine control boards). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across motor terminals to absorb 400 W flyback energy during PWM commutation. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks, reducing BOM count and PCB area while sustaining >100,000 switching cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ6.8CA | Higher PPPM (600 W), larger SMB (DO-214AA) package, same VBR/VC specs | Better suited for higher-energy surges; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and board space permits SMB footprint |
| 1.5KE6.8CA | Through-hole TO-218 package, 1500 W PPPM, higher VC (12.6 V), slower response due to parasitic inductance | Designed for legacy board designs and high-power AC mains protection, not SMT automation | Choose only for through-hole prototyping or repair scenarios where rework tolerance outweighs SMT efficiency |
Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 reliability, compact SMA footprint, and 400 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial SMT production where MSL Level 1 and RoHS compliance are mandatory.
Availability
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and consumer USB interface safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production programs.
Supply support for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4SMA Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection needs in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - engineered for automated assembly, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA6.8A), the P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A has identical breakdown and clamping characteristics for positive and negative transients - critical for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. This is confirmed in Vishay's P4SMA datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024, section "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS".
Is P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Vishay P4SMA datasheet (Document Number: 88367, Revision: 09-Jan-2024). The "HE3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification, validated for temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD robustness required in automotive ECUs, ADAS sensors, and body control modules.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 38.1 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of the Vishay P4SMA datasheet and reflects the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
How does the P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A differ from the unidirectional P4SMA6.8AHE3/5A?
The P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical electrical behavior in both polarities, while P4SMA6.8AHE3/5A is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias (cathode-to-anode). Key differences include identical VBR, VC, and IPPM values for both directions in the CA version versus forward conduction limited to 3.5 V at 25 A in the A version. The CA variant has no polarity marking; the A variant uses a cathode band.
What packaging format does P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A ship in?
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A ships in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 7500 units per reel (ordering code "/5A"). This format is optimized for high-speed pick-and-place assembly and complies with EIA-481-D standards. The device is also available in 7-inch reels (code "/61") for lower-volume or prototyping use cases.
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A?
P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A 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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A?
All P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A, 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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA6.8CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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