Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I 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 standoff voltage (VWM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), <10.5 V clamping voltage at 38.1 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I datasheet, P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I pinout, P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I application, or P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, bidirectional protection element for low-voltage sensor interfaces, automotive control modules, and industrial I/O lines where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are critical.
Technical Context
The P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% min/max), low leakage (<1000 µA at VWM), and thermal stability up to 150 °C junction temperature.
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions when mounted on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Its 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 30 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance support reliable operation in compact PCB layouts without forced cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V - Ensures consistent breakdown initiation across production lots; ±5% tolerance supports tight system-level overvoltage margining. |
| VWM | 5.8 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; allows safe interface with 5 V logic and CAN/LIN bus receivers. |
| IPPM | 38.1 A - Peak transient current it can safely shunt without failure; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges (1 kV/2 Ω). |
| VC @ IPPM | 10.5 V - Clamped voltage during worst-case surge; limits stress on downstream 12 V-rated ICs and MOSFET gates. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); sufficient for automotive load-dump and inductive switching events. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood and industrial ambient environments without derating penalties. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD; suitable for ASIL-B supporting functions. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.93 mm × 3.99 mm × 2.29 mm (L × W × H), cathode band absent per bidirectional design.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (negative half-cycle) | Accepts reverse surge current during negative transients; symmetrical with cathode for bidirectional clamping. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry point (positive half-cycle) | Accepts forward surge current during positive transients; electrically identical to anode in bidirectional operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, sensor bridges) without external polarity management. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands high-energy transients from relay coil decay or motor commutation in automotive body control modules and industrial PLC I/O. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Provides stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, low leakage (<1000 µA), and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS camera links, and infotainment power rails. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial RS-485 Data Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output pins of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay modules exposed to ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 and pulse 2a transients. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input to clamp ±20 V spikes to ≤10.5 V. Use Value: Prevents ADC saturation and latch-up while maintaining signal integrity below 5.8 V nominal operating range. |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver (e.g., SN65HVD230) data lines in factory automation controllers subjected to EFT bursts and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role: Differential-line TVS across A/B terminals to suppress common-mode surges up to ±1 kV (IEC 61000-4-4). Use Value: Maintains data integrity by limiting line voltage excursion to <11 V, avoiding receiver damage and communication lockup. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Power Supply Input Clamp (5 V Rail) |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in portable medical devices against ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2). IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed directly at USB connector to divert ESD current before reaching PHY. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 10.5 V, well below USB PHY absolute maximum rating (typically 12 V), with <1 ns response time. |
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage clamp on regulated 5 V supply rail feeding microcontrollers in smart home hubs after primary DC/DC converter. IC Role / Device Role: Fast-acting shunt device triggered by upstream regulator fault or capacitor failure causing >6.8 V excursion. Use Value: Clamps rail to ≤10.5 V within nanoseconds, preventing permanent damage to 5 V logic ICs and flash memory. |
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/VWM, but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM; higher thermal mass; RθJA = 85 °C/W. | Better suited for higher-energy surges and less space-constrained designs; requires larger pad layout (6.2 mm × 3.6 mm vs. 4.9 mm × 4.0 mm). | Select SMBJ6.8CA when surge energy exceeds 400 W capability or board layout permits larger footprint. |
| 1.5KE6.8CA | Through-hole DO-15 package; same VBR/VWM; 1500 W PPPM; slower response due to higher parasitic inductance. | Used in legacy or high-reliability power supply inputs where manual assembly or wave soldering is required. | Choose 1.5KE6.8CA only for through-hole designs needing >1 kW surge handling and where SMT is not feasible. |
Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge capacity-making it preferred for modern automotive and space-limited industrial PCBs where automated placement and reflow compatibility are mandatory.
Availability
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and consumer USB port ESD mitigation requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/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 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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, low-profile transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics where fast response, bidirectional symmetry, and AEC-Q101 compliance are essential.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I denotes a bidirectional configuration-meaning the device clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA6.8A), it has no cathode marking and is used where AC signals, differential buses, or floating references require symmetric overvoltage protection without polarity constraints. This makes P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I ideal for RS-485, CAN, and sensor bridge applications.
Is P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified (indicated by the "HE3" suffix) and rated for operation from −65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. It meets automotive-grade reliability requirements including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and ESD testing. Its 400 W surge capability and 10.5 V clamping voltage make P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I appropriate for protecting ECUs, ADAS camera links, and body control modules against ISO 7637-2 transients.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 38.1 A, tested with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. Because VC remains well below typical 12 V IC absolute maximum ratings, P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I provides effective safeguarding without overstressing downstream components.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 or M3 in P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
The "HE3" suffix in P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I indicates RoHS-compliant construction *and* AEC-Q101 qualification-distinguishing it from "E3" (RoHS-compliant commercial grade) and "M3" (halogen-free, RoHS-compliant commercial grade). Only HE3/HM3 variants undergo full automotive stress testing. The "_A/I" denotes packaging: "I" means 7500-piece 13-inch tape-and-reel, optimized for high-volume SMT lines. So P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is the automotive-qualified, high-volume reel variant.
Can P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4SMA6.8A?
No-P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, while P4SMA6.8A is unidirectional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires circuit redesign: P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I can protect AC or floating nodes without regard to polarity, whereas P4SMA6.8A must be oriented correctly relative to DC bias. Using P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I in a unidirectional application adds no benefit and may reduce surge margin due to slightly higher leakage at VWM. Always match device polarity to circuit topology.
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- 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_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I 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_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I?
All P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/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 P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA6.8CAHE3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated
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