Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,907
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on signal/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 clamping voltage (VC) - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I datasheet, P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I pinout, P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I application, or P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and compatibility with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad layouts per JEDEC standards.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transient overvoltage events, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to divert surge current away from protected circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating polarity dependency in AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and RθJL = 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% min/max) and low incremental surge resistance for consistent clamping under repetitive surges.
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 repeatable clamping onset |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1000 µA, ensuring no false triggering in normal operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 10.5 V at 38.1 A - clamped voltage seen by downstream ICs during 400 W 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on protected components |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power handling capacity under standard 10/1000 µs waveform, supporting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 immunity |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating enabling use in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness per AEC specification |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - surface-mount package with 0.2" × 0.2" pad footprint, compatible with automated SMT assembly and reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, polarity-unmarked for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative half-cycle) | Accepts surge current during negative polarity transients; symmetric with cathode for bidirectional clamping |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive half-cycle) | Accepts surge current during positive polarity transients; electrically identical to anode in bidirectional configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in AC or differential signal lines |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 4th-level surge testing (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) without degradation when mounted per recommended pad layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules, ADAS sensors, and body electronics requiring extended temperature and lifetime reliability |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - suitable for green manufacturing and export compliance |
| MSL Level 1 | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - enables direct placement without baking or dry-pack requirements in production SMT lines |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across signal pair or supply rail to clamp transients before they reach sensitive analog front-ends or communication ICs. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 10.5 V during 38.1 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V/3.3 V interface ICs while maintaining signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges from relay coils, solenoids, and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 24 V DC input lines, absorbing repetitive 400 W transients without thermal runaway or parameter drift. Use Value: Withstands >1000 surges at rated power due to low thermal resistance (RθJL = 30 °C/W), extending maintenance intervals and reducing field failure rates. |
| Consumer USB Data Line Protection | Telecom Ethernet PHY Protection |
|
Use Scenario: ESD suppression on USB 2.0 D+/D− lines in portable devices exposed to human-body-model (HBM) discharges up to ±15 kV. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp placed adjacent to USB connector to shunt ESD energy before reaching USB transceiver. Use Value: Junction capacitance <100 pF at VWM preserves signal rise/fall times; 10.5 V clamping prevents transceiver damage during ±8 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet PHY differential pairs in network switches and PoE injectors subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS across twisted-pair lines to clamp common-mode and differential transients simultaneously. Use Value: Symmetrical bidirectional response ensures balanced clamping on both lines, preserving Ethernet signal skew and eye diagram integrity during 400 W surges. |
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 | Higher PPPM = 600 W, larger SMB (DO-214AA) package, RθJA = 100 °C/W | Better suited for higher-energy surges but requires larger PCB area and different pad layout | Select when system-level surge tests exceed 400 W or when thermal margin is constrained by ambient conditions |
| 1.5KE6.8CA | Through-hole DO-15 package, PPPM = 1500 W, VC = 11.2 V, not AEC-Q101 qualified | Designed for legacy board designs and non-automotive high-power applications | Choose only for prototyping or cost-sensitive non-automotive systems where SMT is not required and AEC-Q101 is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, SMT manufacturability, and 400 W surge capability in the smallest footprint - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial edge nodes.
Availability
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial digital I/O modules, consumer USB data line protection, and telecom Ethernet PHY protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P4SMA Series targets surface-mount transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics - engineered for high-volume automated assembly, AEC-Q101 compliance, and robust clamping performance across temperature extremes.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I?
The P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I has a specified breakdown voltage range of 6.45 V to 7.14 V at 10 mA test current, corresponding to a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 6.8 V rating. This tight VBR distribution ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and supports precise system-level surge margin calculations in designs using the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I.
Is P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and automotive-grade construction. It is explicitly rated for use in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics where extended temperature operation (–65 °C to +150 °C) and reliability under vibration, thermal cycling, and surge stress are mandatory - confirming its suitability as a production-grade automotive component.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I under surge conditions?
The P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 38.1 A, measured with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full 400 W transient event, directly informing the voltage headroom required for downstream ICs such as microcontrollers or transceivers in systems using the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I.
Does P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - optimal performance of the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I requires mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve rated 400 W pulse power dissipation. Smaller pads reduce thermal conduction, derating peak power and increasing risk of thermal failure during repetitive surges. The P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I datasheet specifies this layout as mandatory for compliance with its published electrical ratings.
How does the bidirectional design of P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I affect circuit protection strategy?
The bidirectional architecture of the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without polarity marking or orientation constraints - simplifying layout for AC-coupled signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485, CAN), and ungrounded power rails. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I eliminates risk of incorrect installation and ensures consistent protection regardless of voltage polarity reversal during transients.
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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:
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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 P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I?
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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 P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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 P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I?
All P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA6.8CAHM3/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 P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4SMA6.8CAHM3/I Tags

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