Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,058
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Product details
Overview
P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) 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 stand-off voltage (VWM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), <10.5 V clamping voltage at rated surge current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability - deployed in sensor interface protection and MOSFET gate drive circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A datasheet, P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A pinout, P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A application, or P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bidirectional TVS behavior, thermal derating curves, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and direct replacement guidance for ESD/surge protection in industrial and automotive electronics.
Technical Context
The P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A operates as a symmetrical bidirectional clamp: both terminals function identically with no polarity marking, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without orientation constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% min/max), low incremental surge resistance (<0.3 Ω typical), and sub-nanosecond response to transients.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 120 °C/W (on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads) and supports continuous operation up to TJ = 150 °C. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2, and peak pulse current (IPPM = 38.1 A) is defined under non-repetitive 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V at IT = 10 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold with ±5% tolerance for repeatable overvoltage triggering. |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; signals below this remain unclamped, preserving signal integrity. |
| VC @ IPPM | 10.5 V at 38.1 A - clamping voltage during 400 W transient; limits downstream device stress to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - surge energy handling capacity; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2. |
| IPPM | 38.1 A - peak pulse current capability; determines minimum series impedance needed to limit fault current into protected ICs. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - industry-standard surface-mount outline (5.28 mm × 4.50 mm × 2.29 mm); compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable; no polarity marking for bidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | Both terminals behave identically; connects across protected line (e.g., between signal and ground, or across differential pair) without orientation dependency. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces under temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock tests. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Meets JEDEC J-STD-20 MSL level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance; suitable for lead-free assembly. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles repetitive surges up to 0.01% duty cycle without degradation; supports robust protection in motor drive feedback loops and CAN bus nodes. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.5) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping - critical for protecting 5 V or 3.3 V logic inputs and analog front-ends with tight absolute maximum ratings. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage (<1000 µA at VWM) across temperature and lifetime; reduces parameter drift in harsh environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay or transmission control units exposed to load dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed between sensor signal line and chassis ground to shunt transients before reaching ADC input or op-amp buffer. Use Value: Clamps spikes to ≤10.5 V while maintaining 5.8 V stand-off, ensuring sensor signal fidelity and preventing latch-up in 5 V supply-rail ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers subjected to field-wiring induced surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role: TVS connected across input terminal and common reference to suppress fast-rising transients from solenoid coils or long cable runs. Use Value: Withstands 38.1 A peak pulses and 400 W energy, enabling reliable operation in factory-floor environments with frequent EMI events. |
| USB/RS-485 Interface Protection | DC-DC Converter Feedback Path Protection |
Use Scenario: Guarding differential data lines (e.g., RS-485 A/B or USB D+/D−) against ESD and lightning-induced surges in building automation gateways. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair to clamp common-mode and differential-mode transients without disrupting DC bias. Use Value: Symmetrical structure avoids signal distortion; low capacitance (<100 pF at VWM, per Fig. 4) preserves signal integrity up to 10 Mbps. |
Use Scenario: Securing voltage feedback resistors in isolated flyback or forward converters where transient coupling could cause overvoltage shutdown or regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role: TVS installed across feedback divider node to ground, limiting transient excursions that would falsely trigger OVP protection. Use Value: Precise 6.45–7.14 V breakdown ensures clamping occurs only above nominal 5 V feedback range, avoiding false trips during normal operation. |
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 (6.45–7.14 V), higher PPPM = 600 W, larger SMB (DO-214AA) package (5.28 mm × 4.57 mm). | Higher surge margin for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Select when 600 W rating is mandatory and board space permits SMB footprint. |
| 1.5KE6.8CA | Same VBR, PPPM = 1500 W, axial-leaded DO-201AD package; higher leakage (5000 µA max at VWM). | Through-hole mounting only; suited for prototyping or high-energy legacy designs but incompatible with SMT production. | Choose only for manual assembly or retrofit where leaded components are accepted and 1.5 kW surge handling is required. |
Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A offers optimal balance of 400 W surge capability, compact SMA footprint, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained, automotive-grade, and high-volume SMT applications where 600 W+ is unnecessary.
Availability
P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, RS-485 communication ports, and DC-DC converter feedback protection requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101 validation.
Supply support for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - delivering standardized surge protection in compact surface-mount packages with AEC-Q101 and RoHS options.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A?
The P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 6.45 V to 7.14 V at 10 mA test current, representing a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 6.8 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports precise overvoltage protection design in safety-critical circuits like automotive sensor interfaces.
Is P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly listed in Vishay's automotive-grade ordering codes (HM3 suffix). It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and mechanical shock - making it appropriate for under-hood and cabin electronics including body control modules, ADAS camera links, and battery management system signal conditioning.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A?
The "M3" suffix in P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-020 MSL level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). It confirms suitability for lead-free manufacturing and environmentally regulated markets without compromising surge performance or thermal reliability.
How does P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A differ from unidirectional P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A?
The P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode band marking, whereas P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A is unidirectional with a marked cathode end and conducts only in reverse bias. The "CA" version is used for AC signal lines, differential buses, or any path where polarity reversal or common-mode transients occur - unlike the unidirectional variant intended for DC rail-to-ground protection.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A is 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 38.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lot, providing a hard upper bound on voltage seen by downstream circuitry during transient events - essential for protecting 5 V logic, analog sensors, and microcontroller I/O pins.
P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A?
P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A?
All P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA6.8CA-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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