Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H

Overview

P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 16 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 22.5 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 26.7 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed to protect signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor units and industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H datasheet, P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H pinout, P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H application, or P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, AEC-Q101 qualification status, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.

Technical Context

This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, delivering consistent clamping performance across positive and negative transients without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM), while the 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance supports operation up to +150 °C junction temperature under defined PCB layout conditions.

The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. The "HE3" suffix confirms RoHS-compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode/anode terminals are unmarked for bidirectional configuration; polarity is non-applicable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ16CA and 1.5SMC16CA, P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, SMB form factor, and verified 600 W clamping performance - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring certified reliability.

Availability

P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, telecom power supplies, and consumer USB interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H 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 supplier of discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability and automotive-qualified components.

The P6SMB Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - engineered for automated assembly, thermal robustness, and repeatable clamping performance across temperature and life cycle.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H?

The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions, with identical V_BR, V_WM, and V_C characteristics in either polarity. This eliminates polarity marking on the SMB package and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or differential signal lines. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6SMB16A), the CA version has no cathode band and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation.

Is P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HE3" suffix and Vishay documentation. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life per AEC-Q101 standards. This qualification validates its suitability for automotive subsystems such as body electronics, infotainment interfaces, and sensor signal conditioning - where reliability under thermal and mechanical stress is mandatory.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H under standard test conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H is 22.5 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 26.7 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case transient events and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (−65 °C to +150 °C) when mounted per the recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad layout.

How does the thermal performance of P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H affect PCB layout?

P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. To maintain T_J ≤ 150 °C under repetitive 600 W pulses, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length or isolation. Reducing pad size or using thinner copper increases R_θJA, requiring derating per Vishay Figure 2 - for example, at 75 °C ambient, maximum allowable average power drops to ~2.5 W.

Can P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H replace P6SMB16A in a design?

No - P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H is bidirectional, while P6SMB16A is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification. Substituting them requires verifying that the circuit does not rely on DC blocking or forward conduction behavior. In purely AC or differential transient suppression roles (e.g., RS-485, CAN), P6SMB16CAHE3_A/H may be used, but in DC-biased lines (e.g., 5 V supply rail), the unidirectional P6SMB16A provides correct polarity alignment and lower leakage. Always validate clamping response and steady-state bias conditions before interchange.