Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6SMB170A-M3/5B

Overview

P6SMB170A-M3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 170 V standoff voltage (VWM = 145 V), 234 V clamping voltage at 2.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients and ESD in industrial and automotive electronics.

For engineers reviewing the P6SMB170A-M3/5B datasheet, P6SMB170A-M3/5B pinout, P6SMB170A-M3/5B application, or P6SMB170A-M3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 145 V reverse stand-off voltage, 234 V maximum clamping voltage at rated IPPM, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification availability via HM3 suffix variants.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents high impedance (<1 μA leakage at 145 V), then rapidly avalanches below 179 V breakdown (VBR min = 162 V, max = 179 V @ 1 mA) to divert surge energy away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche behavior and low incremental surge resistance.

Designed for automated SMT assembly, it meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (peak reflow 260 °C), has matte tin-plated leads per JESD 22-B102, and supports repetitive 0.01% duty-cycle surges. Thermal resistance is 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient (RθJA) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount plastic case with cathode band marking. Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H). Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal per Vishay recommendation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ170A and 1.5SMC170A, P6SMB170A-M3/5B delivers identical voltage ratings in a smaller SMB package with industry-standard 600 W surge capability and halogen-free compliance-making it optimal for high-density automotive and industrial PCBs where thermal management and material compliance are jointly critical.

Availability

P6SMB170A-M3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface design, telecom power input staging, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.

Supply support for P6SMB170A-M3/5B 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.

The P6SMB Series targets high-reliability transient suppression in space-constrained SMT applications, with design focus on automotive (AEC-Q101), industrial, and telecom systems demanding consistent clamping performance and process compatibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6SMB170A-M3/5B under standard test conditions?

The P6SMB170A-M3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 234 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.6 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay Document 88370 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The P6SMB170A-M3/5B maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.

Is the P6SMB170A-M3/5B suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

The P6SMB170A-M3/5B itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the HM3-suffix variant (e.g., P6SMB170AHM3_B/I) which carries full AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use. The P6SMB170A-M3/5B shares identical electrical and mechanical specifications but is rated for commercial-grade operation. For automotive designs, specify the HM3 version to meet qualification requirements.

What does the "M3" suffix indicate in P6SMB170A-M3/5B?

The "M3" suffix in P6SMB170A-M3/5B denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction per IEC 61249-2-21 and JEDEC J-STD-709 standards. It confirms absence of brominated flame retardants and chlorine-based compounds, supporting environmental compliance in industrial and consumer electronics. The P6SMB170A-M3/5B also meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.

How does the SMB package of the P6SMB170A-M3/5B compare thermally to larger packages like SMC?

The SMB (DO-214AA) package of the P6SMB170A-M3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads, versus ~50 °C/W for the larger SMC (DO-214AB) package. While the SMB offers higher power density and smaller footprint, it requires careful thermal pad design to sustain repetitive surges. The P6SMB170A-M3/5B remains effective for single-event transients common in most industrial applications.

Can the P6SMB170A-M3/5B be used in bidirectional configurations?

No-the P6SMB170A-M3/5B is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the "CA" suffix (e.g., P6SMB170CA). Using the P6SMB170A-M3/5B in reverse-biased AC applications would result in forward conduction and failure. Always verify polarity alignment during PCB layout to ensure correct cathode orientation relative to the protected line.