Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6SMB480AHM3_A/I

Overview

P6SMB480AHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in the P6SMB series, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 480 V standoff voltage (VWM), 504 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 0.91 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps transients to ≤658 V at rated surge. It is used in industrial power supplies and telecom line interfaces to protect downstream MOSFETs and ICs from lightning-induced surges.

For engineers reviewing the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I datasheet, P6SMB480AHM3_A/I pinout, P6SMB480AHM3_A/I application, or P6SMB480AHM3_A/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package dimensions, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance data, and real-world protection use cases - all confirmed from Vishay's official P6SMB series documentation (Doc #88370, Rev 09-Jan-2024).

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a clamping device across DC power rails or signal paths, activating when reverse voltage exceeds its 480 V stand-off threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while its 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance requires careful PCB copper pad design per Vishay's 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) recommendation.

The device sustains repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01% duty cycle and handles non-repetitive 8.3 ms half-sine forward surges up to 100 A. It meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) and is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified - denoted by the HM3 suffix and "D" revision code for high-voltage variants (P6SMB250A–P6SMB540A).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA) - Low-profile, surface-mount plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by band on body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with P6SMB480AHM3_A/I, SMAJ480A offers footprint reduction at the cost of 33% lower surge power and worse thermal performance, while SMCJ480A provides 2.5× higher surge rating and superior thermal dissipation - making it ideal for mission-critical infrastructure where long-term clamping stability under thermal stress is paramount.

Availability

P6SMB480AHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, telecom line interfaces, motor drive DC buses, and renewable energy inverter DC links requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 reliability assurance and halogen-free compliance.

Supply support for P6SMB480AHM3_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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The P6SMB series was engineered for high-energy, surface-mount transient suppression in industrial, telecom, and transportation systems - balancing surge robustness, thermal performance, and automated assembly compatibility in the SMB package.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I under rated surge conditions?

The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 658 V when subjected to its rated 600 W peak pulse power with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the specified peak pulse current (IPPM = 0.91 A) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The clamping voltage is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Doc #88370, Rev 09-Jan-2024) and is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings. Designers must verify that this 658 V clamping level maintains sufficient margin below the breakdown or absolute maximum ratings of adjacent ICs or MOSFETs in the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I-protected circuit.

Is the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I AEC-Q101 qualified, and what does the 'D' revision signify?

Yes, the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by its HM3 suffix and inclusion in the "_D" revision group for high-voltage P6SMB variants (P6SMB250A to P6SMB540A). The "D" denotes Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualification grade for this voltage range, covering stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock. While the part is not automotive-marked (e.g., no HE3/HM3_X suffix with vehicle-specific test reports), its qualification supports industrial customers requiring automotive-grade reliability assurance. The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I therefore delivers validated long-term stability for applications where field failure risk must be minimized - such as base station power supplies or railway signaling interfaces.

What is the thermal resistance and recommended PCB layout for the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I?

The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W, measured on a 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pad per terminal - as specified in Vishay's datasheet (Fig. 6, Doc #88370). To maintain safe junction temperatures under 5.0 W steady-state dissipation or repetitive surges, designers must implement these pads using minimum 2 oz copper and avoid thermal isolation. The SMB (DO-214AA) package requires precise stencil aperture and reflow profile adherence due to its MSL Level 1 rating (260 °C peak). Failure to meet the pad layout specification risks exceeding the +150 °C maximum junction temperature, degrading clamping consistency and shortening service life of the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I.

How does the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like P6SMB480CA?

The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I is unidirectional, meaning it functions as a Zener-like clamp only in reverse bias and conducts forward current like a standard diode - making it suitable for DC line protection where polarity is fixed. In contrast, P6SMB480CA is bidirectional and symmetrical, providing clamping in both polarities, which is essential for AC signal lines or differential buses. The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I has tighter VBR tolerance (456–504 V) and lower leakage (<1 μA at 480 V), whereas bidirectional versions exhibit higher leakage and wider VBR spread due to dual-junction construction. Selecting P6SMB480AHM3_A/I over a bidirectional variant avoids unnecessary leakage in DC systems and ensures optimal clamping precision where polarity is known and controlled.

What packaging and reel options are available for the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I?

The P6SMB480AHM3_A/I ships in 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel format with a base quantity of 3200 units per reel, indicated by the "I" suffix in the ordering code. This contrasts with the 7-inch reel option ("H" suffix), which contains 750 units. Both formats use EIA-481-compliant carrier tape and are compatible with standard high-speed pick-and-place equipment. The "HM3" designation confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction, while the "A/I" suffix specifies the A revision level and 13" reel configuration. Traceability is maintained via Vishay's lot coding system, and reels are sealed per J-STD-033 moisture sensitivity requirements - though MSL Level 1 eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly. These packaging attributes ensure seamless integration into high-volume industrial manufacturing flows for the P6SMB480AHM3_A/I.