Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6SMB6.8CA

Overview

P6SMB6.8CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a breakdown voltage range of 6.46–7.14 V at 10 mA, clamps to ≤10.5 V at 60 A peak pulse current, and maintains <1 µA leakage at 5.8 V standoff voltage. It is used in switching mode power supplies, adapters, and display electronics to absorb ESD and surge transients per ISO 7637-2.

For engineers reviewing the P6SMB6.8CA datasheet, P6SMB6.8CA pinout, P6SMB6.8CA application, or P6SMB6.8CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-214AA (SMB) surface-mount package, bidirectional configuration, 10.5 V clamping voltage at 60 A, ±5% VBR tolerance, and compliance with automotive pulse standards (Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b).

Technical Context

The P6SMB6.8CA implements a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast transient response (<1.0 ps rise time from 0 V to VBR min) and low thermal resistance (R_θJA = 55 °C/W). Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetric clamping in both polarities without external circuitry, supporting unidirectional or bidirectional surge suppression in compact layouts.

It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with a maximum steady-state power dissipation of 3 W and non-repetitive peak impulse power of 600 W under 10/1000 µs waveform. The device meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-020 Moisture Sensitivity Level 1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-214AA (SMB), surface-mount, bi-directional, cathode band not applicable (symmetrical terminals).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ6.8CA and 1.5SMC6.8CA, the P6SMB6.8CA offers identical clamping voltage and tighter V_BR tolerance in a smaller DO-214AA footprint, making it optimal for space-constrained adapter and display designs where 600 W surge immunity suffices.

Availability

P6SMB6.8CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switching mode power supplies, AC-DC adapters, and flat-panel display electronics requiring stable component supply and consistent surge performance across production batches.

Supply support for P6SMB6.8CA 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, and power MOSFETs for industrial and consumer markets.

The P6SMB6.8CA belongs to TSC's P6SMB series of surface-mount TVS diodes engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring ISO 7637-2 compliance and automated assembly compatibility.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P6SMB6.8CA?

The P6SMB6.8CA has a specified breakdown voltage range of 6.46 V to 7.14 V at 10 mA test current, corresponding to a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 6.8 V rating. This tight tolerance ensures predictable triggering behavior in precision protection circuits and is verified per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. The P6SMB6.8CA maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.

Is the P6SMB6.8CA unidirectional or bidirectional?

The P6SMB6.8CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix per TSC's ordering convention. It provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities, eliminating the need for polarity-aware placement on PCBs. This makes the P6SMB6.8CA ideal for protecting AC-coupled signals or DC rails where reverse voltage transients are possible, unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6SMB6.8A) that require correct anode/cathode orientation.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6SMB6.8CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The P6SMB6.8CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 10.5 V at 60 A peak pulse current under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured after the device fully transitions into avalanche conduction and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The P6SMB6.8CA achieves this with a V_C/V_BR ratio of approximately 1.47, indicating efficient clamping performance.

Does the P6SMB6.8CA meet automotive surge immunity standards?

Yes, the P6SMB6.8CA meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for automotive transient immunity, covering Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (load dump simulation), and Pulses 3a/3b (capacitive coupling and ignition noise). Its 600 W peak pulse power rating, fast response time (<1.0 ps), and stable clamping behavior across temperature make the P6SMB6.8CA suitable for infotainment power supplies and display modules in automotive-grade designs.

What is the thermal resistance of the P6SMB6.8CA and how does it affect PCB layout?

The P6SMB6.8CA has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 55 °C/W and junction-to-case resistance (R_θJC) of 10 °C/W. These values assume standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions; actual thermal performance depends on copper area, via count, and airflow. For sustained surge duty cycles or high ambient temperatures, the P6SMB6.8CA benefits from ≥25 mm² of 1 oz copper connected to both terminals to maintain T_J ≤150 °C. Layouts must avoid thermal isolation of the DO-214AA body.