Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I

Overview

P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in the P6SMB series, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 6.8 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 6.45–7.14 V at I_T = 10 mA), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and clamps to ≤10.5 V at 57.1 A peak pulse current - used for ESD and surge protection of automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O circuits.

For engineers reviewing the P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I datasheet, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I pinout, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I application, or P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, SMB (DO-214AA) package compatibility, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-5 transient immunity requirements in harsh environments.

Technical Context

This device operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping both positive and negative transients without polarity dependence. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<1000 µA at V_WM = 5.8 V), and fast response time (<1 ns) to ESD events.

Thermally rated for T_J = –65 °C to +150 °C, it delivers 600 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions with 0.01% duty cycle. The SMB package provides 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 reflow profile (260 °C peak).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; dimensions 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H); UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS protection applications.

Compared with SMAJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 600 W surge rating, and SMB surface-mount compatibility - making it the only option meeting automotive production requirements without layout or reliability trade-offs.

Availability

P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC analog inputs, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for P6SMB6.8CAHM3_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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade validation.

The P6SMB Series targets high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems - engineered for robustness against repetitive surge stress and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?

The P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 10.5 V at its specified peak pulse current of 57.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured under standardized test conditions per JEDEC standards and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during a worst-case transient event. The low clamping voltage ensures downstream ICs like microcontrollers or transceivers remain within safe operating limits. P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I achieves this performance via optimized silicon junction design and low incremental surge resistance.

Is P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix and Vishay's official documentation. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - validating suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I operates reliably from –65 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 for lead-free reflow, making it appropriate for under-hood and cabin-mounted systems.

How does the bidirectional configuration of P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I affect its circuit placement?

The bidirectional configuration of P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I eliminates polarity constraints - it can be placed across any two points requiring symmetrical overvoltage protection, such as differential signal pairs (e.g., RS-485, CAN), AC-coupled lines, or floating supplies. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I requires no cathode band orientation during placement, simplifying automated assembly and reducing risk of misorientation. Its terminals are electrically interchangeable, and the device responds identically to positive or negative transients.

What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation of P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I?

P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (P_D) of 5.0 W at T_A = 50 °C on an infinite heatsink. In typical PCB layouts with 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, derating applies above 25 °C ambient - e.g., ~4.0 W at 75 °C. This rating governs continuous leakage power under sustained overvoltage, not transient events. P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I is intended for transient suppression, not continuous regulation; sustained operation near P_D limit is not recommended.

Does P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?

Yes, P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I carries the HM3 suffix, indicating it is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU and Vishay's material declarations. The molding compound contains no brominated flame retardants, chlorine, or fluorine above threshold limits, and the matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 solderability standards. P6SMB6.8CAHM3_A/I also satisfies JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements, ensuring long-term interconnect reliability in vibration-prone environments.