Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM15T7V5AHM3/I

Overview

SM15T7V5AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, with 7.13 V minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 6.40 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 11.3 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 132 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect automotive-grade sensor signal lines and MOSFET gate drivers against lightning-induced and inductive-switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SM15T7V5AHM3/I datasheet, SM15T7V5AHM3/I pinout, SM15T7V5AHM3/I application, or SM15T7V5AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include verified AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free RoHS compliance, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, and thermal resistance (R_θJL = 15 °C/W) suitable for high-reliability industrial and automotive PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that transitions from high-impedance standby to low-impedance conduction when reverse voltage exceeds V_BR, limiting transient energy to protected downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<500 μA at V_WM) and repeatable breakdown behavior across temperature.

The SM15T7V5AHM3/I is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, with failure mode specified as short-circuit under overstress - a critical safety feature for fault-tolerant system design in automotive and industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, low-profile, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak). Cathode indicated by molded band on body end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ7.5A-E3/57T and SMCJ7.0A-M3/57T, the SM15T7V5AHM3/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free compliance, and precise 6.40 V V_WM - making it the only option validated for safety-critical automotive signal-line protection where both reliability and regulatory alignment are mandatory.

Availability

SM15T7V5AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial motor drive I/O protection, and telecom line interface designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SM15T7V5AHM3/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 power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SM15T Series is designed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where 1500 W surge immunity, AEC-Q101 validation, and low-inductance SMC packaging are essential.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SM15T7V5AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?

The SM15T7V5AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 11.3 V at 132 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Vishay's datasheet Figure 1 and Table on page 2, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SM15T7V5AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SM15T7V5AHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the SM15T7V5AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix and documentation in Vishay's SM15T Series datasheet (Document Number: 88380, Revision: 09-Jan-2024). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and mechanical shock - validating its use in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and other automotive powertrain and body electronics.

What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SM15T7V5AHM3/I?

The "HM3" suffix in SM15T7V5AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. The "H" indicates automotive grade, "M3" specifies halogen-free and RoHS compliance, and the "/I" denotes 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (3500 units per reel). This full ordering code meets Tier-1 automotive supply chain requirements for material content and reliability.

What is the standoff voltage (V_WM) and why is it critical for SM15T7V5AHM3/I placement?

The SM15T7V5AHM3/I has a standoff voltage (V_WM) of 6.40 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this reverse voltage during normal operation. This parameter is critical because it must exceed the maximum steady-state signal voltage (e.g., 5 V logic or 6.0 V sensor supply) to prevent leakage or false triggering - ensuring the SM15T7V5AHM3/I only activates during actual transients above 7.13 V breakdown.

How does the SMC (DO-214AB) package of SM15T7V5AHM3/I impact thermal performance?

The SMC (DO-214AB) package of the SM15T7V5AHM3/I provides a junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_θJL) of 15 °C/W, significantly lower than smaller packages like SMA (R_θJL ≈ 35 °C/W). This enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pads, allowing the SM15T7V5AHM3/I to sustain its 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation without exceeding +150 °C junction temperature - essential for under-hood automotive deployments.