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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S12ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S12ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S12ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,749
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Product details
Overview
SM6S12ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection in high-reliability 12 V systems. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown range (VBR), 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 19.9 V clamping voltage at 231 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for under-hood applications.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S12ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S12ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S12ATHE3/I application, or SM6S12ATHE3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-surge-capability, high-temperature-stable TVS diode optimized for ISO 7637-2 compliance in automotive power line protection - especially where TJ = 175 °C operation and low leakage (<10 μA at VWM) are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve stable clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature. Its DO-218AC package integrates a metal heatsink (anode) for low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.95 °C/W) and supports high IFSM (600 A) surge handling.
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode with polarity defined by heatsink-as-anode configuration. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing, confirming robustness for automated SMT assembly in automotive production environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines system nominal bus rating compatibility. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 13.3 / 14.0 / 14.7 V - Breakdown threshold at 5 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 231 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress during load dump events. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables protection against severe ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a transients. |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA at 25 °C - Low reverse leakage preserves battery drain budget in always-on automotive modules. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot engine compartments without derating; validated per AEC-Q101 stress tests. |
| RθJC | 0.95 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to case; allows direct heatsinking via PCB copper or chassis contact. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - molded surface-mount package with integrated metal heatsink (anode terminal); RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads; UL 94 V-0 rated compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit node; carries transient current into the device during clamping. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal path and electrical return; must be soldered to large copper area or chassis for optimal power dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature cycling. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD stress conditions. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Meets Pulse 5a (load dump) requirements when mounted with proper PCB thermal design. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports reflow up to 245 °C peak without moisture-induced damage; no bake-out required pre-assembly. |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth on leads under high humidity and bias, ensuring long-term solder joint integrity. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power rails from alternator load dump spikes during battery disconnect/reconnect events. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery feed and input filter capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V at 231 A, preventing damage to 16 V-rated DC/DC converters and LDOs. |
Use Scenario: Shields ECU main 12 V supply against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a surges during vehicle cranking and alternator regulation faults. IC Role / Device Role: Primary front-end surge suppression element upstream of input fuse and bulk capacitance. Use Value: Withstands 4600 W pulses while maintaining <10 μA leakage at 12 V, minimizing standby current impact. |
| ADAS Camera Power Interface | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Supply |
Use Scenario: Safeguards image sensor and SerDes ICs in rear-view or surround-view cameras exposed to harsh vehicle power noise. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary protection stage after primary LC filter, placed adjacent to camera module connector. Use Value: 175 °C junction rating allows mounting directly on compact camera PCBs near heat-generating components. |
Use Scenario: Guards gate driver ICs and current sense amplifiers in EPS motor control boards from inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role: High-energy clamping device on 12 V auxiliary rail feeding motor driver logic and isolation supplies. Use Value: 0.95 °C/W RθJC enables effective thermal coupling to aluminum heatsink plate, sustaining repeated surge duty. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S12AHM3 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free molding compound and enhanced MSL 1 reliability vs. HE3. | Preferred for new designs targeting extended lifecycle and stricter environmental compliance (e.g., EU OEM Tier 1 programs). | Select SM6S12AHM3 when halogen-free content and latest Vishay manufacturing revision are mandatory. |
| SMAJ12A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (RθJC ≈ 45 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification, higher ID (50 μA). | Limited to non-automotive industrial or consumer applications with milder surge profiles and lower ambient temperatures. | Use SMAJ12A only in cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs where 4600 W surge immunity and 175 °C operation are not required. |
Compared with SM6S12AHM3, the SM6S12ATHE3/I offers identical electrical protection but lacks halogen-free certification and updated MSL assurance; versus SMAJ12A, it delivers >11× higher surge power, 47× better thermal resistance, and automotive-grade reliability - making it irreplaceable in demanding load dump scenarios.
Availability
SM6S12ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, engine management systems, and ADAS power interfaces requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term availability planning.
Supply support for SM6S12ATHE3/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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM6SxxAT family was engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature stability, AEC-Q101 validation, and DO-218AC thermal performance to replace older axial-leaded TVS solutions in space-constrained ECUs.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM6S12ATHE3/I during a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SM6S12ATHE3/I clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current of 231 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87735, page 2) and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transients - critical for ensuring compatibility with 20 V-rated input stages.
Is the SM6S12ATHE3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM6S12ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly intended for automotive use. Its qualification covers high-temperature operation up to +175 °C, humidity testing, mechanical shock, and board-level reliability - all verified per the standard's stress test conditions. The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay's ordering nomenclature.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SM6S12ATHE3/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SM6S12ATHE3/I identifies a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified version with matte tin-plated leads that meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. It also satisfies JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, ensuring long-term reliability in automotive production environments where lead-free reflow and thermal cycling are routine.
Can the SM6S12ATHE3/I replace the SM6S12AHM3 in an existing design?
The SM6S12ATHE3/I shares identical electrical specifications and DO-218AC mechanical dimensions with the SM6S12AHM3, but differs in material composition: HE3 uses standard molding compound, while HM3 is halogen-free and reflects a newer manufacturing revision. For legacy production or cost-sensitive builds, SM6S12ATHE3/I remains functionally compatible - though new designs should prefer HM3 for environmental compliance.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for the SM6S12ATHE3/I?
The SM6S12ATHE3/I has a typical thermal resistance of 0.95 °C/W from junction to case, measured per the Vishay datasheet (page 3, Thermal Characteristics table). This low value is enabled by the DO-218AC package's integrated metal heatsink (anode terminal), which must be soldered to ≥100 mm² of 2 oz copper for effective heat transfer in high-duty-cycle surge applications.
SM6S12ATHE3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AC
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 231A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 4600W (4.6kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-218AC
SM6S12ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S12ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S12ATHE3/I on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SM6S12ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S12ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S12ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S12ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S12ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S12ATHE3/I?
SM6S12ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S12ATHE3/I order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SM6S12ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S12ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S12ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S12ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S12ATHE3/I products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SM6S12ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S12ATHE3/I?
All SM6S12ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S12ATHE3/I, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SM6S12ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S12ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S12ATHE3/I Tags
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