Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S12HE3/2D
- Part No.:
- SM6S12HE3/2D
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S12HE3/2D.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,577
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Product details
Overview
SM6S12HE3/2D from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection in 12 V systems. It features a 12.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–16.3 V breakdown range (VBR), 22.0 V max clamping voltage at 209 A peak pulse current, 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for under-hood applications.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S12HE3/2D datasheet, SM6S12HE3/2D pinout, SM6S12HE3/2D application, or SM6S12HE3/2D equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, DO-218AB package details, thermal resistance (0.95 °C/W), junction temperature rating up to +175 °C, and validated alternatives for automotive-grade TVS selection.
Technical Context
The SM6S12HE3/2D operates as a unidirectional silicon avalanche diode with anode-connected metal heatsink, optimized for high-energy transients in 12 V automotive power networks. Its junction passivation and anisotropic rectifier technology enable stable operation at TJ = 175 °C and low leakage (<10 µA at VWM) across temperature.
It meets ISO 7637-2 surge requirements for load dump events and complies with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (245 °C reflow). The device delivers 3600 W surge capability under 10/10,000 µs waveform and supports 600 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; matches nominal 12 V automotive battery systems. |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 16.3 V - Breakdown voltage range at 5 mA test current; ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.0 V - Clamping voltage at 209 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs); limits downstream IC stress during load dump. |
| PPPM (10/1000 µs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power handling; sustains high-energy transients without failure in engine control modules. |
| RθJC | 0.95 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables effective heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsink in compact layouts. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood placement near engines or power electronics. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount, anode-heatsink configuration with matte tin-plated leads; UL 94 V-0 molding compound; 0.95 °C/W thermal resistance; MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit side; carries clamped surge current to ground path during overvoltage events. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Electrically and thermally connected to system ground; serves as primary thermal interface and current return path. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier technology ensures stable VBR and low leakage drift over 15+ year automotive life. |
| High-temperature operation | TJ = 175 °C capability allows direct mounting on hot ECU substrates without derating penalties. |
| Low forward voltage drop | VF ≤ 1.9 V at 100 A enables minimal conduction loss during sustained overcurrent conditions. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for load dump waveforms (Test Pulse 5a) - critical for alternator-induced surges in 12 V vehicle networks. |
| MSL Level 1 | Rated for standard SMT reflow profiles up to 245 °C peak, eliminating moisture sensitivity handling requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power rails and CAN transceivers from alternator load dump transients during ignition cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery input and DC/DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤22.0 V during 4600 W surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies. |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN bus transceivers and door module MOSFET drivers from inductive switching spikes in seat/mirror actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection on 12 V supply rail upstream of local LDO regulators. Use Value: Withstands 600 A forward surge (8.3 ms) and maintains <10 µA leakage at 12 V, ensuring low quiescent current in sleep mode. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power Input | Start-Stop System Battery Interface |
Use Scenario: Guards image sensor and ISP power inputs against cranking-induced dips and load dump overshoot in front-facing cameras. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping device on 12 V input before buck converter; placed adjacent to connector entry point. Use Value: 22.0 V clamping voltage prevents pixel corruption or sensor reset during 100 ms load dump events per ISO 7637-2. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards bidirectional DC/DC controller ICs during repeated engine restarts where battery voltage swings from 6 V to 16 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection not required - unidirectional SM6S12HE3/2D used with series fuse and reverse-polarity diode. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C rating ensure reliability across 100,000+ start-stop cycles in high-ambient under-hood environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package, 13.3 V VBR, 19.9 V VC @ 20.1 A - 11× lower surge capacity. | Targeted for consumer/industrial boards; insufficient for automotive load dump per ISO 7637-2. | Select only for cost-sensitive non-automotive 12 V rails with sub-500 W surge exposure. |
| 1.5KE12A (ON Semiconductor) | Through-hole DO-201 package, 400 W PPPM, 13.3 V VBR, 19.9 V VC @ 20.1 A - lacks AEC-Q101, MSL Level 1, and DO-218AB thermal performance. | Legacy industrial designs; incompatible with automated SMT assembly and high-temp under-hood use. | Use only for prototyping or legacy repair; not qualified for new automotive production. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and 1.5KE12A, the SM6S12HE3/2D provides 11.5× higher surge power, AEC-Q101 validation, and DO-218AB thermal efficiency - making it the sole option among the three qualified for production automotive load dump protection.
Availability
SM6S12HE3/2D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS camera power inputs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge protection.
Supply support for SM6S12HE3/2D 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 SM6S12HE3/2D belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Protection Against Transients) TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, high-temperature transient suppression in automotive power distribution networks.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM6S12HE3/2D at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6S12HE3/2D has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.0 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 209 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured and guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88384, Rev. 22-Jul-16) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case transients. Maintaining VC ≤ 22.0 V ensures compatibility with 24 V-tolerant automotive ICs while providing headroom above the 12 V nominal rail.
Is the SM6S12HE3/2D suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the SM6S12HE3/2D is a unidirectional TVS diode - its polarity is fixed with the metal heatsink serving as the anode and Lead 1 as the cathode. It conducts only during positive transients on the cathode side relative to the anode. For bidirectional protection (e.g., data lines or AC-coupled signals), a separate symmetric device such as the SMBJ12CA would be required. The SM6S12HE3/2D datasheet explicitly states "Available in uni-directional polarity only" and does not specify reverse standoff or clamping behavior.
Does the SM6S12HE3/2D meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SM6S12HE3/2D is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88384) and ordering information table. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), high-temperature gate bias (HTGB), temperature cycling (TCT), and mechanical shock - validating its suitability for automotive under-hood applications. The HE3 suffix further indicates RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact PCB layout for the SM6S12HE3/2D?
The SM6S12HE3/2D has a typical junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.95 °C/W, measured from die to the metal heatsink terminal (Lead 2). This low value requires direct thermal coupling to a large copper pour or external heatsink via the anode terminal. PCB layout must allocate ≥200 mm² of 2 oz copper connected to Lead 2, with thermal vias to inner/ground planes - otherwise, power derating becomes necessary above 25 °C ambient, especially during repetitive surge events.
How does the SM6S12HE3/2D compare to the SM6S12AHE3/2D variant?
The SM6S12HE3/2D has a VBR range of 13.3–16.3 V and VC = 22.0 V, while the SM6S12AHE3/2D has a tighter VBR range of 13.3–14.7 V and lower VC = 19.9 V. The "A" suffix denotes ±5 % tolerance on VBR, enabling more precise clamping onset in noise-sensitive applications. Both share identical package (DO-218AB), surge ratings (4600 W), and AEC-Q101 qualification - the choice depends on whether design priority is tighter voltage tolerance (SM6S12AHE3/2D) or broader margin (SM6S12HE3/2D).
SM6S12HE3/2D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AB
- 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:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 209A
- 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-218AB
SM6S12HE3/2D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S12HE3/2D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S12HE3/2D 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 SM6S12HE3/2D reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S12HE3/2D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S12HE3/2D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S12HE3/2D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S12HE3/2D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S12HE3/2D?
SM6S12HE3/2D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S12HE3/2D 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 SM6S12HE3/2D?
For technical support, including SM6S12HE3/2D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S12HE3/2D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S12HE3/2D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S12HE3/2D 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 SM6S12HE3/2D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S12HE3/2D?
All SM6S12HE3/2D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S12HE3/2D, 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 SM6S12HE3/2D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S12HE3/2D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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