Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S13ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S13ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S13ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6S13ATHE3/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 13.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 15.2 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 214 V clamping voltage at 150 A peak pulse current, 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for operation up to TJ = 175 °C.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S13ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S13ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S13ATHE3/I application, or SM6S13ATHE3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-218AC package thermal performance (RθJC = 0.95 °C/W), low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), unidirectional polarity with heatsink-as-anode configuration, and compliance with ISO7637-2 surge testing under automotive load dump conditions.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-temperature stability and low forward voltage drop (VF ≤ 1.9 V at 100 A). Its junction design supports repetitive surge handling at TC = 25 °C and derated power dissipation up to 175 °C junction temperature, validated per JESD22-B102 and MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak reflow).
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode with cathode and anode terminals defined by the DO-218AC case geometry. Polarity is fixed: the metal heatsink serves as the anode, and the molded body side with marking identifies the cathode - critical for correct PCB layout and thermal path design in automotive power rail protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before breakdown; sets threshold for 12 V automotive system protection. |
| VBR (nom) | 15.2 V - Breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current; defines onset of avalanche conduction during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 214 V - Clamping voltage at 150 A (10/1000 μs); limits downstream IC stress during ISO7637-2 load dump events. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power rating; enables single-event suppression of high-energy surges without failure. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood placement in AEC-Q101-compliant automotive modules. |
| RθJC | 0.95 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables effective heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Anode connected to heatsink; requires correct orientation to avoid reverse-bias failure in DC power lines. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount, thermally enhanced plastic case with integral metal heatsink (anode terminal), UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD22-B102 whisker testing (Class 2).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Heatsink (metal base) | Anode | Primary current-carrying and thermal path terminal; must be soldered to large copper pour for thermal management and electrical connection. |
| Molded body side (marked) | Cathode | Marked end indicates cathode; connects to protected line (e.g., battery rail); reverse-biased during normal operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, reducing parameter drift in automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive electronics including HTOL, TCT, and ESD testing - required for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS modules. |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Meets Pulse 5a/b load dump immunity requirements when mounted with proper PCB thermal design and layout. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow profiles up to 245 °C peak without moisture-induced damage - eliminates bake requirement pre-assembly. |
| Low leakage at VWM | <10 μA at 13.0 V and 25 °C - minimizes standby power loss in always-on vehicle subsystems such as telematics or alarm controllers. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply input of microcontroller-based ECUs against alternator load dump surges during battery disconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps transient overvoltage to 214 V while diverting up to 150 A away from downstream DC/DC converters and MCU power rails. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V regulators and logic ICs during ISO7637-2 Pulse 5 events, ensuring functional safety compliance. | Use Scenario: Shields BCM power inputs from switching transients generated by relays, motors, and LED lighting loads in door, seat, and mirror control circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response avalanche diode absorbs repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 4600 W without degradation, maintaining long-term reliability across vehicle life. Use Value: Eliminates need for redundant protection schemes and reduces BOM count versus multi-stage RC or varistor-based solutions. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power Rail | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit |
Use Scenario: Safeguards image sensor and SerDes interface power supplies in rear-view or surround-view cameras exposed to harsh under-hood or bumper environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides sub-100 ns response time to clamp fast-rising transients from nearby solenoid actuation or EMI coupling. Use Value: Maintains uninterrupted video stream integrity by preventing brownout or reset events caused by voltage overshoot on 12 V camera input rails. | Use Scenario: Protects high-current motor driver ICs and position sensor interfaces in EPS systems subjected to repeated load dump and jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Handles 600 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and dissipates 3600 W (10/10,000 μs) energy during extended transients. Use Value: Enables robust operation without derating or parallel devices, supporting ASIL-B functional safety architecture through proven field reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S13AHM3 | Same VWM (13.0 V), VBR (15.2 V), and DO-218AC package; differs in tape-and-reel packaging (HM3 vs HE3) and updated qualification per newer AEC-Q101 revision. | Identical electrical and thermal performance; intended as direct replacement for new designs where HE3 is obsolete. | Select SM6S13AHM3 for new designs requiring full lifecycle support and latest automotive qualification standards. |
| SMAJ13A | Lower PPPM (400 W vs 4600 W), SMA package (RθJC ≈ 40 °C/W vs 0.95 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification, and higher clamping voltage (21.5 V vs 214 V). | Limited to low-energy consumer or industrial applications; unsuitable for automotive load dump due to insufficient surge capacity and thermal capability. | Use SMAJ13A only in cost-sensitive, non-automotive applications with <50 A surge exposure and ambient TJ <125 °C. |
Compared with SM6S13ATHE3/I, SM6S13AHM3 offers identical protection performance with updated manufacturing traceability and qualification, while SMAJ13A provides basic TVS functionality but lacks the thermal robustness, surge margin, and automotive certification required for under-hood deployment.
Availability
SM6S13ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power protection, body control module surge suppression, and ADAS camera rail hardening requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SM6S13ATHE3/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, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on high-reliability, high-efficiency, and automotive-grade components.
The SM6SxxAT family was engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature junction capability (175 °C), ultra-low thermal resistance, and AEC-Q101 validation to meet stringent OEM power rail immunity requirements.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM6S13ATHE3/I during a 10/1000 μs surge event?
The SM6S13ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 214 V at 150 A peak pulse current under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TC = 25 °C) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SM6S13ATHE3/I maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range, making it suitable for demanding automotive applications where downstream ICs require strict overvoltage limiting.
Is the SM6S13ATHE3/I qualified for automotive use, and what standards does it meet?
Yes, the SM6S13ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and designed for automotive applications. It meets ISO7637-2 surge requirements for load dump protection (Pulse 5), complies with MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow of 245 °C), and passes JESD22-B102 whisker testing (Class 2). These qualifications confirm its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted modules where reliability under thermal, mechanical, and electrical stress is critical. The SM6S13ATHE3/I is explicitly listed in Vishay's automotive-grade product portfolio.
What is the correct polarity orientation for mounting the SM6S13ATHE3/I on a PCB?
The SM6S13ATHE3/I is unidirectional with the metal heatsink serving as the anode terminal and the marked side of the molded body as the cathode. During PCB layout, the heatsink must be connected to the positive supply rail (e.g., battery +12 V), and the cathode side must face the protected load. Reversing this orientation will cause immediate forward conduction and failure. The SM6S13ATHE3/I datasheet specifies "polarity: heatsink is anode" and provides dimensional drawings confirming the anode/cathode mapping for DO-218AC.
How does the thermal performance of the SM6S13ATHE3/I compare to standard SMA-package TVS diodes?
The SM6S13ATHE3/I achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.95 °C/W - over 40× lower than typical SMA-package TVS diodes (~40 °C/W). This enables significantly higher sustained power dissipation and superior surge handling in compact layouts. When mounted on a 1-in² 2-oz copper pad, the SM6S13ATHE3/I can maintain safe junction temperatures during repeated 4600 W transients, whereas SMA devices would exceed TJ max. This thermal advantage is intrinsic to the DO-218AC package's integrated metal heatsink design.
Why is the SM6S13ATHE3/I marked as "Not For New Designs", and what should designers use instead?
Vishay designates SM6S13ATHE3/I as "Not For New Designs" because the HE3 suffix version has been superseded by the HM3 suffix variant (SM6S13AHM3), which incorporates updated process controls, enhanced traceability, and alignment with the latest AEC-Q101 revision. While SM6S13ATHE3/I remains fully functional and supported for existing production, new designs should specify SM6S13AHM3 to ensure long-term availability and compliance with current automotive quality requirements. Both share identical electrical and mechanical specifications.
SM6S13ATHE3/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):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 214A
- 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
SM6S13ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S13ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S13ATHE3/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 SM6S13ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S13ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S13ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S13ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S13ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S13ATHE3/I?
SM6S13ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S13ATHE3/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 SM6S13ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S13ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S13ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S13ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S13ATHE3/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 SM6S13ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S13ATHE3/I?
All SM6S13ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S13ATHE3/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 SM6S13ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S13ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S13ATHE3/I Tags

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