Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S15AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S15AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S15AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6S15AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 5 mA, 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 175 °C junction temperature rating, and DO-218AB package with anode-heatsink polarity.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S15AHM3/I datasheet, SM6S15AHM3/I pinout, SM6S15AHM3/I application, or SM6S15AHM3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance values (RθJA = 55 °C/W), clamping voltage (24.4 V at IPPM), and real-world automotive surge compliance including ISO7637-2.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping under high-temperature transients up to TJ = 175 °C. Its unidirectional configuration and heatsink-anode polarity enable direct mounting to metal chassis for enhanced thermal dissipation in 12 V automotive systems.
The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (245 °C peak reflow), supports 600 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM), and exhibits low leakage (<10 μA at VWM, <15 μA at TJ = 175 °C), enabling reliable operation in harsh under-hood environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold in 12 V automotive circuits. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 16.7 / 17.6 / 18.5 V at 5 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures predictable turn-on during load dump events without premature conduction. |
| VC at IPPM | 24.4 V - Clamping voltage under 4600 W (10/1000 μs) surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels during ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity directly supports automotive load dump energy absorption per SAE J1113-11. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Enables sustained operation in engine compartment environments where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C. |
| RθJA | 55 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard FR4 PCB; informs heatsinking requirements for continuous power derating. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional, anode = heatsink - Requires correct orientation during PCB layout to ensure mechanical thermal path and electrical functionality. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount molded case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, and AEC-Q101 qualification. Heatsink terminal serves as anode and provides primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 (cathode) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); conducts surge current into heatsink/anode during overvoltage events. |
| Lead 2 / Metal heatsink (anode) | Thermal and electrical return path | Must be soldered to large copper area or chassis ground; serves as both current return and primary heat dissipation interface. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability across -55 °C to +175 °C, including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing. |
| Junction passivation optimized design | Reduces leakage drift and improves long-term stability under high-temperature bias stress in engine control units. |
| Meets ISO7637-2 surge specification | Withstands defined load dump waveforms (Pulse 5a) without degradation-critical for alternator-induced transients. |
| MSL Level 1 (245 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without popcorn or delamination risk during PCB assembly. |
| Low forward voltage drop | VF ≤ 1.9 V at 100 A (300 μs pulse) minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during high-current clamping events. |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed electronics during alternator field-circuit interruption, generating up to 60 V/100 ms surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed at main power input to absorb energy and limit rail voltage to ≤24.4 V. Use Value: Prevents damage to microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, and analog sensors by clamping within 1 ns while sustaining 4600 W peak power. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding power supply inputs of engine management ECUs exposed to repeated load dump pulses over vehicle lifetime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage suppression element upstream of DC/DC converters and LDO regulators. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by surviving ≥1000 ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a cycles without parameter shift due to AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C TJ rating. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Power Rail | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power |
Use Scenario: Securing 12 V supply lines in BCMs managing lighting, door locks, and HVAC actuators subject to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response transient suppressor placed adjacent to connector entry points to shunt coupled spikes. Use Value: Achieves <10 μA leakage at 15 V VWM, preserving sleep-mode current budgets while delivering 24.4 V clamping during 100 A surges. |
Use Scenario: Protecting image sensor and ISP power rails in ADAS front cameras mounted near engine compartments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability TVS ensuring uninterrupted operation during thermal cycling and vibration-induced transients. Use Value: Supports functional safety requirements via 175 °C operation and RθJM = 0.45 °C/W, enabling direct heatsink coupling for sustained 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S15AHM3 | No /I suffix - same electrical specs but shipped in standard tape-and-reel (not I-coded moisture-sensitive packaging). | Identical performance in load dump protection; differs only in packaging moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 vs. unspecified for /I variant). | Select SM6S15AHM3/I when MSL-compliant handling and traceable dry-pack logistics are required for high-volume automotive production. |
| SMAJ15AHE3_A/H | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 4600 W), SMA package (DO-214AC), lower thermal capability (RθJA = 85 °C/W). | Suitable for low-energy ESD or inductive spike suppression, not automotive load dump; lacks AEC-Q101 and ISO7637-2 validation. | Choose SMAJ15AHE3_A/H only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where surge energy is below 100 W. |
Compared with SM6S15AHM3/I, SM6S15AHM3 offers identical electrical and thermal performance but omits moisture-sensitive packaging coding, while SMAJ15AHE3_A/H provides basic TVS functionality at one-tenth the surge power and without automotive qualification-making SM6S15AHM3/I the sole option for validated load dump protection in AEC-Q101 systems.
Availability
SM6S15AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive load dump protection, engine control unit (ECU) power input hardening, and body control module (BCM) surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability production cycles.
Supply support for SM6S15AHM3/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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with emphasis on high-reliability, automotive-qualified components.
The SM6S series belongs to Vishay's PAR® transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for robust load dump protection in 12 V automotive systems meeting ISO7637-2 and AEC-Q101 requirements.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM6S15AHM3/I under maximum surge conditions?
The SM6S15AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TC = 25 °C and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating limits during automotive load dump events defined by ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a. The SM6S15AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SM6S15AHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SM6S15AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designed for automotive use. It meets ISO7637-2 surge requirements, operates from -55 °C to +175 °C, passes MSL Level 1 reflow (245 °C peak), and is constructed with RoHS-compliant, halogen-free materials. These qualifications make SM6S15AHM3/I suitable for engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power rail protection.
What does the "/I" suffix mean in SM6S15AHM3/I?
The "/I" suffix in SM6S15AHM3/I denotes a specific packaging configuration: 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel with anode oriented toward the sprocket hole, and compliance with moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 per J-STD-020. This ensures safe handling and assembly in high-volume automotive manufacturing environments where humidity control and traceability are critical. The core electrical and thermal specifications remain identical to SM6S15AHM3.
How does SM6S15AHM3/I compare to standard SMAJ-series TVS diodes?
SM6S15AHM3/I delivers 4600 W peak pulse power-over 11× higher than the 400 W rating of SMAJ15AHE3_A/H-and uses the thermally superior DO-218AB package (RθJA = 55 °C/W vs. 85 °C/W). Unlike SMAJ devices, SM6S15AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, ISO7637-2 compliant, and rated for 175 °C operation, making it appropriate for automotive load dump where SMAJ parts are limited to low-energy ESD or board-level transients.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for SM6S15AHM3/I?
SM6S15AHM3/I has RθJA = 55 °C/W (on standard FR4) and RθJM = 0.45 °C/W (junction-to-mount), indicating exceptional thermal coupling to the heatsink. For optimal performance, the metal heatsink (anode) must be connected to a large copper pour or chassis ground plane. Layout must follow IPC-7351 footprint guidelines and avoid thermal isolation-underside copper fill and multiple vias to internal ground planes significantly improve sustained surge handling beyond single-pulse ratings.
SM6S15AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AC
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 189A
- 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
SM6S15AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S15AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S15AHM3/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 SM6S15AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S15AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S15AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S15AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S15AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S15AHM3/I?
SM6S15AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S15AHM3/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 SM6S15AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S15AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S15AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S15AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S15AHM3/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 SM6S15AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S15AHM3/I?
All SM6S15AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S15AHM3/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 SM6S15AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S15AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S15AHM3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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