Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S15ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S15ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S15ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6S15ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection in high-reliability power rail applications. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.6 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 150 A IPPM, 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for operation up to TJ = 175 °C.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S15ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S15ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S15ATHE3/I application, or SM6S15ATHE3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-surge-capability, low-leakage TVS diode optimized for under-hood automotive electronics where thermal stability, ISO7637-2 compliance, and DO-218AC package robustness are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable performance across -55 °C to +175 °C. Its unidirectional polarity and heatsink-as-anode configuration enable direct thermal coupling to PCB copper planes for efficient heat dissipation during repetitive surge events.
The device delivers 4600 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform and maintains ≤10 μA reverse leakage at VWM (15 V) and TJ = 175 °C - a key reliability indicator for long-life automotive modules. Its RθJC of 0.95 °C/W supports sustained power handling when mounted on thermally enhanced layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant conduction begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V automotive systems. |
| VBR (nom) | 17.6 V - Breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current; ensures reliable triggering above normal transients but below system overvoltage thresholds. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V - Clamping voltage at 150 A peak pulse current; limits downstream IC stress during load dump surges per ISO7637-2. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power rating; enables single-event suppression of high-energy transients without failure. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports placement near hot components (e.g., power converters, ECUs) without derating. |
| ID @ VWM, TJ=175°C | ≤10 μA - Reverse leakage at elevated temperature; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in always-on circuits. |
| Package | DO-218AC - Thermally enhanced surface-mount package with metal heatsink terminal; enables low RθJC (0.95 °C/W) and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - asymmetrical surface-mount package with integrated metal heatsink acting as the anode terminal. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD22-B102 whisker resistance (Class 2).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 (smaller tab) | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit node; carries clamped surge current into the anode heatsink during transient events. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal path and electrical return; must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper pour for rated 4600 W pulse handling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance - required for ECU, body control, and ADAS modules. |
| Junction passivation optimized design | Reduces parametric drift over lifetime and improves stability under high-humidity/high-temperature bias conditions (e.g., under-hood environments). |
| Meets ISO7637-2 surge specification | Rated for standardized automotive load dump waveforms (e.g., Pulse 5a), enabling direct use in 12 V battery rail protection without external filtering. |
| MSL Level 1, LF peak 245 °C | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without pre-baking; eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during assembly. |
| Low forward voltage drop | VF ≤ 1.9 V at IF = 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine); minimizes conduction losses during bidirectional fault conditions (e.g., reverse battery connection). |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply input of engine control units against alternator load dump surges and inductive switching spikes from fuel injectors or solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor; clamps transients within 1 ns response time. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 24.4 V at 150 A, ensuring downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers remain within absolute maximum ratings. |
Use Scenario: Shields the 12 V power domain feeding isolated CAN transceivers and microcontrollers in body control modules exposed to door actuator and lighting loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on the CAN subsystem's local 12 V rail; coordinates with upstream fuses and downstream LC filters. Use Value: Maintains ≤10 μA leakage at 175 °C, preventing false wake-up or battery drain in always-on vehicle networks. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power Supply | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguards image sensor and ISP power rails in rear-view or surround-view cameras subjected to ignition noise and battery transients during cold cranking. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary TVS stage after primary fuse and common-mode choke; handles fast-rising edge transients missed by bulk filtering. Use Value: Delivers 4600 W pulse capability with <1 ns response, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in CMOS imaging pipelines. |
Use Scenario: Protects gate driver ICs and high-side MOSFETs in EPS motor control inverters from inductive kickback generated during PWM commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current TVS connected directly across H-bridge DC bus; shunts energy into chassis ground via heatsink terminal. Use Value: Leverages DO-218AC metal heatsink for 0.95 °C/W thermal resistance, sustaining repeated 100 A surges without thermal runaway. |
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 | Same VWM (15 V), VBR (17.6 V), and DO-218AC package; differs in tape-and-reel packaging code (HM3 vs HE3) and updated internal process for improved surge consistency. | Identical functional role; HM3 variant replaces HE3 in new designs per Vishay's "Not For New Designs" notice. | Select SM6S15AHM3 for new automotive designs requiring latest revision and extended lifecycle support. |
| SMAJ15A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (RθJC ≈ 40 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification, and higher clamping voltage (24.4 V → 27.7 V at same current). | Suitable only for non-automotive, lower-energy industrial or consumer applications where thermal constraints and qualification are not required. | Choose SMAJ15A only for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs with <500 W surge requirements and no under-hood thermal demands. |
Compared with SM6S15ATHE3/I, SM6S15AHM3 offers identical electrical and thermal performance with updated manufacturing controls, while SMAJ15A trades surge capacity, thermal performance, and automotive qualification for lower cost and smaller footprint in less demanding applications.
Availability
SM6S15ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, body control modules, advanced driver assistance systems, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for SM6S15ATHE3/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 is engineered specifically for automotive load dump and inductive switching protection, combining AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-218AC thermal performance, and ISO7637-2 compliance to meet stringent under-hood environmental requirements.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM6S15ATHE3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6S15ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V at 150 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TC = 25 °C) and ensures downstream components on a 12 V automotive rail remain within safe operating limits during load dump events. The SM6S15ATHE3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operational temperature range due to its low VBR temperature coefficient (0.080 %/°C).
Is the SM6S15ATHE3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM6S15ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly intended for automotive use. It meets requirements for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and surge endurance testing. Its DO-218AC package, TJ = 175 °C rating, and compliance with ISO7637-2 load dump specifications confirm its suitability for engine control units, body control modules, and other under-hood electronics. The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified construction.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SM6S15ATHE3/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SM6S15ATHE3/I identifies the part as RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified, and manufactured to Vishay's high-reliability standards for automotive applications. It specifies matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "I" denotes packaging in 13-inch plastic tape and reel with anode oriented toward sprocket holes - a detail critical for automated placement accuracy.
How does the DO-218AC package of the SM6S15ATHE3/I improve thermal performance compared to SMA or SMB packages?
The DO-218AC package of the SM6S15ATHE3/I integrates a large metal heatsink terminal that serves as the anode, achieving a typical junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.95 °C/W - over 40× better than standard SMA packages (~40 °C/W). This allows the SM6S15ATHE3/I to dissipate 4600 W pulses without exceeding TJ = 175 °C when properly mounted to ≥100 mm² copper area, making it uniquely suited for high-energy automotive transients where smaller packages would thermally saturate.
Why is the SM6S15ATHE3/I marked as "Not For New Designs"?
Vishay designates SM6S15ATHE3/I as "Not For New Designs" because it has been superseded by the SM6S15AHM3 variant, which incorporates process enhancements for improved surge consistency and extended lifecycle support. While SM6S15ATHE3/I remains fully functional and available for legacy production and repair, new designs should specify SM6S15AHM3 to ensure long-term supply continuity and access to the latest reliability validation data.
SM6S15ATHE3/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):
- 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
SM6S15ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S15ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S15ATHE3/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 SM6S15ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S15ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S15ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S15ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S15ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S15ATHE3/I?
SM6S15ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S15ATHE3/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 SM6S15ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S15ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S15ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S15ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S15ATHE3/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 SM6S15ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S15ATHE3/I?
All SM6S15ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S15ATHE3/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 SM6S15ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S15ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S15ATHE3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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