Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S16ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S16ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S16ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,910
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Product details
Overview
SM6S16ATHE3/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 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown range (VBR), 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for under-hood applications.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S16ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S16ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S16ATHE3/I application, or SM6S16ATHE3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-surge-capability, high-temperature-stable TVS diode with DO-218AC package, 175 °C junction rating, and ISO7637-2 compliance for automotive transients.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), low forward voltage drop (≤1.9 V at 100 A), and stable clamping performance across temperature. Its thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.95 °C/W) and 175 °C max junction temperature support operation in engine compartment environments.
The device is optimized for unidirectional surge suppression in 12 V automotive electrical systems, meeting ISO7637-2 load dump waveforms and rated for 600 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM). Polarity is fixed: heatsink is anode, cathode is lead 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold. |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 17.8 / 18.8 / 19.7 V - Breakdown voltage range at 5 mA test current; defines precise clamping onset under transient stress. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V - Clamping voltage at 177 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs); determines maximum voltage seen by protected ICs. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables robust suppression of high-energy load dump events. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; supports placement near heat sources in automotive modules. |
| Package | DO-218AC - Thermally enhanced surface-mount package with metal heatsink (anode) and molded UL 94 V-0 compound. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - thermally optimized surface-mount case with integral metal heatsink (anode terminal) and matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Heatsink serves as anode; cathode is lead 1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit's positive rail; conducts during reverse transient to clamp voltage. |
| Heatsink (metal base) | Anode | Must be connected to system ground or chassis; provides primary thermal path and electrical return. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable VBR drift <0.081 %/°C and low leakage at 175 °C. |
| High-temperature operation | Rated for continuous use up to TJ = +175 °C - enables placement in proximity to power electronics without derating. |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Validated for load dump transients (Pulse 5a/b) - meets OEM requirements for 12 V battery line protection. |
| MSL Level 1 | Moisture sensitivity level 1 (peak reflow ≤245 °C) - allows standard SMT assembly without dry pack or baking. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.38 - delivers tight voltage limiting relative to breakdown, reducing stress on downstream components. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V supply input against alternator load dump spikes during battery disconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode clamping transient energy into chassis ground via heatsink anode. Use Value: Limits input voltage to ≤26.0 V during 4600 W surges, preventing damage to LDOs, microcontrollers, and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on main power rail feeding high-current solenoid drivers and fuel injectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response transient suppressor absorbing inductive kickback from switched loads. Use Value: Withstands 600 A IFSM and maintains <10 μA leakage at 16 V, ensuring minimal standby current drain. |
| ADAS Camera Power Supply | Infotainment Head Unit DC-DC Input |
Use Scenario: Protecting image sensor and ISP power rails from ESD and load dump in rear-view camera modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability TVS placed upstream of buck converter; anode tied to metal housing. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-218AC thermal design ensure stable clamping performance after 1000+ thermal cycles. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V-to-5 V/3.3 V conversion stage against battery line transients in head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on input side of multi-phase buck controller. Use Value: 0.95 °C/W RθJC enables >5 W continuous dissipation when mounted on copper pour, avoiding thermal shutdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S16AHM3 | Same VWM/VBR/PPPM specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, matte tin finish per JESD201 Class 2 whisker test. | Identical automotive use cases; preferred where RoHS + halogen-free compliance is mandated beyond HE3 baseline. | Select SM6S16AHM3 for new designs requiring updated material compliance; SM6S16ATHE3/I remains valid for legacy builds. |
| SMAJ16A | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (RθJC ≈ 40 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Limited to non-automotive industrial or consumer applications with lower surge energy requirements. | Use SMAJ16A only in cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs where 4600 W surge immunity and 175 °C operation are not required. |
Compared with SM6S16AHM3, the SM6S16ATHE3/I offers identical electrical performance but differs in material compliance scope; compared with SMAJ16A, it delivers 11.5× higher surge power and automotive-grade reliability-critical for under-hood deployment.
Availability
SM6S16ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, engine control units, ADAS camera systems, and infotainment head units requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM6S16ATHE3/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 SM6S16ATHE3/I belongs to Vishay's PAR® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy automotive transients-including load dump and inductive switching-under extreme thermal conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM6S16ATHE3/I during a 10/1000 μs transient?
The SM6S16ATHE3/I clamps to a maximum of 26.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 177 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured at TC = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The clamping voltage remains stable across temperature due to the device's low VBR temperature coefficient (0.081 %/°C).
Is the SM6S16ATHE3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM6S16ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly intended for automotive use. Its DO-218AC package, 175 °C junction rating, ISO7637-2 compliance, and qualification testing (including HTGB and TCT) confirm suitability for under-hood and powertrain applications. The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, whisker-tested construction meeting automotive reliability standards.
How is polarity configured on the SM6S16ATHE3/I, and what is the role of the heatsink?
The SM6S16ATHE3/I is unidirectional, with the metal heatsink serving as the anode and lead 1 as the cathode. During normal operation, the anode connects to system ground or chassis; during a positive transient on the cathode side, the device avalanches to shunt current safely to ground. This configuration leverages the heatsink for both thermal dissipation and low-inductance current return.
What does "Not For New Designs" mean for the SM6S16ATHE3/I, and what should designers use instead?
"Not For New Designs" indicates Vishay recommends SM6S16AHM3 for future projects due to updated material compliance (halogen-free, JESD201 Class 2 whisker test), though SM6S16ATHE3/I remains fully functional and supported for existing designs. Both share identical electrical specs and packaging; the change is manufacturing-process driven-not performance-related.
Can the SM6S16ATHE3/I be used in non-automotive applications?
Yes-the SM6S16ATHE3/I is technically suitable for any 12 V or 16 V DC system requiring high-power transient suppression, including industrial controls and telecom power supplies. However, its AEC-Q101 qualification, thermal robustness, and ISO7637-2 validation make it especially valuable where reliability under harsh conditions is critical, regardless of end market.
SM6S16ATHE3/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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 177A
- 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
SM6S16ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S16ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S16ATHE3/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 SM6S16ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S16ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S16ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S16ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S16ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S16ATHE3/I?
SM6S16ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S16ATHE3/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 SM6S16ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S16ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S16ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S16ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S16ATHE3/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 SM6S16ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S16ATHE3/I?
All SM6S16ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S16ATHE3/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 SM6S16ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S16ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S16ATHE3/I Tags

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