Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S18AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S18AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S18AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,453
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Product details
Overview
SM6S18AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AB package, rated for 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 21.1 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S18AHM3/I datasheet, SM6S18AHM3/I pinout, SM6S18AHM3/I application, or SM6S18AHM3/I equivalent, this device supports high-reliability 175 °C junction operation, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and ISO7637-2 compliance in under-hood automotive electronics.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C. Its DO-218AB package features a metal heatsink anode terminal and achieves RθJM = 0.45 °C/W for efficient thermal transfer to PCB copper.
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode with VF ≤ 1.9 V at 100 A (300 μs pulse) and exhibits a VBR temperature coefficient of +0.083 %/°C - enabling predictable voltage shift over temperature in automotive transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (nom) | 21.1 V - guaranteed breakdown voltage at 5 mA test current, defining turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V - clamping voltage at 150 A peak pulse, limiting downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - surge energy handling capability per ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables placement near hot engine control units without derating |
| Leakage @ VWM | <10 μA - ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
DO-218AB package with two terminals: anode (metal heatsink base) and cathode (molded top lead). Mounting requires thermal pad connection to PCB copper for optimal RθJM performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Heatsink Base) | Current entry point during clamping | Must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper pour for RθJM = 0.45 °C/W thermal path |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Current exit point during clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V battery rail); defines unidirectional polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Enables stable VBR drift < ±5 % over 1000 h HTOL at 175 °C |
| MSL Level 1 | Allows reflow at 245 °C peak without popcorn failure or delamination |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Validated for Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 35 V, 10 ms exponential waveform |
| Low VF at high IF | 1.9 V forward drop at 100 A ensures minimal conduction loss during sustained surges |
| Matte tin plating | Solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker test |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input | Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus Line |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects ECU 12 V supply against alternator load dump transients up to 35 V, 10 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps excess voltage before it reaches DC/DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits input rail to ≤29.2 V during 4600 W surge, preventing latch-up or burnout of downstream regulators. | Use Scenario: Shields BCM CAN transceivers from coupled transients on shared power rails during relay switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS absorbs coupled energy before it propagates to signal-level protection stages. Use Value: Maintains CAN signal integrity by clamping rail bounce within 100 ns, avoiding bit errors during wake-up sequences. |
| ADAS Camera Power Rail | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Supply |
Use Scenario: Guards image sensor and ISP power inputs against ignition-induced spikes in front-end camera modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 5 V or 3.3 V LDO input, placed upstream of filtering. Use Value: Prevents pixel corruption or reset events by holding rail voltage below 30 V during 150 A surges. | Use Scenario: Safeguards gate driver ICs and MOSFETs in EPS H-bridge from inductive kickback during motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS shunts flyback current away from sensitive logic and power stages. Use Value: Absorbs 3600 W (10/10,000 μs) without degradation, extending system MTBF in stop-start cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S18AHM3 | No /I suffix - standard tape-and-reel packaging without moisture-sensitive labeling | Same electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification; differs only in packaging traceability | Select SM6S18AHM3/I when MSL-compliant labeling and humidity indicator required for automated SMT lines |
| SM6S20AHM3/I | Higher VWM (20 V) and VBR (23.4 V nominal), same package and surge rating | Better suited for 24 V systems or designs requiring higher margin before clamping onset | Choose SM6S20AHM3/I if protecting 24 V battery rails where 18 V VWM risks premature conduction |
Compared with SM6S18AHM3/I, SM6S18AHM3 offers identical protection performance with simplified packaging logistics, while SM6S20AHM3/I shifts clamping threshold upward for 24 V compatibility - both retain DO-218AB mounting and AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SM6S18AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power protection, ADAS camera module hardening, and electric power steering system surge resilience requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.
Supply support for SM6S18AHM3/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 discrete semiconductors for high-reliability industrial and automotive applications, with emphasis on robustness, thermal stability, and AEC qualification.
The SM6SxxA series delivers high-power transient suppression in compact surface-mount packages, targeting under-hood electronics where space, temperature, and surge immunity are critical constraints.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM6S18AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6S18AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at 150 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream circuitry remains below this voltage during specified surge events. The SM6S18AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range from -55 °C to +175 °C.
Is SM6S18AHM3/I suitable for 24 V automotive systems?
The SM6S18AHM3/I is optimized for 12 V nominal systems, with 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 21.1 V nominal breakdown. In 24 V systems, it may conduct prematurely during normal battery fluctuations. For 24 V applications, Vishay recommends SM6S20AHM3/I (20 V VWM) or SM6S22AHM3/I (22 V VWM) - both share identical DO-218AB packaging and AEC-Q101 qualification as the SM6S18AHM3/I.
Does SM6S18AHM3/I require a heatsink on the PCB?
Yes - the anode terminal of the SM6S18AHM3/I is a metal heatsink base that must be soldered to a minimum 100 mm² copper area on the PCB to achieve the specified RθJM = 0.45 °C/W. Without this thermal pad, junction temperature rise during surge events exceeds safe limits, risking parametric shift or failure. The SM6S18AHM3/I datasheet provides IPC-7351-compliant footprint recommendations.
What does the "/I" suffix mean in SM6S18AHM3/I?
The "/I" suffix in SM6S18AHM3/I denotes moisture sensitivity level (MSL) labeling compliance per J-STD-020. It indicates the tape-and-reel packaging includes humidity indicator cards and MSL-1 marking - confirming suitability for standard SMT reflow without dry-bag storage. The core SM6S18AHM3/I die, electrical specs, and AEC-Q101 qualification remain identical to SM6S18AHM3.
How does SM6S18AHM3/I meet ISO7637-2 requirements?
The SM6S18AHM3/I is validated for ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), delivering 4600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform and sustaining 3600 W with 10/10,000 μs waveform. Its 29.2 V clamping voltage and 175 °C junction rating ensure reliable operation during repeated load dump events in automotive environments - a requirement confirmed in Vishay's AEC-Q101 stress testing report for the SM6SxxAHM3 family.
SM6S18AHM3/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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 158A
- 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
SM6S18AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S18AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S18AHM3/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 SM6S18AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S18AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S18AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S18AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S18AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S18AHM3/I?
SM6S18AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S18AHM3/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 SM6S18AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S18AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S18AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S18AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S18AHM3/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 SM6S18AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S18AHM3/I?
All SM6S18AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S18AHM3/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 SM6S18AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S18AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S18AHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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