Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S18ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S18ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S18ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,312
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Product details
Overview
SM6S18ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for automotive load dump protection. It features a 18.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 5 mA, 29.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 150 A peak pulse current, and 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). Its DO-218AC package supports 175 °C junction operation and AEC-Q101 qualification.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S18ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S18ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S18ATHE3/I application, or SM6S18ATHE3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 175 °C thermal capability, ISO7637-2 compliance for load dump transients, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and DO-218AC mechanical compatibility with high-surge industrial and automotive power rails.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve stable clamping under repetitive surge stress at elevated temperatures. Its junction-to-case thermal resistance is 0.95 °C/W, enabling effective heat transfer to a heatsink - critical for sustained 6 W power dissipation at TC = 25 °C.
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode with anode connected to the heatsink terminal. It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (245 °C peak reflow) and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing, confirming robustness for automotive PCB assembly.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 20.0 / 21.1 / 22.1 V at 5 mA - precise breakdown threshold for predictable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 150 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage limiting downstream circuit stress during surge events |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - peak surge energy handling capacity for automotive load dump compliance |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables placement near hot engine-control electronics without derating |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA at 25 °C - ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
| Package | DO-218AC - thermally enhanced surface-mount outline with metal heatsink terminal (anode) |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - molded case with integral metal heatsink acting as anode terminal; cathode is lead 1; RoHS-compliant matte tin plating; UL 94 V-0 rated compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Heatsink) | Positive terminal / thermal path | Connected directly to PCB copper pour for thermal management; must be routed to system ground or positive rail depending on protection topology |
| Cathode (Lead 1) | Transient current return path | Carries full surge current during clamping; requires low-inductance trace routing to protected IC power input |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance per stress test plan |
| Junction passivation | Stable VBR over lifetime and temperature - 0.083 %/°C tempco ensures <±5% drift from −40 °C to +150 °C |
| ISO7637-2 compliant | Withstands load dump pulses up to 10 ms exponential waveform per automotive standard when properly heatsinked |
| MSL Level 1 | Compatible with standard SMT reflow profiles up to 245 °C peak, eliminating moisture sensitivity handling requirements |
| Low VF | ≤1.9 V forward drop at 100 A enables use in bidirectional clamp configurations with series diode |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 5 V/12 V microcontroller power supplies against battery load dump transients during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and DC-DC input, clamping within 1 ns to limit voltage to ≤29.2 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to LDOs and PMICs by absorbing 4600 W surges without degradation at TJ ≤175 °C. |
Use Scenario: Shields isolated CAN transceiver power domains from coupled transients induced by nearby motor drivers or solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on VCC line upstream of common-mode choke, activated only during >18 V overvoltage events. Use Value: Maintains CAN signal integrity by avoiding false triggering during normal 12 V ±15% operation while suppressing 10/1000 μs spikes above 22.1 V. |
| ADAS Camera Module Power Supply | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Stage |
Use Scenario: Secures image sensor and ISP power inputs in compact rear-view or surround-view cameras exposed to harsh under-hood environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 3.3 V or 5 V supply rail, leveraging DO-218AC thermal mass to sustain repeated surges. Use Value: Enables extended temperature operation (−40 °C to +125 °C ambient) with <10 μA leakage preserving low-power sleep modes. |
Use Scenario: Protects gate driver ICs and high-side MOSFETs in EPS H-bridge from inductive kickback during rapid motor current interruption. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS across motor phase rail and ground, conducting surge current through heatsink terminal into chassis ground plane. Use Value: Achieves 600 A IFSM rating to survive worst-case short-circuit turn-off events without bond wire fusing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S18AHM3 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free molding compound and enhanced moisture resistance (MSL 1 confirmed) | Preferred for new designs targeting IPC/JEDEC green compliance; identical thermal and electrical behavior | Select SM6S18AHM3 for production builds requiring halogen-free materials and long-term moisture robustness |
| SMAJ18A | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 4600 W); SMA package (DO-214AC); RθJC ≈ 50 °C/W vs. 0.95 °C/W | Suitable for low-energy ESD or board-level EFT only; not rated for ISO7637-2 load dump | Use SMAJ18A only in non-automotive, low-surge consumer applications where space constraints prohibit DO-218AC |
Compared with SM6S18AHM3, the SM6S18ATHE3/I offers identical surge performance but lacks halogen-free certification; compared with SMAJ18A, it delivers 11.5× higher surge power and 50× better thermal resistance - making it the sole choice for under-hood automotive load dump protection.
Availability
SM6S18ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, body control module power rails, ADAS camera power conditioning, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability environments.
Supply support for SM6S18ATHE3/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, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM6SxxAT family was engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive load dump protection, emphasizing thermal stability at 175 °C, ISO7637-2 compliance, and DO-218AC mechanical ruggedness for under-hood deployment.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM6S18ATHE3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6S18ATHE3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V when subjected to a 150 A peak pulse current with 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 SM6S18ATHE3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range due to its low VBR temperature coefficient of 0.083 %/°C.
Is the SM6S18ATHE3/I suitable for new automotive designs?
No - the SM6S18ATHE3/I is marked "Not For New Designs" in Vishay's official documentation, with SM6S18AHM3 designated as the recommended alternative. While the SM6S18ATHE3/I remains functional and AEC-Q101 qualified, new designs should use the HM3 variant for halogen-free compliance and updated moisture sensitivity rating. The SM6S18ATHE3/I continues to be supported for legacy program continuity and repair scenarios.
How is the anode terminal configured on the SM6S18ATHE3/I package?
The anode terminal of the SM6S18ATHE3/I is the integral metal heatsink surface of the DO-218AC package, not a lead. Lead 1 is the cathode. This configuration requires mounting the device with the heatsink side soldered to a large copper area for thermal conduction and electrical connection - typically to chassis ground or the protected rail's reference node. The SM6S18ATHE3/I datasheet explicitly states "Polarity: heatsink is anode".
Does the SM6S18ATHE3/I meet ISO7637-2 requirements?
Yes - the SM6S18ATHE3/I is specified to meet ISO7637-2 surge requirements under defined test conditions, particularly for load dump pulses (Test Pulse 5a). Its 4600 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs) and thermal design enable compliance when mounted on an adequate heatsink. The device's 175 °C junction rating and low RθJC (0.95 °C/W) ensure sustained performance during repeated ISO7637-2 events, as validated in Vishay's application curves.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of the SM6S18ATHE3/I at 18 V and 175 °C?
At VWM = 18.0 V and TJ = 175 °C, the SM6S18ATHE3/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 10 μA, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This value is critical for low-power automotive modules that remain active in sleep mode, ensuring minimal parasitic drain on the vehicle battery. The SM6S18ATHE3/I achieves this performance via optimized junction passivation and stable anisotropic rectifier technology.
SM6S18ATHE3/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):
- 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
SM6S18ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S18ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S18ATHE3/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 SM6S18ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S18ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S18ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S18ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S18ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S18ATHE3/I?
SM6S18ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S18ATHE3/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 SM6S18ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S18ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S18ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S18ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S18ATHE3/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 SM6S18ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S18ATHE3/I?
All SM6S18ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S18ATHE3/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 SM6S18ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S18ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S18ATHE3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated
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