Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S20A-E3/2D
- Part No.:
- SM6S20A-E3/2D
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S20A-E3/2D.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6S20A-E3/2D from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for automotive load dump protection in 12 V systems. It features a 20.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 32.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 142 A peak pulse current, and 4600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). Its DO-218AB package supports high-reliability underhood applications up to TJ = 175 °C.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S20A-E3/2D datasheet, SM6S20A-E3/2D pinout, SM6S20A-E3/2D application, or SM6S20A-E3/2D equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, ISO7637-2 compliance for load dump transients, AEC-Q101 qualification, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and thermal resistance of 0.95 °C/W (junction-to-case).
Technical Context
The SM6S20A-E3/2D uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-temperature stability and surge robustness. Its unidirectional architecture functions as a clamping diode in series with the power rail, conducting only during reverse overvoltage events above VBR while maintaining low forward voltage (VF ≤ 1.9 V at 100 A).
It is rated for 600 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine), operates from –55 °C to +175 °C, and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 245 °C reflow peak. The heatsink (lead 2) serves as the anode terminal, defining its mounting orientation and thermal path.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets system nominal rail tolerance margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V - Breakdown threshold range at 5 mA test current; defines turn-on consistency across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamped voltage at 142 A (10/1000 μs); determines maximum stress on downstream ICs during load dump. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability; enables single-device protection against ISO7637-2 Pulse 5a/b. |
| RθJC | 0.95 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; allows direct heatsink coupling for sustained power dissipation up to 6 W. |
| ID @ VWM | <10 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off; ensures minimal quiescent current loss in always-on automotive modules. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports placement near engines or power converters without derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AB - Surface-mount, asymmetrical case with integral metal heatsink (lead 2), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and AEC-Q101 qualification.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected circuit node (e.g., battery rail input); carries full transient current during clamping. |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal path and electrical return; must be soldered to large copper area or external heatsink for RθJC performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier structure ensures stable VBR and low leakage over lifetime and temperature. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive underhood use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per stress test standard. |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Withstands load dump pulses (Pulse 5a/b) up to 4600 W without degradation-no external series impedance required. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow profiles up to 245 °C peak without moisture-induced failure. |
| Low VF (≤1.9 V) | Minimizes conduction loss during forward surge events (e.g., reverse battery connection), reducing heat generation. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller power rails from alternator load dump transients during battery disconnection. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping diode placed between battery feed and DC/DC input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies downstream. |
Use Scenario: Shields high-side driver ICs and sensor interfaces from inductive switching spikes in fuel injection circuits. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V main supply rail upstream of LDO regulators. Use Value: Absorbs 4600 W surges without derating, eliminating need for parallel TVS devices or complex RC snubbers. |
| ADAS Camera Power Supply | Electric Power Steering (EPS) ECU |
Use Scenario: Guards image sensor and SerDes interface power against ignition noise and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 12 V input stage, selected for tight VWM/VBR match to avoid false triggering. Use Value: Maintains <10 μA leakage at 20 V, preserving low-power sleep mode integrity in always-on vision systems. |
Use Scenario: Secures motor gate driver power supply against back-EMF from 3-phase brushless steering motors. IC Role / Device Role: High-energy clamping device mounted directly to chassis ground plane via heatsink lead. Use Value: Delivers 0.95 °C/W thermal resistance, enabling reliable operation at 175 °C ambient without forced cooling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/5B (Vishay) | DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W); higher RθJA; same VWM/VBR range. | Not suitable for ISO7637-2 load dump; limited to lower-energy transients (e.g., ESD, inductive kick). | Select SMAJ20A-E3/5B only when space-constrained PCB layout prohibits DO-218AB and surge energy is ≤400 W. |
| TPSMD20A (Texas Instruments) | DO-218AB package; identical VWM/VBR/VC specs; AEC-Q101 qualified; 4600 W PPPM. | Functionally equivalent for load dump; differs in thermal impedance (RθJC = 1.1 °C/W vs. 0.95 °C/W). | TPSMD20A offers same protection level but requires ~15 % larger heatsink area to match SM6S20A-E3/2D thermal performance. |
Compared with SMAJ20A-E3/5B and TPSMD20A, the SM6S20A-E3/2D delivers superior thermal management (0.95 °C/W) and verified ISO7637-2 compliance-critical for automotive power rail protection where sustained 4600 W surges demand minimal junction temperature rise.
Availability
SM6S20A-E3/2D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, engine control units, and ADAS camera power supplies requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM6S20A-E3/2D 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 optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SM6SxxA family is engineered specifically for automotive load dump protection, combining high-temperature junction capability (175 °C), robust surge handling, and AEC-Q101 validation to meet stringent OEM power rail requirements.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM6S20A-E3/2D at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6S20A-E3/2D has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at 142 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000 μs waveform condition. This value is measured per the test method defined in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88384) and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case load dump events. The SM6S20A-E3/2D maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SM6S20A-E3/2D qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM6S20A-E3/2D is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designed for automotive use. It meets ISO7637-2 surge requirements for load dump protection, operates from –55 °C to +175 °C, and is rated for MSL Level 1 reflow. The "HE3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification, making the SM6S20A-E3/2D suitable for underhood ECUs, BCMs, and ADAS systems.
What is the package type and thermal resistance of the SM6S20A-E3/2D?
The SM6S20A-E3/2D uses the DO-218AB surface-mount package with an integral metal heatsink (lead 2). Its typical junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) is 0.95 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer to a PCB copper pour or external heatsink. This low RθJC supports continuous power dissipation up to 6 W and ensures stable operation at TJ = 175 °C, critical for automotive underhood deployment of the SM6S20A-E3/2D.
How does the SM6S20A-E3/2D differ from the non-A version (SM6S20)?
The SM6S20A-E3/2D has tighter breakdown voltage tolerance (22.2–24.5 V) versus SM6S20 (22.2–27.1 V), resulting in more consistent clamping behavior across production lots. Both share the same VWM (20.0 V), VC (32.4 V / 35.8 V), and PPPM (4600 W), but the "A" suffix indicates ±5 % VBR tolerance-essential for designs requiring precise overvoltage threshold control. The SM6S20A-E3/2D also carries the HE3 qualification suffix confirming AEC-Q101 compliance.
Can the SM6S20A-E3/2D be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the SM6S20A-E3/2D is unidirectional only, with the metal heatsink (lead 2) designated as the anode. It conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events and cannot suppress positive transients on the cathode side. For bidirectional protection, two SM6S20A-E3/2D devices must be connected in series opposition-or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as SMBJ20CA should be selected instead of the SM6S20A-E3/2D.
SM6S20A-E3/2D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-218AB
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 142A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 4600W (4.6kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-218AB
SM6S20A-E3/2D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S20A-E3/2D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S20A-E3/2D 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 SM6S20A-E3/2D reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S20A-E3/2D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S20A-E3/2D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S20A-E3/2D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S20A-E3/2D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S20A-E3/2D?
SM6S20A-E3/2D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S20A-E3/2D 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 SM6S20A-E3/2D?
For technical support, including SM6S20A-E3/2D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S20A-E3/2D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S20A-E3/2D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S20A-E3/2D 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 SM6S20A-E3/2D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S20A-E3/2D?
All SM6S20A-E3/2D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S20A-E3/2D, 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 SM6S20A-E3/2D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S20A-E3/2D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S20A-E3/2D Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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