Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6S20ATHE3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6S20ATHE3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-218AC
- Datasheet:
-
SM6S20ATHE3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO218AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,337
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Product details
Overview
SM6S20ATHE3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount PAR® transient voltage suppressor in DO-218AC package, rated for 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown (VBR), 32.4 V clamping at 142 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), and 4600 W peak pulse power. It is AEC-Q101 qualified, operates up to 175 °C junction temperature, and is designed for automotive load dump protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM6S20ATHE3/I datasheet, SM6S20ATHE3/I pinout, SM6S20ATHE3/I application, or SM6S20ATHE3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-218AC thermal performance (RθJC = 0.95 °C/W), ISO7637-2 compliance, low leakage (<10 μA at VWM), and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-temperature reliability and surge robustness. Its unidirectional configuration places the heatsink as the anode terminal, enabling efficient thermal conduction to PCB copper during high-energy transients like automotive load dump.
The device delivers 4600 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform at TC = 25 °C, with derating to ~3600 W under 10/10,000 μs. Clamping voltage remains stable across temperature due to a +0.085 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient and is validated per MSL Level 1 (245 °C reflow peak).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before breakdown |
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 22.2 / 23.4 / 24.5 V - Verified breakdown range at 5 mA test current |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V - Clamping voltage at 142 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs) |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 4600 W - Peak surge energy handling capability under standard waveform |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJC | 0.95 °C/W - Confirmed thermal resistance from junction to case for heatsink design |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Anode connected to metal heatsink; cathode is lead 1 |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-218AC - Surface-mount, thermally enhanced plastic case with integral metal heatsink; meets UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 1 | Cathode | Connected to P-N junction cathode; carries transient current into device during clamping |
| Lead 2 / Metal Heatsink | Anode | Primary thermal path and electrical anode connection; must be soldered to large copper area for thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable VBR and low leakage over lifetime and temperature |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, temperature cycling, and HTRB |
| ISO7637-2 compliance | Meets load dump and coupled transient immunity requirements for 12 V vehicle systems |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | HE3 suffix confirms mitigation of tin whisker growth under thermal/humidity stress |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow up to 245 °C peak without preconditioning |
Applications
| Automotive Load Dump Protection | Industrial Power Supply Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ECUs, body control modules, and infotainment systems from 12 V battery line transients during alternator load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed at main power input, shunting excess energy to ground via heatsink. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤32.4 V during 4600 W surges, preventing damage to downstream DC/DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding industrial PLC power inputs against switching transients from solenoids, contactors, and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V supply rail, coordinated with upstream fuses and downstream LC filters. Use Value: Withstands 600 A IFSM surge and maintains <10 μA leakage at 20 V, ensuring minimal standby power loss and long-term stability. |
| Automotive Lighting Systems | Commercial Vehicle Telematics |
Use Scenario: Shielding LED driver ICs and CAN transceivers in headlamp and tail lamp modules from inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS adjacent to connector entry points, leveraging DO-218AC's low-inductance layout. Use Value: Achieves 32.4 V clamping within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity on LIN/CAN lines sharing same power domain. | Use Scenario: Securing GPS/GNSS receivers and cellular modems in fleet tracking units exposed to harsh vehicle electrical noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability transient suppressor on VBAT rail, mounted directly to thermal pad for sustained 175 °C operation. Use Value: Maintains specification compliance across -55 °C to +175 °C ambient, critical for under-dash mounting locations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM6S20AHM3 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs; HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant molding compound and different tape/reel packaging (750 pcs vs. 750 pcs, but different orientation) | Identical electrical and thermal performance; approved for new designs where HE3 is marked Not For New Designs | Select SM6S20AHM3 for new automotive designs requiring full halogen-free compliance and updated qualification status. |
| SMAJ20A | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 4600 W); SMA package (DO-214AC) with higher RθJA; no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not suitable for load dump; limited to lower-energy ESD/surge events in non-automotive consumer or industrial use | Choose SMAJ20A only for cost-sensitive, non-automotive applications with <500 W surge requirements and no high-temp or qualification mandates. |
Compared with SM6S20AHM3, the SM6S20ATHE3/I offers identical clamping and thermal behavior but is designated Not For New Designs per Vishay; compared with SMAJ20A, it delivers 11.5× higher surge power and automotive-grade reliability-making it essential for under-hood deployment where thermal margin and qualification are non-negotiable.
Availability
SM6S20ATHE3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial power supplies, commercial vehicle telematics, and LED lighting systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM6S20ATHE3/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 diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SM6SxxAT family belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Protective Avalanche Rectifier) platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments demanding AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C operation.
FAQ
Is SM6S20ATHE3/I AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, SM6S20ATHE3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly listed as such in Vishay's official documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and highly accelerated stress testing-ensuring suitability for automotive under-hood applications. The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, further supporting its automotive use case.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SM6S20ATHE3/I?
The "HE3" suffix in SM6S20ATHE3/I indicates RoHS-compliant construction, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compliance with JESD201 Class 2 for tin whisker mitigation. It also specifies packaging in 13-inch plastic tape and reel with anode oriented toward the sprocket hole-a detail critical for automated placement verification. Vishay documents HE3 as the base ordering code for automotive-grade versions of the SM6SxxAT series.
Can SM6S20ATHE3/I replace SM6S20AHM3 in existing designs?
SM6S20ATHE3/I and SM6S20AHM3 share identical electrical specifications, thermal characteristics, and mechanical dimensions. However, Vishay marks SM6S20ATHE3/I as "Not For New Designs" and recommends SM6S20AHM3 for new projects. For legacy design refreshes, SM6S20ATHE3/I remains functionally interchangeable-but verify tape-and-reel orientation and halogen-free requirements before substitution.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM6S20ATHE3/I at rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SM6S20ATHE3/I is 32.4 V at 142 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TC = 25 °C and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range. Clamping performance is critical for protecting downstream 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails when used with appropriate series impedance in automotive power distribution networks.
Does SM6S20ATHE3/I meet ISO7637-2 requirements?
Yes, SM6S20ATHE3/I meets ISO7637-2 surge test requirements for automotive applications, specifically for Pulse 5a (load dump) under defined test conditions. Vishay confirms compliance in the datasheet, noting that performance depends on proper PCB layout-including low-inductance grounding to the metal heatsink-and coordination with system-level filtering. It is validated for 12 V vehicle electrical systems.
SM6S20ATHE3/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):
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-218AC
SM6S20ATHE3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6S20ATHE3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6S20ATHE3/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 SM6S20ATHE3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6S20ATHE3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6S20ATHE3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6S20ATHE3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6S20ATHE3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6S20ATHE3/I?
SM6S20ATHE3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6S20ATHE3/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 SM6S20ATHE3/I?
For technical support, including SM6S20ATHE3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6S20ATHE3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6S20ATHE3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6S20ATHE3/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 SM6S20ATHE3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6S20ATHE3/I?
All SM6S20ATHE3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6S20ATHE3/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 SM6S20ATHE3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6S20ATHE3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6S20ATHE3/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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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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