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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T12A-E3/5B

Name: SM6T12A-E3/5B
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SM6T12A-E3/5B
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SM6T12A-E3/5B

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AA, SMB

Datasheet:: SM6T12A-E3/5B.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AA

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Product details

Overview

SM6T12A-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, with 12 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA), 10.2 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), and 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 36 A peak pulse current - designed to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients in automotive and industrial power electronics.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T12A-E3/5B datasheet, SM6T12A-E3/5B pinout, SM6T12A-E3/5B application, or SM6T12A-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 600 W 10/1000 μs peak pulse power rating, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix), low 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated terminals solderable per J-STD-002.

Technical Context

This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents <1 μA reverse leakage at 10.2 V, then rapidly avalanches near 12 V to clamp transient energy into ground. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low inductance for fast response to sub-microsecond surges.

The device is rated for 150 °C maximum junction temperature and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient, with thermal resistance of 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient (on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads) and 20 °C/W junction-to-lead - enabling reliable operation in high-density PCB layouts without heatsinking.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_BR (min/max)	11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for repeatable clamping behavior
V_WM	10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins
V_C @ I_PPM	16.7 V at 36 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge
P_PPM	600 W - peak transient power absorption capability under standardized lightning/surge waveform
I_FSM	100 A - single half-sine surge current rating (10 ms), critical for inductive load switch-off protection
T_J max.	+150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments
R_θJL	20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports high pulse repetition without thermal runaway

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band on body; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Current entry point during forward conduction; connected to protected line	Reference node for unidirectional clamping - ties to signal/power line requiring overvoltage protection
Cathode	Current exit point during avalanche; connected to ground or return path	Clamp reference node - must be routed with minimal inductance to ground plane for effective transient suppression

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs)	Enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without derating
Glass passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress
MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow)	Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements
Low 20 °C/W R_θJL	Allows efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, reducing localized hot spots during repetitive surge events
AEC-Q101 qualification path	Facilitates automotive qualification when ordered as SM6T12AHE3_B/I (RoHS + AEC-Q101 compliant)

Applications

Automotive Power Distribution	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Clamps transients up to 16.7 V while absorbing 600 W pulses - prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream PMICs and microcontrollers.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog input pins of temperature/pressure sensors in PLC modules exposed to motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal-line TVS tied between sensor output and system ground, with low capacitance minimizing signal distortion. Use Value: Sub-17 V clamping ensures ADC reference integrity remains intact during 36 A surge events, preserving measurement accuracy.
Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage	Telecom DC Power Feeds
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection in AC/DC adapters subjected to capacitor discharge transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS across regulated 12 V output to suppress flyback spikes from transformer leakage inductance. Use Value: 10.2 V V_WM permits normal regulation while 16.7 V V_C limits stress on downstream USB-PD controllers and load switches.	Use Scenario: DC feed protection in PoE-powered base stations where 48 V rails face induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-stage TVS on 48 V input bus, coordinated with upstream fuse and secondary-stage MOVs. Use Value: 600 W rating sustains multiple 10/1000 μs surges without degradation, supporting Telcordia GR-1089-CORE compliance.

Automotive Power Distribution

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground.

Use Value: Clamps transients up to 16.7 V while absorbing 600 W pulses - prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream PMICs and microcontrollers.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog input pins of temperature/pressure sensors in PLC modules exposed to motor drive noise.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal-line TVS tied between sensor output and system ground, with low capacitance minimizing signal distortion.

Use Value: Sub-17 V clamping ensures ADC reference integrity remains intact during 36 A surge events, preserving measurement accuracy.

Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage

Telecom DC Power Feeds

Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection in AC/DC adapters subjected to capacitor discharge transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS across regulated 12 V output to suppress flyback spikes from transformer leakage inductance.

Use Value: 10.2 V V_WM permits normal regulation while 16.7 V V_C limits stress on downstream USB-PD controllers and load switches.

Use Scenario: DC feed protection in PoE-powered base stations where 48 V rails face induced surges from nearby lightning strikes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-stage TVS on 48 V input bus, coordinated with upstream fuse and secondary-stage MOVs.

Use Value: 600 W rating sustains multiple 10/1000 μs surges without degradation, supporting Telcordia GR-1089-CORE compliance.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ12A	Same SMB package, identical V_BR (11.4–12.6 V), but lower P_PPM = 600 W only at T_A ≤ 25 °C; R_θJA = 110 °C/W vs. 100 °C/W for SM6T12A-E3/5B	Less margin for sustained surge duty cycles in high-ambient environments (>70 °C)	Select SMBJ12A only if board layout allows larger copper area or ambient stays below 60 °C
P6SMB12A	Identical electrical specs and SMB footprint, but legacy Vishay part number with same RoHS/E3 suffix options; no AEC-Q101 variant available	Lacks automotive-grade qualification path; not recommended for new automotive designs requiring PPAP	Prefer SM6T12A-E3/5B for new designs needing AEC-Q101 traceability and updated MSL 1 reflow profile

Compared with SMBJ12A and P6SMB12A, the SM6T12A-E3/5B offers superior thermal performance (lower R_θJA), explicit AEC-Q101 qualification path, and tighter manufacturing control per Vishay's 2024 revision - making it optimal for high-reliability industrial and next-gen automotive ECUs.

Availability

SM6T12A-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC power feeds requiring stable component supply, full RoHS compliance, and traceable sourcing for production ramp.

Supply support for SM6T12A-E3/5B 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SM6T Series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and consumer systems where robustness against ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 surges is mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SM6T12A-E3/5B at its rated peak pulse current?

The SM6T12A-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 16.7 V at 36 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88385 and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during a standardized surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.

Is SM6T12A-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SM6T12A-E3/5B is qualified for automotive use when ordered with the HE3 or HM3 suffix (e.g., SM6T12AHE3_B/I), which denotes full AEC-Q101 qualification. The base SM6T12A-E3/5B is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; its SMB package, MSL Level 1 rating, and 150 °C T_J max. provide the foundation for automotive deployment upon proper suffix selection.

What is the standoff voltage (V_WM) of SM6T12A-E3/5B and why does it matter?

The standoff voltage (V_WM) of SM6T12A-E3/5B is 10.2 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse voltage the device can withstand without entering avalanche. This parameter ensures the SM6T12A-E3/5B remains non-conductive during normal operation, preventing power loss or false triggering while still responding instantly to transients exceeding this threshold.

How does the thermal resistance of SM6T12A-E3/5B affect PCB layout?

The SM6T12A-E3/5B has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (R_θJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (R_θJA) of 100 °C/W on 5 mm × 5 mm copper pads. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area connected to both anode and cathode terminals - undersized traces increase thermal impedance and risk parametric shift or failure.

Can SM6T12A-E3/5B replace older P6SMB12A parts in existing designs?

Yes, SM6T12A-E3/5B is a direct form-fit-function replacement for P6SMB12A: identical SMB (DO-214AA) package, matching V_BR, V_WM, and V_C specifications, and compatible with the same reflow profiles. It also offers improved MSL handling (Level 1 at 260 °C) and updated quality controls per Vishay's 2024 revision - no PCB or schematic changes are required for migration.

SM6T12A-E3/5B Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-214AA, SMB

Series:: SM6T, TransZorb®

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 10.2V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 11.4V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 16.7V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 36A

Power - Peak Pulse:: 600W

Power Line Protection:: No

Applications:: General Purpose

Capacitance @ Frequency:: -

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: DO-214AA (SMBJ)

SM6T12A-E3/5B FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SM6T12A-E3/5B through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12A-E3/5B 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 SM6T12A-E3/5B reliable?

The price and inventory of SM6T12A-E3/5B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T12A-E3/5B is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12A-E3/5B?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12A-E3/5B transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12A-E3/5B?

SM6T12A-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SM6T12A-E3/5B 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 SM6T12A-E3/5B?

For technical support, including SM6T12A-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12A-E3/5B requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12A-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SM6T12A-E3/5B 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 SM6T12A-E3/5B meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12A-E3/5B?

All SM6T12A-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12A-E3/5B, 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 SM6T12A-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SM6T12A-E3/5B:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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