Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T12AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6T12AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T12AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,826
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Product details
Overview
SM6T12AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount TRANSZORB® transient voltage suppressor in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 36 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It delivers low-inductance overvoltage protection for automotive sensor signal lines and industrial MOSFET gate drivers.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T12AHM3/I datasheet, SM6T12AHM3/I pinout, SM6T12AHM3/I application, or SM6T12AHM3/I equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, SMB package thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and real-world clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms.
Technical Context
The SM6T12AHM3/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, designed to clamp transient voltages before they damage downstream ICs or power switches. Its 10.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 5.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM ensure minimal standby power loss in always-on circuits.
It sustains non-repetitive 100 A forward surge current (IFSM, 10 ms half-sine) and operates across –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified per ordering suffix HM3.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; sets safe operating margin below VBR |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 36 A (10/1000 μs) - actual clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure under standardized waveform |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables effective heat transfer to PCB copper pads |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating supports operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, 0.220" × 0.130" footprint, MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow peak.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to ground or low-side reference | Provides return path for clamping current during positive transients on cathode side |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked with band; connects to protected line | Receives transient voltage spike; initiates avalanche conduction when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a surges in 12 V automotive systems |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs while maintaining fast response via avalanche mechanism |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensors |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without compromising thermal or electrical performance |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow | Supports standard SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial Motor Drive Gate Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure, temperature, and position sensors in engine compartments subject to load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between sensor output and ground to shunt surge current away from precision amplifier inputs. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤16.7 V, preserving sensor signal integrity and preventing ADC saturation or op-amp latch-up. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate terminals of N-channel MOSFETs in BLDC motor inverters exposed to Miller-induced voltage spikes during high-dI/dt switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting unidirectional suppressor tied between gate and source to limit VGS excursion during turn-off. Use Value: Limits gate overvoltage to <17 V, avoiding oxide breakdown and ensuring reliable MOSFET commutation under EMI-rich conditions. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Power Supply Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver I/O pins in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level unidirectional TVS on differential bus lines, coordinated with secondary GDT or polymer PTC. Use Value: Responds within nanoseconds to clamp common-mode surges up to 600 W, reducing stress on transceiver ESD structures. |
Use Scenario: Guarding 12 V DC input rails of smart home hubs and set-top boxes against AC line transients coupled through off-line SMPS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-stage suppressor after fuse and common-mode choke, absorbing residual differential surges. Use Value: Maintains 10.2 V stand-off while clamping to 16.7 V, preventing brownout or latch-up in PMICs and microcontrollers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same SMB package, 12 V VBR, but lower PPPM = 400 W and higher VC = 19.9 V at 20 A | Limited to lower-energy transients; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select SMAJ12A only for cost-sensitive commercial designs where 600 W surge immunity is not required. |
| 1.5SMC12A | Higher-power SMC package (PPPM = 1500 W), same VBR range, but larger footprint and higher VC = 19.0 V at 79 A | Used where board space allows and higher single-pulse energy must be absorbed | Choose 1.5SMC12A when protecting high-current power stages requiring >600 W headroom, accepting larger size. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5SMC12A, SM6T12AHM3/I uniquely balances 600 W surge capability, low 16.7 V clamping, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compact SMB footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial signal-line protection.
Availability
SM6T12AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial motor drives, telecom interface circuits, and consumer power supply inputs requiring stable component supply and guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SM6T12AHM3/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, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The SM6T Series was engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where consistent clamping behavior and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage tolerance for SM6T12AHM3/I?
The SM6T12AHM3/I has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current, per Vishay's official datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. This ±5% tolerance ensures predictable avalanche onset across production lots and temperature extremes, and is measured using a 300 μs square-wave pulse per JEDEC standards.
Is SM6T12AHM3/I suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, SM6T12AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection, Vishay specifies the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., SM6T12CA). Using SM6T12AHM3/I on AC-coupled or symmetrical signal lines would result in forward conduction during negative excursions and potential failure.
Does SM6T12AHM3/I meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SM6T12AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix and documentation in Vishay's SM6T series datasheet. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD, validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM6T12AHM3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage of SM6T12AHM3/I is 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 36 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during such a transient.
How does the SMB package of SM6T12AHM3/I affect thermal performance?
The SMB (DO-214AA) package of SM6T12AHM3/I provides a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pads. Its low RθJA of 100 °C/W (on minimal pads) supports sustained 5.0 W power dissipation at 50 °C ambient, making it suitable for thermally constrained layouts.
SM6T12AHM3/I 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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMB)
SM6T12AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T12AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12AHM3/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 SM6T12AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T12AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T12AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12AHM3/I?
SM6T12AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T12AHM3/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 SM6T12AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM6T12AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T12AHM3/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 SM6T12AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12AHM3/I?
All SM6T12AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12AHM3/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 SM6T12AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T12AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T12AHM3/I Tags

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