Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T12A-M3/5B
- Part No.:
- SM6T12A-M3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T12A-M3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6T12A-M3/5B 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 36.0 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform. It protects MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in automotive power electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T12A-M3/5B datasheet, SM6T12A-M3/5B pinout, SM6T12A-M3/5B application, or SM6T12A-M3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 10.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 5.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, 150 °C max junction temperature, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant M3 suffix construction.
Technical Context
The SM6T12A-M3/5B operates as a unidirectional TVS diode with avalanche breakdown mechanism, designed to clamp transient overvoltages before they damage downstream components. Its low-inductance SMB package and glass-passivated junction support fast response (<1 ns) and stable performance under repetitive surge stress.
It complies with AEC-Q101 when ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes but the SM6T12A-M3/5B variant is commercial-grade, rated for -65 °C to +150 °C operation, and features 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for reliable clamping initiation |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 36.0 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure under standardized waveform |
| IR @ VWM | 5.0 μA - ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial environments with elevated ambient temps |
| Package | SMB (DO-214AA) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 2.2 mm height and 5.59 mm length |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band at one end; terminals solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to system ground or low-side reference | Provides return path during clamping; must be routed with low-inductance trace to minimize overshoot |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked by band; connected to protected line | Receives transient energy from signal/power line; placement adjacent to IC input minimizes protection loop inductance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust suppression of ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in 12 V automotive systems |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| Low inductance SMB package | Reduces voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., load dump, relay bounce) |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets IPC-1752A material declaration requirements for green manufacturing and end-of-life recycling |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without popcorn or delamination risk |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V supply rails feeding body control modules against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and LDO input to clamp surges above 16.7 V. Use Value: Prevents LDO destruction during 35 V/100 ms load dump events while maintaining <5 μA leakage at nominal 12 V. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector interface to shunt transients before reaching op-amp input stage. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤16.7 V during ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), preserving ADC accuracy. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Inputs | Telecom DC Power Feeds |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge protection for USB-C PD adapters subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device across bridge rectifier output, upstream of bulk capacitor. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation, enabling compliance with UL 1449 Type 4 SPD requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protection of -48 V DC telecom power feeds against accidental short-circuit transients and hot-swap spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS tied between -48 V rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going excursions. Use Value: Clamps to 16.7 V during 30 A/10/1000 μs surges, preventing damage to PMBus controllers and DC-DC sequencers. |
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 VBR range (11.4–12.6 V), lower PPPM (400 W), larger SMA package (DO-214AC) | Lower surge margin; less suitable for automotive load dump; requires larger PCB footprint | Select SMAJ12A only if cost sensitivity outweighs surge headroom and space constraints. |
| 1.5SMC12A | Same VBR, higher PPPM (1500 W), larger SMC package (DO-214AB), 2× thermal resistance | Better for high-energy transients but incompatible with dense layouts; not halogen-free by default | Choose 1.5SMC12A only when 600 W is insufficient and board space allows SMC footprint. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5SMC12A, the SM6T12A-M3/5B delivers optimal balance of 600 W surge rating, compact SMB size, halogen-free compliance, and commercial-grade reliability-making it preferred for space-constrained 12 V automotive and industrial power rails where MSL Level 1 reflow and low leakage are critical.
Availability
SM6T12A-M3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapter inputs, and telecom DC power feeds requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SM6T12A-M3/5B 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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific performance.
The SM6T Series was developed specifically for surface-mount transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and computing systems where compact size, high surge capability, and consistent clamping behavior are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM6T12A-M3/5B under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SM6T12A-M3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 36.0 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88385 and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during transient events. The SM6T12A-M3/5B maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SM6T12A-M3/5B suitable for automotive applications?
The SM6T12A-M3/5B is qualified for commercial-grade automotive use and meets MSL Level 1 reflow standards, but it is not AEC-Q101 certified. For AEC-Q101 compliance, Vishay offers the SM6T12AHM3_B/I variant. The SM6T12A-M3/5B remains widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment power rails and lighting control modules where its 150 °C TJ max and 600 W surge rating provide sufficient margin.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SM6T12A-M3/5B?
The "M3" suffix in SM6T12A-M3/5B denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with whisker-resistant matte tin plating meeting JESD 201 Class 2. It also signifies commercial temperature grade (-65 °C to +150 °C) and compliance with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. The "5B" indicates packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel format with 3200 units per reel.
How does the SM6T12A-M3/5B differ from bidirectional variants like SM6T12CA?
The SM6T12A-M3/5B is unidirectional and features polarity marking (cathode band); it conducts only in reverse breakdown and blocks forward current. In contrast, SM6T12CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no polarity marking. The SM6T12A-M3/5B is used where transients occur only on one side of ground (e.g., +12 V rail to GND), while SM6T12CA suits AC-coupled or floating lines.
What is the thermal resistance of the SM6T12A-M3/5B in typical PCB layout?
The SM6T12A-M3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as defined in Vishay document 88385. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB with no internal copper planes; adding thermal vias or larger copper areas can reduce RθJA by up to 30%, improving sustained power handling of the SM6T12A-M3/5B.
SM6T12A-M3/5B 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-M3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T12A-M3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12A-M3/5B 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-M3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T12A-M3/5B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T12A-M3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12A-M3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12A-M3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12A-M3/5B?
SM6T12A-M3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T12A-M3/5B 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-M3/5B?
For technical support, including SM6T12A-M3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12A-M3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12A-M3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T12A-M3/5B 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-M3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12A-M3/5B?
All SM6T12A-M3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12A-M3/5B, 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-M3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T12A-M3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T12A-M3/5B 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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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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