Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T12CA-E3/5B
- Part No.:
- SM6T12CA-E3/5B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T12CA-E3/5B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6T12CA-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1 mA), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC), and 36 A peak pulse current - used to protect MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and ICs against inductive switching transients in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T12CA-E3/5B datasheet, SM6T12CA-E3/5B pinout, SM6T12CA-E3/5B application, or SM6T12CA-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4), RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, MSL Level 1 rating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities with identical VBR, VWM, and VC specifications - no cathode/anode marking required. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<5 μA at VWM = 10.2 V).
Designed for fast transient suppression, it delivers 16.7 V clamping at 36 A (10/1000 μs), with thermal resistance RθJA = 100 °C/W and RθJL = 20 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to TJ = 150 °C under defined PCB pad layout conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1 mA - defines precise bidirectional conduction threshold |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse stand-off voltage before leakage exceeds 5 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 36 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage limiting surge energy delivered to protected circuit |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling capacity per standard waveform |
| IPPM | 36 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current supported without failure |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, measured on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction - accepts surge current in either polarity |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction - completes low-impedance path during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and leakage in both directions - eliminates polarity concerns in AC or floating signal line protection |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) without degradation when mounted per recommended pad layout |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low leakage drift over temperature and life cycle |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard SMT reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak without moisture-related damage |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive kickback in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across signal line and ground to clamp ±100 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs by limiting voltage to ≤16.7 V during 36 A surges. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS shunting transient energy away from optocoupler inputs and microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: Maintains functional safety integrity by suppressing >1 kV transients to sub-20 V levels within 1 ns response time. |
| Consumer Power Adapter ESD | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection in USB-C PD adapters and wireless charging circuits subject to ESD and surge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp across DC output rails to absorb 8/20 μs surges up to 21.7 V. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV line-earth) without degrading regulation loop stability. | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS pair (e.g., two SM6T12CA-E3/5B) across line pairs to limit common-mode transients. Use Value: Achieves <10 pF junction capacitance at zero bias - preserves signal integrity up to 100 Mbps without added jitter. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Same SMB package, 600 W rating, but higher VBR (13.3–14.7 V) and VC (19.9 V); slightly lower IPPM (30 A) | Less aggressive clamping - better suited for 12 V rail systems where tighter voltage margin is not critical | Select SMBJ12CA if system allows ≥19.9 V clamping and requires broader AEC-Q101 qualification coverage |
| P6SMB12CA | Same electrical specs and SMB footprint, but legacy Vishay part number; identical VBR, VC, and PPPM | No functional difference - direct second-source option with same production traceability and reliability data | Choose P6SMB12CA for BOM continuity where legacy design documentation references that base P/N |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and P6SMB12CA, SM6T12CA-E3/5B offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5% vs. ±10%), lower clamping voltage (16.7 V vs. 19.9 V), and optimized thermal performance for high-density layouts - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring precise voltage limiting.
Availability
SM6T12CA-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, consumer power adapters, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives.
Supply support for SM6T12CA-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, TVS devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SM6T Series is designed specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where high peak power, low clamping, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM6T12CA-E3/5B at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6T12CA-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V at 36 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number: 88385, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and reflects the device's ability to limit transient voltage across protected circuitry under standardized surge conditions. The SM6T12CA-E3/5B achieves this while maintaining bidirectional symmetry and low leakage.
Is SM6T12CA-E3/5B RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, SM6T12CA-E3/5B carries the "E3" suffix, indicating RoHS-compliance per EU Directive 2011/65/EU and exemption 7a. It is not halogen-free; halogen-free versions use the "M3" suffix (e.g., SM6T12CA-M3/5B). The SM6T12CA-E3/5B uses matte tin-plated leads and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Does SM6T12CA-E3/5B have AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, SM6T12CA-E3/5B is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. AEC-Q101 variants carry "HE3" or "HM3" suffixes (e.g., SM6T12CAHE3_B/I). The SM6T12CA-E3/5B is rated for operation from –65 °C to +150 °C but lacks the extended reliability testing required for automotive qualification.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of SM6T12CA-E3/5B and why does it matter?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of SM6T12CA-E3/5B is 10.2 V - the maximum DC or RMS voltage the device can withstand without significant leakage (>5 μA). This parameter ensures the SM6T12CA-E3/5B remains non-conductive during normal operation while still triggering rapidly when transients exceed VBR (11.4–12.6 V), preserving signal integrity and power efficiency.
Can SM6T12CA-E3/5B be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SM6T12A?
No - SM6T12CA-E3/5B is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SM6T12A is unidirectional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SM6T12CA-E3/5B suits AC-coupled or floating lines; SM6T12A is for DC-biased rails where only one polarity surge is expected. Using SM6T12CA-E3/5B in a unidirectional design may increase leakage or reduce clamping precision.
SM6T12CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SM6T12CA-E3/5B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T12CA-E3/5B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12CA-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 SM6T12CA-E3/5B reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T12CA-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 SM6T12CA-E3/5B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12CA-E3/5B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12CA-E3/5B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12CA-E3/5B?
SM6T12CA-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T12CA-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 SM6T12CA-E3/5B?
For technical support, including SM6T12CA-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12CA-E3/5B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12CA-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T12CA-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 SM6T12CA-E3/5B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12CA-E3/5B?
All SM6T12CA-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12CA-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 SM6T12CA-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T12CA-E3/5B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T12CA-E3/5B Tags

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