Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T12CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6T12CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T12CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,442
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Product details
Overview
SM6T12CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 12 V standoff voltage (VWM = 10.2 V), 16.7 V clamping voltage at 36 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), and 600 W peak pulse power. It features glass passivated junction, AEC-Q101 qualification, and halogen-free RoHS compliance - deployed for ESD and surge protection on automotive sensor signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T12CAHM3/I datasheet, SM6T12CAHM3/I pinout, SM6T12CAHM3/I application, or SM6T12CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, 150 °C max junction temperature, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transients: when reverse voltage exceeds 11.4 V (min VBR) or forward voltage exceeds ~0.7 V, it enters avalanche breakdown to shunt surge current away from protected circuitry. Its low-inductance SMB package and symmetric bidirectional structure enable equal clamping in both polarities without polarity marking.
Designed for unclamped inductive switching events (e.g., relay coil de-energization) and lightning-induced surges, the SM6T12CAHM3/I delivers stable clamping performance across -65 °C to +150 °C, with thermal resistance RθJA = 100 °C/W and RθJL = 20 °C/W - enabling reliable operation under pulsed stress without heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - precise avalanche initiation range ensures predictable turn-on timing during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 36.0 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress to safe levels during 600 W surge events |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling capability per standard 10/1000 μs waveform, validated on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures without derating |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (J-STD-020) - supports reflow up to 260 °C peak without baking, simplifying SMT manufacturing flow |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional - no polarity marking; cathode/anode terminals are functionally symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (reverse bias) or forward conduction path | One of two identical terminals; accepts surge current in either direction during clamping event |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (reverse bias) or forward return path | Functionally identical to Anode; bidirectional symmetry eliminates orientation constraints during placement |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for safety-critical sensor interfaces |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and JEDEC J-STD-20 requirements - supports green manufacturing and end-of-life compliance |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients from inductive load switching (e.g., solenoids, motors) without degradation over rated lifetime |
| Low inductance SMB package | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time), improving protection fidelity for high-speed signal lines |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector interface to absorb ±100 V/500 ms transients before reaching signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and ADC front-ends by limiting voltage to ≤16.7 V during 36 A surge events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges (e.g., miswiring, ground loops) in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient suppression element on 24 V DC input channels, mounted adjacent to terminal block to intercept energy before optocoupler isolation stage. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles at 600 W without parameter drift, reducing field failure rates in harsh electromagnetic environments. |
| Consumer Power Adapter ESD Shielding | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Clamping electrostatic discharge on USB-C CC lines and auxiliary power rails in wall adapters and charging bricks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed between connector and USB PD controller IC to divert 8 kV HBM ESD pulses within <1 ns. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity on high-speed CC lines by limiting clamping voltage to 16.7 V while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance. | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHYs and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on RJ45 ports in enterprise switches and base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), clamping residual transients to safe levels before magnetics and PHY IC. Use Value: Coordinates with upstream GDT to achieve full IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) immunity with sub-20 V clamping envelope. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Same VWM (10.2 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (higher RθJA = 140 °C/W) | Limited to lower-energy transients; less suitable for automotive load dump where 600 W rating is required | Select SMAJ12CA only if board space is constrained and surge energy remains below 400 W |
| 1.5KE12CA | Higher VWM (10.2 V), same clamping (16.7 V), but through-hole DO-201 package and higher inductance | Not compatible with automated SMT assembly; unsuitable for high-frequency transient suppression due to lead inductance | Choose 1.5KE12CA only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where reflow compatibility is not required |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the SM6T12CAHM3/I provides superior surge robustness in compact SMT form factor, tighter thermal management via lower RθJA, and automotive-grade qualification - making it optimal for production-grade automotive and industrial PCBs requiring AEC-Q101 compliance and 600 W pulse handling.
Availability
SM6T12CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapter ESD shielding, and telecom line interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM6T12CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SM6T Series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 qualification, and halogen-free compliance across bidirectional TVS variants like SM6T12CAHM3/I.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SM6T12CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SM6T12CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V at 36.0 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The SM6T12CAHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SM6T12CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SM6T12CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and automotive-grade construction. It meets stringent requirements for temperature cycling, humidity, and surge endurance - making it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces where reliability under vibration and thermal stress is critical. The SM6T12CAHM3/I is explicitly listed in Vishay's automotive ordering codes.
What does the "CA" suffix mean in SM6T12CAHM3/I?
The "CA" suffix in SM6T12CAHM3/I denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SM6T12A), the SM6T12CAHM3/I has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity applied across its terminals. This makes the SM6T12CAHM3/I ideal for AC-coupled or differential signal lines.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SM6T12CAHM3/I?
The SM6T12CAHM3/I has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +150 °C and an operating junction/storage temperature range of -65 °C to +150 °C. This wide range supports deployment in under-hood automotive environments, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment. Derating curves in the datasheet show that the SM6T12CAHM3/I retains full 600 W pulse capability up to 85 °C ambient when mounted on recommended pad layouts.
How does the SMB package of SM6T12CAHM3/I compare to SMA in terms of thermal performance?
The SMB (DO-214AA) package used in SM6T12CAHM3/I offers lower thermal resistance than SMA: RθJA = 100 °C/W versus ~140 °C/W for SMA packages like SMAJ12CA. This 40 °C/W improvement allows the SM6T12CAHM3/I to sustain higher average power dissipation and recover faster between transient events. Additionally, the SMB footprint provides better mechanical stability during thermal cycling, enhancing long-term reliability in automotive and industrial applications.
SM6T12CAHM3/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:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMB)
SM6T12CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T12CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12CAHM3/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 SM6T12CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T12CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T12CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12CAHM3/I?
SM6T12CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T12CAHM3/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 SM6T12CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM6T12CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T12CAHM3/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 SM6T12CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12CAHM3/I?
All SM6T12CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12CAHM3/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 SM6T12CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T12CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T12CAHM3/I Tags

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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