STMicroelectronics SM6T12CAY
- Part No.:
- SM6T12CAY
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T12CAY.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC SMB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,721
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Product details
Overview
SM6T12CAY from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode in SMB package, designed for ISO 7637-2 pulse protection and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity. It features a 12 V standoff voltage (VRM), 16.7 V clamping voltage (VCL) at 1 A IPP, 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates up to 150 °C junction temperature - deployed in 12 V automotive power line surge protection.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T12CAY datasheet, SM6T12CAY pinout, SM6T12CAY application, or SM6T12CAY equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, ISO 7637-2 pulse compliance (Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b), low leakage (0.2 µA @ 25 °C), and SMB footprint compatibility - critical for robust automotive circuit hardening.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS diode uses planar silicon technology to achieve stable breakdown behavior across temperature (αT = 7.8 × 10⁻⁴ /°C), low dynamic resistance (RD = 0.114 Ω), and high surge capability under both polarities. Its symmetrical clamping response ensures consistent protection against reverse and forward transients on ungrounded lines.
It meets stringent automotive reliability requirements: UL94 V0 flammability, J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, JEDEC registered SMB outline, and full ISO 10605 (±30 kV air/contact discharge) and ISO 7637-2 (Pulse 1: −150 V; Pulse 2a: +112 V; Pulse 3a: −220 V; Pulse 3b: +150 V) compliance - validated at Tj = 150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VRM) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines minimum system operating margin. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 10.2–12.6 V @ IBR = 1 mA - sharp, repeatable avalanche onset enabling precise overvoltage threshold control. |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 16.7 V @ IPP = 1 A (10/1000 µs) - limits transient voltage seen by downstream ICs to safe levels during surge events. |
| Peak Pulse Power | 600 W (10/1000 µs), 4 kW (8/20 µs) - supports high-energy automotive load dump and inductive switching surges. |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | 0.2 µA @ 25 °C, 1 µA @ 85 °C - ultra-low standby loss critical for always-on automotive modules. |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +150 °C - enables deployment in engine bay, battery management, and ADAS sensor nodes. |
| Dynamic Resistance (RD) | 0.114 Ω - low impedance during clamping minimizes voltage overshoot and improves energy handling linearity. |
Pinout & Package
SM6T12CAY is housed in an SMB (DO-214AA) surface-mount package with two terminals: Cathode (K) and Anode (A). The bidirectional configuration means both terminals function symmetrically as either cathode or anode depending on polarity of applied transient - no directional marking required beyond standard SMB orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Surge current path terminal | Both terminals conduct equally during positive or negative transients - enables single-device protection of floating or AC-coupled lines. |
| Cathode Band (marking side) | Reference orientation indicator | Marking "LTY" identifies device as SM6T12CAY; band denotes conventional cathode side but has no functional polarity in bidirectional mode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive use per stress test conditions including HTOL, TC, HAST, and ESD - ensures long-term reliability in harsh environments. |
| ISO 7637-2 Pulse Compliance | Rated for Pulse 1 (−150 V), Pulse 2a (+112 V), Pulse 3a (−220 V), Pulse 3b (+150 V) - protects against real-world vehicle electrical disturbances. |
| Low Clamping Ratio | VCL/VBR = 1.39 (@ 1 A) - tight voltage control reduces stress on protected ICs without overdesigning downstream filtering. |
| Matte Tin Lead Finish | RoHS-compliant, solderable per J-STD-002/E3, whisker-resistant per JESD201 Class 2 - ensures manufacturability and long-term interconnect integrity. |
| Planar Silicon Construction | Enables low leakage (<1 µA @ 85 °C) and stable Tj performance up to 150 °C - supports extended lifetime in thermally constrained locations. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Infotainment Power Supply Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN bus interface and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and ESD during door module actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp fast transients before reaching MCU GPIOs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and permanent damage during repeated ±30 kV ESD events and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 3a/b surges. |
Use Scenario: Shields USB-C and HDMI power rails in head unit from battery line transients during ignition cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 5 V/12 V input rails absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation over 10⁵ cycles. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents brownout-induced firmware crashes during cold-cranking voltage dips. |
| ADAS Camera Power Input | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Secures 12 V camera module input against alternator ripple and inductive kickback from nearby motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor upstream of DC/DC converter, sized for 10/1000 µs waveform fidelity. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤16.7 V, ensuring downstream LDOs remain within absolute max ratings during 4 kW (8/20 µs) spikes. |
Use Scenario: Guards Hall-effect position sensors from ESD and switching noise generated by EPS motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS (CJ ≈ 1000 pF @ 0 V) placed at sensor harness connector. Use Value: Enables reliable operation at 150 °C ambient while maintaining <1 µA leakage to avoid sensor offset drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Same 12 V VRM, but lower PPP = 400 W (10/1000 µs); higher VCL = 19.9 V @ 1 A; SMB package. | Limited to non-load-dump scenarios; insufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (−150 V) due to lower energy rating. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive surge margin; verify pulse energy derating at Tj > 85 °C. |
| 1.5KE12CA | Higher PPP = 1500 W (10/1000 µs), but DO-201 package (larger footprint); VCL = 19.2 V @ 22.5 A. | Not suitable for space-constrained PCBs; thermal resistance higher than SMB; not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Choose only for legacy industrial designs where board area permits and automotive qualification is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, SM6T12CAY uniquely balances AEC-Q101 compliance, SMB footprint, 600 W surge capacity, and 16.7 V clamping - making it optimal for new automotive electronics where size, reliability, and standardized testing are mandatory.
Availability
SM6T12CAY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, infotainment power supplies, and ADAS camera interfaces requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SM6T12CAY 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.
The SM6TY series belongs to ST's automotive-qualified Transil™ TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for ISO 7637-2 and ISO 10605 compliance in 12 V/24 V vehicle networks - prioritizing low leakage, high Tj stability, and bidirectional symmetry.
FAQ
Is SM6T12CAY unidirectional or bidirectional?
SM6T12CAY is a bidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "CAY" suffix in its order code and confirmed in Table 2 of DS6905. Its symmetrical breakdown and clamping behavior protect against both positive and negative transients without polarity constraints - ideal for floating or AC-coupled automotive signals.
What is the maximum clamping voltage at 10 A surge current?
Per Figure 5 in DS6905 Rev 11, SM6T12CAY clamps to approximately 28 V at 10 A (8/20 µs pulse). This value is derived from the VCL vs. IPP curve and aligns with its RD = 0.114 Ω and VBR-based offset - critical for validating downstream IC survival margins.
Does SM6T12CAY meet AEC-Q101 requirements for temperature cycling?
Yes - SM6T12CAY is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the "Features" section of DS6905. It passes temperature cycling (TC023) from −55 °C to +150 °C for 1000 cycles, as part of full stress qualification including HTOL, HAST, and ESD testing per AEC-Q101-004/005/011.
Can SM6T12CAY replace SM6T12AY in a design?
No - SM6T12AY is unidirectional and conducts only in one polarity, while SM6T12CAY is bidirectional. Substitution requires verifying circuit topology: if the protected node is referenced to ground and sees only positive transients, SM6T12AY may be used; otherwise, SM6T12CAY is mandatory for floating or AC lines.
SM6T12CAY Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Series:
- SM6TY, TRANSIL™
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SMB
SM6T12CAY FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T12CAY through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T12CAY 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 SM6T12CAY reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T12CAY are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T12CAY is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T12CAY?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T12CAY transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T12CAY?
SM6T12CAY orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T12CAY 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 SM6T12CAY?
For technical support, including SM6T12CAY datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T12CAY requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T12CAY is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T12CAY 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 SM6T12CAY meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T12CAY?
All SM6T12CAY units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T12CAY, 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 SM6T12CAY part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T12CAY:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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