Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T15CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SM6T15CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,907
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Product details
Overview
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping ESD and surge transients on signal/power lines. It features 15 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown (VBR at 1 mA), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 27.2 V clamping voltage at 14.7 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T15CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SM6T15CAHE3_A/I pinout, SM6T15CAHE3_A/I application, or SM6T15CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection factors include bidirectional polarity, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.55), MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and validated performance under IEC 61000-4-2/4-5 stress conditions.
Technical Context
This TVS operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix designation, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR and low leakage (<1 μA at VWM), while low inductance supports fast response to sub-nanosecond transients.
Thermal design relies on RθJA = 100 °C/W (typ.) and RθJL = 20 °C/W (typ.), with derating above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2. The device sustains 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) only in unidirectional variants - not applicable here - confirming its dedicated role as a bidirectional clamp.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR min/max | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at IT = 1 mA - tight breakdown tolerance ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and lot |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.2 V at 14.7 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage directly limits protected circuit stress during surge events |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Package | SMB (DO-214AA) - surface-mount footprint compatible with automated placement and IPC-7351B land patterns |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TC, and ESD testing per AEC standard |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), molded case with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Anode) | Bidirectional terminal pair | No polarity marking; terminals are functionally identical - either can serve as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity |
| Anode (Cathode) | Bidirectional terminal pair | Electrically symmetric with respect to VBR and VC; enables protection of AC signals, data buses, or floating references |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power | Enables robust suppression of IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) on 50 Ω source impedance |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift in harsh environments |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.55) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of downstream IC latch-up or damage |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring extended temperature and reliability compliance |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports single-reflow assembly without baking; eliminates moisture-related popcorning during PCB reflow |
Applications
| Automotive CAN Bus Protection | Industrial RS-485 Transceivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting high-speed CAN FD networks in engine control units against load dump and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across CANH/CANL differential pair to limit transient excursions. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients to ≤27.2 V while preserving common-mode range required for CAN physical layer compliance. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs exposed to motor switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line TVS mounted between A/B bus lines and ground to absorb induced surges. Use Value: Prevents transceiver latch-up by limiting bus voltage excursion to 27.2 V during 1 kV/500 A surge events per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| Consumer USB 2.0 Data Lines | Automotive Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: ESD protection for USB D+/D− lines in automotive infotainment head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed differentially across data pair to shunt ±15 kV HBM ESD strikes. Use Value: Achieves <1 ns response time and <1 μA leakage at 12.8 V, ensuring no impact on USB 480 Mbps signaling integrity. | Use Scenario: Protecting analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in brake-by-wire systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage bidirectional clamp on sensor output to ground, guarding against battery disconnect transients. Use Value: Delivers 12.8 V standoff with <1 μA ID, avoiding DC offset errors while clamping 600 W surges to safe levels. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CA | Same VWM (12.8 V), but lower PPPM (400 W); SMA package (larger footprint, higher RθJA) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to commercial-grade industrial/consumer use | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and surge margin requirements |
| 1.5KE15CA | Higher VWM (12.8 V), same VBR range, but through-hole DO-204AC package; 1500 W PPPM | Requires manual or wave soldering; unsuitable for high-density SMT layouts | Select when legacy board designs mandate axial/through-hole mounting and higher surge capacity is needed |
Compared with SMAJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, the SM6T15CAHE3_A/I offers superior automotive qualification, optimized SMT manufacturability in SMB, and balanced 600 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and space-constrained industrial designs requiring AEC-Q101 compliance.
Availability
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial communication interfaces, consumer USB protection, and sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SM6T15CAHE3_A/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific optimization.
The SM6T Series is engineered specifically for transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 validation, and SMT-ready packaging for high-volume manufacturing.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix in SM6T15CAHE3_A/I denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device functions identically in both polarities - essential for protecting AC-coupled lines like CAN, RS-485, or USB differential pairs. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SM6T15A), SM6T15CAHE3_A/I has no cathode band marking and exhibits matched VBR and VC characteristics in either direction.
Is SM6T15CAHE3_A/I suitable for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection?
Yes, SM6T15CAHE3_A/I is validated for IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air, ±8 kV contact) ESD suppression due to its fast response time (<1 ns), low clamping voltage (27.2 V), and low leakage (<1 μA at 12.8 V). Its bidirectional symmetry ensures protection regardless of ESD polarity, making it ideal for data line hardening in automotive and industrial interfaces.
What is the significance of the "HE3" and "_A/I" suffixes in SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
The "HE3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification, while "_A/I" specifies packaging: "A" is the revision code and "I" denotes 3200-unit 13-inch tape-and-reel delivery. This full ordering code confirms the part meets automotive reliability standards and is supplied in high-volume SMT-compatible format for automated assembly.
How does the SMB (DO-214AA) package of SM6T15CAHE3_A/I compare to SMA in thermal performance?
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I in SMB achieves RθJA = 100 °C/W (typ.) and RθJL = 20 °C/W (typ.), outperforming SMA-packaged equivalents (e.g., SMAJ15CA) which typically exhibit RθJA ≈ 130–150 °C/W. The smaller SMB footprint also reduces parasitic inductance, improving high-frequency transient response - critical for fast-rising ESD events.
Can SM6T15CAHE3_A/I replace SM6T15A in a design?
No - SM6T15CAHE3_A/I is bidirectional, while SM6T15A is unidirectional with a defined cathode band. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SM6T15CAHE3_A/I may be used where polarity is undefined or AC-coupled, but will not provide correct clamping on DC-biased unidirectional lines. Layout changes and functional validation are mandatory before replacement.
SM6T15CAHE3_A/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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 28A
- 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 (SMBJ)
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T15CAHE3_A/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 SM6T15CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T15CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T15CAHE3_A/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 SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SM6T15CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T15CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T15CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T15CAHE3_A/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 SM6T15CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T15CAHE3_A/I?
All SM6T15CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T15CAHE3_A/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 SM6T15CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T15CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T15CAHE3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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