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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T18A-E3/5B

Name: SM6T18A-E3/5B
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SM6T18A-E3/5B
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SM6T18A-E3/5B

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-214AA, SMB

Datasheet:: SM6T18A-E3/5B.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AA

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Product details

Overview

SM6T18A-E3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 15.3 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1 mA, 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 24 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T18A-E3/5B datasheet, SM6T18A-E3/5B pinout, SM6T18A-E3/5B application, or SM6T18A-E3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, SMB package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 100 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix), junction temperature range (−65 to +150 °C), and compliance with J-STD-020 MSL level 1.

Technical Context

The SM6T18A-E3/5B operates as a unidirectional avalanche-clamping device, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 17.1–18.9 V breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance (<1.0 μA at 15.3 V) and low inductance for fast transient response.

It delivers 600 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform conditions, with clamping limited to 25.2 V at 24 A. Thermal design relies on PCB copper pad layout (0.2" × 0.2") to sustain 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation at 50 °C ambient.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins
V_BR (min/max)	17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation window for overvoltage detection
V_C @ I_PPM	25.2 V at 24 A - limits protected circuit voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, enabling downstream component survival
P_PPM	600 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity under standard lightning/surge waveform
I_FSM	100 A - single half-sine surge current rating (10 ms), critical for inductive load switching protection
T_J Range	−65 °C to +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments
R_θJA	100 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, requires minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads for rated power

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), MSL level 1, 260 °C reflow peak.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference	Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; determines unidirectional conduction direction
Cathode	Avalanche clamping node / Surge return path	Marked with band; ties to higher-potential rail or ground to clamp transients toward reference

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
600 W peak pulse power	Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) without failure
Glass passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%) and <1.0 μA leakage at V_WM, reducing standby power loss
Low inductance SMB package	Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients (<1 ns rise time), improving clamping fidelity
MSL level 1 rating	Allows single-reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns, simplifying SMT production
AEC-Q101 qualification path	HE3/HM3 variants support automotive ECUs and ADAS sensors requiring stress-tested reliability

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs from load-dump transients up to 35 V in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between V_IN and GND, activated within nanoseconds upon overvoltage detection. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.2 V during 24 A surge, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V LDOs and MCU I/O pins per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.	Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby reverse-biased protector across signal and return, conducting only during >15.3 V events. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V to avoid signal offset errors while clamping 8/20 μs EFT bursts to ≤32.5 V.
Consumer Device USB Port Surge Suppression	Telecom DC Power Input Transient Filtering
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB VBUS line in portable docking stations exposed to hot-plug induced transients and contact ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary unidirectional TVS on 5 V rail, coordinated with common-mode choke and polymer PTC. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), clamping to 25.2 V without degradation over 1000+ strikes.	Use Scenario: Front-end protection for −48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on central office equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy unidirectional clamp on DC input, mounted with thermal relief pads for sustained 5.0 W dissipation. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without thermal runaway, leveraging R_θJL = 20 °C/W to limit junction rise during repeated 10/1000 μs events.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs from load-dump transients up to 35 V in vehicle body control modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between V_IN and GND, activated within nanoseconds upon overvoltage detection.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.2 V during 24 A surge, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V LDOs and MCU I/O pins per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation PLCs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby reverse-biased protector across signal and return, conducting only during >15.3 V events.

Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V to avoid signal offset errors while clamping 8/20 μs EFT bursts to ≤32.5 V.

Consumer Device USB Port Surge Suppression

Telecom DC Power Input Transient Filtering

Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB VBUS line in portable docking stations exposed to hot-plug induced transients and contact ESD.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary unidirectional TVS on 5 V rail, coordinated with common-mode choke and polymer PTC.

Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), clamping to 25.2 V without degradation over 1000+ strikes.

Use Scenario: Front-end protection for −48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on central office equipment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy unidirectional clamp on DC input, mounted with thermal relief pads for sustained 5.0 W dissipation.

Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without thermal runaway, leveraging R_θJL = 20 °C/W to limit junction rise during repeated 10/1000 μs events.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ18A	Same SMB package, identical V_WM (15.3 V) and V_C (25.2 V), but rated for 600 W with tighter V_BR tolerance (5% vs. SM6T series' typical 5%)	Preferred where tighter parametric consistency across production lots is required for safety-critical validation	Select SMBJ18A when full AEC-Q101 qualification is mandatory; SM6T18A-E3/5B offers cost-optimized commercial-grade alternative
P6SMB18A	Identical electrical specs and SMB footprint, but legacy naming; same Vishay manufacturing, RoHS/E3 compliance, and thermal ratings	No functional difference - P6SMB18A is superseded by SM6T18A per Vishay's cross-reference documentation	SM6T18A-E3/5B is the current recommended version; P6SMB18A may be available in legacy inventory but lacks latest MSL/reflow updates

Compared with SMBJ18A and P6SMB18A, the SM6T18A-E3/5B provides identical clamping performance and package compatibility while offering updated MSL level 1 reflow support and streamlined ordering via E3/5B tape-and-reel configuration - making it optimal for high-volume SMT lines requiring traceable, RoHS-compliant TVS diodes.

Availability

SM6T18A-E3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor signal guarding, and telecom DC input transient filtering requiring stable component supply, consistent RoHS compliance, and SMB package compatibility.

Supply support for SM6T18A-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SM6T Series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robust 600 W surge handling and low-leakage unidirectional clamping are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SM6T18A-E3/5B under standard surge conditions?

The SM6T18A-E3/5B has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 25.2 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 24 A. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88385 and ensures downstream components remain within safe operating voltage limits during surge events. The SM6T18A-E3/5B maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SM6T18A-E3/5B suitable for automotive applications?

The SM6T18A-E3/5B itself is commercial-grade (E3 suffix), but Vishay offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions under HE3 and HM3 suffixes (e.g., SM6T18AHE3_B/I). While the SM6T18A-E3/5B shares identical electrical and thermal characteristics, only HE3/HM3 variants are certified for automotive use. Engineers must specify the HE3 variant if AEC-Q101 compliance is required for the SM6T18A-E3/5B application.

What does the "E3/5B" suffix indicate in SM6T18A-E3/5B?

The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability standards. The "5B" indicates packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 3200 units - optimized for high-speed pick-and-place assembly. This configuration ensures the SM6T18A-E3/5B integrates seamlessly into automated SMT lines without moisture sensitivity concerns (MSL level 1).

How does the SM6T18A-E3/5B compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SM6T18CA?

The SM6T18A-E3/5B is unidirectional, with polarity marked by a cathode band, and conducts only during reverse overvoltage events. In contrast, SM6T18CA is bidirectional and protects both polarities - useful for AC lines or differential signals. The SM6T18A-E3/5B offers lower leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM) than bidirectional equivalents, making it preferable for DC power rails where standby current matters. Both share identical V_BR, V_C, and P_PPM ratings.

What PCB layout guidance applies to the SM6T18A-E3/5B for optimal thermal performance?

Vishay specifies that the SM6T18A-E3/5B must be mounted on minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve its rated 5.0 W power dissipation at 50 °C ambient. Thermal vias under pads and internal copper planes improve heat spreading. The SM6T18A-E3/5B's R_θJA of 100 °C/W assumes this layout; reduced pad area increases junction temperature and derates pulse capability per Figure 2 in document 88385.

SM6T18A-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:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 15.3V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 17.1V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 25.2V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 24A

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)

SM6T18A-E3/5B FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SM6T18A-E3/5B through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T18A-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 SM6T18A-E3/5B reliable?

The price and inventory of SM6T18A-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 SM6T18A-E3/5B is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T18A-E3/5B?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T18A-E3/5B transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SM6T18A-E3/5B?

SM6T18A-E3/5B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SM6T18A-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 SM6T18A-E3/5B?

For technical support, including SM6T18A-E3/5B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T18A-E3/5B requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T18A-E3/5B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SM6T18A-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 SM6T18A-E3/5B meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T18A-E3/5B?

All SM6T18A-E3/5B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T18A-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 SM6T18A-E3/5B part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SM6T18A-E3/5B:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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