Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T18CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SM6T18CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SM6T18CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SM6T18CAHM3/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 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 25.2 V max clamping voltage at 24 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), 600 W peak pulse power, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SM6T18CAHM3/I datasheet, SM6T18CAHM3/I pinout, SM6T18CAHM3/I application, or SM6T18CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low clamping ratio (1.4×VWM), halogen-free RoHS compliance, MSL Level 1 rating, and suitability for CAN/LIN bus protection in harsh environments.
Technical Context
The SM6T18CAHM3/I operates as a symmetric avalanche diode with identical forward and reverse breakdown behavior, enabling robust protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 μA at 15.3 V) and repeatable clamping performance across temperature (-65 °C to +150 °C).
Designed for surface-mount automated assembly, it delivers low-inductance transient response due to its SMB package geometry and internal chip layout. Thermal resistance is characterized at RθJA = 100 °C/W (on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and RθJL = 20 °C/W, supporting reliable operation under repetitive surge stress when properly mounted.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe signal swing margin for protected line. |
| VBR min/max | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - Confirmed bidirectional breakdown threshold; ensures symmetrical turn-on in either polarity. |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 24 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage under standardized surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 600 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity design. |
| Package | SMB (DO-214AA) - Industry-standard SMT footprint; compatible with JEDEC MS-012AC, enables high-density PCB layout. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing. |
| Leakage ID | ≤1.0 μA at VWM - Minimal DC loading on signal lines; preserves integrity of low-current sensor or communication circuits. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional device with no polarity marking (no cathode band). Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H); matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (either direction) | One terminal of symmetric PN junction; accepts surge current regardless of polarity during clamping event. |
| Cathode | Transient current exit point (either direction) | Second terminal of symmetric PN junction; completes low-impedance path to ground or rail during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware placement; simplifies layout for differential buses like CAN or RS-485. |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Validated with 10/1000 μs waveform - meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements up to 4 kV in system-level testing. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free molding compound and lead finish - satisfies automotive OEM material declarations (e.g., GMW3172, Ford WSS-M99P9999-A1). |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Reflow capable up to 260 °C peak - supports standard Pb-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirement. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VWM = 1.65 - tight voltage margin between standby and clamping ensures minimal overvoltage exposure to protected ICs. |
Applications
| Automotive CAN Bus Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN_H/CAN_L differential pair against load dump, jump-start, and ESD events in engine control units and body modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector interface to shunt transients before reaching CAN transceiver. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 25.2 V during 24 A surges, preventing transceiver latch-up or damage while preserving common-mode range. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation systems exposed to relay switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage TVS placed across output terminals to absorb inductive kickback without affecting calibration accuracy. Use Value: ≤1 μA leakage at 15.3 V avoids measurement offset; fast response (<1 ns) prevents overshoot-induced ADC saturation. |
| Telecom DSL Line Interface | Consumer USB Port ESD Protection |
Use Scenario: Transient suppression on twisted-pair DSL lines subject to lightning-induced surges and AC power cross-talk in residential gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter upstream of line driver/receiver ICs, configured in back-to-back arrangement. Use Value: Symmetric 18 V standoff allows balanced protection of differential DSL signals; 600 W rating handles multi-kV induced surges. |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for USB 2.0 data lines (D+/D−) in portable audio devices and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS placed adjacent to USB connector to divert ±8 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: 25.2 V clamping ensures USB PHY remains within absolute maximum ratings; SMB footprint fits tight connector spacing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same VWM (15.3 V) and VC (25.2 V), but lower PPPM (400 W); SMA package (larger footprint, higher RθJA = 150 °C/W) | Limited to lower-energy surge environments (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2 only); not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification or 600 W surge headroom. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Higher VWM (15.4 V), same VC (25.2 V), but through-hole DO-201 package; 1500 W PPPM but slower response due to lead inductance | Suitable for prototyping or low-volume industrial boards where SMT assembly is unavailable; not MSL-rated | Choose for legacy through-hole designs requiring higher single-pulse energy absorption, accepting larger board area and reflow incompatibility. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the SM6T18CAHM3/I offers superior automotive qualification, tighter thermal performance in SMT assembly, and optimal balance of clamping precision, surge rating, and board space - making it the preferred choice for production automotive and high-reliability industrial designs.
Availability
SM6T18CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and consumer USB port hardening requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SM6T18CAHM3/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 performance.
The SM6T Series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems - delivering AEC-Q101-qualified, halogen-free TVS diodes optimized for automated SMT manufacturing and high-surge environments.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SM6T18CAHM3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SM6T18CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to a 24 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay's datasheet 88385 and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SM6T18CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SM6T18CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction meeting automotive material standards. It is explicitly rated for operation from -65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature and validated for temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing, and ESD robustness - making SM6T18CAHM3/I appropriate for under-hood and infotainment system protection.
Does the SM6T18CAHM3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, the SM6T18CAHM3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMB (DO-214AA) package. Its symmetric breakdown behavior means either terminal functions identically as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - simplifying PCB layout and eliminating orientation errors during automated placement.
What is the maximum leakage current of the SM6T18CAHM3/I at its standoff voltage?
The SM6T18CAHM3/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA when biased at its rated standoff voltage (VWM) of 15.3 V and tested at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal fidelity in high-impedance sensor interfaces and avoids loading effects in precision analog or low-power communication circuits using SM6T18CAHM3/I.
Can the SM6T18CAHM3/I be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SM6T18A?
No - the SM6T18CAHM3/I is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional types such as SM6T18A in DC-biased applications where forward conduction must be blocked. While both share VWM and VC values, SM6T18CAHM3/I conducts in both directions above VBR, whereas SM6T18A blocks forward current. Substitution requires verifying circuit topology supports symmetric clamping.
SM6T18CAHM3/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):
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMB)
SM6T18CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SM6T18CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SM6T18CAHM3/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 SM6T18CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SM6T18CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SM6T18CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SM6T18CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SM6T18CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SM6T18CAHM3/I?
SM6T18CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SM6T18CAHM3/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 SM6T18CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SM6T18CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SM6T18CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SM6T18CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SM6T18CAHM3/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 SM6T18CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SM6T18CAHM3/I?
All SM6T18CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SM6T18CAHM3/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 SM6T18CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SM6T18CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SM6T18CAHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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