Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T220CAHM3/H

Overview

SM6T220CAHM3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, with 220 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 328 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 2.0 A IPPM, 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive applications. It protects signal lines and power rails in sensor units and ECUs against inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T220CAHM3/H datasheet, SM6T220CAHM3/H pinout, SM6T220CAHM3/H application, or SM6T220CAHM3/H equivalent, key selection factors include bidirectional polarity, 188 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), low clamping ratio (1.49), halogen-free RoHS compliance, and MSL Level 1 rating for reflow compatibility.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix designation, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM).

Designed for surface-mount automated assembly, it delivers 600 W surge capability per 10/1000 μs waveform while maintaining low thermal resistance (R_θJA = 100 °C/W) on standard 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads - critical for sustained transient handling in compact automotive modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional device with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H), matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ220CA and 1.5KE220CA, SM6T220CAHM3/H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, SMB footprint, 600 W capability, and halogen-free construction - making it the optimal choice for new automotive electronics requiring automated manufacturing and long-term supply stability.

Availability

SM6T220CAHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial CAN networks, telecom line interfaces, and 24 V power rail protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for SM6T220CAHM3/H 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 and automotive-grade validation.

The SM6T Series is designed specifically for surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 compliance, low-profile packaging, and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SM6T220CAHM3/H?

The "CA" suffix in SM6T220CAHM3/H denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SM6T220AHM3/H), it has no cathode marking and conducts equally in either direction - essential for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths such as CAN bus or RS-485 lines.

Is SM6T220CAHM3/H suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SM6T220CAHM3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HM3" suffix and Vishay documentation. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics such as body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM6T220CAHM3/H under standard test conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SM6T220CAHM3/H is 328 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at I_PPM = 2.0 A, per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number: 88385). This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a defined surge event and is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.

How does the SMB (DO-214AA) package of SM6T220CAHM3/H compare to SMA in size and thermal performance?

The SMB package of SM6T220CAHM3/H measures 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm, smaller than SMA (DO-214AC) at 4.57 mm × 2.79 mm × 2.31 mm. While both share similar length/width footprints, SMB offers lower profile and better thermal resistance (R_θJL = 20 °C/W vs. SMA's ~25 °C/W), enabling more efficient heat transfer to PCB copper in dense layouts typical of automotive ECUs.

Does SM6T220CAHM3/H require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?

Yes, SM6T220CAHM3/H must be derated above T_A = 25 °C per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet. Its peak pulse power drops linearly to zero at +150 °C junction temperature, with a derating factor of approximately 5.3 W/°C above 25 °C. For example, at T_A = 85 °C with standard pad layout, usable P_PPM reduces to ~320 W - a critical consideration for under-hood deployments.