Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T220CA-M3/5B

Overview

SM6T220CA-M3/5B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 220 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 328 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C), and 2.0 A peak pulse current (I_PPM). It protects signal lines and power rails in automotive sensor units and industrial control interfaces against ESD and inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T220CA-M3/5B datasheet, SM6T220CA-M3/5B pinout, SM6T220CA-M3/5B application, or SM6T220CA-M3/5B equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 188 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at V_WM, 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction per M3 suffix.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA-suffix bidirectional configuration, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage across -65 °C to +150 °C operating temperature range.

The device delivers precise clamping performance with 328 V V_C at 2.0 A I_PPM under 10/1000 μs waveform, supported by low-inductance SMB package layout and matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SMB (DO-214AA) package: molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking for bidirectional operation, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) recommended copper pad area per terminal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ220CA and 1.5KE220CA, SM6T220CA-M3/5B offers optimal balance of SMT manufacturability, 600 W surge capacity, and thermal performance in compact SMB footprint - critical for space-constrained automotive and industrial modules requiring AEC-Q101 readiness.

Availability

SM6T220CA-M3/5B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor units, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line interfaces, and consumer appliance motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.

Supply support for SM6T220CA-M3/5B 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SM6T Series is designed specifically for robust transient voltage suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where ESD, lightning, and inductive switching threats demand precise, repeatable clamping performance.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SM6T220CA-M3/5B?

The "CA" suffix in SM6T220CA-M3/5B denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device functions identically in both forward and reverse bias directions. This enables symmetric clamping for AC signals, differential buses like CAN or RS-485, and floating interfaces - unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SM6T220A) that require correct polarity orientation. The SM6T220CA-M3/5B achieves this via a back-to-back diode structure within a single SMB package.

Is SM6T220CA-M3/5B suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SM6T220CA-M3/5B is qualified for automotive use when ordered with HM3 suffix (e.g., SM6T220CAHM3_B/I), which adds AEC-Q101 qualification. The base SM6T220CA-M3/5B is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 certified. For under-hood or ADAS sensor modules requiring automotive-grade reliability, specify the HM3 variant - the SM6T220CA-M3/5B itself supports the same electrical and thermal specs but lacks formal qualification documentation.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM6T220CA-M3/5B under standard test conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SM6T220CA-M3/5B is 328 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at I_PPM = 2.0 A, as specified in Vishay's datasheet (Document Number: 88385). This value represents the peak voltage seen across the device during worst-case transient conduction and is critical for ensuring protected downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.

How does the SMB package of SM6T220CA-M3/5B compare to SMA in thermal performance?

The SMB (DO-214AA) package of SM6T220CA-M3/5B has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 100 °C/W on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads, versus ~150 °C/W for the larger SMA (DO-214AC) package used in SMAJ220CA. This 33 % lower R_θJA allows SM6T220CA-M3/5B to sustain higher average power dissipation or operate at higher ambient temperatures - a key advantage in densely packed automotive ECUs and industrial controllers where thermal headroom is constrained.

Can SM6T220CA-M3/5B replace SM6T220A in an existing design?

No - SM6T220CA-M3/5B cannot directly replace unidirectional SM6T220A without circuit review. While both share identical V_BR, V_WM, and P_PPM, the CA variant is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SM6T220A is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substituting SM6T220CA-M3/5B in a unidirectional layout may cause unintended conduction during normal operation if DC bias is present. Verify signal topology before replacement.