Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T30CA-M3/52

Overview

SM6T30CA-M3/52 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 30 V standoff voltage (VWM), 33.2 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), <1 μA reverse leakage at VWM, and clamps to ≤48.3 V at 16 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom line surge suppression.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T30CA-M3/52 datasheet, SM6T30CA-M3/52 pinout, SM6T30CA-M3/52 application, or SM6T30CA-M3/52 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HM3 suffix), SMB package thermal performance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 surge immunity standards.

Technical Context

The SM6T30CA-M3/52 operates as a symmetrical avalanche diode, delivering identical clamping behavior in both forward and reverse directions due to its bidirectional construction. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage across temperature.

It is rated for 10/1000 μs waveform pulse handling up to 600 W, with clamping voltage specified at 48.3 V (max) at 16 A IPPM, and supports operation from −65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SM6T30CA-M3/52 uses an SMB (DO-214AA) surface-mount package with two terminals: cathode and anode. As a bidirectional device, it has no polarity marking; both terminals are functionally symmetric and interchangeable in circuit layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ33CA and SMCJ33CA, the SM6T30CA-M3/52 delivers optimal balance of 600 W surge capacity, SMB footprint compatibility, and bidirectional symmetry - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial modules requiring full IEC 61000-4-5 compliance without redesign.

Availability

SM6T30CA-M3/52 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and MSL Level 1 reflow readiness.

Supply support for SM6T30CA-M3/52 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, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.

The SM6T Series is engineered specifically for robust transient voltage suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial control, and communications infrastructure where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 readiness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SM6T30CA-M3/52 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SM6T30CA-M3/52 clamps to a maximum of 48.3 V at 16 A peak pulse current under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88385) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SM6T30CA-M3/52 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SM6T30CA-M3/52 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes - the SM6T30CA-M3/52 is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), and its base family is AEC-Q101 qualified when ordered with HM3 suffix (e.g., SM6T30CAHM3_X). While the -M3/52 variant itself is commercial-grade, it shares identical electrical and thermal characteristics with the qualified version and is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment interfaces. The SM6T30CA-M3/52 meets MSL Level 1 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker requirements.

How does the bidirectional design of SM6T30CA-M3/52 affect circuit layout?

The SM6T30CA-M3/52 has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during PCB placement. This simplifies layout for AC-coupled lines, differential pairs, or floating grounds where voltage polarity reverses - unlike unidirectional TVS diodes that require strict cathode/anode alignment. The SM6T30CA-M3/52 can be placed symmetrically across any two-node interface without functional impact.

What is the thermal resistance of SM6T30CA-M3/52, and how does it influence derating?

The SM6T30CA-M3/52 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. This value governs power derating above 25 °C ambient: for example, at 85 °C ambient, its 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation must be reduced to ~2.9 W to maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C. Derating curves are provided in Figure 2 of the Vishay SM6T datasheet (Doc. #88385). The SM6T30CA-M3/52's RθJA directly impacts sustained surge repetition rate capability.

Does SM6T30CA-M3/52 meet international surge immunity standards?

Yes - the SM6T30CA-M3/52's 600 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs) and ≤48.3 V clamping voltage enable compliance with key standards including IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD ±8 kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT ±2 kV), and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge 1 kV line-to-line, 2 kV line-to-ground for Level 3). Its performance is validated using standardized waveforms and mounting conditions defined in the Vishay SM6T datasheet. The SM6T30CA-M3/52 is routinely selected for end-equipment certification testing.