Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SM6T36CA-E3/52

Overview

SM6T36CA-E3/52 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 36 V standoff voltage (VWM), 49.9 V clamping voltage at 12 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform. 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 SM6T36CA-E3/52 datasheet, SM6T36CA-E3/52 pinout, SM6T36CA-E3/52 application, or SM6T36CA-E3/52 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility, low clamping ratio (1.39), thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pad layouts.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix designation, delivering identical breakdown (34.2–37.8 V), clamping (49.9 V @ 12 A), and leakage (<1.0 μA @ 30.8 V) characteristics across polarity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable performance under repeated surge stress.

Designed for surface-mount use on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal, it achieves 600 W peak pulse power handling while maintaining low inductance and meeting J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak). The SMB package supports high-volume automated assembly without derating penalties up to +150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H); matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 22-B102 whisker testing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ36CA and P6SMB36CA, SM6T36CA-E3/52 delivers the lowest clamping voltage (49.9 V) among the three, tighter VBR tolerance (±5.3% vs. ±6.5%), and superior thermal resistance - making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding automotive and industrial edge nodes.

Availability

SM6T36CA-E3/52 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor units, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line interfaces, and consumer power adapter inputs requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for SM6T36CA-E3/52 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, efficiency, and miniaturization.

The SM6T Series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection applications across automotive, industrial, and communications markets, balancing robust surge handling with compact SMB packaging and automated assembly readiness.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SM6T36CA-E3/52 and how is it measured?

The SM6T36CA-E3/52 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 49.9 V at 12 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig. 1 in Vishay document 88385, using standardized surge testing conditions on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. The clamping voltage defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events, and the SM6T36CA-E3/52 achieves this with a clamping ratio of 1.39 relative to its 36 V nominal breakdown.

Is SM6T36CA-E3/52 suitable for automotive applications?

SM6T36CA-E3/52 is RoHS-compliant and built on the same die and package as AEC-Q101-qualified variants (e.g., SM6T36CAHE3_B/H). While the -E3/52 suffix denotes commercial grade, its construction - including glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and 150 °C TJ max - meets core automotive environmental requirements. For certified deployment, specify the HE3 or HM3 suffix; SM6T36CA-E3/52 serves well in pre-qualification prototyping and non-safety-critical subsystems.

How does the bidirectional design of SM6T36CA-E3/52 affect PCB layout?

The bidirectional nature of SM6T36CA-E3/52 eliminates polarity marking and orientation constraints: either terminal functions identically under positive or negative transients. This simplifies PCB layout by removing the need for silkscreen polarity indicators or directional placement checks. Layout must still follow Vishay's recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pad dimensions per terminal to ensure rated 600 W pulse power handling and thermal performance.

What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation of SM6T36CA-E3/52?

The SM6T36CA-E3/52 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 5.0 W at TA = 50 °C on an infinite heatsink. In typical PCB mounting (0.2" × 0.2" copper pads), derating applies above 25 °C ambient; at 70 °C ambient, usable PD drops to ~3.5 W. This rating governs continuous leakage-based heating and must be verified alongside transient duty cycle to avoid thermal runaway - the SM6T36CA-E3/52's RθJA of 100 °C/W informs required board-level copper area.

Does SM6T36CA-E3/52 meet industry surge immunity standards?

Yes, SM6T36CA-E3/52 is engineered to support compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (surge immunity), IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), and ISO 7637-2 (automotive transients) when applied per Vishay's recommended layout and system-level filtering. Its 600 W peak pulse power, 49.9 V clamping, and low dynamic impedance enable effective suppression of 4 kV line-earth surges. System validation remains necessary, but the SM6T36CA-E3/52 provides the foundational protection capability required by these standards.