STMicroelectronics SM6T7V5CA

Overview

SM6T7V5CA from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode in SMB package, designed for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection (30 kV air/contact) and IEC 61000-4-4 surge immunity (4 kV), with 7.5 V nominal breakdown voltage, 15.2 V clamping voltage at 266 A (8/20 µs), and 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It protects signal lines and IC interfaces in industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, and USB-C port circuits.

For engineers reviewing the SM6T7V5CA datasheet, SM6T7V5CA pinout, SM6T7V5CA application, or SM6T7V5CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low leakage (<1 µA at 85 °C), high junction temperature capability (150 °C), and compliance with UL497B (E136224) for isolated loop protection.

Technical Context

This device uses planar silicon technology to achieve stable V_BR (6.4–7.88 V) across temperature (α_T = 6.1 × 10⁻⁴/°C) and low dynamic resistance (0.027 Ω at 8/20 µs), enabling precise clamping during fast transients. Its bidirectional structure ensures symmetrical protection on AC-coupled or differential lines without polarity dependency.

Clamping performance is defined by V_CL = V_BR(max) + R_D × I_PP, validated at both 10/1000 µs (11.3 A, 15.2 V) and 8/20 µs (266 A, 15.2 V) waveforms. Junction capacitance is 1000 pF at 0 V (f = 1 MHz), suitable for sub-MHz signal paths but not high-speed data lines.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The SM6T7V5CA is housed in an SMB (DO-214AA) surface-mount package measuring 3.3–3.95 mm × 5.1–5.6 mm × 1.9–2.45 mm (L × W × H), with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and IPC7531 footprint standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.

Compared with SMBJ7.5CA and P6SMB7.5CA, SM6T7V5CA delivers superior surge handling (4 kW at 8/20 µs), lower leakage, and UL497B certification - making it the preferred choice for industrial and automotive isolated interface protection where reliability under worst-case transients is non-negotiable.

Availability

SM6T7V5CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC analog input modules, automotive LIN bus protection, and USB-C port ESD hardening requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SM6T7V5CA 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and protection devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The SM6T series belongs to ST's high-reliability TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh electromagnetic environments - emphasizing low leakage, high-temperature stability, and regulatory compliance for safety-critical infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SM6T7V5CA under an 8/20 µs surge?

The maximum clamping voltage is 15.2 V at 266 A for the 8/20 µs waveform, measured at T_amb = 25 °C. This value increases with junction temperature per the coefficient α_T = 6.1 × 10⁻⁴/°C, reaching approximately 16.1 V at T_j = 125 °C using the formula V_CL(T_j) = V_CL(25 °C) × [1 + α_T × (T_j − 25)].

Is SM6T7V5CA suitable for protecting high-speed data lines like USB 2.0 or HDMI?

No - its junction capacitance is 1000 pF at 0 V (1 MHz), which would severely attenuate signals above ~1 MHz. It is intended for low-frequency analog inputs, power rails, and communication buses such as RS-485, LIN, and 4–20 mA loops, not for high-speed digital interfaces requiring sub-10 pF capacitance.

How does the UL497B recognition benefit system-level safety certification?

UL497B recognition (File E136224) certifies SM6T7V5CA as an isolated loop circuit protector, allowing it to be used in safety-isolated circuits without requiring additional system-level testing for surge protection. This reduces time-to-certification for industrial and telecom equipment targeting UL 61000-1-2 or IEC 62368-1 compliance.

Can SM6T7V5CA replace SM6T7V5A in a bidirectional design?

No - SM6T7V5A is unidirectional and will conduct only in one polarity, potentially failing catastrophically if reverse-biased beyond V_RWM. SM6T7V5CA is explicitly bidirectional and must be used where symmetrical clamping is required; substitution requires board-level redesign to accommodate polarity-sensitive placement.