Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H

Overview

SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features 6.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 7.22–7.98 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), 44.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps transients to ≤11.2 V at rated surge. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H datasheet, SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H pinout, SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H application, or SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, 150 °C junction temperature rating, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamped surge protector using an avalanche breakdown mechanism. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical electrical characteristics in both polarities, with no polarity marking required. The glass-passivated junction enables stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<500 μA at VWM).

Designed for 10/1000 μs waveform transients per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, it delivers consistent clamping performance across -55 °C to +150 °C operating range. Thermal resistance is 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting reliable operation under repeated surge stress when mounted per recommended pad layout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Two-terminal bidirectional device in SMA (DO-214AC) package; no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H, SMA5J6.5CAHE3/H trades halogen-free and AEC-Q101 compliance for lower cost in non-automotive use, while SMA6J6.5CAHM3/H increases surge capacity by 20 % without altering clamping behavior or footprint-enabling drop-in upgrade where thermal design permits.

Availability

SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom line interfaces requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for SMA5J6.5CAHM3/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 high-reliability, high-power-density solutions.

The SMA5J series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained SMT applications, targeting automotive, industrial, and communications systems where robustness, consistency, and regulatory compliance are critical.

FAQ

What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H?

The "HM3" suffix in SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It confirms compliance with automotive reliability standards including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity per AEC-Q101. This makes SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H suitable for under-hood and safety-critical automotive modules where material content and long-term stability are mandated.

Is SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H unidirectional or bidirectional?

SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor, as indicated by the "CA" suffix in its part number. Its electrical characteristics-including breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, and leakage-are identical in both directions. Unlike unidirectional variants, it has no cathode band marking and is used where polarity reversal or AC-coupled signals require symmetrical protection, such as in telecom line interfaces or differential bus systems.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H at rated surge current?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H is 11.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 44.6 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a full-rated surge event. It ensures protected ICs with 12 V absolute maximum ratings remain within safe operating limits.

Can SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H be used in place of SMA5J6.5A?

No-SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H is bidirectional, whereas SMA5J6.5A is unidirectional. Their VBR, VWM, and VC values differ: SMA5J6.5A has VWM = 6.5 V but VBR = 7.22–7.98 V only in reverse bias, and conducts forward current up to 40 A (IFSM). SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H has identical VBR/VWM in both directions and no forward surge rating. Substitution would compromise circuit functionality in DC-biased applications and is not electrically equivalent.

What PCB layout guidance applies to SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H for optimal thermal performance?

For optimal thermal performance, SMA5J6.5CAHM3/H must be mounted on minimum recommended copper pads: 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) per terminal, per Vishay's datasheet Fig. 2 derating curve. Use internal or external copper planes connected via multiple thermal vias to enhance heat dissipation. Avoid narrow traces between the device and pads. This layout achieves the specified RθJA of 80 °C/W and supports full 500 W surge capability without exceeding 150 °C junction temperature.