Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA6F12A-M3/6B
- Part No.:
- SMA6F12A-M3/6B
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-221AC, SMA Flat Leads
- Datasheet:
-
SMA6F12A-M3/6B.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 23.5VC DO221AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMA6F12A-M3/6B from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in SlimSMA (DO-221AC) package, designed for clamping fast-rising ESD and surge transients on power and signal lines. It features 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 18.8 V max clamping voltage (VC) at 31.9 A (10/1000 μs), 600 W peak pulse power, and IEC 61000-4-2 level 4 ESD immunity (±15 kV air / ±8 kV contact).
For engineers reviewing the SMA6F12A-M3/6B datasheet, SMA6F12A-M3/6B pinout, SMA6F12A-M3/6B application, or SMA6F12A-M3/6B equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surges, thermal derating on FR4 PCB, unidirectional polarity, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on consumer, industrial, and telecom sensor interfaces.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream ICs or MOSFETs. Its low dynamic resistance (0.128 Ω typical) ensures tight clamping during 10/1000 μs transients, while its 175 °C maximum junction temperature supports operation in thermally constrained environments.
The device is optimized for unidirectional protection only-no forward conduction capability beyond standard diode drop-and exhibits minimal leakage (<0.2 μA at 12 V) to avoid loading sensitive analog or low-power circuits. Its SlimSMA package delivers 0.95 mm profile height and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, enabling reflow compatibility without preconditioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for protected line's normal operating range. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset window; ensures reliable triggering above VWM with margin against tolerance drift. |
| VC @ IPPM | 18.8 V at 31.9 A (10/1000 μs) - Measured clamping voltage under standard surge; defines worst-case voltage seen by protected circuit during transient. |
| PPPM (10/1000 μs) | 600 W - Peak power handling per JEDEC-standard waveform; determines survivability of common inductive-switching surges. |
| ESD Rating | IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4: ±15 kV air / ±8 kV contact - Validated human-body-model robustness for front-panel and connector interfaces. |
| Thermal Resistance | RθJA = 120–150 °C/W (FR4, 2 oz.) - Enables thermal design on standard PCBs; derates power dissipation above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 5. |
| Package | SlimSMA (DO-221AC) - 0.95 mm height, matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistant. |
Pinout & Package
SlimSMA (DO-221AC) is a two-terminal surface-mount package with cathode indicated by a color band. Terminals are anode and cathode; polarity must be observed for unidirectional clamping function. Mounting pad layout follows JEDEC MO-290.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest-potential node; completes shunt path during reverse overvoltage events. |
| Cathode | High-side transient input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., USB VBUS, sensor supply); carries full surge current into anode during clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping voltage control | 18.8 V max at 31.9 A (10/1000 μs) enables safe operation of 12 V logic and analog ICs during surge events. |
| Low-profile mounting | 0.95 mm typical height allows use in space-constrained modules such as wearables and compact sensor nodes. |
| Automated placement support | Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 ensure reliable solder wetting in high-speed SMT lines. |
| ESD-hardened construction | Validated to IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ensures immunity to field-level electrostatic discharges without external shielding. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | No floor-life limitation or bake requirement prior to reflow; simplifies manufacturing logistics and inventory management. |
Applications
| USB Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 5–12 V USB power rails from hot-plug surges and cable-induced transients in embedded host devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between VBUS and GND, triggered within nanoseconds of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Limits VBUS excursion to ≤18.8 V during 31.9 A surges, preventing damage to USB controller ICs and PMICs rated for 20 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure or temperature sensors exposed to motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS across signal and return paths, clamping induced spikes before they reach ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <0.2 μA leakage at 12 V, avoiding offset errors in precision 16-bit sensor interfaces. |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Consumer Device Button/Keypad ESD Guard |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 or CAN bus transceivers from lightning-induced surges in outdoor base stations and gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired unidirectional TVS on differential lines (A/GND and B/GND), leveraging low clamping to preserve signal eye diagram. Use Value: Withstands 4 kW (8/20 μs) surges while holding clamping voltage below transceiver's 25 V abs-max rating, ensuring interoperability. |
Use Scenario: Adding ESD resilience to mechanical pushbuttons, touch sliders, or membrane keypads in smart home controllers and remote controls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-point TVS from button trace to ground, absorbing HBM discharges before reaching MCU GPIO pins. Use Value: Passes IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±8 kV contact), eliminating reset faults and firmware lockups caused by user-hand ESD events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA6F12A-M3/6A | Identical electrical specs and SlimSMA package; differs only in tape-and-reel packaging (3500 pcs vs. 14000 pcs per reel). | Same protection function and board layout; selected when smaller reel quantities align with production batch size or prototyping needs. | Choose SMA6F12A-M3/6A for pilot runs or low-volume builds where 7" tape reels optimize material handling. |
| SMAJ12A-M3/61 | Higher 400 W PPPM (10/1000 μs), 23.2 V VC at 17.3 A, larger SMA package (2.3 mm height), and 200 °C TJ max. | Less suitable for ultra-thin designs; better for higher-energy surges where board space permits taller profile and greater thermal mass. | Select SMAJ12A-M3/61 only when surge energy exceeds 600 W and SlimSMA height constraint is relaxed. |
Compared with SMA6F12A-M3/6B, SMA6F12A-M3/6A offers identical protection in a smaller reel format, while SMAJ12A-M3/61 trades low profile for higher surge capacity and thermal robustness-making SMA6F12A-M3/6B optimal for height-sensitive, high-volume SMT deployments requiring precise 12 V clamping.
Availability
SMA6F12A-M3/6B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB power line protection, industrial sensor signal conditioning, telecom interface hardening, and consumer keypad ESD guard applications requiring stable component supply and consistent SlimSMA footprint compliance.
Supply support for SMA6F12A-M3/6B 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, TVS, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMA6F series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-speed, low-profile transient suppression in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment where space, ESD robustness, and automated assembly are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA6F12A-M3/6B under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMA6F12A-M3/6B has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 18.8 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs surge current of 31.9 A. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during such a transient event. The SMA6F12A-M3/6B maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range and is validated in the official Vishay datasheet revision 17-Sep-2021.
Is the SMA6F12A-M3/6B suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the SMA6F12A-M3/6B is unidirectional only and must be used with correct polarity-cathode toward the protected line, anode to ground. It does not provide forward conduction or reverse clamping capability. For bidirectional protection, a dedicated symmetric TVS like SMA6F12AY-M3/6B or a dual-diode array would be required. The SMA6F12A-M3/6B datasheet explicitly states "Unidirectional only" under FEATURES.
Does the SMA6F12A-M3/6B require moisture sensitivity level (MSL) baking before reflow?
No, the SMA6F12A-M3/6B is rated MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it has unlimited floor life and no baking is required prior to reflow soldering. This simplifies manufacturing flow and eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk. The device's SlimSMA molding compound and lead finish are qualified for peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C, as confirmed in the Vishay document 89458.
What is the leakage current specification for the SMA6F12A-M3/6B at its stand-off voltage?
At its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SMA6F12A-M3/6B exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 0.2 μA at 25 °C, rising to 1.0 μA at 85 °C. This ultra-low leakage prevents loading of high-impedance sensor outputs or battery-powered circuits. The value is verified in the Electrical Characteristics table of the SMA6F5.0A–SMA6F130A datasheet (Document Number: 89458).
Can the SMA6F12A-M3/6B replace SMAJ12A in existing designs?
Direct replacement is not recommended due to key differences: SMA6F12A-M3/6B uses SlimSMA (DO-221AC) with 0.95 mm height and 600 W PPPM, while SMAJ12A uses standard SMA (DO-214AC) with 2.3 mm height and 400 W PPPM. Though both have 12 V VWM, their footprints, thermal profiles, and surge ratings differ. Layout redesign and validation are required before substituting SMA6F12A-M3/6B for SMAJ12A.
SMA6F12A-M3/6B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-221AC, SMA Flat Leads
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 157A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 4000W (4kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-221AC (SlimSMA)
SMA6F12A-M3/6B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA6F12A-M3/6B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA6F12A-M3/6B on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SMA6F12A-M3/6B reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA6F12A-M3/6B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA6F12A-M3/6B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA6F12A-M3/6B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA6F12A-M3/6B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA6F12A-M3/6B?
SMA6F12A-M3/6B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA6F12A-M3/6B order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SMA6F12A-M3/6B?
For technical support, including SMA6F12A-M3/6B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA6F12A-M3/6B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA6F12A-M3/6B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA6F12A-M3/6B products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SMA6F12A-M3/6B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA6F12A-M3/6B?
All SMA6F12A-M3/6B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA6F12A-M3/6B, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SMA6F12A-M3/6B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA6F12A-M3/6B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA6F12A-M3/6B Tags

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