Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA6F15A-M3/6A

Overview

SMA6F15A-M3/6A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SlimSMA (DO-221AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 23.6 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 25.4 A (10/1000 μs), 600 W peak pulse power, and IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD protection (15 kV air / 8 kV contact).

For engineers reviewing the SMA6F15A-M3/6A datasheet, SMA6F15A-M3/6A pinout, SMA6F15A-M3/6A application, or SMA6F15A-M3/6A 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 PCBs.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device triggered by reverse-biased avalanche breakdown. Its unidirectional architecture provides low-leakage (<0.2 μA at VWM = 15 V) and fast response to transient overvoltages while blocking normal operating voltages.

Clamping behavior follows V_CL = R_D × I_PP + V_BR(max), where dynamic resistance R_D is 0.201 Ω and V_BR(max) is 18.5 V - enabling precise prediction of clamping voltage across surge currents. Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is 120–150 °C/W on standard FR4, limiting continuous power dissipation to 1.0 W at 25 °C ambient.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SlimSMA (DO-221AC) package with cathode-indicating band; 2-terminal surface-mount configuration optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated placement.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA6F15A-M3/6A, SMA6F15A-M3/6B offers identical protection performance with larger reel quantity, while SMAJ15A trades clamping precision and surge capacity for legacy package compatibility - making SMA6F15A-M3/6A optimal for new designs prioritizing low-profile, high-energy, and tight-clamp protection.

Availability

SMA6F15A-M3/6A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and consumer power adapters requiring stable component supply, high-volume SMT compatibility, and certified ESD immunity.

Supply support for SMA6F15A-M3/6A 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 devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.

The SMA6FxxA series is engineered for high-efficiency transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability systems - targeting consumer, industrial, telecom, and automotive applications demanding low-profile, high-power, and MSL Level 1 compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA6F15A-M3/6A under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The SMA6F15A-M3/6A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 23.6 V at 25.4 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and reflects the peak voltage imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The SMA6F15A-M3/6A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range, ensuring predictable protection behavior in real-world deployments.

Does SMA6F15A-M3/6A support automated SMT assembly?

Yes, SMA6F15A-M3/6A is explicitly designed for automated placement, featuring matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards. Its SlimSMA (DO-221AC) package has a typical height of 0.95 mm and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, allowing direct reflow up to 260 °C peak without preconditioning. The SMA6F15A-M3/6A's geometry and terminal finish ensure high first-pass yield in high-speed pick-and-place processes.

What is the leakage current specification for SMA6F15A-M3/6A at its stand-off voltage?

The SMA6F15A-M3/6A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 0.2 μA at its 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), tested at 25 °C ambient. This ultra-low leakage preserves power efficiency in always-on circuits and prevents false triggering in high-impedance sensing nodes. The SMA6F15A-M3/6A maintains this leakage performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C junction), supporting stable operation in harsh environments.

How does the thermal performance of SMA6F15A-M3/6A compare between infinite heatsink and FR4 PCB mounting?

When mounted on an infinite heatsink, SMA6F15A-M3/6A delivers 8 W power dissipation at TJ = 55 °C, whereas on a standard FR4 PCB (2 oz. copper), its rated PD drops to 1.0 W at TA = 25 °C. The thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RθJA) ranges from 120 to 150 °C/W on FR4, necessitating derating above 25 °C ambient. The SMA6F15A-M3/6A's thermal characteristics are fully documented in Fig. 5 of its datasheet, enabling accurate thermal modeling for each application layout.

Is SMA6F15A-M3/6A suitable for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection?

Yes, SMA6F15A-M3/6A is rated for IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD immunity: 15 kV air discharge and 8 kV contact discharge. This certification is verified per standardized test methodology and reflects the device's ability to safely clamp fast-rising ESD pulses without degradation. The SMA6F15A-M3/6A's low dynamic resistance (0.201 Ω) and rapid avalanche response make it effective for protecting sensitive interfaces such as USB, UART, and sensor I/O lines in end-user equipment.