STMicroelectronics SMA6F188A

Overview

SMA6F188A from STMicroelectronics is a unidirectional 600 W transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for high-reliability surge protection in power rails and signal lines. It features a 188 V stand-off voltage (VRM), 220 V typical breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, clamps to ≤328 V at 2 A (10/1000 µs), and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - enabling robust protection in industrial motor drives and telecom power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SMA6F188A datasheet, SMA6F188A pinout, SMA6F188A application, or SMA6F188A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage at rated peak pulse current, leakage current stability over temperature, dynamic resistance under fast transients, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±30 kV air discharge).

Technical Context

The SMA6F188A uses planar silicon avalanche technology to deliver precise, repeatable clamping behavior during ESD and lightning-induced surges. Its low dynamic resistance (15.2 Ω at 10/1000 µs) ensures minimal voltage overshoot under high-current transients, while its temperature coefficient (αT = 10.8 × 10⁻⁴ /°C) enables predictable VBR and VCL drift across –55 °C to +175 °C.

Designed for surface-mount integration in space-constrained layouts, it complies with IPC7531 footprint standards and JEDEC MO-203AA package outline. The SMA flat package supports reflow soldering per J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and withstands 260 °C peak lead temperature for 10 s.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The SMA6F188A is housed in an industry-standard SMA (DO-214AC) flat package with two terminals: Cathode (marked band) and Anode. The package measures 4.5 mm × 2.7 mm × 2.2 mm (L × W × H) and features matte tin-plated leads compatible with Pb-free reflow processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ188A and 1.5SMC188A, the SMA6F188A delivers tighter VBR tolerance, lower clamping voltage, and superior thermal performance in compact SMA form factor - making it optimal for next-generation space-constrained industrial and automotive modules requiring precise, repeatable surge response.

Availability

SMA6F188A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom DC power distribution, automotive body control modules, and PLC analog input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability surge immunity.

Supply support for SMA6F188A 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, delivering intelligent power, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The SMA6F Transil series targets high-reliability transient protection in harsh-environment applications - emphasizing low leakage, high-temperature stability, and precise clamping for mission-critical power and signal interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMA6F188A under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The SMA6F188A clamps to a maximum of 328 V at 2 A under a 10/1000 µs waveform, as specified in Table 2 of DS12564 Rev 3. This value is measured at T_amb = 25 °C and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during standardized surge events.

Does the SMA6F188A meet IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity requirements?

Yes - the SMA6F188A exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4, with validated performance of ±25 kV contact discharge and ±30 kV air discharge. This is confirmed in the "Complies with the following standards" section of the datasheet and verified via ST's internal qualification testing per the standard's test setup.

Can the SMA6F188A be used in bidirectional protection configurations?

No - the SMA6F188A is explicitly a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" suffix in its ordering code and confirmed in Figure 1 and Table 1. For bidirectional protection, ST offers the SMA6F188CA variant; mixing unidirectional devices in AC-coupled or floating-line applications may result in unintended conduction or failure.

What is the recommended PCB footprint for the SMA6F188A?

The recommended footprint follows IPC7531 guidelines and matches the JEDEC MO-203AA outline, with pad dimensions of 2.2 mm × 1.5 mm (length × width) and 4.0 mm center-to-center spacing. Figure 13 in DS12564 Rev 3 provides exact mm/inch dimensions, including solder mask and paste stencil recommendations for optimal thermal and mechanical reliability.