STMicroelectronics SMA6J12CA-TR
- Part No.:
- SMA6J12CA-TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA6J12CA-TR.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 23.5VC SMA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,180
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Product details
Overview
SMA6J12CA-TR from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional 12 V transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD and IEC 61000-4-4 surge protection in power and signal lines. It delivers 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), clamps to 18.8 V at 31 A, and maintains ≤1 µA leakage at 85 °C - enabling robust protection in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O modules, and telecom interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SMA6J12CA-TR datasheet, SMA6J12CA-TR pinout, SMA6J12CA-TR application, or SMA6J12CA-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping voltage (VCL = 18.8 V @ 31 A), low dynamic resistance (RD = 0.133 Ω), junction temperature rating up to +175 °C, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (30 kV air/contact discharge).
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses planar silicon technology to achieve stable breakdown behavior and low leakage across its full operating junction temperature range (–55 °C to +175 °C). Its bidirectional configuration enables symmetrical clamping on AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.
The device meets JEDEC DO-214AC (SMA) mechanical standards and IPC-7531 footprint requirements, with solderable matte tin-plated leads qualified per JESD 22-B102 E3 and MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Thermal impedance is optimized for FR4 PCBs with standard copper area under each lead.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VRWM) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 13.3–14.7 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable triggering during transients while avoiding false trips |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 18.8 V @ 31 A (10/1000 μs) - limits downstream circuit voltage to safe levels during surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 600 W (10/1000 μs) - supports sustained surge energy dissipation in industrial control inputs |
| Leakage Current (IR) | ≤0.2 µA @ 25 °C, ≤1 µA @ 85 °C - minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed systems |
| Junction Temperature (Tj) | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| ESD Rating | ±30 kV contact & air discharge (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4) - exceeds common system-level ESD immunity requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), JEDEC registered, UL94 V0 compliant epoxy resin housing with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 4.80–5.35 mm (E), 3.95–4.60 mm (E1), 2.25–2.90 mm (D), 1.90–2.45 mm (A1), 0.75–1.50 mm (L).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (K) | Reverse-biased terminal for unidirectional mode; one side of bidirectional symmetric structure | Connected to protected line; forms symmetrical clamping path with Anode in bidirectional operation |
| Anode (A) | Forward-biased terminal for unidirectional mode; second side of bidirectional symmetric structure | Connected to ground or reference plane; completes low-impedance surge shunt path during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC-coupled or floating interfaces (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) without polarity sensitivity |
| Low dynamic resistance (RD) | 0.133 Ω - reduces clamping voltage overshoot and improves energy handling consistency across pulses |
| High-temperature reliability | Rated for continuous operation up to +175 °C junction temperature - suitable for engine control units and motor drives |
| UL94 V0 flammability rating | Self-extinguishing epoxy housing prevents fire propagation in safety-critical enclosures |
| JEDEC MSL Level 1 | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C / 85 % RH - eliminates bake requirements prior to reflow assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus lines and sensor supply rails against load dump and ESD in door modules and lighting controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS diode placed at connector entry point to clamp fast transients before they reach MCU GPIO or LIN transceivers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/12 V rail monitoring circuits while maintaining <1 µA leakage at under-hood temperatures. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppressor on optocoupler input side, absorbing IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4 kV) bursts. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 18.8 V, ensuring input stage remains below absolute maximum ratings of industrial-grade optoisolators. |
| Telecom Line Interface Card | Smart Meter Communication Port |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins on base station backhaul cards from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed differential-mode across A/B lines, providing symmetrical clamping without polarity biasing. Use Value: Delivers 600 W pulse handling with 0.133 Ω RD, minimizing voltage overshoot during 8/20 µs transients typical of induced surges. |
Use Scenario: Securing HPLC (HomePlug AV) or RF mesh communication ports in electricity meters against ESD and switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection device after common-mode chokes, suppressing differential-mode ESD events on data lines. Use Value: Achieves ±30 kV IEC 61000-4-2 compliance while adding <1 pF capacitance - negligible impact on 1–30 MHz PLC signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA6J12A-TR | Unidirectional version; same VRWM, VBR, and PPP, but only clamps in reverse direction | Requires explicit polarity assignment; unsuitable for AC or floating signals | Select when protecting DC-biased lines where forward conduction must be blocked |
| SMCJ12CA | Higher PPP = 1500 W (10/1000 μs); larger SMC (DO-214AB) package; VCL = 19.9 V @ 75 A | Used where higher surge energy (e.g., 10/1000 μs >1 kV) is expected; requires more PCB area | Choose for primary-level protection in mains-connected equipment or outdoor telecom cabinets |
Compared with SMA6J12A-TR, SMA6J12CA-TR provides polarity-agnostic protection critical for differential buses; versus SMCJ12CA, it trades surge capacity for compact SMA footprint and lower parasitic capacitance - ideal for space-constrained secondary protection near ICs.
Availability
SMA6J12CA-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC inputs, telecom line interfaces, and smart meter communication ports requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMA6J12CA-TR 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 innovative solutions across automotive, industrial, and power management domains.
SMA6JxxCA belongs to ST's planar TVS diode product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, high-temperature ESD and surge protection in harsh-environment electronics - emphasizing low leakage, tight parameter distribution, and JEDEC-compliant packaging.
FAQ
What is the difference between SMA6J12CA-TR and SMA6J12A-TR?
SMA6J12CA-TR is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines like RS-485 or CAN; SMA6J12A-TR is unidirectional and only clamps in reverse bias. Both share identical stand-off voltage (12 V), breakdown range (13.3–14.7 V), and peak power rating (600 W), but differ in polarity handling and marking (6BF vs. 6UF).
Does SMA6J12CA-TR meet automotive qualification standards?
SMA6J12CA-TR is not AEC-Q200 qualified, but its –55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature, 175 °C max Tj, and robust ESD/surge performance make it widely used in non-safety-critical automotive applications such as body control modules and infotainment interfaces - subject to system-level validation per ISO 10605 and ISO 7637-2.
What is the thermal resistance (Rth(j-a)) of SMA6J12CA-TR on a standard PCB?
On an FR4 board with 70 µm copper thickness and recommended IPC-7531 footprint, Rth(j-a) is approximately 120 °C/W for a single pulse. With 2 cm² copper area under each lead, thermal resistance drops to ~4.5 °C/W - enabling sustained surge handling without exceeding 175 °C junction limit.
Can SMA6J12CA-TR be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
Parallel use is not recommended due to parameter mismatch (VBR tolerance ±5 %) causing current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. For higher current capability, select a single higher-rated device like SMCJ12CA (1500 W) or use staged protection with upstream MOVs and downstream TVS diodes.
SMA6J12CA-TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- SMA6J, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- 600W
- 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-214AC (SMA)
SMA6J12CA-TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA6J12CA-TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA6J12CA-TR 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 SMA6J12CA-TR reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA6J12CA-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA6J12CA-TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA6J12CA-TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA6J12CA-TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA6J12CA-TR?
SMA6J12CA-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA6J12CA-TR 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 SMA6J12CA-TR?
For technical support, including SMA6J12CA-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA6J12CA-TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA6J12CA-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA6J12CA-TR 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 SMA6J12CA-TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA6J12CA-TR?
All SMA6J12CA-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA6J12CA-TR, 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 SMA6J12CA-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA6J12CA-TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA6J12CA-TR Tags

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