STMicroelectronics SMA6J170A-TR

Overview

SMA6J170A-TR from STMicroelectronics is a unidirectional 600 W transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for primary-level ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a standoff voltage (VRM) of 170 V, clamping voltage (VCL) of 275 V at 2.2 A (10/1000 µs), junction temperature rating up to +175 °C, and low leakage current of ≤0.2 µA at 25 °C - enabling robust protection in industrial power supplies and automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the SMA6J170A-TR datasheet, SMA6J170A-TR pinout, SMA6J170A-TR application, or SMA6J170A-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include verified 170 V standoff, 275 V clamping at 2.2 A, JEDEC DO-214AC (SMA) package compatibility, IEC 61000-4-2 ±30 kV contact/air discharge compliance, and thermal stability up to Tj = 175 °C in high-reliability embedded systems.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 170 V standoff threshold (VRM), with guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) between 189 V and 199 V at 1 mA. Its dynamic resistance (RD) is 3.29 Ω, enabling predictable clamping behavior under fast transients like IEC 61000-4-4 level 4 (4 kV).

The device uses planar silicon technology to achieve low leakage (<0.2 µA @ 25 °C) and high junction temperature tolerance (–55 to +175 °C), supporting long-term reliability in thermally constrained PCB layouts. It complies with IPC-7531 footprint standards and JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL level 1, allowing standard reflow without moisture sensitivity concerns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The SMA6J170A-TR is housed in a JEDEC DO-214AC (SMA) surface-mount package with standardized IPC-7531 footprint, featuring two terminals: cathode (marked band) and anode. The package measures 4.80–5.35 mm × 2.25–2.90 mm × 1.90–2.45 mm (L × W × H) and uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with JESD-22-B102 E3 solderability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.

Compared with SMA6J170AHE3/A/H, the SMA6J170A-TR offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance but lacks halogen-free certification; versus 1.5KE170A, it trades peak power for compact SMT integration, lower leakage, and superior thermal cycling reliability in automated assembly.

Availability

SMA6J170A-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, telecom power feeds, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SMA6J170A-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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and discrete protection devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The SMA6J series belongs to ST's transient protection portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability, surface-mount TVS applications demanding low leakage, high-temperature operation, and IEC/UL-certified surge immunity in space-constrained designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMA6J170A-TR under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The maximum clamping voltage (VCL) is 275 V at 2.2 A for a 10/1000 µs waveform, measured per IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (–55 to +175 °C) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.

Is SMA6J170A-TR unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?

SMA6J170A-TR is a unidirectional TVS diode. Polarity is marked by a single band on the cathode end of the DO-214AC (SMA) package. During normal operation, it blocks reverse voltage up to 170 V; during overvoltage, it conducts from cathode to anode to clamp the line.

Does SMA6J170A-TR meet automotive AEC-Q200 qualification?

No - SMA6J170A-TR is not AEC-Q200 qualified. It is rated for industrial and general-purpose applications with Tj = –55 to +175 °C and meets IEC 61000-4-2/4-4, UL94 V0, and J-STD-020 MSL level 1, but lacks the extended temperature cycling, vibration, and failure analysis required for automotive qualification.

Can SMA6J170A-TR be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?

Parallel use is not recommended due to mismatch in dynamic resistance (RD = 3.29 Ω) and VBR tolerance (±5.5%), which causes uneven current sharing. For higher current capability, select a single higher-power device such as SMA10J170A (1000 W) or verify matched pairing per ST application note AN4272.