STMicroelectronics SMA6J188CA-TR
- Part No.:
- SMA6J188CA-TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMA6J188CA-TR.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 323VC SMA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,761
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMA6J188CA-TR from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD and IEC 61000-4-4 electrical fast transient protection in power and signal lines. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VRM), 28.3 V maximum clamping voltage at 21.5 A (10/1000 μs), 600 W peak pulse power, 0.2 µA leakage at 25 °C, and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - deployed in industrial power supplies and automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMA6J188CA-TR datasheet, SMA6J188CA-TR pinout, SMA6J188CA-TR application, or SMA6J188CA-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, low-leakage Planar junction design, JEDEC DO-214AC (SMA) package compatibility, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±30 kV contact/air) and IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4 kV).
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a Planar silicon junction structure optimized for low leakage (<0.2 µA @ 25 °C) and high thermal stability (Tj max = 175 °C), enabling long-term reliability in high-temperature environments. Its bidirectional configuration provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity dependency.
The device meets IEC 61000-4-2 (±30 kV contact/air discharge) and IEC 61000-4-4 (4 kV EFT) immunity requirements out-of-the-box, with dynamic resistance (RD) of 0.288 Ω at 10/1000 μs and 0.168 Ω at 8/20 μs - critical for limiting let-through voltage during surge events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VRM) | 18 V - reverse blocking threshold before avalanche conduction begins; defines minimum operating voltage margin. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR min) | 20.0 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset under DC test; ensures predictable turn-on above system rail. |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL max) | 28.3 V at 21.5 A (10/1000 μs) - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 600 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capability for standard lightning/surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | 0.2 µA at 25 °C - negligible standby current draw; avoids loading sensitive analog or low-power circuits. |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor power electronics. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - industry-standard surface-mount outline per IPC-7531; compatible with automated assembly and reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
Encapsulated in a JEDEC DO-214AC (SMA) package with matte tin-plated leads, compliant with J-STD-002, JESD 22-B102 E3, and MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. The two-terminal device has no polarity marking for bidirectional operation; terminals are symmetric and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Surge current path | Both terminals conduct identically in either direction during overvoltage events; no orientation required on PCB. |
| Cathode Band (absent) | Polarity indicator | Not applicable - bidirectional construction eliminates need for cathode marking; device functions identically regardless of placement orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), and floating grounds without polarity constraints. |
| Low leakage current | 0.2 µA @ 25 °C ensures minimal impact on high-impedance sensor inputs and battery-backed circuits. |
| High junction temperature rating | 175 °C Tj max allows deployment near heat sources (e.g., MOSFETs, inductors) without derating concerns. |
| IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliance | Withstands ±30 kV air and contact discharge - exceeds automotive and industrial immunity requirements. |
| Planar junction technology | Delivers stable VBR and low RD over lifetime, supporting >10-year field reliability in harsh environments. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Protection | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V DC digital input channels against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input terminal and ground to clamp surges before reaching optocoupler or MCU GPIO. Use Value: Limits let-through voltage to ≤28.3 V during 21.5 A transients, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces downstream. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and door module sensors from ESD and battery line disturbances. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point to absorb ±30 kV ESD strikes and suppress 4 kV EFT bursts on 12 V supply rails. Use Value: Maintains <0.2 µA leakage at 85 °C ambient, avoiding false triggers in low-current wake-up circuits. |
| AC-DC Adapter Surge Protection | RS-485 Data Line Transient Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 18–24 V output rails of switched-mode power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS connected between VOUT and GND to clamp flyback spikes and external surges. Use Value: 600 W (10/1000 μs) rating handles repetitive surge stress without degradation, supporting 100,000+ surge cycles. |
Use Scenario: Common-mode transient suppression on half-duplex RS-485 bus lines in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across A/B differential pair to clamp ESD-induced common-mode overvoltage. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal voltage limiting on both lines, preserving signal integrity and receiver common-mode range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA6J18CA-TR | Identical VRM (18 V), same DO-214AC package, but marked "SMA6J18CA" per Table 6; functionally identical to SMA6J188CA-TR. | No functional difference - "188" in part number reflects internal ST revision coding; not a distinct electrical variant. | Select SMA6J18CA-TR if sourcing from distributors listing legacy marking; performance and footprint match exactly. |
| SMBJ18CA | Same 18 V VRM and bidirectional configuration, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 3.5 mm × 4.6 mm vs. SMA's 2.9 mm × 5.35 mm; 600 W rating unchanged. | Larger footprint increases board area use but improves thermal dissipation margin for sustained surge duty cycles. | Choose SMBJ18CA only when PCB layout allows larger pad spacing and higher thermal mass is needed for repeated surge events. |
Compared with SMA6J188CA-TR, SMA6J18CA-TR offers identical protection performance in the same compact SMA package, while SMBJ18CA trades size for enhanced thermal robustness - making the former optimal for space-constrained designs and the latter suitable for thermally demanding surge repetition scenarios.
Availability
SMA6J188CA-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O protection, automotive body control modules, AC-DC adapter surge suppression, and RS-485 data line transient suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMA6J188CA-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, specializing in power management, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The SMA6J series belongs to ST's transient protection portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability ESD and surge suppression in space- and thermally constrained applications using Planar junction TVS architecture.
FAQ
What is the exact stand-off voltage and breakdown tolerance for SMA6J188CA-TR?
The stand-off voltage (VRM) is 18 V, with a guaranteed minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 20.0 V at 1 mA and a maximum of 22.1 V. This 10% tolerance ensures reliable blocking below 18 V while triggering consistently above 20 V - critical for protecting 18 V nominal systems without false conduction.
Does SMA6J188CA-TR require orientation during PCB placement?
No - SMA6J188CA-TR is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetric terminals and no cathode band. It functions identically regardless of orientation on the PCB, simplifying automated placement and eliminating polarity-related assembly errors in AC or floating-line applications.
How does its clamping performance compare at different surge durations?
At 10/1000 μs, VCL is 28.3 V at 21.5 A; at the faster 8/20 μs waveform, VCL rises to 39.3 V at 102 A. This reflects inherent physics: shorter pulses yield higher peak currents and slightly elevated clamping due to junction capacitance and dynamic resistance effects - both values are specified and validated per IEC standards.
Is this device suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes - rated for −55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, compliant with AEC-Q101 stress tests (via JEDEC JESD22-A108), and qualified for IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD. Its Planar junction and low leakage ensure stable operation near engines, inverters, and other high-heat zones without parameter drift.
SMA6J188CA-TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- SMA6J, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 188V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 209V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 323V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 10.3A (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)
SMA6J188CA-TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMA6J188CA-TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMA6J188CA-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 SMA6J188CA-TR reliable?
The price and inventory of SMA6J188CA-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMA6J188CA-TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMA6J188CA-TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMA6J188CA-TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMA6J188CA-TR?
SMA6J188CA-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMA6J188CA-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 SMA6J188CA-TR?
For technical support, including SMA6J188CA-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMA6J188CA-TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMA6J188CA-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMA6J188CA-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 SMA6J188CA-TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMA6J188CA-TR?
All SMA6J188CA-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMA6J188CA-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 SMA6J188CA-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMA6J188CA-TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMA6J188CA-TR Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

