Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA6J24A-M3/61

Overview

SMA6J24A-M3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMA (DO-214AC) package, with 24 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 26.7–29.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 37.8 V maximum clamping voltage at 15.9 A (10/1000 μs), 600 W peak pulse power rating, and designed for protecting MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SMA6J24A-M3/61 datasheet, SMA6J24A-M3/61 pinout, SMA6J24A-M3/61 application, or SMA6J24A-M3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected device's absolute maximum rating, unidirectional polarity compatibility with DC-biased lines, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and halogen-free, RoHS-compliant industrial-grade construction per M3 suffix.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias (≤24 V), it presents <0.2 μA leakage; during transient overvoltage exceeding VBR (26.7–29.5 V), it avalanches to clamp the line at ≤37.8 V (at 15.9 A, 10/1000 μs). Its dynamic resistance (RD = 0.523 Ω) directly determines clamping rise above VBR.

Designed for PCB-level surge immunity, it meets MSL level 1 per J-STD-020, withstands 260 °C reflow peak, and uses matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. The SMA package enables automated placement while delivering 4 W steady-state power dissipation at TA = 50 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Two-terminal device in SMA (DO-214AC) package: anode and cathode leads formed in gull-wing configuration. Cathode identified by molded color band. Mounting requires 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal per datasheet fig. 2 derating guidance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMA6J24A-E3/61, the M3 suffix adds halogen-free compliance without altering electrical behavior; compared with SMCJ24A-M3, SMA6J24A-M3/61 trades 2.5× lower surge rating for 40% smaller footprint and compatible reflow profile.

Availability

SMA6J24A-M3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive protection, industrial sensor interface, and 24 V power supply input stage applications requiring stable component supply, consistent M3 material compliance, and surface-mount manufacturability.

Supply support for SMA6J24A-M3/61 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 industrial-grade qualification.

The SMA6JxxA series is part of Vishay's Transient Voltage Suppressor family, engineered specifically for high-reliability, surface-mount surge protection in 24 V industrial and automotive subsystems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA6J24A-M3/61 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SMA6J24A-M3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 37.8 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events. The SMA6J24A-M3/61 achieves this clamping performance using a silicon avalanche structure with a specified dynamic resistance of 0.523 Ω.

Does the SMA6J24A-M3/61 support automated SMT assembly without special handling?

Yes, the SMA6J24A-M3/61 is qualified to MSL level 1 per J-STD-020 and rated for a maximum reflow peak temperature of 260 °C, enabling direct placement into standard lead-free SMT processes without dry-packing or baking. Its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and the SMA package geometry supports high-accuracy pick-and-place. The SMA6J24A-M3/61 is supplied on 7" plastic tape and reel (61 code) for automated feeders.

How does the M3 suffix differ from E3 in the SMA6J24A-M3/61 part number?

The M3 suffix in SMA6J24A-M3/61 indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade construction meeting JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliance without halogen-free assurance. Both share identical electrical specifications, thermal ratings, and packaging. The SMA6J24A-M3/61 is selected when environmental compliance mandates absence of brominated flame retardants or chlorine-based compounds in the molding compound.

Can the SMA6J24A-M3/61 be used on bidirectional signal lines?

No, the SMA6J24A-M3/61 is unidirectional only, with polarity indicated by a cathode band. It conducts avalanche current only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode. For AC or bidirectional signal lines such as USB, RS-485, or CAN, a bidirectional TVS like SMA6J24CA-M3/61 must be used. Using SMA6J24A-M3/61 on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction and improper clamping during negative transients.

What is the thermal derating behavior of the SMA6J24A-M3/61 above 50 °C ambient?

The SMA6J24A-M3/61 has a specified power dissipation (PD) of 4.0 W at TA = 50 °C and a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W. Above 50 °C, PD must be linearly derated: for each 1 °C increase, PD decreases by 4.0 W / (150 °C − 50 °C) = 0.04 W/°C. At 100 °C ambient, maximum allowable steady-state power drops to 2.0 W. The SMA6J24A-M3/61 datasheet provides full derating curves in Figure 2.