Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TA6L18AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- TA6L18AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-221AC, SMA Flat Leads
- Datasheet:
-
TA6L18AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- 600W,18V 5%, SLIMSMAW PAR
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TA6L18AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SlimSMAW (DO-221AD) package, designed for automotive-grade overvoltage protection. It features 18.0 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 185 °C maximum junction temperature, and AEC-Q101 qualification with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
For engineers reviewing the TA6L18AHM3/I datasheet, TA6L18AHM3/I pinout, TA6L18AHM3/I application, or TA6L18AHM3/I equivalent, this device serves as a high-reliability, surface-mount clamping solution for protecting MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and ICs against inductive switching transients and load dump events in automotive ECUs and powertrain modules.
Technical Context
The TA6L18AHM3/I employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping performance across -65 °C to +185 °C operating range. Its unidirectional configuration enables precise reverse-biased surge suppression without forward conduction during normal operation.
It is rated for 600 W peak pulse power under standardized 10 µs/1000 µs waveform conditions and achieves 23.5 V maximum clamping voltage at 5.0 A peak pulse current. Thermal resistance is specified at RθJA = 120–150 °C/W and RθJM = 12–15 °C/W per JEDEC 51-2A and 51-14 test methods.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 17.1 / 18.0 / 18.9 V - Ensures reliable triggering above system operating voltage while avoiding false trips during normal transients |
| VWM | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA, compatible with 12 V automotive supply rails |
| IPPM | 5.0 A - Peak surge current capability at which clamping voltage remains ≤23.5 V, enabling robust protection of downstream logic |
| PPPM | 600 W - Sustains high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) without thermal runaway |
| TJ max | +185 °C - Supports under-hood placement in engine control units and transmission control modules without derating |
| Package | SlimSMAW (DO-221AD) - Low-profile, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant surface-mount case with MSL Level 1 rating (260 °C reflow) |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and whisker testing (JESD201 Class 2) |
Pinout & Package
SlimSMAW (DO-221AD) is a two-terminal, single-diode surface-mount package with cathode indicated by a color band. The device has no internal connections beyond anode and cathode terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal during clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., sensor output or MOSFET gate); conducts surge current toward ground path |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal during clamping | Marked with color band; tied to system ground or low-impedance return path to complete clamping loop |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unidirectional clamping | Prevents forward conduction during normal operation while delivering precise reverse-biased transient suppression |
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier structure ensures stable VBR drift <0.08 %/°C and long-term leakage stability |
| High-temperature capability | Rated for continuous operation up to +185 °C junction temperature-enables placement near heat sources in automotive modules |
| AEC-Q101 + JESD201 Class 2 | Validated for automotive use including mechanical stress, thermal cycling, and tin whisker mitigation under harsh environments |
| Low-profile SlimSMAW | 0.032" (0.81 mm) height enables dense PCB layouts in space-constrained ECU modules without compromising thermal performance |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O pins and CAN transceiver inputs from load-dump-induced transients during alternator regulation faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode placed directly at connector interface to clamp surges before they reach sensitive logic inputs. Use Value: Clamps to ≤23.5 V at 5 A, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces under ISO 16750-2 Test 4a (load dump). |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and door actuator driver outputs against inductive kickback from solenoid loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between LIN data line and ground to absorb negative-going spikes during relay deactivation. Use Value: Withstands 600 W pulses and maintains <1 µA leakage at 15.3 V, ensuring signal integrity and low standby current in always-on modules. |
| Transmission Control Module (TCM) | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding position sensor analog outputs (e.g., resolver feedback) from EMI and switching noise generated by high-current motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed at sensor harness entry point to shunt fast-rising transients (<10 ns rise time) before reaching ADC front-end. Use Value: Junction capacitance <300 pF (typ.) minimizes signal distortion on 10 kHz–1 MHz analog sensor waveforms while providing 23.5 V clamping ceiling. |
Use Scenario: Protecting torque and angle sensor signal conditioning circuits from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and cable discharge events in steering column assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ESD clamp on differential analog pairs feeding instrumentation amplifiers in EPS control boards. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 185 °C TJ rating ensure reliability across full vehicle thermal profile-from cold start (-40 °C) to hot soak (+125 °C ambient). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A | Same VWM (15.3 V), but lower PPPM (400 W) and no AEC-Q101 qualification; TO-277 package (larger footprint) | Limited to industrial or non-automotive applications where 185 °C operation and automotive qualification are not required | Select SMAJ18A only for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs with lower surge energy requirements and relaxed reliability standards. |
| TPSMA6L18A | Identical electrical specs (VBR, VWM, PPPM, TJ), same SlimSMAW package, but manufactured by STMicroelectronics and qualified to AEC-Q101 Rev D | Drop-in replacement in most automotive designs; minor differences in leakage drift and thermal resistance tolerances | TPSMA6L18A offers equivalent protection performance and automotive compliance-suitable when dual-sourcing or second-source validation is required. |
Compared with SMAJ18A and TPSMA6L18A, the TA6L18AHM3/I delivers higher surge robustness (600 W vs. 400 W), guaranteed AEC-Q101 + JESD201 Class 2 compliance, and tighter VBR tolerance (±5 %), making it the preferred choice for safety-critical automotive powertrain and chassis systems requiring validated long-term reliability.
Availability
TA6L18AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and high-temperature operational assurance.
Supply support for TA6L18AHM3/I 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 high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The TA6L18AHM3/I belongs to Vishay's PAR® series of surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression with emphasis on high-temperature stability, low-profile packaging, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the TA6L18AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The TA6L18AHM3/I exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 23.5 V at 5.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10 µs/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87415) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The TA6L18AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the TA6L18AHM3/I suitable for use in automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, the TA6L18AHM3/I is explicitly qualified for automotive under-hood use: it carries AEC-Q101 certification, supports junction temperatures up to +185 °C, and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing. Its SlimSMAW package is rated for MSL Level 1 reflow (260 °C peak), and its thermal resistance (RθJM = 12–15 °C/W) enables effective heat dissipation in high-ambient environments typical of engine compartments. The TA6L18AHM3/I meets ISO 16750-2 and ISO 7637-2 surge immunity requirements when properly implemented.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in TA6L18AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in TA6L18AHM3/I denotes Vishay's halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101-qualified base part designation. The final "/I" indicates packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 14,000 units. The HM3 variant also satisfies JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements, confirming suitability for automotive applications where tin whisker growth could cause latent field failures. The TA6L18AHM3/I is therefore fully compliant with automotive supply chain material and reliability mandates.
How does the TA6L18AHM3/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes in automotive protection?
The TA6L18AHM3/I is unidirectional and optimized for DC-biased lines such as 12 V power rails, sensor supply outputs, or grounded signal returns-where only negative-going transients require suppression. Unlike bidirectional TVS diodes, it avoids forward conduction during normal operation, minimizing leakage and preserving signal fidelity on analog or digital lines referenced to ground. For AC-coupled or floating buses (e.g., CAN FD), a bidirectional device would be required-but the TA6L18AHM3/I delivers superior clamping precision and lower capacitance for unidirectional automotive subsystems.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of the TA6L18AHM3/I at 15.3 V and 150 °C?
At 15.3 V standoff voltage (VWM) and 150 °C junction temperature, the TA6L18AHM3/I specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1000 µA, as confirmed in Table 1 of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87415). This elevated leakage-compared to 1.0 µA at 25 °C-is thermally induced and remains within design margins for automotive power rail protection. The TA6L18AHM3/I's leakage behavior is characterized and validated across its full temperature range to ensure predictable clamping onset in real-world under-hood conditions.
TA6L18AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-221AC, SMA Flat Leads
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SlimSMAW (DO-221AD)
TA6L18AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TA6L18AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TA6L18AHM3/I 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 TA6L18AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of TA6L18AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TA6L18AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TA6L18AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TA6L18AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TA6L18AHM3/I?
TA6L18AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TA6L18AHM3/I 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 TA6L18AHM3/I?
For technical support, including TA6L18AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TA6L18AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TA6L18AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TA6L18AHM3/I 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 TA6L18AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TA6L18AHM3/I?
All TA6L18AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TA6L18AHM3/I, 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 TA6L18AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TA6L18AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TA6L18AHM3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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