Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I

Overview

TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 6.8 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 6.45–7.14 V at 10 mA), and 10.5 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 143 A. It operates from −65 °C to +185 °C and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics protection.

For engineers reviewing the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I datasheet, TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I pinout, TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I application, or TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its 185 °C junction rating, halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction, unidirectional polarity, low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.55), and MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to deliver stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature enables operation in high-temperature automotive engine compartments and industrial motor drives without derating penalties.

The device exhibits very fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and excellent clamping capability-verified by standardized 10/1000 μs waveform testing per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. It is designed for single-pulse transient suppression on DC power rails and signal lines where low leakage (<1000 μA at V_WM = 5.8 V) and tight V_BR tolerance (±5%) are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, cathode indicated by band. Dimensions: 7.11 mm × 6.60 mm × 2.90 mm (L × W × H). Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ6.8A and TPSMC6.8AHE3_B/I, the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free materials, 1500 W surge capacity, and 185 °C operation-making it the only option qualified for under-hood automotive deployment with full environmental compliance.

Availability

TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, telecom power inputs, and consumer docking stations requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/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 diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability, high-temperature, and automotive-qualified solutions.

The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I belongs to Vishay's PAR® series of surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive power systems, industrial controls, and infrastructure equipment where AEC-Q101 validation and 185 °C operation are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I at its rated peak pulse current?

The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 143 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream components-such as 5 V logic ICs or CAN transceivers-are held safely below their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events. The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I achieves this with low incremental surge resistance and tight process control across its V_BR distribution.

Is the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I suitable for automotive under-hood applications?

Yes, the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 and rated for continuous operation up to +185 °C junction temperature-making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. Its halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and MSL Level 1 rating further support automated manufacturing in automotive supply chains. The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I meets all required stress tests including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD.

What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I?

The "HM3" suffix in TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. Specifically, "H" indicates halogen-free molding compound, "M" confirms AEC-Q101 qualification, and "3" refers to the JEDEC-standard SMC (DO-214AB) package. The "B/I" portion specifies revision B and 13-inch tape-and-reel packaging (3500 units per reel). This distinguishes the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I from HE3-suffixed variants that are RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free.

How does the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes in surge protection design?

The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I is unidirectional and therefore appropriate only for DC circuits where reverse voltage is not expected-such as 5 V power rails or grounded-signal lines. Unlike bidirectional TVS diodes, it offers lower leakage (<1000 μA at 5.8 V) and tighter V_BR tolerance (±5%), improving efficiency and precision in asymmetric voltage environments. For AC or floating signal lines, a bidirectional variant would be required-but the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I delivers superior performance where unidirectional clamping is sufficient and preferred.

What PCB layout guidance applies to the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I for optimal surge performance?

To maximize surge handling, the TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I must be mounted on 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads at each terminal, as specified in the Vishay datasheet. Short, low-inductance traces to ground and minimized loop area are essential to preserve its <1 ns response time. Thermal relief should be avoided on pads; solid copper connections ensure effective heat dissipation during 1500 W pulses. The TPSMC6.8AHM3_B/I's SMC package requires standard reflow profiles compatible with MSL Level 1.