P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A is an active Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This unidirectional Zener diode is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in surface mount applications using the DO-214AC (SMA) package. The device operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 150°C and is RoHS3 compliant. Finding equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure supply chain flexibility, optimize procurement costs, and maintain design continuity when the primary part becomes unavailable.

Substiute Parts

P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1233P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4SMA6.8A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1816P4SMA6.8A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A is determined by strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The following parameters must match or remain within acceptable tolerances:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 5.8V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 6.45V minimum
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 10.5V maximum
• Package / Case: DO-214AC (SMA) surface mount
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Power - Peak Pulse: 400W minimum
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support the application's thermal requirements

The P4SMA6.8A from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation qualifies as a substitute based on these criteria. Both parts share identical voltage specifications, clamping characteristics, package geometry, and power ratings. Differences in peak pulse current (38.1A vs. 40A) and operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C vs. -55°C to 150°C) do not prevent substitution for applications within the Taiwan Semiconductor part's temperature specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A (Vishay) and P4SMA6.8A (Taiwan Semiconductor) are active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Selection between these parts should be based on:

• Temperature Range Requirements: The Vishay part supports operation down to -65°C, while the Taiwan Semiconductor part operates from -55°C. Applications requiring extended low-temperature performance must use the Vishay part.
• Peak Pulse Current Margin: The Taiwan Semiconductor part provides 40A peak pulse current versus 38.1A for the Vishay part, offering additional margin for transient suppression.
• Packaging Format: The Vishay part is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, while the Taiwan Semiconductor part is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® formats. Procurement volume and assembly line requirements should guide this selection.
• Supply Chain Availability: Both parts are in stock. Current inventory levels are 1155 units (Vishay) and 1752 units (Taiwan Semiconductor).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P4SMA6.8A from Taiwan Semiconductor replace the P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A from Vishay in all applications?

A: The Taiwan Semiconductor part is electrically compatible for applications operating within -55°C to 150°C. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must use the Vishay part to ensure compliance with the specified operating temperature range.

Q: Are the package dimensions identical between these two parts?

A: Both parts use the DO-214AC (SMA) surface mount package. The physical dimensions and PCB footprint are identical, allowing direct board-level substitution without layout modifications.

Q: What is the significance of the 1.9A difference in peak pulse current?

A: The Taiwan Semiconductor part (40A) provides approximately 5% higher peak pulse current capacity compared to the Vishay part (38.1A). For applications with marginal transient current levels, this additional capacity may provide design margin. However, both parts meet the 400W peak pulse power specification.

Q: Do both parts have the same voltage clamping characteristics?

A: Yes. Both parts have identical reverse standoff voltage (5.8V), breakdown voltage minimum (6.45V/6.46V), and clamping voltage maximum (10.5V). Voltage suppression performance is equivalent.

Q: What packaging formats are available for each part?

A: The Vishay P4SMA6.8A-M3/5A is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. The Taiwan Semiconductor P4SMA6.8A is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® formats. Confirm packaging availability with your supplier based on assembly requirements.