Protect your electronics – P6SMB Series Diodes

What is the P6SMB series?

The P6SMB series is a line of TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) protection diodes in the DO-214AA case designed for surface-mount (SMD) applications.

• The main purpose of these diodes is to protect sensitive electronic circuits against overvoltage events such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning surges, power supply disturbances, or other transient voltage spikes.
• Each model has a different nominal working voltage (standoff / breakdown voltage) — the higher the number in the part name, the higher the voltage rating, typically ranging from ~12V up to ~43V.
• The diodes are available in unidirectional or bidirectional versions, which determines how they protect power or signal lines.

Common features of the P6SMB series

• Overvoltage protection: clamps short, dangerous voltage spikes before they reach sensitive circuitry.
• Peak pulse power up to 600W (10/1000 µs waveform), providing effective protection in industrial and telecommunications environments.
• Surface-mount (SMD) package DO-214AA (commonly used in power supplies and interface circuits).
• Fast response time to rising voltage transients.
• Operating temperature: typically from –55°C to +150°C.

Examples of differences within the series

• Lower working voltage:
  • P6SMB12CA – 12V
  • P6SMB16CA – 16V
• Medium voltage:
  • P6SMB18A / 18CA – 18V
  • P6SMB20A / 20CA
  • P6SMB24A – 20V, 24V respectively
• Higher voltage:
  • Models such as P6SMB33A / 33CA, P6SMB39CA, P6SMB43A / 43CA have higher standoff/breakdown voltages (designed for 33–43V systems).

What does this mean in practice?

These diodes are installed on power rails or signal lines to prevent circuit damage during temporary voltage surges, such as in:

• Power supplies
• Communication interfaces
• Cable circuits
• I/O inputs and outputs

The entire series operates on the same principle, differing mainly in nominal working voltage and tolerance, while each device provides approximately 600 W pulse power protection in an SMB package.

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