1500W bidirectional TVS for 12V/24V automotive buses
The SM15T22CAY is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode from STMicroelectronics' TRANSIL™ SM15TY series, qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive applications. It delivers 1500W peak pulse power (10/1000µs) and is rated for 254A peak pulse current under the 8/20µs waveform. The 18.8V reverse standoff voltage sits across a 12V or 24V DC bus without conducting, clamping transients at 39.3V maximum.
The 18.8V reverse standoff voltage (V_RWM) is the maximum DC voltage the TVS can block without conducting leakage current. On a nominal 12V automotive bus (which can spike to 14.5V during alternator charging), this provides headroom. When a surge hits, the device clamps at 39.3V maximum — that is the voltage the downstream electronics must survive. A 40V-rated capacitor or transceiver on the same rail sees a safe margin. The 1500W peak pulse power rating (10/1000µs waveform) covers load-dump events per ISO 7637-2 pulse 5, typical for automotive ECU power inputs.
AEC-Q101 is the automotive discrete-component qualification standard. It mandates stress tests — HBM ESD, temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias — that industrial-grade TVS parts skip. The SM15T22CAY carries that certification, which means it can be specified in a Tier-1 PPAP submission without a waiver. The lifecycle status is Active, and the base product number is SM15T22.
