Quick Answer: What replaced BB-SMI6-12-V-ST?
Discontinued: BB-SMI6-12-V-ST | Replacement: BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST
Why B+B SMARTWORX Discontinued the BB-SMI6-12-V-ST
The B+B SMARTWORX BB-SMI6-12-V-ST is fully discontinued and no longer in production. While some distributors may still show remaining inventory for BB-SMI6-12-V-ST, the part is considered obsolete and is no longer generally available for new purchasing programs or long-term sourcing.
B+B SMARTWORX has not published a specific end-of-life date for BB-SMI6-12-V-ST, and no formal manufacturer statement explains the exact reason for discontinuation. Based on related SMI6 series changes, the most likely cause is a shift toward newer external power supply efficiency requirements, including standards such as DOE Level VI, CEC, and ErP Stage 2. That means buyers searching for BB-SMI6-12-V-ST are typically looking for a practical successor rather than trying to standardize on an obsolete model.
It is important to note that available research does not confirm an official manufacturer-announced replacement for BB-SMI6-12-V-ST. However, BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST is commonly treated as the replacement option in the market for teams needing a current sourcing path for a similar 12 VDC power supply form factor.
What's New in the BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST
Current sourcing path versus obsolete status
The biggest practical difference is lifecycle status. BB-SMI6-12-V-ST is fully discontinued. BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST is the part buyers are now using when they need an available option aligned with the older BB-SMI6-12-V-ST application. For procurement teams, this matters more than anything else: BB-SMI6-12-V-ST is no longer a dependable item for ongoing purchases, while BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST is the part to evaluate for replacement purchasing.
Possible alignment with newer efficiency expectations
No source explicitly lists the technical updates for BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST, but the broader pattern across similar B+B SMARTWORX SMI6 products suggests that newer variants were introduced as the market moved toward stricter energy efficiency requirements. If you are replacing BB-SMI6-12-V-ST with BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST, this is the most likely reason for the newer part family designation.
Similar basic application profile
Based on available findings, both BB-SMI6-12-V-ST and BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST appear to be 12 VDC, 500 mA switching power supplies with stripped and tinned ends. That makes BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST the logical part to review when a project originally specified BB-SMI6-12-V-ST. Still, buyers should verify fit, regulatory markings, and documentation before rolling BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST into a production environment.
Limited published comparison data
There is no detailed manufacturer-backed specification comparison available in the research between BB-SMI6-12-V-ST and BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST. That means engineering and procurement teams should avoid assuming undocumented changes or improvements. The safest approach is to treat BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST as a likely successor for BB-SMI6-12-V-ST, then confirm required electrical and installation details against your application records.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | BB-SMI6-12-V-ST | BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | B+B SMARTWORX | B+B SMARTWORX |
| Lifecycle status | Fully discontinued | Marketed as replacement option |
| Official manufacturer replacement confirmed | No official replacement announced | Not officially confirmed in available sources |
| Production status | No longer in production | Available to evaluate for replacement sourcing |
| Output profile in available research | 12 VDC, 500 mA | Appears to be 12 VDC, 500 mA |
| Lead termination in available research | Stripped/tinned ends | Appears to have stripped/tinned ends |
| Discontinuation reason | Not explicitly stated; likely related to newer efficiency standards | Not stated |
| EOL date | Not announced | Not applicable in available research |
| Recommended buyer action | Do not design into new projects | Review for migration from BB-SMI6-12-V-ST |
Upgrade Checklist
- Confirm that your installed or specified unit is BB-SMI6-12-V-ST, not another SMI6 variant with a different connector or lead style.
- Review your original bill of materials and service documentation for the exact electrical requirement tied to BB-SMI6-12-V-ST.
- Check that BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST matches the needed 12 VDC and 500 mA application profile shown in available market data.
- Verify lead termination style before ordering, especially if your deployment depends on stripped and tinned ends.
- Ask your engineering team to confirm any regulatory, efficiency, or regional compliance requirements that may have changed since BB-SMI6-12-V-ST was first approved.
- If you still see BB-SMI6-12-V-ST listed by a distributor, treat it as residual stock only and not as a reliable long-term supply option.
- For production, maintenance, or field spares, standardize future purchasing around BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST only after internal technical review.
- Document the migration from BB-SMI6-12-V-ST to BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST in your ERP, approved vendor list, and maintenance records.
Bottom Line
BB-SMI6-12-V-ST from B+B SMARTWORX is fully discontinued and should be treated as obsolete for procurement purposes. While available research does not confirm BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST as an official manufacturer-announced replacement, it is the practical replacement path to evaluate when sourcing a current alternative to BB-SMI6-12-V-ST.
For buyers, the key point is simple: do not build new purchasing plans around BB-SMI6-12-V-ST. Review BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST instead, verify your application requirements, and move future sourcing to a currently available part.
Ready to switch? Shop BB-SMI6B-12-V-ST →
