Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC120AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- 1.5SMC120AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
1.5SMC120AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,972
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Product details
Overview
1.5SMC120AHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in power and signal lines. It features a 120 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 114–126 V at 1 mA), 165 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 9.1 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and telecom interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I datasheet, 1.5SMC120AHM3/I pinout, 1.5SMC120AHM3/I application, or 1.5SMC120AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs transients, unidirectional polarity marking, SMC (DO-214AB) package thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive use.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VWM = 102 V, it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance enables rapid energy absorption without thermal runaway.
The device is rated for repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses at 0.01% duty cycle and supports peak forward surge current of 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine). It meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (HM3 suffix).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V at IT = 1 mA - defines precise avalanche onset window for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 9.1 A - clamping voltage during full 1500 W transient, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform, critical for lightning and inductive-switching immunity |
| IPPM | 9.1 A - peak pulse current capability under standardized surge condition |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, determines derating above 25 °C ambient |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional configuration; carries full IPPM during clamping |
| Cathode | Reverse voltage sensing / Clamping node | Marked with band; connected to protected line; voltage referenced to anode during transient suppression |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients common in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems and industrial PLC I/O |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, protecting sensitive gate drivers and microcontrollers |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without compromising surge performance |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Enables standard reflow assembly without baking; peak reflow temperature up to 260 °C |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed control modules (e.g., body control units) against load dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges within 1 ns response time. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤165 V during 1500 W transients, preventing damage to 36 V-rated DC-DC converters and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital I/O ports of PLC output cards exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid valves and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element mounted directly at connector entry point to absorb 10/1000 µs switching spikes. Use Value: Maintains VWM = 102 V standoff while clamping to 165 V, ensuring compatibility with 100 V logic-level inputs and optocoupler interfaces. |
| Telecom Interface Surge Protection | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in outdoor base stations from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on differential data lines, coordinated with secondary GDT or MOV stages. Use Value: Provides fast-response clamping (sub-nanosecond) with low capacitance (typ. <100 pF), preserving signal integrity up to 10 Mbps. |
Use Scenario: Protecting high-voltage DC link monitoring circuits in solar inverters subjected to grid-switching transients and capacitor bank discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power unidirectional suppressor across DC bus sense resistors and isolation amplifiers. Use Value: Handles repetitive 1500 W surges without degradation, supporting 150 °C junction operation in enclosed inverter enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A-E3/52 | Lower PPPM (600 W), SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 85 °C/W), same VBR range | Best suited for space-constrained consumer electronics where 1500 W surge margin is not required | Select when board area is limited and surge energy is below 600 W; verify thermal design for higher ambient temps |
| 1.5KE120A | Through-hole DO-201 package, identical electrical specs but no AEC-Q101 qualification or MSL Level 1 rating | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where automated SMT assembly is not needed | Choose only for non-automated, non-automotive designs; avoid where reflow compatibility or automotive qualification is mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ120A-E3/52 and 1.5KE120A, the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I delivers superior surge robustness in a surface-mount automotive-qualified package - enabling high-reliability, high-volume production without manual assembly or derating penalties.
Availability
1.5SMC120AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor controls, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent 1500 W surge performance.
Supply support for 1.5SMC120AHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The 1.5SMC Series was developed for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where compact size, repeatable clamping, and qualification-grade consistency are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The 1.5SMC120AHM3/I clamps to a maximum of 165 V at 9.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads), and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during full-rated surge events.
Is the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by its HM3 suffix and documentation in Vishay's 1.5SMC series datasheet (Document Number: 88303). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD robustness, making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in 1.5SMC120AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. The "H" indicates halogen-free molding compound, "M" confirms RoHS compliance, and "3" specifies the tape-and-reel packaging format (3500 units per 13″ reel, part code "I").
How does the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I differ from bidirectional variants like 1.5SMC120CA?
The 1.5SMC120AHM3/I is unidirectional, with polarity marked by a cathode band and intended for DC line protection where current flows in one direction. In contrast, 1.5SMC120CA is bidirectional, has no polarity marking, and protects AC or differential signals - but exhibits lower VBR (114–126 V vs. 102–112 V for bidirectional) and reduced peak pulse current capability.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of the 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
The 1.5SMC120AHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended pad layout, and a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +150 °C. These values enable reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as engine compartments or sealed industrial enclosures.
1.5SMC120AHM3/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- 1.5SMC, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 102V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 114V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 165V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 9.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
1.5SMC120AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5SMC120AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
1.5SMC120AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5SMC120AHM3/I order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
For technical support, including 1.5SMC120AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5SMC120AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5SMC120AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5SMC120AHM3/I products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 1.5SMC120AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5SMC120AHM3/I?
All 1.5SMC120AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5SMC120AHM3/I, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 1.5SMC120AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5SMC120AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5SMC120AHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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