Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT
- Part No.:
- 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 120 V standoff voltage (VWM), 165 V clamping voltage (VC) at 9.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines in automotive and industrial control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT datasheet, 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT pinout, 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT application, or 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs transients, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), unidirectional polarity marking, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse-biased voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (VBR = 114–126 V at IT = 1 mA), it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM = 102 V) and fast response (<1 ns).
Designed for automated SMT assembly on standard PCB pads (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper), it supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 % and withstands peak forward surge current (IFSM = 200 A, 8.3 ms half-sine) - critical for protecting MOSFET gates and sensor interfaces exposed to inductive switching events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off) | 102 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe DC rail margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown) | 114–126 V at 1 mA - precise avalanche onset range ensuring predictable clamping initiation. |
| VC (Clamping) | 165 V at IPPM = 9.1 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs transient; limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - surge energy handling capacity per IEEE 62.35; enables protection against lightning-induced surges and load dump. |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient; determines derating above 25 °C ambient for sustained reliability. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 3.2 mm min. cathode band width and 7.75 mm max. body length. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - cathode marked by band; blocks forward current until VF ≈ 3.5 V at 100 A, enabling DC rail protection only. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded plastic case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; M3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to lower-potential side of protected line. | Provides low forward voltage drop (~3.5 V @ 100 A) during surge conduction; must be tied to ground or return path in unidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked by visible band on package body. | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); defines polarity-sensitive placement - reversal causes permanent failure under normal bias. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump) without degradation when mounted on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable leakage current (<1.0 μA at 102 V) and long-term reliability across -65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak without moisture-induced popcorning; eliminates pre-bake requirement for SMT lines. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | HM3 variant (e.g., 1.5SMC120AHM3_A/I) meets automotive stress testing requirements for engine control and ADAS subsystems. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), reducing risk of latch-up in adjacent logic ICs. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed between power rail and chassis ground; activates within nanoseconds upon overvoltage detection. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤165 V during 1500 W surges, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA loops) and digital I/O of PLC modules against ESD and field-wiring faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across sensor supply and return lines; suppresses common-mode transients induced by nearby motor drives. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping induced spikes to <165 V while adding <1 pF junction capacitance at 0 V bias. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Device USB/DC Jack Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing primary DC input of PoE-powered switches and base stations against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor upstream of DC-DC converters; absorbs energy before it reaches isolation barriers. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 0.01 % duty cycle, enabling multi-year field operation without parameter drift. |
Use Scenario: Hardening 5 V/9 V/12 V DC input jacks of smart speakers, set-top boxes, and gaming peripherals against user-handling ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp between input rail and ground; activated only during reverse overvoltage events (e.g., hot-plug misinsertion). Use Value: Provides <1.0 μA leakage at 102 V, eliminating standby current penalty while delivering 1500 W surge immunity. |
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 | Lower PPPM (600 W), same VWM (102 V), SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 85 °C/W). | Preferred for space-constrained consumer designs where 600 W surge margin suffices and thermal mass is limited. | Select SMBJ120A only if board layout restricts SMC pad area and worst-case surge energy remains ≤600 W. |
| 1.5KE120A | Through-hole DO-201 package, identical electrical specs (VWM = 102 V, VC = 165 V), but incompatible with SMT assembly. | Used in legacy industrial controls requiring manual repair or high-vibration environments where SMT joint reliability is a concern. | Choose 1.5KE120A only for through-hole prototyping or replacement in existing DO-201-based designs - not for new SMT production. |
Compared with SMBJ120A and 1.5KE120A, the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT delivers optimal balance of 1500 W surge capability, SMT manufacturability, and thermal performance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) - making it the preferred choice for high-reliability automotive and industrial power rail protection where both energy handling and assembly scalability matter.
Availability
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution units, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom DC power inputs, and consumer device DC jacks requiring stable component supply with halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction.
Supply support for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT 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, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The 1.5SMC Series was engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against lightning, ESD, and load dump events is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 165 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 9.1 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT is qualified for automotive use via its HM3 variant (e.g., 1.5SMC120AHM3_A/I), which meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements. While the M3 suffix itself denotes halogen-free RoHS compliance and MSL Level 1 reflow capability, full automotive qualification requires the HM3 ordering code - essential for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems.
How does the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like 1.5SMC120CA?
The 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-specific placement, enabling DC rail protection only. In contrast, 1.5SMC120CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and symmetric clamping in both directions - used for AC signal lines or data buses. Their VWM (102 V vs. 102 V), VC (165 V vs. 165 V), and PPPM (1500 W) are identical, but circuit topology dictates selection.
What is the thermal resistance of the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT, and how does it affect derating?
The 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads. This value directly governs power derating: at 75 °C ambient, its 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation drops to ~4.3 W, and at 125 °C, it falls below 2 W - requiring careful thermal design in enclosed or high-temperature enclosures.
Can the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT replace older DO-201 packages like 1.5KE120A in new designs?
No - the 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT uses an SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package, while 1.5KE120A uses a through-hole DO-201 package. They share identical electrical characteristics (VWM = 102 V, VC = 165 V, PPPM = 1500 W) but are mechanically incompatible. Replacing 1.5KE120A with 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT requires PCB redesign to accommodate SMT pads and reflow profile adjustments.
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT 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:
- Active
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT 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 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT?
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT 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 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT?
For technical support, including 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT 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 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT?
All 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT, 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 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5SMC120A-M3/9AT Tags

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