Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T
- Part No.:
- 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 89.8 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T datasheet, 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T pinout, 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T application, or 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, thermal derating curves, SMC package mechanical data, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for automotive-grade ESD/surge co-design.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, delivering identical clamping performance regardless of voltage polarity - critical for AC-coupled signal lines and differential buses. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low leakage (<5.0 µA at VWM = 10.2 V), and fast response time (<1.0 ns), enabling protection of high-speed interfaces without signal distortion.
The device sustains repetitive 1500 W surges at 0.01% duty cycle when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads, with thermal resistance RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15 °C/W. Its M3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction meeting JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility (260 °C peak).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction begins in either direction |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 5.0 µA; sets safe DC bias margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 89.8 A - clamped voltage during full 1500 W surge; determines protected circuit's worst-case overvoltage exposure |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with automated pick-and-place |
Pinout & Package
SMC (DO-214AB) package: molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking for bidirectional operation. Cathode/anode terminals are functionally symmetrical; both ends serve as interchangeable surge current paths.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Surge current entry (positive half-cycle) | Accepts transient energy during positive polarity events; electrically identical to cathode in bidirectional mode |
| Cathode | Surge current entry (negative half-cycle) | Accepts transient energy during negative polarity events; functionally mirrored to anode for symmetrical clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout on AC or differential lines |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 4th-level surges (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) without degradation when properly mounted |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components - e.g., keeps 3.3 V logic inputs below 17 V during worst-case surge |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Fulfills automotive and industrial environmental compliance requirements while maintaining thermal and surge performance |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | Available as 1.5SMC12CAHM3_A/H - validated for automotive under-hood applications per stress test conditions |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Transceiver Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and jump-start transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential bus lines or supply rails to clamp ±100 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers rated for only ±40 V common-mode range by limiting excursion to ≤16.7 V. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding ISO 11898-2 compliant CAN FD nodes against ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and surge (IEC 61000-4-5) in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp on CAN_H/CAN_L pair, positioned upstream of transceiver input pins. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity up to 5 Mbps by avoiding RC filtering effects - junction capacitance <100 pF at 0 V bias ensures minimal rise-time degradation. |
| Consumer USB Type-C Port Protection | Telecom DSL Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on VBUS and CC lines of USB-C receptacles subjected to hot-plug induced transients and system-level ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS absorbing >1 kV contact discharge energy before it reaches USB PD controller or multiplexer ICs. Use Value: Enables compliance with USB-IF ESD immunity requirements (±15 kV air, ±8 kV contact) without compromising 5 V/3 A power delivery capability. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection on twisted-pair DSL subscriber lines exposed to lightning-induced longitudinal surges up to 1 kV. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp bridging tip/ring conductors to ground, shunting common-mode surges before reaching line driver/receiver ASICs. Use Value: Survives repeated 10/1000 µs surges up to 1500 W without parameter drift - validated for >1000 surge events per Telcordia GR-1089-CORE. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (DO-214AA), higher VC (21.2 V @ 28.3 A) | Limited to lower-energy threats (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2); unsuitable for 4 kV surge zones | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is ≤1 kV; verify thermal margin with RθJA = 110 °C/W |
| 1.5KE12CA | Through-hole DO-201 package, same VBR/VC, but slower response (>5 ns) and no MSL-1 reflow rating | Not suitable for automated SMT production or high-density PCBs; requires wave soldering | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where reflow compatibility is not required |
Compared with 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T, SMBJ12CA trades surge robustness for compactness, while 1.5KE12CA sacrifices SMT manufacturability and speed for mechanical ruggedness - making 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T the optimal balance of power density, process compatibility, and automotive-grade reliability.
Availability
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial CAN node development, and telecom DSL line card production requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and AEC-Q101-qualified traceability.
Supply support for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T 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 high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The 1.5SMC Series was engineered specifically for surface-mount surge protection in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - emphasizing low-profile packaging, repeatable clamping, and qualification to AEC-Q101 for under-hood deployment.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
The "CA" suffix in 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5SMC12A), the 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of applied voltage polarity, making it ideal for AC signal lines, differential buses, and floating supply rails.
Is 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T AEC-Q101 qualified?
The base 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free but not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the automotive-grade variant 1.5SMC12CAHM3_A/H - which shares identical electrical specs and SMC packaging but undergoes full AEC-Q101 stress testing (including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD). For automotive applications requiring qualification, specify the HM3_A/H version, not the standard M3/57T.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T and how is it measured?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is 16.7 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 89.8 A using a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the highest voltage that will appear across the device during a full 1500 W transient event - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings during surge conditions.
Can 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like 1.5SMC12A?
No - 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional devices like 1.5SMC12A in circuits requiring DC blocking or polarity-specific clamping (e.g., DC power rail protection with cathode-to-rail orientation). Substituting introduces risk of forward conduction during normal operation. Use 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T only where symmetrical AC or differential protection is explicitly required.
What PCB pad layout is recommended for optimal thermal and surge performance of 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
Vishay specifies a minimum 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pad area per terminal for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T to achieve rated 1500 W pulse power and proper thermal dissipation. Smaller pads reduce surge capability and increase junction temperature - derating curves in Figure 2 show >30% power loss at 50 °C ambient if pad area falls below specification. Thermal vias to inner ground planes further improve sustained power handling.
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 89.8A
- 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)
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T 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 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T 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 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
For technical support, including 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T 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 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T?
All 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T, 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 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5SMC12CA-M3/57T Tags

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