Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I

Overview

1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), with a standoff voltage of 154 V, clamping voltage of 246 V at 6.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive applications. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching surges.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I datasheet, 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I pinout, 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I application, or 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional clamping behavior, 154 V working voltage, 246 V max clamping under 6.1 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and SMC package thermal performance with R_θJA = 75 °C/W.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (171–189 V at 1 mA), it avalanches to divert transient energy away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1 μA at 154 V) and fast response time (<1 ns).

The device is optimized for high-reliability automotive environments - confirmed by AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 rating (260 °C reflow), and matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Thermal resistance (R_θJL = 15 °C/W) supports robust surge handling on standard 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by band marking; anode is unmarked end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ180A-E3/52 and 1.5KE180A, the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I delivers higher surge robustness in a qualified SMT package - enabling automotive-grade reliability without layout redesign or thermal compromise.

Availability

1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, telecom line cards, and appliance motor controllers requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS compliance.

Supply support for 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on high-reliability, high-power, and automotive-qualified solutions.

The 1.5SMC Series was developed specifically for surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments - delivering 1500 W surge capability in the compact SMC package with AEC-Q101 validation for automotive electronics.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I under a standard 10/1000 μs surge?

The 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 246 V at 6.1 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay's 88303 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (−65 °C to +150 °C) when mounted on recommended 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.

Is the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I AEC-Q101 qualified, and what does that mean for automotive use?

Yes, the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix "HE3" and documentation in the 1.5SMC Series datasheet (Document Number 88303). This qualification validates performance across stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and ESD (HBM ≥ 8 kV), making the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I suitable for safety-critical automotive subsystems such as engine control units, ADAS camera modules, and body electronics.

What is the standoff voltage (V_WM) of the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I, and how does it relate to system voltage?

The standoff voltage (V_WM) of the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I is 154 V - the maximum DC or continuous reverse voltage the device can withstand without entering avalanche conduction. For reliable operation, V_WM must exceed the system's maximum normal operating voltage (e.g., 13.5 V nominal 12 V systems, 27.6 V nominal 24 V systems); the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I is therefore targeted at high-voltage automotive or industrial bus protection, not low-voltage logic lines.

Does the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I have polarity markings, and how is it oriented on PCB?

Yes, the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking on one end of the SMC (DO-214AB) package. During PCB layout, the banded end must be connected to the line being protected (e.g., power rail), while the unmarked (anode) end connects to ground or the reference plane. Incorrect orientation will prevent proper clamping and may result in catastrophic failure under reverse surge conditions.

What is the thermal resistance of the 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I, and how does it affect surge handling?

The 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 75 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (R_θJL) of 15 °C/W when mounted on 0.31″ × 0.31″ (8 mm × 8 mm) copper pads. These values directly impact sustained power dissipation and peak surge survivability: lower R_θJL enables efficient heat transfer during short transients, while R_θJA governs steady-state thermal limits. The 1.5SMC180AHE3_A/I's thermal design supports full 1500 W pulse handling without exceeding T_J(max) = 150 °C under defined test conditions.