Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT
- Part No.:
- 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 22.8 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 33.2 V at 45.2 A peak pulse current, and operates across –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT datasheet, 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT pinout, 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT application, or 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46), MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, halogen-free RoHS compliance (M3 suffix), and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to deliver symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling protection against voltage transients from lightning surges and inductive switching without polarity constraints. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (response time < 1 ns), while the 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects real-world surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5.
The device is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power with 0.01% duty cycle, derated linearly above 25 °C ambient using RθJA = 75 °C/W. Thermal performance is validated on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal, and its unmarked SMC package supports automated placement with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 22.8–25.2 V at 1 mA - Voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction; ensures reliable turn-on before system damage occurs. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 33.2 V at 45.2 A IPPM - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 1500 W - Surge energy handling capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount package with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; optimized for thermal dissipation and pick-and-place compatibility. |
| Compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow), JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - meets automotive and industrial manufacturing requirements. |
Pinout & Package
SMC (DO-214AB) package: surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking; cathode/anode terminals are functionally symmetric and interchangeable in circuit layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no marking required for CA-type devices. |
| Terminal 2 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Terminal 1; forms symmetrical clamping path across protected line pair (e.g., RS-485 A/B). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in differential or AC-coupled lines. |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Validated per 10/1000 µs waveform - provides margin against IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge events in industrial communications. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ≈1.46 - minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs compared to higher-ratio alternatives. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Reflow-compatible up to 260 °C peak - supports standard lead-free assembly without baking or special handling. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | M3 suffix confirms compliance with JEDEC J-STD-609A Class 1 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - required for automotive Tier-1 supply chains. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus nodes and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and jump-start transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across signal/power pair to shunt surge energy before it reaches ASIC or microcontroller input pins. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V sensor interface ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤33.2 V during 1500 W surges. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs against ESD and lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line TVS mounted across A/B terminals to suppress ±33.2 V common-mode spikes without disrupting DC bias or signal integrity. Use Value: Maintains >10⁶ surge cycles endurance while preserving signal rise/fall times due to low junction capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V). |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom DSL Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters exposed to mains-borne transients and capacitor discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp placed between DC output rail and ground to absorb 1500 W surges before they reach LDOs or USB-PD controllers. Use Value: Enables compact design with single-device protection instead of multi-stage MOV+TVS solutions - reduces BOM count and PCB area. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of ADSL/VDSL line drivers against induced surges on telephone line pairs entering residential gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS connected between tip/ring conductors to clamp longitudinal surges while maintaining low insertion loss. Use Value: Meets ITU-T K.20/K.21 immunity requirements with guaranteed clamping below 35 V - prevents transceiver latch-up during lightning events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | Lower PPPM (600 W), same VWM/VBR/VC ratings, SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 90 °C/W) | Limited to lower-energy surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2); unsuitable for high-reliability automotive or industrial mains-connected systems. | Select when space-constrained layouts require smaller footprint and surge threat level is ≤600 W. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Higher RθJA (100 °C/W), axial-leaded DO-201 package, same electrical specs but incompatible with SMT assembly. | Requires through-hole assembly and manual rework; not suitable for automated high-volume production or vibration-prone environments. | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where SMT is unavailable. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT delivers 2.5× higher surge power handling in an SMT-optimized package with superior thermal performance and automotive-ready compliance - making it the preferred choice for new designs targeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and AEC-Q101 alignment.
Availability
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial RS-485 networks, and telecom DSL line cards requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and long-term lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for 1.5SMC20CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The 1.5SMC Series targets high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - engineered for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, repeatable clamping, and AEC-Q101 readiness are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
The "CA" suffix in 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage suppression in both polarities, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics across its two terminals. This eliminates polarity concerns during PCB layout and makes it ideal for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines such as RS-485, CAN, or telecom interfaces. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., 1.5SMC20A), the CA version has no cathode band marking.
Is 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT AEC-Q101 qualified?
The 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant as 1.5SMC20CAHM3_A/I (with HM3 suffix and revision code). The M3 suffix indicates halogen-free and RoHS compliance, but automotive qualification requires explicit HM3 designation and documented test reports. For production automotive use, specify the HM3 variant - 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT remains suitable for industrial and consumer applications demanding high-reliability surge protection.
What is the clamping voltage of 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT at its rated peak pulse current?
The clamping voltage (VC) of 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT is 33.2 V measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 45.2 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the maximum voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated surge event and is critical for ensuring downstream components (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V transceivers) remain within safe operating limits. The clamping ratio (VC/VBR) is approximately 1.46, indicating efficient voltage limiting.
Can 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like 1.5SMC20A?
No - 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT is bidirectional and cannot directly replace the unidirectional 1.5SMC20A in circuits requiring polarity-specific clamping, such as DC power rail protection where only reverse-voltage transients occur. While both share identical VWM (20 V) and similar VBR ranges, the unidirectional part has a defined cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias, whereas the CA version clamps equally in both directions. Substitution requires verifying that bidirectional behavior aligns with system-level surge coupling paths.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it affect PCB layout for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
The 1.5SMC20CA-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 per terminal. This value assumes optimal pad layout per Vishay's recommended footprint - reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias increases RθJA, risking thermal runaway during repetitive surges. To maintain reliability, designers must implement minimum copper area and consider thermal vias under the SMC body, especially in high-ambient or high-duty-cycle applications.
1.5SMC20CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54.2A
- 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)
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 1.5SMC20CA-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 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of 1.5SMC20CA-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 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 1.5SMC20CA-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 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
For technical support, including 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 1.5SMC20CA-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 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT?
All 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 1.5SMC20CA-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 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
1.5SMC20CA-M3/9AT Tags

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