Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T

Overview

1.5SMC250A-M3/57T 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 250 V standoff voltage (VWM), 237–263 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 344 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 4.4 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power capability with a 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive power supplies, industrial motor drives, and telecom line interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T datasheet, 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T pinout, 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T application, or 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs transients, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), unidirectional polarity marking, SMC (DO-214AB) package compatibility, and halogen-free RoHS compliance per M3 suffix.

Technical Context

The 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology to achieve fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its clamping behavior is defined by a sharp reverse-breakdown knee at 237–263 V, with guaranteed VC ≤ 344 V at IPPM = 4.4 A under standardized 10/1000 μs pulses.

Thermally, it supports operation from –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with derating applied above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2. The device is rated for 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine) and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and MSL Level 1 reflow requirements (260 °C peak).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; cathode indicated by band on unidirectional devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ250A and 1.5KE250A, the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T delivers 2.5× higher surge power in an SMT-optimized package with superior thermal performance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) and halogen-free compliance - making it the preferred choice for automotive-grade, high-reliability surface-mount surge protection.

Availability

1.5SMC250A-M3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power rails, industrial motor drive DC buses, telecom line interfaces, renewable energy inverter inputs, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 1.5SMC250A-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 diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive qualification.

The 1.5SMC Series was engineered for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 qualification, 1500 W surge capability, and halogen-free compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 344 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 4.4 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number 88303, page 2) and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during such a transient event - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.

Is the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant per its M3 suffix, and the HM3 variant (e.g., 1.5SMC250AHM3_B/H) is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. While the M3/57T itself is commercial-grade, its construction - including glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and –65 °C to +150 °C operating range - aligns with automotive environmental requirements when used in non-safety-critical subsystems like body control modules or infotainment power rails.

What does the "/57T" suffix indicate in 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T?

The "/57T" suffix denotes packaging: 7-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel format containing 850 units per reel. This is the standard shipping configuration for SMC-packaged devices at Vishay, optimized for pick-and-place automation. The "57T" code appears in the Ordering Information table (page 3 of Document 88303) and confirms full compatibility with high-speed SMT assembly lines using standard 8 mm carrier tape.

How does the thermal resistance of the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T affect PCB layout?

The 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures under sustained power dissipation, designers must allocate ≥64 mm² of 2-oz copper per pad, avoid thermal isolation, and consider airflow or localized heatsinking if PD approaches 6.5 W. Layout deviations directly impact derating curves in Figure 2 of the datasheet.

Can the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T be used in bidirectional configurations?

No - the 1.5SMC250A-M3/57T is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by its "A" suffix and cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5SMC250CA). Using this part in bidirectional applications would result in forward conduction during negative transients, causing failure. For symmetrical surge protection, select the CA version or pair two unidirectional devices in series opposition.