Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I

Overview

1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection. It features a 91 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 86.5–95.5 V at I_T = 1.0 mA), 125 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 12.0 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power capability with a 10/1000 μs waveform - used to safeguard automotive sensor signal lines against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes.

For engineers reviewing the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I datasheet, 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I pinout, 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I application, or 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified TVS offers verified unidirectional clamping performance, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and validated thermal resistance (R_θJA = 75 °C/W) for under-hood automotive electronics and industrial I/O protection.

Technical Context

This device operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown threshold (V_BR). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events while maintaining low leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM = 77.8 V).

The 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I is rated for continuous power dissipation of 6.5 W on an infinite heatsink at 50 °C and supports peak forward surge current up to 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine). Its junction temperature range spans –65 °C to +150 °C, and it meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements with J-STD-020-compliant reflow profile (peak 260 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; polarity indicated by cathode band.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ90A and 1.5KE91A, the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I delivers superior automotive-grade reliability, higher surge handling (1500 W vs. 400 W or 1500 W with inferior thermal performance), and full SMT process compatibility - making it the preferred choice for new AEC-Q101-compliant designs requiring robust, surface-mount transient protection.

Availability

1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance motor controls requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 compliance.

Supply support for 1.5SMC91AHE3_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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The 1.5SMC Series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in demanding environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio, and robust thermal performance in the SMC package.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 125 V at 12.0 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects the actual voltage seen by downstream circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 5 V or 12 V interface ICs. The 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (–65 °C to +150 °C).

Is the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I AEC-Q101 qualified?

Yes, the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix "HE3" and documentation revision notes. This qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - validating its suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and ADAS applications. The 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I is not a commercial-grade variant; its qualification status is integral to the part number definition.

What does the "_A/I" suffix mean in 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I?

The "_A/I" suffix in 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I indicates two key attributes: "A" denotes the voltage variant (91 V breakdown) within the 1.5SMC series, and "I" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel with a 3500-unit quantity per reel. This format aligns with Vishay's standardized ordering nomenclature and ensures correct material handling for high-volume SMT assembly lines.

Can the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I is strictly unidirectional, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and the presence of a cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., 1.5SMC91CA) and lack polarity markings. Using the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I in a bidirectional circuit would result in forward conduction during negative transients, potentially causing failure. Always match the device polarity to the protection topology.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I?

The 1.5SMC91AHE3_A/I has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) of +150 °C and an operating storage temperature range of –65 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance (R_θJA = 75 °C/W) allows safe operation at full power (6.5 W) only with adequate copper pad area (0.31″ × 0.31″ per terminal) and ambient temperatures ≤50 °C. Derating curves in the datasheet must be applied for higher ambient conditions.