Microchip Technology SM1605E3/TR13

Overview

SM1605E3/TR13 from Microsemi (now Microchip) is a unidirectional 8-line transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode array in SO-16 package, rated for 300 W peak pulse power (8/20 µs), 5.0 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), and clamping ≤11 V at 5 A - designed to protect 3.3–5 V logic interfaces including DRAM, SRAM, and low-voltage I/O transceivers against ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and lightning-induced surges.

For engineers reviewing the SM1605E3/TR13 datasheet, SM1605E3/TR13 pinout, SM1605E3/TR13 application, or SM1605E3/TR13 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified V_WM = 5.0 V, bidirectional/unidirectional configuration clarity, SO-16 thermal derating behavior, clamping performance at system-level surge currents, and compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V bus architectures requiring board-level I/O protection.

Technical Context

The SM1605E3/TR13 implements eight independent unidirectional TVS diodes in a single SO-16 surface-mount package, each with a breakdown voltage (V_BR) of 6.0–9.8 V and clamping voltage (V_C) ≤11 V at 5 A. It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C and meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating.

Unlike bidirectional variants (e.g., SM1605C), SM1605E3/TR13 uses cathode-anode configuration per line, enabling DC-biased signal lines (e.g., UART, SPI, GPIO) to be protected without reverse conduction path - critical for asymmetric voltage rails and CMOS input stages where negative excursion must be blocked.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Molded SO-16 surface-mount package (JEDEC MS-013AC), 10.10 × 4.01 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, UL 94V-0 rated epoxy encapsulation; Pin #1 identified by dot marking on top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ5.0A and SP1003-050, SM1605E3/TR13 offers balanced trade-offs: higher integration than discrete diodes but higher capacitance than modern low-C arrays - optimal for cost-sensitive 5 V industrial I/O where speed is secondary to robustness and footprint efficiency.

Availability

SM1605E3/TR13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, and medical diagnostic equipment interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for SM1605E3/TR13 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

Microsemi (acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The SM16XX TVSarray™ series was developed to deliver standardized, high-power board-level ESD/EFT protection for low-voltage digital interfaces - emphasizing ruggedness, thermal stability, and JEDEC-compliant packaging for automated manufacturing.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of SM1605E3/TR13?

SM1605E3/TR13 is a unidirectional TVS array: each of its eight channels has an anode (pins 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15) and shares a common cathode rail (pins 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16). This configuration blocks reverse current flow, making it suitable for DC-biased signal lines like 5 V UART or SPI. The "E3" suffix confirms unidirectional design, distinct from bidirectional variants such as SM1605C.

Does SM1605E3/TR13 meet IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD immunity?

Yes, SM1605E3/TR13 is rated for 300 W peak pulse power (8/20 µs), which exceeds the energy requirements of IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV contact discharge). Its clamping voltage of ≤11 V at 5 A ensures protected ICs remain within safe operating limits during ESD events. System-level validation is still required, but SM1605E3/TR13 provides the foundational suppression capability needed to pass this standard.

What is the maximum operating temperature for SM1605E3/TR13?

SM1605E3/TR13 is specified for continuous operation from –55 °C to +150 °C, validated per manufacturer datasheet MSC0885.PDF. This wide range supports deployment in under-hood automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom equipment where ambient temperatures exceed 100 °C. Derating curves for peak power versus temperature are provided in Figure 1 of the official datasheet.

How does SM1605E3/TR13 differ from SM1605C?

SM1605E3/TR13 is unidirectional; SM1605C is bidirectional. The former protects only positive transients relative to ground, while the latter suppresses both polarities - essential for AC-coupled or floating lines like USB D+/D−. SM1605E3/TR13 has higher leakage (≤20 µA) and capacitance (880 pF) than SM1605C (≤40 µA, 440 pF), reflecting its optimized forward-conduction architecture.

Is SM1605E3/TR13 supplied in tape-and-reel format?

Yes, SM1605E3/TR13 is supplied in EIA-481-1-A compliant tape-and-reel packaging: 2,500 pieces per 13-inch reel (TR13 designation). Carrier tubes (48 pcs) are also available as standard. The "TR13" suffix explicitly denotes the 13-inch reel option, ensuring compatibility with high-speed SMT pick-and-place systems used in volume manufacturing.