Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMAJ160
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160.pdf
- Description:
- 300W, 198V, 10%, UNIDIRECTIONAL,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,630
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails. It features a 160 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–218 V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1 mA), 287 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.0 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 µs waveform - suitable for automotive load-dump and industrial SMPS input stage protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160 datasheet, SMAJ160 pinout, SMAJ160 application, or SMAJ160 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b, unidirectional polarity marking, DO-214AC thermal derating above 25°C, and compatibility with automated SMT placement and J-STD-002 soldering processes.
Technical Context
The SMAJ160 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (178–218 V). Its fast response time (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR min) ensures sub-nanosecond suppression of transients, while low leakage (<1 µA at 160 V) minimizes standby power loss in high-impedance circuits.
It complies with ISO 7637-2 for automotive transient immunity and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-020 Moisture Sensitivity Level 1. The device is rated for TJ = –55°C to +150°C operation and supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 178–218 V - Breakdown threshold range defining turn-on consistency across production lot |
| VC @ IPPM=1.0 A | 287 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling per standard waveform, derated linearly above 25°C ambient |
| IR @ VWM | <1 µA - Reverse leakage ensuring minimal quiescent current in battery-backed or low-power systems |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - Surface-mount outline with cathode band marking, UL 94V-0 molding compound |
| TJ max | +150°C - Maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood or enclosed industrial enclosures |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic case with two coplanar leads; cathode indicated by a band on one end. Matte tin-plated terminals meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements. Weight ≈ 0.060 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient energy sink / Clamping node | Connected to line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| Fast response time <1.0 ps | Enables suppression of ESD and fast-rising transients before sensitive ICs experience overstress |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for automotive-grade immunity to load dump, jump start, and alternator ripple transients |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Allows unlimited floor life before reflow; no baking required prior to assembly |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU directives for environmentally constrained applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial SMPS Input Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V/24 V vehicle electronics against load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and ECUs, absorbing up to 400 W transient energy without failure. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage in microcontrollers and CAN transceivers during 120 V/350 ms transients. | Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression in 48 V telecom rectifiers and industrial AC/DC converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated clamping device parallel to bulk capacitor, limiting voltage overshoot during lightning-induced surges. Use Value: Maintains VIN below 287 V during 10/1000 µs events, preserving upstream bridge rectifier and downstream PWM controller integrity. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Protection | On-board DC/DC Converter Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding constant-current LED drivers in streetlight and signage systems exposed to grid switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp on driver input, triggered only during reverse-polarity or overvoltage faults. Use Value: Limits peak reverse voltage to 287 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in MOSFET-based buck controllers. | Use Scenario: Input rail protection for isolated 5 V/3.3 V point-of-load converters in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element that diverts transient current away from primary-side controller ICs. Use Value: Enables reliable operation under repetitive 100 V/1 ms transients per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3, reducing field failure rates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A | Narrower VBR range (178–197 V), lower clamping voltage (259 V @ 1.0 A), tighter tolerance | Better suited for precision-clamp designs where margin between VWM and VC must be minimized | Select SMAJ160A when system-level testing shows marginal headroom with SMAJ160's 287 V clamp |
| SMBJ160 | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; higher thermal mass and 600 W PPPM | Preferred for high-reliability industrial applications requiring extended surge endurance or board-level thermal dissipation | Choose SMBJ160 if PCB layout allows larger footprint and system demands >400 W single-pulse capability |
Compared with SMAJ160A and SMBJ160, the SMAJ160 offers optimal balance of compact DO-214AC footprint, 400 W surge rating, and cost-effective SMT scalability - making it ideal for space-constrained automotive and consumer power supplies where strict VC margin is not required.
Availability
SMAJ160 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial SMPS input stages, LED driver overvoltage protection, and on-board DC/DC converter input applications requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for SMAJ160 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and power management devices.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for high-reliability, surface-mount transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments - emphasizing fast response, ISO 7637-2 compliance, and robust packaging for automated manufacturing.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ160 under standard test conditions?
The SMAJ160 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 287 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform with a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.0 A. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects worst-case voltage seen by downstream components during transient events. The SMAJ160 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (–55°C to +150°C), with derating applied only for ambient temperatures exceeding 25°C.
Is the SMAJ160 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the SMAJ160 is a unidirectional TVS diode intended for protection of DC power lines with defined polarity. Its cathode band marks the transient energy sink terminal, and it conducts only in reverse bias. For bidirectional applications such as AC lines or data bus protection, the SMAJ160CA variant (with "CA" suffix) must be used - the SMAJ160 itself lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics and will not clamp positive transients on the anode side.
Does the SMAJ160 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SMAJ160 meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for automotive transient immunity, covering Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (battery interruption), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling). It is also qualified to JESD201 Class 2 for tin whisker resistance and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, supporting direct placement into automotive production without baking. However, it is not AEC-Q200 qualified - system-level validation is required for safety-critical modules.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the SMAJ160 at its rated working voltage?
The SMAJ160 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 µA when biased at its full working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 160 V and tested at 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures negligible power loss in always-on circuits and preserves battery life in backup systems. Leakage remains below 5 µA even at 125°C junction temperature, as confirmed by thermal derating curves in the official TSC datasheet U2102.
Can the SMAJ160 be used in place of the SMAJ160A?
The SMAJ160 and SMAJ160A are not direct substitutes due to differences in breakdown voltage tolerance and clamping performance: SMAJ160 has VBR = 178–218 V and VC = 287 V, while SMAJ160A has VBR = 178–197 V and VC = 259 V. Substituting SMAJ160 for SMAJ160A may result in higher clamping voltage and reduced protection margin. Always verify system-level transient response before interchange - the SMAJ160 is not a drop-in replacement for the SMAJ160A.
SMAJ160 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- SMAJ
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 287V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ160 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160 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 SMAJ160 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160?
SMAJ160 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160 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 SMAJ160?
For technical support, including SMAJ160 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160 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 SMAJ160 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160?
All SMAJ160 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160, 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 SMAJ160 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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