Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMAJ160A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,715
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for clamping fast transients in DC power rails. It features a 160 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1 mA), 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC @ 1.2 A), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and <1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM, targeting overvoltage protection in on-board DC/DC converters.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160A datasheet, SMAJ160A pinout, SMAJ160A application, or SMAJ160A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to system rail, IPPM capability under ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b waveforms, thermal derating above 25°C, and compatibility with automated SMT placement per J-STD-002 solderability requirements.
Technical Context
The SMAJ160A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (178–197 V), with sub-nanosecond response (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR min) and low junction capacitance suitable for high-speed transient suppression. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
It complies with ISO 7637-2 for automotive transient immunity (Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b), supports 150°C maximum junction temperature, and is rated for moisture sensitivity level 1 (J-STD-020), enabling standard reflow without baking. The device is not bidirectional - polarity is marked by cathode band and must be oriented correctly in series with protected line.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines upper limit of protected rail voltage. |
| VBR @ IT=1 mA | 178–197 V - Breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on during transients while avoiding false triggering. |
| VC @ IPPM=1.2 A | 259 V - Clamped voltage at rated peak impulse current; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream circuitry. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - Peak pulse power handling; validates robustness against standardized automotive and industrial surge events. |
| IR @ VWM | <1.2 µA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design boundary for PCB copper area and ambient operating conditions. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - Standardized surface-mount outline with matte tin-plated leads; compatible with IPC-7351B footprint and J-STD-002 soldering. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded epoxy case with cathode band marking; anode and cathode terminals aligned along body axis; lead finish meets J-STD-002 for solderability; weight ≈ 0.060 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current return path during clamping | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; completes conduction path when transient exceeds VBR. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Protected line connection | Connected to input/output rail being safeguarded; reverse-biased during normal operation; conducts during overvoltage event. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| Clamping response time <1.0 ps | Enables effective suppression of nanosecond-scale ESD and switching transients before sensitive ICs are damaged. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance (Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b) | Validates suitability for automotive power supply protection without additional external filtering or staging. |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Eliminates pre-bake requirement prior to reflow, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally constrained applications. |
Applications
| Switching Mode Power Supply (SMPS) | On-Board DC/DC Converter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of primary-side MOSFET gate drivers and secondary-side rectifier outputs against flyback spikes and load-dump transients. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across input capacitor or in series with feedback sense line to clamp overshoot. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤259 V during 400 W surges, preserving gate oxide integrity and maintaining regulation stability. |
Use Scenario: Input rail protection in point-of-load (POL) converters powering FPGAs, microcontrollers, or sensors in industrial PLCs. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated clamping device installed between VIN and GND, upstream of input filter inductor. Use Value: Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2b (inductive switch-off) up to 100 V/ms, preventing latch-up in synchronous buck controllers. |
| Lighting Application | Adapters |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression in LED driver front-end circuits exposed to mains surges or hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary-side transient clamp across bulk capacitor in non-isolated buck/boost LED drivers. Use Value: 160 V VWM aligns with 120 VRMS × √2 ≈ 170 V peak rectified input, providing 10 V safety margin before conduction. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection in universal-input AC/DC adapters subject to lightning-induced surges on AC lines. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-side TVS on DC output rail to absorb reflected transients from primary-side MOV failure or transformer ringing. Use Value: 259 V clamping voltage ensures downstream USB-PD or QC controllers remain within absolute maximum ratings during 1 kV/0.5 J surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160 | Bidirectional variant (no 'A' suffix); symmetric VBR = 178–218 V; higher VC = 287 V at same IPPM. | Required where AC-coupled or bidirectional signal lines need protection (e.g., RS-485 bus); unsuitable for DC rail clamping with polarity constraints. | Select SMAJ160 only if bidirectional clamping is explicitly required; SMAJ160A provides tighter VC and lower leakage for unidirectional DC use. |
| SMBJ160A | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in larger DO-214AA (SMB) package; 600 W PPPM rating (10/1000 µs). | Preferred in high-energy environments (e.g., 24 V truck systems) where 400 W is marginal; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout. | Choose SMBJ160A when surge energy exceeds 400 W limits or thermal margin is critical; SMAJ160A fits space-constrained layouts with adequate 400 W headroom. |
Compared with SMAJ160 and SMBJ160A, the SMAJ160A offers optimal balance of compact DO-214AC footprint, 259 V clamping performance, and 400 W surge capability - making it ideal for space-limited unidirectional DC rail protection where strict VC margin and automated assembly are priorities.
Availability
SMAJ160A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switching mode power supplies, on-board DC/DC converters, and lighting applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and full traceability through J-STD-020-compliant packaging.
Supply support for SMAJ160A 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with global distribution and AEC-Q200-qualified product lines.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for surface-mount transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing ISO 7637-2 compliance, tight VBR tolerance, and high-reliability glass-passivated junctions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ160A under rated surge conditions?
The SMAJ160A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1.2 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the highest voltage that will appear across the device during a defined transient event, directly limiting stress on downstream components connected to the protected line.
Is the SMAJ160A suitable for automotive applications compliant with ISO 7637-2?
Yes, the SMAJ160A is explicitly rated to meet ISO 7637-2 test pulses 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b. Its 400 W peak pulse power rating, fast response time (<1.0 ps), and specified clamping behavior under standardized surge waveforms make it appropriate for protecting electronic control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, and body electronics in 12 V and 24 V vehicle architectures.
How does the SMAJ160A differ from the SMAJ160 part number?
The SMAJ160A is unidirectional with a cathode band marking and 178–197 V VBR, while SMAJ160 is bidirectional (no 'A') with 178–218 V VBR and higher 287 V clamping voltage. SMAJ160A exhibits lower leakage (<1.2 µA vs. <1.0 µA at VWM) and is intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed; SMAJ160 suits AC or differential signal paths.
What is the recommended PCB pad layout for the SMAJ160A in DO-214AC (SMA) package?
Taiwan Semiconductor recommends using the DO-214AC (SMA) suggested pad layout per their package drawing: 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm pads with 1.8 mm center-to-center spacing, 0.5 mm solder mask opening, and thermal relief for ground connections. This layout ensures mechanical stability, thermal dissipation, and compatibility with J-STD-002 solderability requirements for the SMAJ160A.
Does the SMAJ160A require pre-baking before reflow soldering?
No, the SMAJ160A is rated at Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per J-STD-020, meaning it may be stored indefinitely at ≤30°C/60% RH and processed directly through standard Pb-free reflow profiles without pre-baking. This eliminates an extra manufacturing step and reduces risk of moisture-related popcorning during assembly.
SMAJ160A 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:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.2A
- 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)
SMAJ160A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160A 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 SMAJ160A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160A?
SMAJ160A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160A 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 SMAJ160A?
For technical support, including SMAJ160A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160A 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 SMAJ160A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160A?
All SMAJ160A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160A, 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 SMAJ160A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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