Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160A-E3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160A-E3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160A-E3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160A-E3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), targeting protection of MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160A-E3/61 datasheet, SMAJ160A-E3/61 pinout, SMAJ160A-E3/61 application, or SMAJ160A-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, 150 °C max junction temperature, and AEC-Q101 qualification availability via HE3 suffix variants - all critical for robust overvoltage protection in high-reliability DC power rails and I/O lines.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at VWM), but conducts heavily when transient voltage exceeds VBR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤259 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced surges.
The SMAJ160A-E3/61 is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) up to 78 V; above that threshold, derated to 300 W per Vishay's specification. Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 120 °C/W and RθJL = 30 °C/W, requiring minimum 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal for full power rating compliance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC rail margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable clamping initiation across process variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.2 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress on protected IC or MOSFET. |
| PPPM | 400 W (≤78 V), 300 W (>78 V) - Peak transient energy absorption capability; defines surge survivability per waveform standard. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA max - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; critical for low-power sensor or battery-backed circuit integrity. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial ambient environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Surface-mount outline with cathode band marking; compatible with automated SMT placement and reflow (MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak). |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by band on one end. Mounting requires 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for full 400 W rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or return path; completes conduction path during transient clamp event. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 160 V supply rail); polarity-sensitive - reverse connection disables protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables single-event suppression of 1.2 A surges without degradation, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 requirements. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche behavior over temperature and lifetime - critical for automotive-grade reliability. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profiles (peak 260 °C), eliminating bake-out requirements in production. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | HE3 suffix versions meet automotive stress-test requirements for temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD - validated for under-hood use. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for sensitive 160 V-rated components. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppresses switching spikes and load dump transients on 12–24 V DC bus feeding motor gate drivers and microcontrollers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping diode placed between input rail and chassis ground to limit voltage excursions to ≤259 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 160 V-rated MOSFETs and isolated gate drivers during 100 V/10 ms load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Protects BCM power input against jump-start surges and alternator ripple in 12 V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-battery feed, clamping transients within 1 ns. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by absorbing 300 W surges without failure, supporting ASIL-B functional safety architecture. |
| Telecom Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Power Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shields 48 V DC power input of outdoor RRUs from induced lightning surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power rail, coordinated with upstream fuse and secondary filtering. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 259 V, ensuring downstream DC/DC converters (rated ≥300 V) remain undamaged during 10/1000 μs strikes. |
Use Scenario: Guards 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analog input channels against field-wiring faults and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 μA) unidirectional TVS placed before precision op-amp input stage. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity with negligible offset error while diverting >1 kV ESD pulses away from ADC front-end. |
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-M3/61 | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant with identical electrical specs and SMA package. | No difference in circuit function or layout; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated. | Choose M3/61 for environmental compliance programs requiring halogen-free bill-of-materials. |
| SMAJ160AHE3_A/H | AEC-Q101 qualified version; same VWM/VBR/VC, but validated for automotive temperature cycling and HTRB stress. | Required for automotive OEM designs needing component-level qualification evidence per AEC-Q101 Rev D. | Choose HE3_A/H for automotive applications requiring documented AEC-Q101 qualification - not suitable for commercial-only use due to cost premium. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/61, the M3/61 offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while the HE3_A/H adds automotive qualification at higher cost and longer lead time - select based on compliance tier and end-equipment certification needs.
Availability
SMAJ160A-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom remote radio units, and PLC analog input protection requiring stable component supply and consistent TVS performance across production batches.
Supply support for SMAJ160A-E3/61 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness against ESD, lightning, and inductive switching is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMAJ160A-E3/61 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ160A-E3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 1.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events and is confirmed in Vishay's datasheet Document Number 88390, page 2. The SMAJ160A-E3/61 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SMAJ160A-E3/61 unidirectional or bidirectional?
The SMAJ160A-E3/61 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (as opposed to "CA" for bidirectional). Its cathode is marked by a band on the SMA package, and it conducts only when the cathode is at higher potential than the anode - making it suitable for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed. The SMAJ160A-E3/61 does not conduct in reverse bias beyond its specified leakage current.
Does the SMAJ160A-E3/61 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base SMAJ160A-E3/61 is commercial-grade and not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers the SMAJ160AHE3_A/H variant - identical electrically but fully qualified to AEC-Q101 Rev D for automotive use. The SMAJ160A-E3/61 itself is used in industrial and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 is not required, and its RoHS-compliant E3 termination supports broad commercial deployment.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for the SMAJ160A-E3/61?
The SMAJ160A-E3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on the minimum recommended pad layout (0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal). This value assumes natural convection cooling and is critical for calculating junction temperature rise under steady-state power dissipation (PD = 3.3 W). The SMAJ160A-E3/61 also specifies RθJL = 30 °C/W for junction-to-lead conduction.
Can the SMAJ160A-E3/61 be used in place of SMAJ150A or SMAJ170A?
No - the SMAJ160A-E3/61 is not a direct replacement for SMAJ150A (VWM = 150 V) or SMAJ170A (VWM = 170 V), as its 160 V stand-off voltage places it between them. Substituting alters the protection margin: using SMAJ160A-E3/61 where SMAJ150A is specified risks over-clamping during normal operation; using it where SMAJ170A is specified reduces surge margin. The SMAJ160A-E3/61 must be selected based on exact system voltage and transient profile requirements.
SMAJ160A-E3/61 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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:
- 300W
- 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-E3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160A-E3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160A-E3/61 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-E3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160A-E3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160A-E3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160A-E3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160A-E3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160A-E3/61?
SMAJ160A-E3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160A-E3/61 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-E3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ160A-E3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160A-E3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160A-E3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160A-E3/61 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-E3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160A-E3/61?
All SMAJ160A-E3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160A-E3/61, 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-E3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160A-E3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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