Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160AHE3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160AHE3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping high-energy 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 rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial motor drives and automotive power modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160AHE3_A/H datasheet, SMAJ160AHE3_A/H pinout, SMAJ160AHE3_A/H application, or SMAJ160AHE3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected device's absolute maximum rating, thermal derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity alignment with DC rail orientation, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents <1.0 μA reverse leakage at 160 V; when subjected to transients exceeding its breakdown threshold, it avalanches rapidly (<1 ns response) to limit voltage across the protected node. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low dynamic impedance during surge events.
The device is rated for 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and supports continuous power dissipation of 3.3 W at 50 °C ambient on infinite heatsink. Thermal resistance is 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient (RθJA) and 30 °C/W junction-to-lead (RθJL), requiring PCB copper pad design per Vishay's recommended 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) layout for full 400 W pulse capability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets upper limit for DC rail protection without false triggering |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - defines guaranteed avalanche onset range; determines minimum overvoltage margin before clamping begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.2 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; must stay below protected IC's absolute max rating (e.g., 300 V-rated MOSFET) |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 μs waveform; derates to 300 W above 78 V per spec, confirmed at 160 V rating |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures minimal quiescent power loss and no interference with high-impedance sensor biasing |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial enclosures without forced cooling |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD; suffix HE3 denotes this qualification |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode indicated by band; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or low-voltage reference; completes shunt path during transient conduction |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 160 V DC bus); avalanche initiates from cathode to anode under overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 160 V systems without thermal runaway |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive power electronics including engine control units and battery management systems requiring long-term field reliability |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, critical for consistent clamping performance in industrial environments |
| MSL level 1 (260 °C peak) | Supports standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns or pre-bake requirements |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive switch-off), improving protection fidelity |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Power Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drivers and DC-link voltage sensing circuits against switching-induced transients in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed across DC-link or gate resistor network to clamp voltage spikes before they reach sensitive control ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259 V, maintaining safe margin below 300 V absolute maximum ratings of isolated gate drivers and ADC front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 12 V/24 V auxiliary power rails feeding body control modules and lighting controllers in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between supply rail and chassis ground to divert load-dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b energy. Use Value: Withstands 40 A surge current and maintains clamping below 259 V, satisfying OEM requirements for post-regulator rail protection. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Renewable Energy Inverters |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection of AC/DC converters in base station power supplies exposed to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS placed after bridge rectifier to clamp line-to-line and line-to-ground transients before bulk capacitor and PFC controller. Use Value: 400 W rating and 259 V clamping enable coordination with upstream MOVs and downstream OVP circuits in multi-stage protection schemes. |
Use Scenario: DC bus protection in solar string inverters where PV array transients couple into MPPT and DC-link monitoring circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional suppressor mounted across 1000 V DC bus to clamp switching noise and grid fault reflections. Use Value: 160 V VWM allows use in segmented bus architectures; AEC-Q101 qualification supports extended outdoor service life up to 25 years. |
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-E3/61 | Same electrical specs and SMA package, but commercial-grade (non-AEC-Q101 qualified); RoHS-compliant, MSL level 1 | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial power supplies where AEC-Q101 is not mandated | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive reliability requirements and lifecycle traceability is not required |
| SMBJ160AHE3_A/H | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 2.5 mm wider, higher thermal mass, 600 W PPPM rating | Higher power handling and improved thermal performance; requires larger PCB footprint and different pad layout | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds 400 W or sustained transient repetition demands lower RθJA |
Compared with SMAJ160AHE3_A/H, SMAJ160A-E3/61 offers identical protection performance without automotive qualification, while SMBJ160AHE3_A/H delivers higher surge capacity in a physically larger package - enabling trade-offs between board space, reliability grade, and worst-case surge margin.
Availability
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive power modules, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and full traceability.
Supply support for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where precise clamping, low leakage, and qualification-grade consistency are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 1.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during a surge event. Designers must verify that 259 V remains safely below the absolute maximum voltage rating of downstream components such as MOSFETs or gate drivers. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H datasheet confirms this parameter in Table 1 under ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
Is SMAJ160AHE3_A/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ160AHE3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HE3" suffix in its ordering code. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD, validating its suitability for automotive power electronics such as body control modules, battery disconnect units, and ADAS power rails. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H meets automotive reliability requirements without derating for temperature or lifetime under defined operating conditions.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W. To achieve its full 400 W peak pulse power rating, Vishay specifies mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Reducing pad area increases thermal impedance, causing higher junction temperatures during repetitive surges - potentially degrading clamping consistency. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H thermal data is documented in the THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS section of its datasheet.
How does the unidirectional configuration of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H impact circuit integration?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H is unidirectional, meaning it conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events - the cathode must be connected to the protected line and the anode to ground or low-side reference. This configuration prevents forward conduction during normal operation, eliminating DC loading on positive rails. Polarity is marked by a band on the SMA package; incorrect orientation renders the device ineffective. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H datasheet specifies cathode identification and unidirectional IV characteristics in Figures 6 and 7.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H at its stand-off voltage?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/H exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at 25 °C ambient. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and avoids interference with high-impedance monitoring circuits such as voltage dividers or precision ADC inputs. Leakage increases with temperature and voltage stress, so designers should consult the derating curves in Figure 2 of the SMAJ160AHE3_A/H datasheet for elevated-temperature operation.
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H 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 SMAJ160AHE3_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H?
SMAJ160AHE3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160AHE3_A/H 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 SMAJ160AHE3_A/H?
For technical support, including SMAJ160AHE3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160AHE3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160AHE3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160AHE3_A/H 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 SMAJ160AHE3_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160AHE3_A/H?
All SMAJ160AHE3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160AHE3_A/H, 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 SMAJ160AHE3_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160AHE3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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