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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails 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 - ideal for safeguarding MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160AHE3_A/I datasheet, SMAJ160AHE3_A/I pinout, SMAJ160AHE3_A/I application, or SMAJ160AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 1.2 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, unidirectional polarity marking, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR (178–197 V), it avalanches to limit transient energy by diverting surge current to ground. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 160 V), while the SMA package supports high-density PCB layouts and meets MSL level 1 reflow requirements (peak 260 °C).
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power up to 78 V and derates to 300 W above that threshold; its 30 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables effective heat dissipation during repetitive surges. Polarity is marked by a cathode band, confirming unidirectional operation - critical for correct orientation in DC-biased protection circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC rail margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - precise avalanche onset range ensuring reliable triggering without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.2 A - clamped voltage during full-rated surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - surge energy handling capacity; validated on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves system efficiency and prevents false trips in high-impedance nodes. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - extended junction temperature rating supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress testing. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode indicated by a single band on the body; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when V > VBR. |
| Anode (unbanded end) | Reference node | Typically tied to system ground or lower-potential rail; completes shunt path during clamping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test standards - enables use in ADAS power supplies and body control modules without additional qualification. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles high-energy transients from relay coil de-energization or solenoid switching in industrial PLC I/O modules. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a), improving protection fidelity. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile (peak 260 °C), simplifying SMT manufacturing flow. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term parameter stability and low leakage drift across temperature and lifetime stress conditions. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and MCU I/O against back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between motor supply rail and ground, triggered within <1 ns of overvoltage event. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces downstream. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window lift control ICs from load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end clamp on 12 V battery input, coordinated with upstream fuse and secondary TVS for staged protection. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses per ISO 16750-2 while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 160 V standby, minimizing quiescent current drain. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors exposed to lightning-induced surges on Ethernet or AC lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS after MOV/GDT front-end, clamping residual fast transients before DC-DC converters. Use Value: 259 V clamping voltage ensures downstream 24 V regulators remain within absolute maximum ratings during combined surge events. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on microcontroller reset lines and sensor analog inputs in washing machine main boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized point-of-load protection adjacent to sensitive analog front-ends and reset supervisors. Use Value: Sub-μA leakage at 160 V prevents false resets or ADC offset errors in low-power sleep modes. |
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-M3/5A | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification. | No functional difference; selected where halogen-free material compliance is mandated (e.g., EU WEEE/EcoDesign). | Choose SMAJ160AHE3_A/I for standard RoHS + AEC-Q101; choose SMAJ160A-M3/5A only if halogen-free content is contractually required. |
| SMBJ160AHE3_A/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in SMB (DO-214AA) package - 25 % larger footprint and 10 °C/W higher RθJA (130 vs. 120 °C/W). | Lower power density; less suitable for compact layouts or high-repetition-rate surge environments. | Select SMBJ160AHE3_A/I only if existing PCB layout uses SMB pads or requires higher surge margin via larger thermal mass. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-M3/5A, SMAJ160AHE3_A/I offers identical protection performance with standard RoHS compliance; compared with SMBJ160AHE3_A/I, it provides superior board-area efficiency and thermal performance in space-constrained designs.
Availability
SMAJ160AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, EFT, and surge events is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160AHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.2 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions with the device mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads, and it defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated transient event. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance consistently across its qualified temperature range.
Is SMAJ160AHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ160AHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed rigorous stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and ESD immunity required for automotive electronics. Its 160 V stand-off voltage and 259 V clamping make it appropriate for 12 V and 24 V vehicle subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment power rails. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I also meets MSL Level 1 for lead-free reflow, supporting automotive manufacturing standards.
How does the SMAJ160AHE3_A/I differ from bidirectional SMAJ160CA variants?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I is unidirectional, featuring a cathode band and conducting only in reverse bias - making it suitable for DC-coupled protection where polarity is fixed. In contrast, SMAJ160CA is bidirectional, symmetric in both directions, and used in AC or floating-line applications like telecom signal pairs. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I has lower leakage (<1.0 μA) and tighter VBR tolerance than its CA counterpart, and its pinout requires correct orientation during placement - unlike the non-polar SMAJ160CA.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ160AHE3_A/I, and how does it affect layout design?
The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB construction and natural convection cooling. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repetitive surges, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive trace length between the SMAJ160AHE3_A/I and ground planes. The SMAJ160AHE3_A/I's RθJL of 30 °C/W further supports heat transfer through leads into internal copper layers.
Does SMAJ160AHE3_A/I require special handling or packaging considerations?
No special handling beyond standard ESD-safe practices is required for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I. It is supplied in moisture-sensitive level 1 packaging (7" or 13" tape-and-reel), permitting unlimited floor life and compatibility with standard J-STD-020 reflow profiles peaking at 260 °C. The matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements, and the glass-passivated junction ensures resistance to mechanical stress and humidity. As with all TVS diodes, avoid bending leads or applying mechanical force directly to the SMAJ160AHE3_A/I body during assembly.
SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I?
SMAJ160AHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ160AHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160AHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160AHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160AHE3_A/I 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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160AHE3_A/I?
All SMAJ160AHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160AHE3_A/I, 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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160AHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ160AHE3_A/I Tags

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