Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,579
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160AHM3/I 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, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160AHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ160AHM3/I pinout, SMAJ160AHM3/I application, or SMAJ160AHM3/I equivalent, this part delivers AEC-Q101 qualified surge protection with halogen-free RoHS compliance, low incremental surge resistance, and fast response time - critical for ESD and load-switching transient suppression in high-reliability DC power rails and I/O lines.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with cathode-band polarity marking, optimized for single-polarity DC line protection. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior, while MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity supports lead-free reflow without preconditioning.
The SMAJ160AHM3/I exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR at +0.108 %/°C and thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads - enabling predictable derating above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC working margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensuring reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.2 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with 0.01% duty cycle; validates robustness against repetitive transients. |
| IR @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Package | SMA (DO-214AC) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 5.28 mm length and 2.79 mm height; compatible with automated placement. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode identified by band marking on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or return path; completes clamping loop when cathode is tied to protected line. |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 160 V rail); conducts surge current to ground during overvoltage event. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD47. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 - enables lead-free reflow without moisture sensitivity concerns. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles 10/1000 μs surges up to 1.2 A without degradation - sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
| Fast response time | < 1.0 ps typical junction response - clamps transients before sensitive downstream components experience overstress. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during high-di/dt events - improves clamping precision for fast-rising transients like inductive kickback. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump and alternator ripple transients on 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between battery rail and LDO input or microcontroller power pin. Use Value: Limits voltage excursions to ≤259 V during 100 V/100 ms load dump, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream PMICs. |
Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end inputs of pressure, temperature, or position sensors exposed to ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 μA) TVS mounted directly at connector entry point before signal conditioning amplifier. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with sub-1.0 μA leakage at 160 V bias while clamping ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| DC Motor Drive Surge Suppression | Telecom Power Supply Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Absorbs inductive kickback from brushed DC motor commutation in HVAC actuators and window lift systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or H-bridge high-side FET drain-source to clamp flyback spikes. Use Value: Withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and clamps spikes within 259 V - protecting MOSFETs rated for 200 V VDSS. |
Use Scenario: Protects primary-side rectifier and controller ICs in AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed after bridge rectifier and before bulk capacitor to clamp line-to-line and line-to-ground transients. Use Value: Delivers 400 W peak pulse power with 120 °C/W RθJA, enabling sustained operation at 85 °C ambient without thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160AHE3/I | Same electrical specs but RoHS-compliant (non-halogen-free) version; no halogen content restriction. | Acceptable where halogen-free mandate is not enforced (e.g., commercial-grade telecom equipment). | Select SMAJ160AHM3/I when compliance with JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and halogen-free requirements is mandatory. |
| SMAJ160A-M3/61 | Identical halogen-free construction but supplied in 7" tape-and-reel (1800 pcs); differs only in packaging format. | No functional difference - suitable for same PCB layouts and reflow profiles. | Choose SMAJ160AHM3/I for 13" reel (7500 pcs) volume procurement; otherwise functionally interchangeable. |
Compared with SMAJ160AHE3/I and SMAJ160A-M3/61, the SMAJ160AHM3/I uniquely combines halogen-free materials, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 13" reel packaging - making it the preferred choice for automotive Tier 1 suppliers requiring full material compliance and high-volume SMT assembly.
Availability
SMAJ160AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, DC motor drives, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ160AHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 qualification and repeatable clamping performance are essential.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160AHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160AHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 1.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay Document 88390 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMAJ160AHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SMAJ160AHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ160AHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use in Vishay's ordering nomenclature (HM3 suffix). It meets stress test requirements including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per JESD47, and is rated for operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature - making SMAJ160AHM3/I appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains.
How does the HM3 suffix differ from the HE3 suffix in SMAJ160A variants?
The HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction, whereas HE3 indicates RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified but not halogen-free. Both share identical electrical parameters and package dimensions, but SMAJ160AHM3/I satisfies stricter environmental mandates such as IEC 61249-2-21. The "I" in SMAJ160AHM3/I specifies 13" tape-and-reel packaging (7500 pcs).
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of SMAJ160AHM3/I at its stand-off voltage?
The SMAJ160AHM3/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1.0 μA at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 160 V, measured at 25 °C ambient. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss in high-impedance monitoring circuits and preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules - a key design advantage confirmed in Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" of Vishay Document 88390.
Can SMAJ160AHM3/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SMAJ160AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and cathode-band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the CA variant (e.g., SMAJ160CA), which lacks polarity marking and provides symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using SMAJ160AHM3/I in bidirectional circuits would result in forward conduction during negative transients - potentially damaging the device or failing to protect the system.
SMAJ160AHM3/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:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
SMAJ160AHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160AHM3/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 SMAJ160AHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160AHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160AHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160AHM3/I?
SMAJ160AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160AHM3/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 SMAJ160AHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ160AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160AHM3/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 SMAJ160AHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160AHM3/I?
All SMAJ160AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160AHM3/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 SMAJ160AHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ160AHM3/I Tags

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