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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160A-M3/5A
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160A-M3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160A-M3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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 rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160A-M3/5A datasheet, SMAJ160A-M3/5A pinout, SMAJ160A-M3/5A application, or SMAJ160A-M3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, 120 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction per M3 suffix.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that remains high-impedance below 160 V and rapidly transitions to low-impedance conduction above its 178–197 V breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the SMA package supports automated placement and meets MSL level 1 reflow requirements up to 260 °C peak.
The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power (derated to 300 W above 78 V) under standardized 10/1000 μs surge conditions, with 3.3 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 50 °C ambient. Its cathode-band marking identifies polarity, and it exhibits a +0.108 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - critical for thermal stability in high-temperature environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin for 160 V DC rails. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 178–197 V at 1 mA - Avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage with margin. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 259 V at IPPM = 1.2 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during transient; limits stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Surge energy handling capacity; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) transients. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 μA at 160 V - Minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial enclosures without derating. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal performance baseline for PCB pad layout design; requires ≥5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, single-ended unidirectional configuration with cathode band marking. Matte tin-plated leads, compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| 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 signal/power line; avalanche conduction occurs from cathode to anode during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes in 24–160 V systems. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures consistent avalanche behavior across temperature and lifetime, reducing parameter drift in harsh environments. |
| MSL level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows standard SMT reflow without baking; compatible with high-volume automated assembly processes. |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for industrial and automotive end equipment without compromising reliability. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for sensitive ICs. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontroller I/O lines from back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between MOSFET gate and source, triggered within nanoseconds to limit voltage to ≤259 V. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide rupture in 100 V-rated logic-level MOSFETs during 150 V inductive kick events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and power supply inputs in door module ECUs exposed to load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 12 V rail input, conducting only during >160 V surges while remaining invisible during normal operation. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 13.5 V nominal, avoiding battery drain while surviving ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (35 V/100 ms). |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on +48 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding PoE injectors and baseband processors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp device mounted directly at DC-DC converter output, limiting fault voltage to 259 V during short-circuit recovery transients. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, ensuring long-term reliability in 24/7 powered infrastructure. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog front-end inputs of 4–20 mA current loop receivers from ESD and field wiring faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS (typ. <100 pF) placed ahead of op-amp input, preserving signal bandwidth up to 1 MHz. Use Value: Clamps 8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <259 V in <1 ns, preventing latch-up in precision instrumentation amplifiers. |
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-E3/5A | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free (E3 vs. M3 suffix). | Acceptable where halogen-free requirement is not mandated (e.g., non-automotive commercial gear). | Select when cost optimization is prioritized and environmental compliance allows brominated flame retardants. |
| SMAJ160AHE3_A/I | AEC-Q101 qualified; identical VWM/VBR/VC but rated for automotive-grade reliability and extended temperature cycling. | Required for under-hood or safety-critical vehicle subsystems per OEM specifications. | Choose for automotive production programs needing qualification evidence and enhanced lifetime validation. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-M3/5A, the E3 variant offers identical clamping performance at lower cost but lacks halogen-free certification, while the HE3 variant adds AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive deployment - neither is pin-compatible drop-in replacements due to differing qualification status and material declarations, requiring review of compliance documentation prior to substitution.
Availability
SMAJ160A-M3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, halogen-free compliance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.
Supply support for SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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 space-constrained surface-mount designs, targeting industrial automation, automotive electronics, and communications infrastructure where robustness and consistency are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160A-M3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMAJ160A-M3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.2 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during a defined surge event. The SMAJ160A-M3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C), making it suitable for high-reliability applications where voltage overshoot must be tightly bounded.
Is SMAJ160A-M3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
SMAJ160A-M3/5A is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant but not AEC-Q101 qualified. It may be used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment or lighting controls where qualification is not mandated. For body control modules or powertrain-related functions, the AEC-Q101-qualified variant SMAJ160AHE3_A/I is required. The SMAJ160A-M3/5A itself does not carry automotive qualification documentation and should not be deployed in safety-relevant systems without additional validation.
What is the meaning of the "M3" suffix in SMAJ160A-M3/5A?
The "M3" suffix in SMAJ160A-M3/5A indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction meeting Vishay's material categorization standards (www.vishay.com/doc?99912). It denotes matte tin-plated leads, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and compliance with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating for the molding compound. This distinguishes it from the "E3" suffix (RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free) and "HM3" variants (halogen-free + AEC-Q101 qualified). The SMAJ160A-M3/5A is intended for commercial and industrial applications with strict environmental material requirements.
How does the thermal resistance of SMAJ160A-M3/5A affect PCB layout?
The SMAJ160A-M3/5A has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W, which assumes mounting on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures under sustained power dissipation, designers must allocate adequate copper area and consider thermal vias. Without proper layout, the device may exceed its 150 °C maximum junction temperature even at modest power levels. The SMAJ160A-M3/5A thermal performance is validated only with the recommended pad dimensions - smaller pads increase RθJA and reduce safe operating margins.
Can SMAJ160A-M3/5A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SMAJ160A-M3/5A is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., SMAJ160CA), which has symmetrical breakdown in both polarities and no polarity marking. Using SMAJ160A-M3/5A in reverse-biased configurations will result in forward conduction at ~0.7–1.0 V, rendering it ineffective for AC or dual-polarity transient suppression. The SMAJ160A-M3/5A must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line and anode to ground or reference potential.
SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160A-M3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160A-M3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160A-M3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160A-M3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160A-M3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160A-M3/5A?
SMAJ160A-M3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A?
For technical support, including SMAJ160A-M3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160A-M3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160A-M3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160A-M3/5A 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-M3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160A-M3/5A?
All SMAJ160A-M3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160A-M3/5A, 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-M3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160A-M3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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