Diodes Incorporated SMAJ160CA-13
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160CA-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160CA-13.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC SMA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,229
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160CA-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a bi-directional 400W surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for overvoltage protection in DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 160V reverse standoff voltage (VRWM), 178–197V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1mA, 259V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.5A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates from –55°C to +150°C.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160CA-13 datasheet, SMAJ160CA-13 pinout, SMAJ160CA-13 application, or SMAJ160CA-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VCC rails, peak pulse current handling under IEC 61000-4-5 surge conditions, unidirectional vs. bi-directional polarity requirements, and SMA package thermal performance in high-density PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode uses glass-passivated silicon junction construction to achieve fast response time (<1 ps) and low dynamic impedance during transient events. Its symmetrical I-V characteristic enables clamping of both positive and negative voltage excursions without polarity constraints.
The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity standards when applied with appropriate series impedance. Clamping performance is specified under 8.3ms half-sine waveform per JEDEC method, with derating above 25°C ambient per Fig. 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 400 W - Sustains single 8.3ms surge events up to this power level without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage | 160 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Breakdown Voltage | 178–197 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche conduction onset range for reliable triggering |
| Clamping Voltage | 259 V @ 1.5 A - Maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during specified 8.3ms surge |
| Peak Pulse Current | 1.5 A - Peak current capability under 8.3ms half-sine waveform at 25°C |
| Operating Temperature | –55°C to +150°C - Validated junction temperature range for automotive and industrial deployment |
| Package | SMA - Surface-mount case with 4.80–5.59 mm body length and 2.01–2.30 mm terminal width |
Pinout & Package
Two-terminal SMA package: anode and cathode terminals arranged in DO-214AC outline. Bi-directional configuration means no polarity marking; terminals are functionally symmetric for AC or bidirectional DC line protection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative excursion) | Conducts during negative voltage transients; tied to protected line or ground return path |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive excursion) | Conducts during positive voltage transients; tied to protected line or reference rail |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| Glass-passivated die | Ensures stable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| RoHS-compliant finish | Matte tin plating meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC with exemptions for high-temp solder |
| UL 94V-0 rated molding | Flame-retardant plastic housing supports safety certification in end equipment |
| Low leakage at VRWM | ≤5 µA max reverse leakage at 160 V ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on systems |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 24V CAN bus transceivers and LIN interfaces against load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS placed across differential bus lines to clamp ±100V transients within 1 ns. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceiver ESD structures while maintaining signal integrity below 259V clamping threshold. | Use Scenario: Input protection for microcontroller GPIOs connected to door lock actuators and window lift switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 12V supply rails to absorb inductive kickback from relay coils and brushed motors. Use Value: Limits voltage excursions to ≤259V during 100A/50ms load dump events, preserving MCU reset logic and ADC reference stability. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Renewable Energy Inverters |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage suppression on -48V DC telecom distribution boards exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt device installed between power and return, triggered only during >160V excursions. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by diverting >1.5A surge current away from downstream DC/DC converters without forward conduction loss. | Use Scenario: DC-link protection in solar string inverters where PV array open-circuit voltage reaches 1500V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level clamping stage after MOV primary protection, absorbing residual fast-rising transients. Use Value: Adds precision clamping margin (259V @ 1.5A) to prevent gate driver overvoltage in IGBT modules during grid fault recovery. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA-13 | Same VRWM and VC, but SMB package (larger footprint, higher PPK = 600W) | Better thermal dissipation in high-reliability industrial designs; requires PCB area increase | Select when surge duty cycle exceeds 4 pulses/minute or ambient exceeds 75°C |
| SMCJ160CA-13 | Same electrical specs, SMC package (PPK = 1500W, 7.11 mm x 6.22 mm) | Used where IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance is mandatory and board space allows | Choose for mission-critical infrastructure where single-event robustness outweighs size constraints |
Compared with SMBJ160CA-13 and SMCJ160CA-13, SMAJ160CA-13 offers optimal balance of surge rating, compactness, and cost for consumer-grade and mid-tier industrial applications where 400W peak power suffices and PCB real estate is constrained.
Availability
SMAJ160CA-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power feeds, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMAJ160CA-13 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design and manufacturing operations across Asia and the Americas.
The SMAJ series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability, surface-mount overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and communications equipment operating under harsh EMC environments.
FAQ
What is the meaning of the 'C' suffix in SMAJ160CA-13?
The 'C' denotes bi-directional functionality, confirming symmetrical clamping behavior for both positive and negative voltage transients. This eliminates the need for polarity-aware placement on PCBs and supports AC-coupled or floating signal line protection without external biasing networks.
Can SMAJ160CA-13 be used in place of a unidirectional SMAJ160A-13?
No - SMAJ160CA-13 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, while SMAJ160A-13 is unidirectional with cathode band identification. Substitution requires verifying that the protected circuit does not rely on DC blocking or forward conduction behavior, and that clamping symmetry is acceptable for both voltage polarities.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SMAJ160CA-13?
The device is rated for 1.0 W average power dissipation at lead temperature TL = 75°C. Derating is required above this temperature per Fig. 6 in the datasheet, reaching zero allowable power at TL ≈ 175°C. Continuous DC power dissipation must remain well below this limit to avoid thermal runaway.
How does the 8.3ms pulse test condition relate to real-world surge standards?
The 8.3ms half-sine waveform matches the IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave Generator's open-circuit voltage surge profile. It represents worst-case energy content for surge immunity testing, enabling direct comparison of clamping performance across TVS devices certified to this standard.
SMAJ160CA-13 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- 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:
- SMA
SMAJ160CA-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160CA-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160CA-13 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 SMAJ160CA-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160CA-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160CA-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160CA-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160CA-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160CA-13?
SMAJ160CA-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160CA-13 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 SMAJ160CA-13?
For technical support, including SMAJ160CA-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160CA-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160CA-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160CA-13 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 SMAJ160CA-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160CA-13?
All SMAJ160CA-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160CA-13, 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 SMAJ160CA-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160CA-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ160CA-13 Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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