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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160CA-E3/61
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160CA-E3/61
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160CA-E3/61.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.2 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with a 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and telecom line protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160CA-E3/61 datasheet, SMAJ160CA-E3/61 pinout, SMAJ160CA-E3/61 application, or SMAJ160CA-E3/61 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low leakage (<1.0 μA at 160 V), AEC-Q101 qualification readiness, and SMA (DO-214AC) package compatibility with automated SMT assembly.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transients exceeding its breakdown threshold (178–197 V), it rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction, diverting surge current away from downstream circuitry while maintaining clamped voltage ≤259 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surges.
Designed for unclamped transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and ISO 7637-2 (automotive load dump), the device delivers 1.2 A peak pulse current capability at rated conditions, with thermal resistance of 120 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 30 °C/W (junction-to-lead) enabling operation up to +150 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping onset. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 178–197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 259 V at 1.2 A - Measured peak voltage across device during 10/1000 μs surge; directly limits stress on protected ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustained energy-handling capacity for 10/1000 μs waveform; enables protection against moderate-energy transients. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 1.2 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current supported at rated VC; determines minimum trace width and PCB layout margin. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | <1.0 μA at 160 V - Ultra-low off-state current minimizes power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJmax | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking - symmetrical anode/cathode terminals enable orientation-agnostic placement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; conducts surge current in either direction when VWM exceeded. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; functionally identical to Anode in CA-series devices; no band marking required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both polarities - eliminates need for orientation verification during placement and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating lines. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Rated for 10/1000 μs waveform - provides validated energy absorption for common industrial and automotive surge standards without derating below 78 V. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Rated for floor life unlimited at ≤30 °C/85 % RH - compatible with standard reflow profiles without baking, reducing manufacturing overhead. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | Available in HE3/HM3 variants - meets stress test requirements for automotive electronics, including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Stable avalanche behavior over lifetime - prevents parameter drift under repeated surge exposure and ensures consistent clamping performance. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed directly at connector entry point, clamping surges before reaching sensitive analog front-ends or communication ICs. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤259 V during 12 V system load dump events, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in 5 V or 3.3 V interface ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges from relay coils, solenoids, and motor drives in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V DC input channels, mounted adjacent to terminal block to intercept transients before optocoupler or MCU GPIO protection stages. Use Value: Withstands ≥1.2 A surge current while holding clamped voltage below 260 V, ensuring reliable operation of 24 V-rated isolation components and extending module service life. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Control Board |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHYs, RS-485 transceivers, and PoE-powered devices from lightning-induced surges and ESD on outdoor or building-entry cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection element on differential data lines, used in conjunction with common-mode chokes and secondary GDTs for multi-level defense. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry allows single-device protection of full-duplex links; 1.0 μA leakage avoids signal distortion in high-impedance receiver inputs. |
Use Scenario: Securing microcontroller reset lines, button inputs, and display backlight drivers in washing machines, HVAC controllers, and smart kitchen appliances exposed to user ESD and power-line noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamping device placed at MCU pin level to suppress fast-rising ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) before internal ESD structures are stressed. Use Value: Sub-10 ns response time and 259 V clamping prevent false resets or firmware corruption during user interaction, improving field reliability and reducing warranty returns. |
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 | Unidirectional; cathode band marked; VF = 3.5 V at 25 A forward current. | Requires correct polarity orientation; suitable only for DC-biased lines with defined ground reference. | Select when protecting unidirectional power rails or signals referenced to system ground where polarity is fixed and forward conduction may be needed. |
| SMBJ160CA-E3/52 | Same VWM/VC specs but in SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W PPPM; larger footprint (4.58 × 3.94 mm vs. 4.58 × 2.62 mm). | Higher surge rating supports more severe transients; requires larger PCB area and different stencil design. | Choose when higher energy handling (600 W) is required and board space permits the larger SMB package; not drop-in compatible due to pad layout differences. |
Compared with SMAJ160CA-E3/61, the unidirectional SMAJ160A-E3/61 demands strict polarity alignment but offers forward conduction capability, while the SMBJ160CA-E3/52 trades compactness for 50 % higher surge power - making SMAJ160CA-E3/61 optimal for space-constrained bidirectional protection where 400 W suffices.
Availability
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial digital I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant commercial-grade TVS diodes.
Supply support for SMAJ160CA-E3/61 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, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMAJ series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications systems where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 readiness are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMAJ160CA-E3/61 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMAJ160CA-E3/61 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1.2 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in Vishay's datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024, Document Number 88390. The clamping voltage defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events, making it a critical parameter for ensuring downstream IC survival. SMAJ160CA-E3/61 maintains this clamping performance symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is SMAJ160CA-E3/61 RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, SMAJ160CA-E3/61 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating it is RoHS-compliant and certified to Vishay's commercial-grade specifications. It is not halogen-free - that designation applies to parts with the "M3" suffix (e.g., SMAJ160CA-M3/61). The E3 variant uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. SMAJ160CA-E3/61 is suitable for standard commercial and industrial applications where RoHS compliance is required but halogen-free materials are not mandated.
Does SMAJ160CA-E3/61 have AEC-Q101 qualification?
No, SMAJ160CA-E3/61 itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified; it is a commercial-grade part. However, Vishay offers AEC-Q101-qualified versions under the HE3 (RoHS-compliant + AEC-Q101) and HM3 (halogen-free + RoHS + AEC-Q101) suffixes - for example, SMAJ160CAHE3_A/H. These variants undergo additional stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D, including HTGB, TCT, and ESD. If automotive under-hood or safety-critical use is intended, specify the HE3 or HM3 version instead of SMAJ160CA-E3/61 to ensure compliance.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ160CA-E3/61, and how does it affect PCB layout?
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 30 °C/W, measured on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads per terminal. These values mean that under worst-case 3.3 W steady-state dissipation, junction temperature could rise ~400 °C above ambient - but since the device handles only short-duration pulses (not continuous power), thermal design focuses on pulse energy rather than average power. For reliable surge handling, maintain minimum recommended pad dimensions (per DO-214AC outline) and avoid excessive copper removal near terminals to preserve RθJL benefits. SMAJ160CA-E3/61 relies on low thermal mass for fast transient response, not heatsinking.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMAJ160CA-E3/61 impact its use in AC-coupled circuits?
The bidirectional architecture of SMAJ160CA-E3/61 enables symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity constraints - ideal for AC-coupled data lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, Ethernet), transformer-isolated interfaces, or floating sensor outputs. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, SMAJ160CA-E3/61 requires no orientation during placement and exhibits matched VBR, VC, and IPPM in either direction. This eliminates risk of misplacement-induced failure and simplifies layout for differential or bipolar signal paths. SMAJ160CA-E3/61 achieves this via a back-to-back PN junction structure, confirmed in Vishay's electrical characteristics table for CA-suffix devices.
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160CA-E3/61 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160CA-E3/61 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-E3/61 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160CA-E3/61 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160CA-E3/61 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160CA-E3/61?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160CA-E3/61 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160CA-E3/61?
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160CA-E3/61 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-E3/61?
For technical support, including SMAJ160CA-E3/61 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160CA-E3/61 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160CA-E3/61 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160CA-E3/61 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-E3/61 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160CA-E3/61?
All SMAJ160CA-E3/61 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160CA-E3/61, 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-E3/61 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160CA-E3/61:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ160CA-E3/61 Tags
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