Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMAJ160CAH
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,685
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Product details
Overview
SMAJ160CAH from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for automotive-grade overvoltage protection with 160V working stand-off voltage, 178–218V breakdown range at 1mA, and 287V maximum clamping voltage at 1A peak impulse current. It protects DC/DC converters, SMPS, and lighting systems against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160CAH datasheet, SMAJ160CAH pinout, SMAJ160CAH application, or SMAJ160CAH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under 10/1000μs waveform, moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1), and RoHS/halogen-free compliance - all critical for automotive and industrial power rail protection design.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve sub-1ps response time and low leakage (<1μA at 160V). Its symmetrical I-V characteristics enable identical clamping in both polarities, eliminating polarity dependency in AC-coupled or floating-rail applications.
The device operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, supports 40A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3ms half-sine), and maintains 400W peak pulse power (10/1000μs) up to 78V - derating linearly above that per Fig.2. Its DO-214AC package meets UL 94V-0 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; sets operating margin for 12–48V DC bus protection. |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 218 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| VC @ IPPM | 287 V @ 1 A (10/1000μs) - Clamping voltage defines worst-case voltage seen by protected IC during surge. |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000μs) - Peak surge energy handling capacity for automotive load-dump and inductive switching events. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Enables placement near hot components like MOSFETs or in under-hood environments. |
| Package | DO-214AC (SMA) - Surface-mount footprint compatible with automated assembly; 0.060g weight supports lightweight PCB design. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads, cathode band marking polarity for unidirectional variants; SMAJ160CAH is bidirectional and marked with "SN" code - no cathode band required. Leads are solderable per J-STD-002; MSL Level 1 (unlimited floor life).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | Identical clamping behavior in both directions; no polarity-sensitive routing needed on PCB. |
| Case (exposed lead frame) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Provides primary heat dissipation path; requires adequate copper pour for thermal relief in high-pulse applications. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing. |
| Sub-1ps response time | Clamps transients before sensitive downstream logic or analog circuitry can be damaged. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Withstands standardized automotive electrical disturbance pulses (Pulse 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) without degradation. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive for environmentally compliant manufacturing and end-of-life processing. |
| MSL Level 1 | No bake requirement before reflow; supports standard SMT assembly without moisture-related popcorning risk. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial DC/DC Converter Input Stage |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller I/O and CAN transceiver power rails from load dump and jump-start surges in BCM units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to shunt transient energy to ground. Use Value: Withstands 400W 10/1000μs pulses while limiting voltage to ≤287V - ensuring MCU reset immunity and preventing gate oxide damage in local LDOs. |
Use Scenario: Shields isolated flyback or buck-boost converter input from ESD and line-switching spikes in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24V/48V DC input rail upstream of EMI filter and primary switch. Use Value: 1μA leakage at 160V prevents standby power loss; DO-214AC footprint enables compact layout adjacent to input terminals. |
| LED Streetlight Driver | Telecom Power Shelf Input Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguards constant-current LED driver ICs from lightning-induced surges on outdoor 120–277VAC-derived DC bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS after MOV, providing fast, precise clamping where MOVs exhibit slow response and high let-through voltage. Use Value: 287V clamping at 1A ensures driver ICs rated for 300V absolute max remain within safe operating area during surge events. |
Use Scenario: Protects distributed power architecture (DPA) shelf inputs from cross-talk and backplane transients in 48V telecom systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-load surge suppressor mounted at shelf input connector, coordinated with upstream fuses and filters. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification provides reliability assurance beyond commercial-grade TVS parts, supporting 15+ year telecom infrastructure deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ160CA | Same 160V VWM, 287V VC, DO-214AC package; not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable only for industrial/commercial designs without automotive reliability requirements. | Select when AEC-Q101 is not mandated and cost optimization is prioritized. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC160CA | Higher 1.5kW peak power rating but larger DO-214AB (SMB) package; 290V VC @ 1A. | Requires PCB redesign due to larger footprint and different thermal mass; better for higher-energy surges. | Choose only if system-level surge testing exceeds 400W and board space allows SMB package. |
Compared with SMAJ160CAH, SMAJ160CA lacks AEC-Q101 validation and long-term automotive reliability data, while 1.5SMC160CA trades package compatibility for higher pulse power - making SMAJ160CAH the optimal balance of automotive qualification, DO-214AC fit, and 400W surge capability.
Availability
SMAJ160CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial DC/DC converters, and LED lighting drivers requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.
Supply support for SMAJ160CAH 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, and rectifiers with global distribution and AEC-Q101 certification capability.
The SMAJ series was developed specifically for automotive and industrial transient suppression, emphasizing fast response, low leakage, and robust packaging for harsh-environment deployment.
FAQ
What does the "CAH" suffix indicate in SMAJ160CAH?
The "CAH" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration ("C") with AEC-Q101 qualification ("A") and halogen-free construction ("H"). Unlike unidirectional "AH" variants, SMAJ160CAH provides symmetrical clamping in both voltage polarities - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating-rail circuits without polarity constraints.
Is SMAJ160CAH compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?
Yes, SMAJ160CAH is fully compatible with lead-free reflow profiles. Its DO-214AC package uses matte tin-plated leads qualified per J-STD-002, and its molding compound meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating. The device supports peak reflow temperatures up to 260°C for 10 seconds, consistent with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 handling.
How does SMAJ160CAH perform under repeated surge stress?
SMAJ160CAH is rated for non-repetitive pulses per Fig.5 (10/1000μs); its 400W rating applies to single events. For repetitive surges, derating per Fig.2 is required - e.g., at 75°C ambient, peak power drops to ~280W. Long-term reliability under frequent transients depends on thermal management; PCB copper area must dissipate energy to maintain TJ ≤150°C.
Can SMAJ160CAH replace SMAJ160A in an existing design?
No - SMAJ160A is unidirectional, while SMAJ160CAH is bidirectional. Substituting SMAJ160CAH for SMAJ160A introduces symmetrical clamping but eliminates cathode-based polarity control. If the original design relies on directional blocking (e.g., reverse-battery protection), SMAJ160CAH will not function equivalently and may compromise circuit safety.
What is the maximum allowable IR for SMAJ160CAH at its VWM?
The maximum reverse leakage current (IR) for SMAJ160CAH is specified as <1 μA at 160V (VWM) and 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power draw in always-on automotive modules such as telematics or alarm systems, directly supporting low-quiescent-current design goals.
SMAJ160CAH Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- SMAJ
- 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:
- 400W
- 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)
SMAJ160CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160CAH 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 SMAJ160CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160CAH?
SMAJ160CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160CAH 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 SMAJ160CAH?
For technical support, including SMAJ160CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160CAH 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 SMAJ160CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160CAH?
All SMAJ160CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160CAH, 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 SMAJ160CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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