My Inquiry
My Account
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMAJ160CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMAJ160CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
SMAJ160CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,895
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMAJ160CAHM3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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 test current, 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 automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMAJ160CAHM3/I datasheet, SMAJ160CAHM3/I pinout, SMAJ160CAHM3/I application, or SMAJ160CAHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification (HM3 suffix), halogen-free RoHS compliance, thermal resistance (RθJA = 120 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pad layouts.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the SMA package supports high surge current handling (IFSM = 40 A) and meets MSL Level 1 reflow requirements (260 °C peak).
The device delivers consistent clamping performance across -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature range, with temperature coefficient of VBR at +0.108 %/°C. Derating curves confirm usable pulse power down to ~250 W at 75 °C ambient, maintaining robustness in thermally constrained environments such as engine control units or power supply rails.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 12 V–48 V DC bus or 100 V AC line applications. |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at IPPM = 1.2 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamped voltage level limits stress on downstream components during transient suppression. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity under standardized surge waveform; sufficient for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss in battery-powered sensor nodes. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive electronics and industrial motor drives with elevated ambient temperatures. |
| RθJA | 120 °C/W - Thermal resistance value guides PCB copper pad sizing (0.2" × 0.2") to maintain junction temperature within safe limits during repetitive surges. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix). Matte tin-plated leads, MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; common node for bidirectional conduction path | Connected to protected line; no polarity marking required - symmetrical operation eliminates orientation dependency during placement. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; second terminal of bidirectional structure | Paired with Anode to form voltage-clamping junction; terminals are interchangeable in circuit layout for bidirectional protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without external polarity management. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors under temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock stress. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Supports immunity to high-energy transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 surge standards without derating below 78 V. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive switch-off), improving protection margin for sensitive gate drivers and microcontrollers. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow profile usage without baking, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost in high-volume SMT lines. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump and jump-start transients on 12 V/24 V vehicle battery lines feeding ECUs and infotainment systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between power rail and ground to limit voltage excursions to ≤259 V during 100 ms load-dump events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to PMICs and microcontrollers by holding rail voltage within safe operating area during ISO 16750-2 compliant surges. |
Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end inputs of pressure, temperature, and position sensors exposed to ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1 μA) bidirectional suppressor installed across differential sensor outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA loop or Wheatstone bridge) to absorb ±8 kV HBM ESD. Use Value: Maintains measurement accuracy and avoids false triggering by limiting transient-induced offset shifts to sub-mV levels during field deployment. |
| Telecom Line Surge Protection | Consumer Device USB/Power Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Protects Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges entering via RJ45 connectors in outdoor telecom equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired SMAJ160CAHM3/I devices configured in common-mode configuration across twisted-pair lines to clamp mode-specific overvoltages. Use Value: Achieves IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-earth) immunity without sacrificing signal bandwidth due to low junction capacitance (~50 pF at 0 V). |
Use Scenario: Safeguards USB-C power delivery circuits and auxiliary charging ports in laptops and portable medical devices from accidental 24 V adapter misconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between VBUS and GND to activate only above 160 V, avoiding interference with normal 5–20 V PD negotiation. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary overvoltage cutoff ICs by providing self-contained, passive protection that responds in <1 ns to overvoltage faults. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant commercial grade (not AEC-Q101 qualified); uses standard tin plating without halogen-free constraint. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMAJ160CAHE3/I when cost optimization is prioritized and automotive reliability testing is unnecessary. |
| SMBJ160CAHM3/I | Same VWM/VBR/VC ratings, but SMB (DO-214AA) package - 25 % larger footprint, lower RθJA (90 °C/W), higher IPPM (1.5 A). | Better thermal performance and surge margin; requires larger PCB area and different stencil design. | Choose SMBJ160CAHM3/I when higher surge repetition rate or extended thermal margin is required in space-tolerant layouts. |
Compared with SMAJ160CAHM3/I, SMAJ160CAHE3/I offers identical clamping behavior without automotive qualification, while SMBJ160CAHM3/I provides superior thermal dissipation and surge current capacity at the expense of board space - enabling trade-offs between reliability, footprint, and qualification scope.
Availability
SMAJ160CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, telecom infrastructure, and consumer power port protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMAJ160CAHM3/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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SMAJ series was developed for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ESD, EFT, and surge events is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMAJ160CAHM3/I under standard surge conditions?
The SMAJ160CAHM3/I exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform with a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.2 A. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry during transient events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SMAJ160CAHM3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C).
Is SMAJ160CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMAJ160CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and specifically designed for automotive use, as confirmed by its HM3 suffix denoting halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction. It meets requirements for engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces exposed to load dump, jump start, and ISO 7637-2 transients. The SMAJ160CAHM3/I undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per AEC-Q101 Rev D.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMAJ160CAHM3/I affect circuit layout?
The SMAJ160CAHM3/I has no polarity marking and functions identically in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during PCB placement. This allows flexible routing on differential signal lines (e.g., CAN H/L, RS-485 A/B) or ungrounded power paths without risk of incorrect installation. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the SMAJ160CAHM3/I does not require cathode alignment - simplifying automated assembly and reducing field failure risk from misplacement.
What is the thermal resistance of SMAJ160CAHM3/I, and how does it impact PCB design?
The SMAJ160CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 120 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value directly informs minimum copper area needed to sustain repetitive surge duty cycles without exceeding TJ(max) = +150 °C. For high-frequency surge environments, designers should verify thermal performance using the derating curve in Figure 2 of the SMAJ160CAHM3/I datasheet and consider adding internal ground planes to reduce effective RθJA.
Does SMAJ160CAHM3/I meet industry surge immunity standards?
Yes, SMAJ160CAHM3/I supports compliance with multiple international surge immunity standards including IEC 61000-4-5 (Level 3: 1 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line), ISO 7637-2 (Pulse 1, 2a, 3a), and ISO 16750-2 (load dump). Its 400 W peak pulse power rating, low clamping voltage (259 V), and fast response time (<1 ns) enable system-level pass rates when implemented with appropriate PCB layout - such as short traces, dedicated ground planes, and minimized loop area - as validated in Vishay's application notes for the SMAJ160CAHM3/I family.
SMAJ160CAHM3/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:
- -
- 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:
- 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)
SMAJ160CAHM3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMAJ160CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMAJ160CAHM3/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 SMAJ160CAHM3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMAJ160CAHM3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMAJ160CAHM3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMAJ160CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMAJ160CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMAJ160CAHM3/I?
SMAJ160CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMAJ160CAHM3/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 SMAJ160CAHM3/I?
For technical support, including SMAJ160CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMAJ160CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMAJ160CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMAJ160CAHM3/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 SMAJ160CAHM3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMAJ160CAHM3/I?
All SMAJ160CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMAJ160CAHM3/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 SMAJ160CAHM3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMAJ160CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMAJ160CAHM3/I Tags
-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi
-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi
-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi
-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
