Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBG170A-E3/52

Overview

SMBG170A-E3/52 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMBG (DO-215AA) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 170 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 189–209 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), <2.2 μA reverse leakage at V_WM, and clamps to ≤275 V at 2.2 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive powertrain control units, industrial motor drives, and telecom DC power inputs.

For engineers reviewing the SMBG170A-E3/52 datasheet, SMBG170A-E3/52 pinout, SMBG170A-E3/52 application, or SMBG170A-E3/52 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C max junction temperature, low-profile SMBG packaging for automated SMT assembly, and compliance with UL 497B surge protector classification.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type surge protector, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to limit transient overvoltages across protected lines. Its glass-passivated silicon junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5 %), fast response time (<1 ns), and low dynamic impedance under surge conditions.

Rated for 600 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 μs waveform and 0.01 % duty cycle, it supports repetitive surge events when thermally managed on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads. The device is qualified to AEC-Q101, confirming suitability for automotive under-hood applications requiring reliability at -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SMBG170A-E3/52 uses a 2-terminal SMBG (DO-215AA) package with cathode band marking on the anode side. Terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBG170A-E3/52, the M3 variant adds halogen-free compliance without altering surge performance, while the HE3 variant provides enhanced automotive qualification documentation - both retain identical pinout, thermal behavior, and clamping characteristics for drop-in replacement in existing designs.

Availability

SMBG170A-E3/52 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain systems, industrial motor drives, and telecom DC power inputs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and UL 497B recognition.

Supply support for SMBG170A-E3/52 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 and application-specific performance.

The SMBG series was developed to deliver high-power transient suppression in compact surface-mount packages for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 qualification and UL safety recognition.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SMBG170A-E3/52 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SMBG170A-E3/52 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 275 V at its peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 2.2 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 600 W surge event and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SMBG170A-E3/52 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SMBG170A-E3/52 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SMBG170A-E3/52 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature range, glass-passivated junction, and UL 497B recognition support deployment in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. The SMBG170A-E3/52 meets stringent automotive reliability requirements without derating in typical vehicle thermal profiles.

What does the "E3/52" suffix mean in SMBG170A-E3/52?

The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads, while "/52" specifies packaging in 7" diameter plastic tape and reel with a base quantity of 750 units. This ordering code confirms compliance with JEDEC standards for solderability and moisture sensitivity level (MSL Level 1), enabling direct use in lead-free reflow processes without pre-baking. The SMBG170A-E3/52 designation fully identifies its environmental compliance and logistics format.

How does SMBG170A-E3/52 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SMBG170CA?

SMBG170A-E3/52 is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed, whereas SMBG170CA is bidirectional for AC or polarity-agnostic signal lines. The SMBG170A-E3/52 offers lower leakage (<1.0 μA vs. ≤2.0 μA for CA variants) and supports forward surge current (I_FSM = 100 A), making it preferable for power rail protection. Both share identical V_BR, P_PPM, and package, but circuit topology dictates selection - SMBG170A-E3/52 requires correct cathode orientation.

What is the thermal resistance of SMBG170A-E3/52, and how does it affect layout design?

SMBG170A-E3/52 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value guides PCB layout: to sustain repetitive surges, designers must provide adequate copper area and minimize trace length to ground. Exceeding thermal limits risks parametric shift or failure; the SMBG170A-E3/52's R_θJL of 20 °C/W further emphasizes the need for solid thermal connection to internal ground planes.