Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 259 A peak pulse current (IPPM) at 10/1000 µs waveform, 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC), and 600 W peak pulse power dissipation - deployed in industrial motor drives to protect IGBT gate drivers from inductive switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I application, or SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped surge protector using an avalanche breakdown mechanism. Its bidirectional symmetry enables protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints, and its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics over temperature and lifetime.
The SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I delivers consistent clamping performance under repetitive 10/1000 µs transients at 0.01% duty cycle, with low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns). It is rated for TJ = -55 °C to +150 °C and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 at 260 °C peak reflow.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 120–150 VDC bus applications. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at IT = 1 mA - Verified breakdown range ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage at 259 A peak pulse current; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream circuitry during surge. |
| PPPM | 600 W - Peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; negligible power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance sensor bias networks. |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads; informs derating requirements above TA = 25 °C. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing; suitable for under-hood and ADAS subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H); MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Anode) | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | No polarity marking; terminals are symmetrical - either end serves as current entry/exit depending on transient polarity. |
| Anode (Cathode) | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Identical function to opposite terminal; enables placement flexibility on PCB without orientation constraints. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC, differential, or floating nodes without external polarity management - eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices. |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 4 kV (open-circuit)/2 kA (short-circuit) when properly mounted. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over 1000+ surge events and >15-year operational life under repeated transient stress. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive environments including extended temperature cycling (-40 °C to +125 °C case) and board-level reliability testing. |
| Low-profile SMB package | 0.220" height enables use in space-constrained modules such as battery management systems and motor control inverters. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate driver ICs and isolated gate supplies against voltage spikes induced by IGBT/MOSFET switching in 3-phase inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamps both positive and negative transients on isolated DC-link sensing and bootstrap supply rails. Use Value: Limits gate-source voltage excursion to ≤259 V, preventing destructive overvoltage failure of 600 V-class gate drivers. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on LIN bus lines and power inputs of door module ECUs exposed to load dump and jump-start conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response voltage clamp absorbs 12 V system transients up to ±100 V with sub-nanosecond reaction time. Use Value: Maintains LIN communication integrity during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) by holding line voltage below 30 V threshold of transceiver ICs. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Industrial PLC I/O Modules |
|
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection of 48 V DC-DC converters in base station power distribution units subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element on secondary-side 48 V output rail, coordinated with upstream MOVs and fuses. Use Value: Clamps 48 V rail to ≤259 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preserving regulation and preventing latch-up in synchronous buck controllers. |
Use Scenario: Protection of analog input channels (e.g., 4–20 mA loops) and digital I/O against ESD and field-wiring transients in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 µA) bidirectional suppressor placed directly at connector interface before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Prevents offset drift and ADC saturation during 8 kV contact ESD events while adding <0.1 mV error to 16-bit measurement accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CAHE3_A/I | Same electrical specs, but RoHS-compliant (non-halogen-free) and commercial-grade (not AEC-Q101 qualified). | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive reliability requirements and halogen-free material is not required. |
| SMAJ160CAHM3_A/I | Lower PPPM (400 W vs. 600 W), same VWM/VC, SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 140 °C/W). | Reduced surge margin; requires tighter thermal layout or lower ambient for equivalent reliability. | Choose only if board space is critical and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 (1 kA). |
Compared with SMBJ160CAHE3_A/I, the SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I adds halogen-free construction and AEC-Q101 qualification without sacrificing clamping performance; versus SMAJ160CAHM3_A/I, it provides 50% higher surge power handling and superior thermal dissipation in the larger SMB package.
Availability
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power supplies, and industrial PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMBJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness, consistency, and long-term stability are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I clamps voltage transients of either polarity symmetrically, unlike unidirectional "A" variants that conduct only in reverse bias. This makes SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I ideal for protecting AC-coupled interfaces, differential buses, or floating power domains without polarity constraints.
Is SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the "HM3" suffix confirms SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified. It has passed rigorous automotive reliability tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD, making SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I appropriate for under-hood and chassis-mounted modules in passenger vehicles and commercial fleets.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I at rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I is 259 V at 259 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions (TA = 25 °C, mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
How does the SMB package of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I affect thermal performance?
The SMB (DO-214AA) package of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I provides a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W on standard 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. This allows SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I to sustain 600 W surges with minimal junction temperature rise, outperforming smaller packages like SMA (RθJA = 140 °C/W) in thermally demanding applications such as motor drive power stages.
Can SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I replace unidirectional TVS diodes in existing designs?
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I can replace unidirectional variants only if the circuit topology supports bidirectional clamping - for example, across floating rails or differential signal pairs. It must not be substituted in unidirectional configurations (e.g., cathode-to-rail) without verifying that forward conduction during normal operation remains within safe limits, as SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I conducts in both directions.
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 2.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- 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-214AA (SMB)
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/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 SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I?
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ160CAHM3_A/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 SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ160CAHM3_A/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 SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I?
All SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ160CAHM3_A/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 SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ160CAHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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