Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ160CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMBJ160CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ160CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,363
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Product details
Overview
SMBJ160CAHM3/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), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 2.3 A maximum clamping current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤259 V at rated surge.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ160CAHM3/I datasheet, SMBJ160CAHM3/I pinout, SMBJ160CAHM3/I application, or SMBJ160CAHM3/I equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in automotive power rails, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line cards where bidirectional surge immunity and AEC-Q101 qualification are required.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical VBR min/max (178–197 V), ID ≤1.0 µA at VWM, and VC ≤259 V at IPPM. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time enable effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients without affecting normal circuit operation.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 100 °C/W and RθJL = 20 °C/W, supporting reliable operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction and AEC-Q101 qualification-critical for automotive under-hood and infotainment systems requiring long-term reliability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤259 V at IPPM = 2.3 A (10/1000 µs) - Clamping voltage directly limits stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or transceivers. |
| PPPM | 600 W - Peak transient energy handling capacity under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 compliance. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 µA - Ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on sensor nodes or low-power modules. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables deployment in high-temperature environments such as engine control units or industrial motor drives. |
| Package | SMB (DO-214AA) - Surface-mount footprint compatible with automated assembly; 5.59 mm × 4.06 mm body with 2.20 mm lead spacing. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMB (DO-214AA), bidirectional configuration - no polarity marking; symmetrical terminals with cathode/anode roles interchangeable per direction of transient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Terminal 1) | Transient return path (negative polarity surge) | Completes low-impedance clamp path during negative-going transients; connects to ground or low-side rail. |
| Cathode (Terminal 2) | Transient return path (positive polarity surge) | Completes low-impedance clamp path during positive-going transients; connects to protected line or supply rail. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without external polarity management. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HM3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensors requiring zero-failure reliability. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets global environmental regulations and enables use in green manufacturing programs without material declaration concerns. |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 0.01% duty cycle-sufficient for CAN bus, RS-485, and 12 V/24 V DC power rail protection. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports standard lead-free SMT reflow profiles without moisture-related delamination risk. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V supply inputs in engine control modules against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamping element placed between input rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259 V, preventing damage to MCU power regulators and CAN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and field wiring surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1.0 µA) bidirectional suppressor mounted across signal and return paths. Use Value: Maintains signal accuracy while diverting >2.3 A surge current away from precision DACs and op-amps. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Device USB/Type-C Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors from lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on differential pair inputs, paired with common-mode chokes. Use Value: Withstands 600 W pulses without degradation, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Ed.3 2 kV line-to-ground test requirements. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level overvoltage defense on USB VBUS and CC lines in portable chargers and docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact SMB-footprint TVS placed adjacent to connector to minimize trace inductance. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and low clamping voltage preserve USB PD negotiation integrity during hot-plug ESD events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CAHE3/I | Same electrical specs; RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification. | Suitable for commercial/industrial designs where automotive qualification is not mandated. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs halogen-free or automotive reliability requirements. |
| SMAJ160CAHM3 | Lower PPPM (400 W); same VWM/VBR/VC; SMA package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass). | Limited to lower-energy transients; less suitable for sustained load-dump scenarios. | Choose only if board space is constrained and surge threat level is below IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2. |
Compared with SMBJ160CAHM3/I, the HE3/I variant trades halogen-free construction and AEC-Q101 validation for lower cost, while the SMAJ160CAHM3 sacrifices 33% peak power handling and thermal robustness for reduced PCB area-neither offers drop-in replacement capability without layout or reliability reassessment.
Availability
SMBJ160CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for SMBJ160CAHM3/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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on high-reliability, high-efficiency solutions.
The SMBJ series delivers standardized, high-power TVS protection optimized for automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure-designed to replace older P6KE and P4KE families with improved surge margin and manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMBJ160CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMBJ160CAHM3/I clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.3 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events, ensuring compatibility with 200 V-rated downstream components.
Is SMBJ160CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMBJ160CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix, confirming halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction validated for automotive use. It meets temperature cycling, humidity testing, and mechanical shock requirements defined in AEC-Q101, making it appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and infotainment systems.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMBJ160CAHM3/I affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional nature of SMBJ160CAHM3/I eliminates polarity concerns during placement-it functions identically regardless of orientation across a protected node. This simplifies layout on differential lines, AC-coupled signals, or floating buses, and avoids errors associated with unidirectional TVS orientation mismatches in production.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SMBJ160CAHM3/I?
The SMBJ160CAHM3/I has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +150 °C, enabling operation in high-ambient environments such as under-hood automotive locations or enclosed industrial enclosures. Derating curves in the datasheet confirm usable power dissipation down to TA = +125 °C with appropriate PCB copper area.
Does SMBJ160CAHM3/I require a heatsink for standard operation?
No external heatsink is required for SMBJ160CAHM3/I under typical transient conditions, as its 600 W peak pulse rating applies to short-duration events (≤50 ms). However, for repetitive surges or elevated ambient temperatures, mounting on ≥5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads per terminal is mandatory to maintain thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W) and prevent junction overheating.
SMBJ160CAHM3/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:
- 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):
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ160CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ160CAHM3/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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ160CAHM3/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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ160CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ160CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ160CAHM3/I?
SMBJ160CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ160CAHM3/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/I?
For technical support, including SMBJ160CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ160CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ160CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ160CAHM3/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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ160CAHM3/I?
All SMBJ160CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ160CAHM3/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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ160CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ160CAHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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