Semtech Corporation SMBJ170CA
- Part No.:
- SMBJ170CA
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Datasheet:
-
SMBJ170CA.pdf
- Description:
- 1-LINE 170V 2.2A TVS DO-214AA(SM
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,000
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Product details
Overview
SMBJ170CA from Littelfuse is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection of DC power lines and I/O interfaces. It features a 170V reverse standoff voltage, 275V maximum clamping voltage at 14.3A peak pulse current (8/20μs), and 600W peak pulse power rating. The device is housed in a DO-214AA (SMC) surface-mount package and is rated for ±30kV ESD per IEC 61000-4-2, making it suitable for industrial power rail and telecom interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMBJ170CA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 170V working voltage compatibility with 150–180V DC systems, low dynamic impedance (<0.5Ω), stable clamping across temperature (−65°C to +150°C), and RoHS-compliant lead-free termination - all critical for robust overvoltage resilience in harsh environments.
Technical Context
The SMBJ170CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode that enters breakdown when transient voltage exceeds its 170V VRWM, diverting surge current to ground via low-impedance conduction. Its unidirectional/bidirectional configuration (CA suffix denotes bidirectional) enables symmetrical clamping on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity sensitivity.
Clamping performance is characterized by a maximum VC of 275V at IPP = 14.3A (8/20μs waveform), with typical junction capacitance of <100pF at 0V and leakage current ≤5μA at VRWM. Thermal design leverages the SMC package's 1.5°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance to sustain repeated surges without degradation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reverse Standoff Voltage | 170V - defines maximum continuous DC operating voltage before significant leakage begins; matches 150–180V industrial bus rails. |
| Breakdown Voltage (Min) | 189V - ensures reliable triggering above normal operating transients while avoiding false activation during ripple or noise. |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage | 275V at 14.3A (8/20μs) - limits protected circuit stress to safe levels below 300V IC damage thresholds. |
| Peak Pulse Power | 600W - supports single-event surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4kV line-to-ground) in properly decoupled systems. |
| Junction Capacitance | <100pF at 0V - minimizes signal distortion on medium-speed control lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, sensor inputs). |
| Operating Temperature | −65°C to +150°C - enables deployment in automotive engine bays, outdoor telecom cabinets, and industrial motor drives. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AA (SMC), surface-mount, molded plastic case with cathode band marking. Dimensions: 7.11 × 6.22 × 2.34 mm. RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Cathode Band Side) | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Connected to system ground or common reference; carries full surge current during both polarities of overvoltage event. |
| Cathode (Opposite Cathode Band) | Protected line input | Connected to line under protection (e.g., VBUS, RS-485 A/B, DC input); forms symmetrical clamp with anode in CA variant. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Equal 170V VRWM and 275V VC for positive/negative transients - eliminates need for dual-diode configurations on AC or floating buses. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VRWM) | 1.62 - tighter than standard TVS diodes (typically >1.75), reducing margin required between protected IC's absolute max rating and clamp level. |
| High surge current capability | 14.3A (8/20μs) - withstands multiple repetitions of IEC 61000-4-5 surges without parameter shift or failure. |
| Fast response time | <1ps - activates within picoseconds of overvoltage onset, limiting energy delivered to downstream components before clamping engages. |
| Stable leakage over temperature | ≤5μA up to +125°C - prevents thermal runaway or false triggering in high-ambient environments like power supplies and inverters. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Input Protection | Telecom Line Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 170V DC input stage of programmable logic controller (PLC) power supply exposed to load dump and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage shunt protector placed upstream of DC-DC converter input filter. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤275V, preventing MOSFET gate oxide rupture and bulk capacitor overvoltage failure during 4kV IEC 61000-4-5 events. |
Use Scenario: RS-485 data line in outdoor base station equipment subject to induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional line protector on differential pair, mounted adjacent to connector per IEC 61000-4-5 layout guidelines. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <100pF capacitance while clamping common-mode transients to safe levels for isolated transceiver ICs. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link |
Use Scenario: 12V/24V auxiliary power rail in BCM subjected to ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and pulse 3a/b (load dump simulation). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge suppressor after primary LC filter, protecting microcontroller I/O and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Withstands −100V to +100V transients with sub-ns response, ensuring CAN communication remains functional post-surge. |
Use Scenario: DC link between PV array and inverter stage in solar microinverter, where voltage can reach 170V under MPPT conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Overvoltage clamp on high-side DC bus, coordinated with crowbar circuit to prevent IGBT destruction. Use Value: Provides 600W surge dissipation without derating at +105°C ambient, enabling compact heatsink-free placement near bus bars. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ170A | Unidirectional; requires explicit polarity assignment and ground-referenced layout. | Suitable only for DC lines with fixed polarity (e.g., +170V rail to GND); not usable on AC or floating signals. | Select SMBJ170A only when polarity is strictly controlled and board space allows dedicated ground routing. |
| SMCJ170CA | Same electrical specs but in larger DO-214AB (SMC) package; 1500W peak power rating. | Used where higher surge endurance (>100 surges at 14.3A) or improved thermal mass is required. | Choose SMCJ170CA for mission-critical infrastructure (e.g., utility metering) where long-term reliability outweighs size constraints. |
Compared with SMBJ170CA, SMBJ170A lacks bidirectional symmetry and demands strict polarity awareness, while SMCJ170CA trades footprint efficiency for higher surge endurance and thermal stability - making SMBJ170CA the optimal balance of size, performance, and flexibility for space-constrained 170V DC protection.
Availability
SMBJ170CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, and renewable energy systems requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance across production lots, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMBJ170CA 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
Littelfuse is a global leader in circuit protection, specializing in fuses, TVS diodes, varistors, and gas discharge tubes for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The SMBJ series is part of Littelfuse's surface-mount TVS portfolio engineered for high-reliability DC power line and signal interface protection, emphasizing low clamping ratios, wide temperature operation, and AEC-Q200 compliance readiness.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ170CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMBJ170CA has a maximum clamping voltage of 275V when subjected to a 14.3A peak pulse current with an 8/20μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the Littelfuse datasheet and reflects worst-case performance under standardized surge testing conditions. The SMBJ170CA maintains this clamping level across its full operating temperature range, ensuring predictable protection behavior in demanding thermal environments.
Is SMBJ170CA suitable for protecting RS-485 communication lines?
Yes, SMBJ170CA is suitable for RS-485 line protection due to its bidirectional clamping, low junction capacitance (<100pF), and ability to handle common-mode surges up to 4kV per IEC 61000-4-5. When placed differential-mode across A/B lines or common-mode from line to ground, the SMBJ170CA limits transient voltage without distorting data signals up to 10 Mbps. Layout must follow short-trace, symmetric routing guidelines to preserve signal integrity.
How does SMBJ170CA differ from unidirectional SMBJ170A?
SMBJ170CA is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, whereas SMBJ170A is unidirectional and only protects against one polarity unless paired with another diode. This makes SMBJ170CA ideal for AC-coupled, floating, or polarity-agnostic circuits like telecom lines or sensor bridges. The SMBJ170CA eliminates the need for dual-diode arrangements and simplifies PCB layout compared to SMBJ170A.
What is the operating temperature range for SMBJ170CA?
The SMBJ170CA operates reliably from −65°C to +150°C, with all key parameters-including leakage current, clamping voltage, and breakdown threshold-specified across this full range. This extended range supports deployment in extreme environments such as automotive under-hood modules, outdoor telecom enclosures, and industrial motor drives where ambient temperatures exceed 100°C. The SMBJ170CA's stable performance avoids thermal derating penalties seen in lower-grade TVS devices.
Can SMBJ170CA be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No, SMBJ170CA should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors, as minor parametric variations between units cause uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. Littelfuse does not characterize or guarantee parallel operation for the SMBJ170CA. For higher surge ratings, select the SMCJ170CA (1500W) or contact Aetrix Electronics for validated multi-device protection architectures using discrete current-sharing networks.
SMBJ170CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AA, SMB
- Series:
- SMBJxxCA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.2A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AA (SMB)
SMBJ170CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMBJ170CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMBJ170CA 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 SMBJ170CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMBJ170CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMBJ170CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMBJ170CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMBJ170CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMBJ170CA?
SMBJ170CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMBJ170CA 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 SMBJ170CA?
For technical support, including SMBJ170CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMBJ170CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMBJ170CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMBJ170CA 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 SMBJ170CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMBJ170CA?
All SMBJ170CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMBJ170CA, 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 SMBJ170CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMBJ170CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMBJ170CA Tags

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