Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I

Overview

SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMB (DO-214AA) package, rated for 188 V standoff voltage (VWM), 209–231 V breakdown (VBR), and 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It clamps transients to ≤328 V at 2.0 A IPPM and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C, protecting MOSFETs and signal lines in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I application, or SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device functions as a voltage-clamping protector using an avalanche junction structure, delivering symmetrical forward/reverse conduction for bidirectional transient suppression. Its glass-passivated chip junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance under repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses at 0.01% duty cycle.

Designed for high-energy surge immunity, SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I meets UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow). It exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR = +0.108 %/°C and maintains clamping performance across its full operating junction temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Dimensions: 4.57 mm × 3.94 mm × 2.20 mm (L × W × H), matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I, SMBJ188CAHM3_A/I offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while SMCJ188CAHE3_A/I provides 2.5× higher pulse power handling in a physically larger package-enabling design flexibility between space-constrained layouts and extreme surge environments.

Availability

SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power rectifiers, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 qualification and RoHS compliance.

Supply support for SMBJ188CAHE3_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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade validation.

The SMBJ series delivers standardized TVS protection across 5.0 V to 188 V standoff voltages, engineered for high-volume SMT deployment in harsh-environment applications demanding repeatable clamping and long-term stability.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I?

The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I conducts and clamps symmetrically in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMBJ188A), it has no cathode marking and is used where transient polarity is unpredictable-such as across AC lines or differential signal pairs. This makes SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I ideal for applications like telecom interfaces and automotive LIN buses.

Is SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, verified per stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and ESD. Its 150 °C max junction temperature, MSL Level 1 rating, and UL 497B recognition make it suitable for under-hood and body-control module deployments. The HE3 suffix explicitly confirms this automotive qualification, distinguishing it from commercial-grade E3 variants.

What is the clamping voltage of SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I and why does it matter?

SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 328 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM = 2.0 A, 10/1000 µs). This value defines the highest voltage that will appear across protected circuitry during a surge event. A lower VC relative to VBR (clamping ratio ~1.57) ensures downstream components-like 300 V-rated MOSFETs or isolated gate drivers-are not overstressed, directly impacting system robustness and field failure rates.

How does the SMB (DO-214AA) package affect thermal performance of SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I?

The SMB package gives SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W when mounted on 0.2" × 0.2" copper pads. This limits continuous power dissipation to 5.0 W at 50 °C ambient but remains sufficient for transient-only duty cycles (<0.01%). For designs requiring higher average power handling, thermal vias or larger copper areas are recommended-though SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I is optimized for short-duration surge absorption, not steady-state dissipation.

Can SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I replace SMBJ180CAHE3_A/I in an existing design?

SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I is not a direct replacement for SMBJ180CAHE3_A/I due to its higher VWM (188 V vs. 180 V) and correspondingly higher VBR (209–231 V vs. 200–221 V). Substituting it may delay clamping onset, risking overvoltage damage in circuits designed around the lower threshold. Verify system transient profile and margin analysis before interchange; SMBJ188CAHE3_A/I should only be used where 188 V standoff is explicitly required.