Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I

Overview

SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMB (DO-214AA) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 90 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 100 V minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 146 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 4.1 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with a 10/1000 µs waveform-used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and telecom systems.

For engineers reviewing the SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I datasheet, SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I pinout, SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I application, or SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 100 °C/W), junction temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C), and compliance with UL 497B surge protector classification.

Technical Context

This bidirectional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities, delivering identical clamping performance regardless of transient polarity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at V_WM), while the low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during fast transients.

The device is rated for 600 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions and supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 %. Its thermal design relies on PCB copper pad area (0.2" × 0.2") for heat dissipation, with R_θJL = 20 °C/W enabling efficient conduction to leads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMB (DO-214AA), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I, the HM3 variant offers identical protection performance with halogen-free construction, while the SMCJ90CAHE3_A provides higher surge capacity in a larger package-enabling trade-offs between board space, environmental compliance, and surge margin.

Availability

SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive sensor interfaces, telecom power feeds, and consumer audio equipment requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance and UL 497B recognition.

Supply support for SMBJ90CAHE3_B/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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.

The SMBJ series was developed to deliver high-power, surface-mount transient suppression for automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where compact size, repeatable clamping, and qualification-grade reliability are essential.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I?

The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I contains two opposing avalanche diodes in a single SMB package, enabling symmetrical clamping for AC signals or floating nodes. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMBJ90A), it has no polarity marking and performs identically under positive or negative transients-critical for protecting differential interfaces like RS-485 or CAN bus lines without external biasing.

Is SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I qualified for automotive use?

Yes, SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code structure ("HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified versions). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD-validating its suitability for automotive applications such as body electronics, infotainment interfaces, and ADAS sensor protection where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I and how is it measured?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I is 146 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 4.1 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C), ensuring consistent protection margins in harsh environments.

How does the SMB package of SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I affect thermal performance?

The SMB (DO-214AA) package of SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I delivers R_θJA = 100 °C/W under standard JEDEC test conditions (0.2" × 0.2" copper pads), meaning junction temperature rises 100 °C per watt of sustained power dissipation. For transient suppression, this thermal resistance governs safe repetition rates: at 0.01 % duty cycle, the device handles 600 W pulses without exceeding T_J(max) = 150 °C. Layout optimization-such as increasing copper area or adding thermal vias-can improve real-world thermal margin.

Does SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I meet UL safety standards?

Yes, SMBJ90CAHE3_B/I is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized under file E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional configurations, compliant with UL 497B for primary protector classification. This certification confirms its ability to safely withstand repeated surge events without fire hazard or insulation breakdown-making it suitable for end-equipment requiring UL listing, including industrial power supplies, telecom base stations, and automotive ECUs where safety agency approval is mandatory.