Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC3K78CA-M3/57
- Part No.:
- SMC3K78CA-M3/57
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC3K78CA-M3/57.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in the SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 3000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), with a breakdown voltage range of 86.7–95.8 V, stand-off voltage of 78 V, and clamping voltage of 126 V at 23.8 A. It protects MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and ICs in automotive and industrial power electronics against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 datasheet, SMC3K78CA-M3/57 pinout, SMC3K78CA-M3/57 application, or SMC3K78CA-M3/57 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified bidirectional clamping performance, AEC-Q101 qualification, UL 497B safety recognition, and compatibility with wave-soldering process constraints (not recommended for PCB bottom-side wave mounting).
Technical Context
The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, delivering fast response time and low incremental surge resistance to clamp transient overvoltages before downstream components are damaged. Its bidirectional polarity enables symmetrical protection on AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity sensitivity.
Designed for operation across -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, it meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity and supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C peak. The device is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and qualified to AEC-Q101 - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood and body-control applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 3000 W - sustains high-energy surges common in automotive load-dump or inductive switch-off events |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 86.7–95.8 V - ensures reliable avalanche conduction above normal operating voltage while avoiding false triggering |
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 78 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 2 μA |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 126 V at 23.8 A - limits transient voltage seen by protected circuitry during full-rated surge current |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55 °C to +150 °C - supports deployment in engine control units, motor drivers, and industrial power supplies |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad area for thermal dissipation |
| Polarity | Bidirectional - provides symmetrical overvoltage protection on AC or floating signal lines without orientation dependency |
Pinout & Package
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a surface-mount, molded plastic case with two coplanar terminals, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. No polarity marking on bidirectional variants.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Anode) | Transient conduction path (bidirectional) | Both terminals function identically; no cathode/anode distinction - symmetric clamping in either direction |
| Anode (Cathode) | Transient conduction path (bidirectional) | Same as above; device conducts equally for positive or negative transients across terminals |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated reliability for automotive applications including engine management and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Meets safety requirements for telecom and industrial signal-line protection circuits |
| MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 | Zero floor life limitation - can be stored indefinitely before reflow without baking |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Complies with environmental regulations for commercial-grade industrial and consumer electronics |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD or relay bounce) |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial Motor Drive Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor drivers from load-dump and inductive kickback in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across power rail and ground near sensitive interface ICs. Use Value: Clamps 12 V system transients up to 126 V at 23.8 A, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in connected MCUs and drivers. |
Use Scenario: Shields encoder feedback lines and gate driver inputs in variable-frequency drives exposed to switching noise and back-EMF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on differential analog signal paths between motor and controller. Use Value: Maintains 78 V working voltage margin while clamping fast 10/1000 μs surges to ≤126 V, preserving signal integrity. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer Appliance Mainboard Protection |
Use Scenario: Guards AC/DC adapter input stage against lightning-induced surges and AC line transients in PoE-powered equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC input rail upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: Absorbs 3000 W pulses without degradation, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards microcontroller reset lines and communication buses (e.g., I²C) in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤2 μA at 78 V) TVS on low-voltage logic rails. Use Value: Prevents false resets or data corruption during ESD events while drawing negligible standby current. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMC3K78CAHM3/57 | AEC-Q101 qualified version with identical electrical specs; HM3 suffix denotes automotive qualification and same M3 halogen-free/RoHS construction | Required for automotive production programs needing formal AEC-Q101 documentation and traceability | Select when automotive qualification and full PPAP support are mandatory |
| SMC3K82CA-M3/57 | Higher VBR (91.1–101 V), VWM = 82 V, VC = 132 V at 22.5 A - 4 V higher standoff, 6 V higher clamping | Suitable where system nominal voltage increases (e.g., 24 V industrial rails) or tighter margin between VWM and VBR is needed | Choose when design requires extended voltage headroom above 78 V nominal operation |
Compared with SMC3K78CA-M3/57, SMC3K78CAHM3/57 adds formal automotive qualification without altering electrical behavior, while SMC3K82CA-M3/57 trades 4 V higher stand-off for increased clamping voltage - making it appropriate for 24 V systems but less optimal for 12 V automotive use where lower VC is critical.
Availability
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial motor control interfaces, and telecom power supply protection requiring stable component supply and long-term sourcing continuity.
Supply support for SMC3K78CA-M3/57 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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with emphasis on high-reliability, high-power, and automotive-qualified components.
The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of transient suppressors, engineered specifically for robust, standardized protection of power and signal lines in harsh environments where surge immunity and long-term stability are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at its rated peak pulse current of 23.8 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated transient event. The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 maintains this clamping performance across its specified junction temperature range.
Is the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 - but it is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive production, Vishay recommends SMC3K78CAHM3/57 instead. The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 remains suitable for non-safety-critical automotive prototypes or commercial-grade subsystems where formal qualification is not required. Always verify compliance with your program's specific reliability requirements before using SMC3K78CA-M3/57.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
The "M3" suffix in SMC3K78CA-M3/57 denotes a halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade variant with matte tin-plated leads that pass JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. It confirms compliance with environmental directives and solderability standards (J-STD-002, JESD 22-B102), but does not imply AEC-Q101 qualification - that requires the "HM3" suffix. The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is intended for industrial and consumer applications where automotive qualification is not mandated.
Can the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is explicitly designed for bidirectional polarity only, making it ideal for protecting AC-coupled, differential, or floating signal lines such as RS-485, CAN, or sensor bridges. Its symmetrical avalanche characteristics ensure equal clamping performance for positive and negative transients. No polarity marking is present on the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 package, reflecting its inherent bidirectional functionality.
What is the recommended PCB layout for thermal management of the SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
Vishay specifies a minimum 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pad area for the SMC3K78CA-M3/57 to ensure adequate thermal dissipation during surge events. The device uses the SMC (DO-214AB) outline, and its thermal performance depends critically on copper mass and via placement beneath the pads. Avoid bottom-side wave soldering per Vishay guidance; reflow is preferred. The SMC3K78CA-M3/57 achieves optimal pulse power handling only when mounted per the recommended pad layout in the official datasheet (Document Number: 89433).
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 3000W (3kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC3K78CA-M3/57 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC3K78CA-M3/57 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 SMC3K78CA-M3/57 reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC3K78CA-M3/57 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC3K78CA-M3/57 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC3K78CA-M3/57 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 SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
For technical support, including SMC3K78CA-M3/57 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC3K78CA-M3/57 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC3K78CA-M3/57 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC3K78CA-M3/57 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 SMC3K78CA-M3/57 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC3K78CA-M3/57?
All SMC3K78CA-M3/57 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC3K78CA-M3/57, 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 SMC3K78CA-M3/57 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC3K78CA-M3/57:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC3K78CA-M3/57 Tags

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