Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC3K78CA-M3/9A
- Part No.:
- SMC3K78CA-M3/9A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,500
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, rated for 3000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 78 V standoff voltage (VWM), 86.7–95.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 126 V clamping voltage (VC) at 23.8 A peak surge current. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients and lightning surges in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the SMC3K78CA-M3/9A datasheet, SMC3K78CA-M3/9A pinout, SMC3K78CA-M3/9A application, or SMC3K78CA-M3/9A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, UL 497B safety recognition, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction - all verified per Vishay Document #89433 (Rev. 13-Sep-2022).
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device across sensitive nodes, responding within picoseconds to transient overvoltages exceeding its VBR threshold. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure minimal let-through energy during 10/1000 μs surges up to 3000 W.
Designed for unidirectional PCB top-side mounting only, it features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. Junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +150 °C, with derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 of the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin below breakdown. |
| VBR min/max | 86.7 V / 95.8 V - Breakdown occurs within this band at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on under surge conditions. |
| VC @ IPPM | 126 V - Clamped voltage at 23.8 A peak surge current; determines maximum stress imposed on protected downstream circuitry. |
| PPPM | 3000 W - Peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 μs waveform; quantifies transient energy absorption capacity. |
| Polarity | Bidirectional - Symmetric clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines; no polarity marking required on device body. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Industry-standard surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad area recommendation for thermal management. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; supports operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
Pinout & Package
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A uses the standard SMC (DO-214AB) package: two-terminal, symmetrical, bidirectional device with no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads suitable for reflow soldering per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Either terminal serves as input/output for bidirectional clamping; no fixed anode/cathode designation - device functions identically in either orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - enables use in engine control, ADAS, and infotainment modules. |
| UL 497B recognized | Safety certification with file E136766 confirms compliance for telecom and industrial surge protection applications requiring regulatory approval. |
| MSL Level 1 | Moisture sensitivity level 1 per J-STD-020 means unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/85% RH - eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | M3 suffix denotes halogen-free molding compound and lead-free terminations meeting EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JS709 standards. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VWM = 126 V / 78 V ≈ 1.62 - tight clamping margin minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs without excessive power dissipation. |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain ECUs | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN transceiver inputs and microcontroller I/O pins from load-dump and alternator ripple-induced transients in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector interface to shunt surge energy before reaching silicon. Use Value: Withstands 3000 W pulses and operates up to +150 °C junction temperature, enabling robust protection in under-hood environments without derating penalties. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog front-end amplifiers and ADC inputs in pressure/temperature sensor modules exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance transient suppressor across differential signal pairs to preserve signal integrity while limiting overvoltage. Use Value: 126 V clamping voltage at 23.8 A ensures downstream op-amps remain within absolute maximum ratings during 10/1000 μs surges. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level surge protection on Ethernet PHY or DSL line drivers subjected to induced lightning surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT) to refine clamping and absorb residual energy. Use Value: UL 497B recognition and 78 V VWM allow integration into certified telecom infrastructure designs without additional safety validation. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to MCU GPIOs and driver ICs. IC Role / Device Role: Surface-mount TVS mounted adjacent to motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback before propagation into control logic. Use Value: SMC package provides mechanical robustness and thermal mass for repeated 3000 W surge events typical in appliance lifetime testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMC3K75CA-M3/9A | Lower VWM (75 V) and VBR (83.3–92.1 V); VC = 121 V at 24.8 A | Slightly tighter clamping margin but reduced standoff headroom; better suited for 72 V nominal bus systems | Select when system nominal voltage is ≤72 V and lower clamping voltage is prioritized over margin. |
| SMC3K78CAHM3/9A | Identical electrical specs; HM3 suffix indicates AEC-Q101 qualification (M3 is commercial grade only) | Required for automotive production programs mandating AEC-Q101; same footprint and layout | Choose SMC3K78CAHM3/9A for new automotive designs; SMC3K78CA-M3/9A remains valid for industrial/commercial use. |
Compared with SMC3K78CA-M3/9A, SMC3K75CA-M3/9A offers lower clamping but less overvoltage margin, while SMC3K78CAHM3/9A delivers identical protection performance with certified automotive reliability - making it the direct upgrade path where AEC-Q101 compliance is mandatory.
Availability
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain modules, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection circuits, and consumer appliance motor control boards requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A 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, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on high-reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMC3KxxCA series was developed to deliver high-power transient suppression in compact SMC packages for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness, safety certification, and thermal stability are critical.
FAQ
What does the "-M3/9A" suffix mean in SMC3K78CA-M3/9A?
The "M3" suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads passing JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. The "/9A" denotes packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 3500 units - a standard logistics format for automated SMT placement.
Is SMC3K78CA-M3/9A suitable for automotive applications?
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is qualified for industrial and commercial use. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 certification, Vishay specifies the SMC3K78CAHM3/9A variant. While SMC3K78CA-M3/9A shares identical electrical parameters, it lacks the formal automotive qualification required by Tier 1 suppliers.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMC3K78CA-M3/9A and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is 126 V, measured at the peak pulse current (IPPM) of 23.8 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
Can SMC3K78CA-M3/9A be used in bidirectional signal lines such as RS-485 or CAN bus?
Yes - SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is inherently bidirectional and commonly deployed across differential pairs in RS-485 transceivers and CAN FD interfaces. Its symmetrical clamping behavior and 126 V VC ensure balanced protection without polarity concerns or added circuit complexity.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SMC3K78CA-M3/9A above 25 °C ambient?
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A follows the derating curve in Figure 2 of Vishay Document #89433: peak pulse power decreases linearly from 100% at 25 °C to ~50% at 125 °C junction temperature. Designers must calculate TJ using thermal resistance and power dissipation to maintain safe operation within the –55 °C to +150 °C range.
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A 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-M3/9A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A 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-M3/9A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC3K78CA-M3/9A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A?
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC3K78CA-M3/9A 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-M3/9A?
For technical support, including SMC3K78CA-M3/9A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC3K78CA-M3/9A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC3K78CA-M3/9A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC3K78CA-M3/9A 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-M3/9A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC3K78CA-M3/9A?
All SMC3K78CA-M3/9A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC3K78CA-M3/9A, 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-M3/9A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC3K78CA-M3/9A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC3K78CA-M3/9A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

