STMicroelectronics SMC50J12CA
- Part No.:
- SMC50J12CA
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC50J12CA.pdf
- Description:
- 5000 W, 12 V TVS IN SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:950
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Product details
Overview
SMC50J12CA from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed for high-energy ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamps at 19.9 V (max) under 252 A surge, and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - enabling robust protection in industrial power supplies and automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMC50J12CA datasheet, SMC50J12CA pinout, SMC50J12CA application, or SMC50J12CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional configuration, low 0.2 µA leakage at 12 V standoff, IEC 61000-4-2 ±30 kV contact/air discharge compliance, and SMC package thermal performance on FR4 PCBs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses planar silicon junction technology to achieve stable breakdown behavior and low dynamic resistance (8.10 mΩ) across temperature. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints.
The device meets IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4 kV) and exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±30 kV), with verified clamping voltage of ≤19.9 V at 252 A (10/1000 µs) and ≤25.3 V at 1309 A (8/20 µs), ensuring predictable overvoltage limiting during fast transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VRM) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction initiates reliably |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 19.9 V max at 252 A (10/1000 µs) - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power | 5000 W (10/1000 µs) - sustains high-energy transients common in industrial power bus coupling |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | 0.2 µA at 12 V, 25 °C - negligible standby power loss critical for battery-backed or low-power systems |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - JEDEC-registered surface-mount outline with 7.75–8.15 mm width and 5.55–6.25 mm length |
Pinout & Package
SMC50J12CA is housed in an SMC (DO-214AB) package: a standard 2-terminal surface-mount device with cathode-marked end (bar marking per Table 6), matte tin-plated leads, and JEDEC-compliant mechanical dimensions (E = 7.75–8.15 mm, D = 5.55–6.25 mm, L = 0.75–1.50 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal during positive surge | Connects to protected line; forms symmetrical clamping path with cathode in bidirectional mode |
| Cathode | Current entry terminal during negative surge | Marked with bar; enables bidirectional conduction - no polarity dependency in AC or floating applications |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional ESD protection | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled interfaces (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) without external polarity management |
| Low dynamic resistance | 8.10 mΩ ensures minimal voltage overshoot during high-current transients (e.g., 1309 A, 8/20 µs) |
| High-temperature reliability | Rated for 175 °C junction operation - maintains clamping integrity in thermally stressed power supply designs |
| IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 exceedance | Withstands ±30 kV air/contact discharge - eliminates need for secondary protection layers in Class B/C equipment |
| JEDEC-registered SMC footprint | Guarantees compatibility with IPC-7531-compliant PCB layouts and automated assembly processes |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Data Lines |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 24 V DC input rail of programmable logic controller (PLC) power module exposed to load dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp absorbing 5000 W surges within <1 µs to prevent MOSFET gate oxide failure. Use Value: Prevents field returns due to transient-induced latch-up in upstream DC-DC controllers by limiting rail voltage to ≤19.9 V. |
Use Scenario: LIN bus or PWM-controlled lighting driver in door module subjected to ESD from human contact. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response surge suppressor placed directly at connector interface to shunt ±30 kV ESD pulses. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 12 V threshold while adding <0.2 µA leakage - no impact on sleep-mode current budget. |
| Telecom PoE+ Data Line Protection | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: 48 V Power over Ethernet (PoE+) data pair protection against lightning-induced surges on outdoor access points. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device co-located with magnetics to protect PHY transceivers from 8/20 µs induced transients. Use Value: Clamps to ≤25.3 V at 1309 A, preserving Ethernet signal eye diagram integrity and avoiding PHY reset events. |
Use Scenario: Voltage sensing node on 600 V DC link of solar inverter, exposed to switching transients from IGBT commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS protecting precision ADC front-end from >1 kV fast-rising dv/dt spikes. Use Value: 12 V VRM and 13.3 V VBR ensure no conduction during normal operation, eliminating measurement offset drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Lower peak power (600 W), same 12 V VRM and bidirectional configuration | Suitable only for sub-100 A surge environments (e.g., consumer USB ports), not industrial 252 A requirements | Select when space-constrained SMB footprint is mandatory and surge energy is limited to <100 W |
| SMCJ12CA | Same SMC package but rated for 1500 W (10/1000 µs), higher leakage (1 µA), identical VBR/VCL specs | Meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 3 only (±20 kV); insufficient for Level 4-compliant industrial equipment | Choose only if cost sensitivity outweighs surge margin and full Level 4 certification is not required |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and SMCJ12CA, SMC50J12CA uniquely delivers 5000 W surge handling in the SMC footprint while maintaining 0.2 µA leakage and full IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliance - making it the sole option for high-reliability 24–48 V DC systems requiring certified ESD immunity.
Availability
SMC50J12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply input protection, automotive BCM data lines, telecom PoE+ data line protection, and renewable energy inverter DC link monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMC50J12CA 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power management, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The SMC50J series belongs to ST's high-power TVS diode product line, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge immunity in harsh-environment power electronics where thermal stability, low leakage, and certified ESD robustness are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMC50J12CA under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage (VCL) is 19.9 V at 252 A for a 10/1000 µs waveform, measured at Tj = 25 °C. This value increases with junction temperature per αT = 10⁻⁴/°C, reaching ~21.2 V at 125 °C using the formula VCL(Tj) = VCL(25°C) × [1 + αT × (Tj − 25)].
Is SMC50J12CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
SMC50J12CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix. Polarity is marked with a cathode bar on the device body - but unlike unidirectional types, both terminals conduct symmetrically during positive and negative transients, eliminating orientation sensitivity during placement.
Does SMC50J12CA meet automotive AEC-Q200 stress testing requirements?
No - SMC50J12CA is not AEC-Q200 qualified. It is rated for industrial and commercial applications with Tj(max) = 175 °C and meets IEC/UL safety standards, but lacks the extended temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock validation required for automotive qualification.
Can SMC50J12CA be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Parallel use is not recommended due to mismatch in dynamic resistance (RD = 8.10 mΩ) and VBR tolerance (13.3–14.7 V), which causes uneven current sharing. For higher current capability, select a higher-rated part like SMC50J24CA (VCL = 38.9 V at 129 A) instead of paralleling.
SMC50J12CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- SMC50J
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V (Max)
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 252A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SMC
SMC50J12CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC50J12CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC50J12CA 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 SMC50J12CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC50J12CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC50J12CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC50J12CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC50J12CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC50J12CA?
SMC50J12CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC50J12CA 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 SMC50J12CA?
For technical support, including SMC50J12CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC50J12CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC50J12CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC50J12CA 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 SMC50J12CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC50J12CA?
All SMC50J12CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC50J12CA, 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 SMC50J12CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC50J12CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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