STMicroelectronics SMC50J15CA
- Part No.:
- SMC50J15CA
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC50J15CA.pdf
- Description:
- Linear IC's
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,266
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Product details
Overview
SMC50J15CA 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 features a standoff voltage (VRM) of 15 V, clamping voltage (VCL) of 24.4 V at 205 A (10/1000 µs), peak pulse power of 5000 W, and operates up to 175 °C junction temperature - enabling robust protection in automotive infotainment power supplies and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMC50J15CA datasheet, SMC50J15CA pinout, SMC50J15CA application, or SMC50J15CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, low leakage (0.2 µA at 25 °C), JEDEC-registered SMC package compatibility, and IEC 61000-4-2 (±30 kV contact/air) and IEC 61000-4-4 (4 kV level 4) compliance.
Technical Context
This planar-junction TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology to provide symmetric clamping for both positive and negative transients. Its bidirectional structure eliminates polarity dependency in AC-coupled or floating signal paths, and its low dynamic resistance (12.8 mΩ) ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast 8/20 µs surges up to 32.5 A.
The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity and supports lead-free reflow per JEDEC standards, with thermal impedance optimized for FR4 PCBs using the recommended 3.14 cm² copper area under each lead. Junction temperature derating follows αT = 10⁻⁴/°C for VBR and VCL.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VRM) | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 16.7–18.5 V at 1 mA - precise avalanche onset threshold ensuring predictable turn-on |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 24.4 V at 205 A (10/1000 µs) - limits downstream voltage stress during surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 5000 W (10/1000 µs) - sustains high-energy transients without failure in short-duration surges |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | 0.2 µA at 25 °C - negligible standby power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance circuits |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +175 °C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| ESD Robustness | ±30 kV contact & air discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) - exceeds Level 4 for system-level ESD immunity |
Pinout & Package
SMC50J15CA is housed in a JEDEC-registered SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package with matte tin-plated leads, footprint-compatible with IPC7531 recommendations. The package measures 5.55–6.25 mm × 7.75–8.15 mm × 2.45 mm max height and supports 260 °C soldering for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Cathode-bar side) | Transient current sink (negative half-cycle) | Provides low-impedance path to ground for negative surges; cathode bar marking identifies polarity orientation |
| Cathode (opposite side) | Transient current sink (positive half-cycle) | Symmetric bidirectional conduction enables clamping of both polarities without external biasing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals or ungrounded buses without polarity constraints |
| Low dynamic resistance (RD) | 12.8 mΩ - minimizes clamping voltage rise under high-current surges (VCL = VBR + RD × IPP) |
| High-temperature reliability | Rated for 175 °C junction operation - maintains performance in engine control units and motor drives |
| Ultra-low leakage | 0.2 µA at 25 °C - preserves battery life and avoids false triggering in low-power sensor interfaces |
| JEDEC-compliant SMC package | Ensures mechanical interoperability with automated assembly lines and thermal management on standard FR4 PCBs |
Applications
| Automotive Infotainment Power Rail | Industrial PLC Digital I/O |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs of head unit MCUs against load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp absorbing energy from coupled surges while maintaining <24.4 V rail excursion. Use Value: Prevents MCU brownout or latch-up during vehicle ignition cycling and alternator regulation faults. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to field-wiring ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response surge suppressor limiting transient voltage to <24.4 V within nanoseconds of event onset. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series resistors or RC filters, reducing BOM count and board space. |
| USB Type-C Port Protection | RS-485 Transceiver Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding VBUS and CC lines in USB-C receptacles from hot-plug ESD and cable-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector, handling ±30 kV IEC 61000-4-2 events. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by avoiding capacitance-heavy protection schemes (<100 pF typical at 0 V). |
Use Scenario: Guarding RS-485 transceivers connected to long industrial cables subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on differential bus lines, rated for 4 kV IEC 61000-4-4 level 4. Use Value: Enables direct connection to unshielded field wiring without additional isolation components. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | Lower PPP (600 W), same VRM (15 V), larger SMB package (7.1 × 6.2 mm vs. SMC's 8.15 × 6.25 mm) | Not suitable for 5000 W surge requirements; limited to lower-energy interfaces like CAN or UART | Select only when board space allows larger footprint and surge energy is ≤600 W |
| 1.5KE15CA | Higher VRM tolerance (15 V), but axial-leaded DO-201 package - incompatible with SMT assembly and higher thermal resistance | Requires through-hole mounting and manual rework; unsuitable for high-volume automated production | Choose only for prototyping or legacy repair where SMT is unavailable |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, SMC50J15CA uniquely delivers 5000 W surge capability in an SMT-optimized JEDEC SMC package with 175 °C rating - making it the only viable option for automotive-grade, high-reliability, high-volume production of protected 12–24 V systems.
Availability
SMC50J15CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power rails, industrial PLC digital I/O modules, and USB Type-C port protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-surge environments.
Supply support for SMC50J15CA 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 automotive ICs with vertical manufacturing capabilities.
The SMC50J TVS series targets high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications - specifically engineered for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where 5000 W surge immunity and 175 °C operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the difference between SMC50J15A and SMC50J15CA?
SMC50J15A is unidirectional (anode-to-cathode conduction only), while SMC50J15CA is bidirectional - providing symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. The 'CA' suffix denotes bidirectional functionality, critical for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity is undefined.
Does SMC50J15CA require external series impedance for optimal protection?
No. Its low dynamic resistance (12.8 mΩ) and fast response (<1 ns) enable direct placement at the protected node without series resistors. External impedance is unnecessary unless current limiting is required for secondary protection stages or thermal management in repetitive surge scenarios.
Can SMC50J15CA be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
Parallel use is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR (16.7–18.5 V) causing uneven current sharing. For higher current capability, select a higher-rated part such as SMC50J24CA (VCL = 38.9 V at 129 A) rather than paralleling devices.
What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area under each lead for thermal performance?
The datasheet recommends 3.14 cm² of copper area under each lead to achieve optimal thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) ≈ 40 °C/W). Reducing this area increases junction temperature rise during surge events and may compromise long-term reliability above 150 °C ambient.
SMC50J15CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- SMC50J
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V (Max)
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 205A
- 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
SMC50J15CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC50J15CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC50J15CA 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 SMC50J15CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC50J15CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC50J15CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC50J15CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC50J15CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC50J15CA?
SMC50J15CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC50J15CA 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 SMC50J15CA?
For technical support, including SMC50J15CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC50J15CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC50J15CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC50J15CA 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 SMC50J15CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC50J15CA?
All SMC50J15CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC50J15CA, 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 SMC50J15CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC50J15CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC50J15CA Tags

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