STMicroelectronics SMC50J20CA
- Part No.:
- SMC50J20CA
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC50J20CA.pdf
- Description:
- 5000 W, 20 V TVS IN SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:950
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Product details
Overview
SMC50J20CA from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional 20 V standoff voltage TVS diode in SMC package, designed for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection (±30 kV air/contact) and IEC 61000-4-4 surge immunity (4 kV level 4), with 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 32.4 V clamping voltage at 155 A, and 0.2 µA leakage at 25 °C. It protects DC power rails and data lines in industrial PLCs, telecom interfaces, and automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMC50J20CA datasheet, SMC50J20CA pinout, SMC50J20CA application, or SMC50J20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, low-leakage operation up to 175 °C junction temperature, JEDEC-compliant SMC footprint compatibility, and verified IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 compliance without derating.
Technical Context
The SMC50J20CA uses planar silicon avalanche technology to deliver precise, repeatable clamping under fast transients. Its bidirectional architecture enables symmetrical protection on AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints, and its low dynamic resistance (9.4 mΩ) ensures minimal voltage overshoot during 8/20 μs surges up to 42.8 A.
Thermal design is supported by a 175 °C maximum operating junction temperature and validated thermal impedance (Zth(j-a)) curves for FR4 PCBs with standard copper land patterns. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL level 1 and passes JESD-201 class 2 whisker testing, confirming robustness for high-reliability reflow assembly.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Standoff Voltage (VRM) | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping initiates; sets minimum system operating margin. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 22.2–24.6 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; defines transition point from leakage to conduction. |
| Clamping Voltage (VCL) | 32.4 V at 155 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; determines downstream component stress. |
| Peak Pulse Power | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustained transient energy handling capability under standard lightning-surge waveform. |
| Leakage Current (IRM) | 0.2 µA at 20 V, 25 °C - Ultra-low standby current preserving battery life and signal integrity in always-on circuits. |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 to +175 °C - Enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor telecom enclosures. |
| ESD Rating | ±30 kV contact & air discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) - Exceeds level 4 requirement; eliminates need for external pre-filtering. |
Pinout & Package
SMC50J20CA is housed in a JEDEC-standard SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package with two terminals: Cathode (marked with bar) and Anode. The package features matte tin-plated leads, complies with IPC7531 footprint guidelines, and supports automated placement and reflow per J-STD-020.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (bar-marked end) | Reference terminal for bidirectional clamping | Defines symmetrical voltage reference point; both terminals behave identically relative to this node. |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Complementary terminal | Completes bidirectional path; no polarity dependency-enables use on AC or floating lines without orientation check. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or differential interfaces (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) without polarity sensitivity. |
| Low dynamic resistance (9.4 mΩ) | Minimizes clamping voltage rise under high-current transients, reducing stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or PHYs. |
| 175 °C max junction temperature | Supports operation in high-ambient environments (e.g., engine control units, solar inverters) without thermal derating. |
| JEDEC SMC package with MSL level 1 rating | Eliminates bake requirements prior to reflow; compatible with standard SMT lines using IPC/JEDEC-compliant profiles. |
| IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 certified performance | Validated test results replace need for system-level requalification-accelerates EMC certification timelines. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Protection | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V DC digital input channels against load dump and ESD events in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient voltage suppressor placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surges before reaching optocoupler or MCU GPIO. Use Value: Maintains <0.2 µA leakage across full temperature range, preventing false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits while clamping to 32.4 V at 155 A. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor drivers from battery line transients and ESD in door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V supply rail and LIN signal line, operating continuously at up to 125 °C ambient. Use Value: Withstands 175 °C junction temperature and delivers 5000 W surge handling without degradation-ensuring long-term reliability in sealed enclosures. |
| Telecom Ethernet Surge Protection | Smart Meter Power Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-level surge suppression on PoE-powered Ethernet ports subjected to induced lightning surges per IEC 61000-4-4 level 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamping device placed after common-mode chokes but before PHY IC, limiting differential-mode transients. Use Value: Achieves 32.4 V clamping at 155 A with 9.4 mΩ dynamic resistance-reducing peak stress on 3.3 V PHY supply rails by >40 % vs. higher-RD alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Protecting AC/DC converter inputs in utility smart meters exposed to grid switching transients and field ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on primary-side rectified DC bus, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 5000 W without parameter drift. Use Value: UL94 V0 flammability rating and JESD-201 class 2 whisker resistance ensure compliance with IEC 62052-11 and long-term field stability in unventilated meter housings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA (STMicroelectronics) | Lower peak power (600 W vs. 5000 W); same VRM/VCL but higher dynamic resistance (12.5 mΩ). | Targeted at lower-energy ESD-only scenarios; insufficient for IEC 61000-4-4 level 4 surges. | Select only when system-level surge energy is confirmed ≤600 W and board space is constrained to SMB footprint. |
| SAC20CA (Littelfuse) | Identical VRM (20 V), VCL (32.4 V), and 5000 W rating; slightly higher leakage (1 µA vs. 0.2 µA) at 25 °C. | Same application scope but less suitable for ultra-low-power battery-backed circuits requiring sub-µA standby. | Prefer when sourcing diversification is required and leakage tolerance ≥1 µA is acceptable in the design. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA, SMC50J20CA delivers 8.3× higher surge energy handling and tighter leakage control-critical for industrial 24 V systems. Versus SAC20CA, it offers superior low-leakage performance and ST's validated reflow profile support, simplifying manufacturing transfer.
Availability
SMC50J20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O protection, automotive body control modules, telecom Ethernet surge protection, and smart meter power input stages requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMC50J20CA 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, designing and manufacturing analog, MEMS, power, and microcontroller products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The SMC50J TVS series targets high-reliability transient protection in harsh environments, emphasizing extended temperature operation, JEDEC-compliant packaging, and full IEC/UL regulatory validation for mission-critical infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the difference between SMC50J20A and SMC50J20CA?
The "A" suffix denotes unidirectional configuration (anode-cathode polarity), while "CA" indicates bidirectional operation (symmetrical clamping). SMC50J20CA has identical electrical specs except for polarity behavior-making it suitable for AC, differential, or floating signal lines where polarity cannot be guaranteed during installation or operation.
Can SMC50J20CA be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-parallel connection is not recommended due to mismatched dynamic resistance and avalanche turn-on characteristics, which cause current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. For higher current needs, select a higher-rated part such as SMC50J24CA (38.9 V clamping at 129 A) or use staged protection with upstream current-limiting resistors.
Does SMC50J20CA require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?
Yes-clamping voltage increases with junction temperature per αT = 10⁻⁴/°C. At 125 °C ambient (with assumed 50 °C rise), VCL rises ~5 % above room-temperature value. Full derating curves are provided in Figure 3 of DS13845; design margin must account for worst-case Tj = 175 °C.
Is the SMC50J20CA compliant with RoHS and REACH regulations?
Yes-SMC50J20CA is manufactured in STMicroelectronics' ECOPACK2-compliant facilities and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Full material declarations and compliance documentation are accessible via ST's product page using order code SMC50J20CA.
SMC50J20CA 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):
- 20V (Max)
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 155A
- 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
SMC50J20CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC50J20CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC50J20CA 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 SMC50J20CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC50J20CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC50J20CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC50J20CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC50J20CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC50J20CA?
SMC50J20CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC50J20CA 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 SMC50J20CA?
For technical support, including SMC50J20CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC50J20CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC50J20CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC50J20CA 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 SMC50J20CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC50J20CA?
All SMC50J20CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC50J20CA, 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 SMC50J20CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC50J20CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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