Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K10A-M3/H

Overview

SMC5K10A-M3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection. It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), clamps at 17.0 V under 294 A peak pulse current, and features 11.1–12.3 V breakdown voltage at 1.0 mA test current - ideal for safeguarding automotive sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SMC5K10A-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K10A-M3/H pinout, SMC5K10A-M3/H application, or SMC5K10A-M3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 30 kV ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2, MSL Level 1 rating, UL 497B recognition, and halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction - all critical for automotive-grade reliability and board-level transient suppression.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (V_BR = 11.1–12.3 V), limiting transient voltages to ≤17.0 V at 294 A (10/1000 μs). Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective protection of downstream ICs and MOSFETs without sacrificing signal integrity.

Thermal design is supported by R_thJA = 90 °C/W and R_thJM = 4.0 °C/W, enabling robust operation up to T_J = +150 °C. The device meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and withstands 260 °C lead-free reflow, with matte tin-plated leads compliant to JESD 22-B102 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, cathode-indicating band marking, 0.257 g unit weight, JEDEC-compliant outline with 3.20 mm × 5.59 mm body dimensions and 2.62 mm lead spacing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMC5K10A-M3/H, SMAJ10A offers compact size at reduced surge capability, while SMCJ10A provides mid-tier power handling without automotive validation - making SMC5K10A-M3/H the only option here with full AEC-Q101, UL 497B, and 5000 W rating for mission-critical vehicle subsystems.

Availability

SMC5K10A-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and computer peripheral port hardening requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for SMC5K10A-M3/H 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 reliability, precision, and application-specific performance.

The SMC5K series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, targeting AEC-Q101 compliance and multi-kilowatt surge resilience in compact SMC packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMC5K10A-M3/H under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The SMC5K10A-M3/H clamps to a maximum of 17.0 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 294 A. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the Vishay datasheet 87742 and ensures protected circuitry remains below critical overvoltage thresholds during standardized surge events. The SMC5K10A-M3/H maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SMC5K10A-M3/H qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMC5K10A-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. This qualification applies specifically to the HM3 suffix variants (e.g., SMC5K10AHM3_A/H), and the -M3/H suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The SMC5K10A-M3/H meets automotive reliability requirements for temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and surge endurance.

What is the stand-off voltage (V_WM) and why does it matter for SMC5K10A-M3/H placement?

The SMC5K10A-M3/H has a stand-off voltage V_WM of 10 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this reverse voltage with leakage <10 μA. This allows safe integration on 12 V automotive rails where normal operating voltage stays below V_WM, preventing false triggering while ensuring immediate clamping above transient thresholds. Correct placement requires connecting cathode to the protected line and anode to ground or low-impedance return.

Does the SMC5K10A-M3/H meet UL safety standards?

Yes, the SMC5K10A-M3/H carries UL recognition under file number E136766 for safety standard UL 497B, which covers surge protective components used in telecommunications and signaling circuits. This certification confirms its suitability for use in safety-critical telecom infrastructure and industrial control systems where regulatory compliance is mandatory. The SMC5K10A-M3/H also complies with RoHS and halogen-free requirements per Vishay's material categorization.

What is the thermal resistance specification for SMC5K10A-M3/H and how does it affect PCB layout?

The SMC5K10A-M3/H has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance R_thJA of 90 °C/W and junction-to-mount R_thJM of 4.0 °C/W, per JEDEC 51-2A and 51-14 test methods. These values require adequate copper pour area on both sides of the PCB, especially under the cathode/anode pads, to dissipate heat during repetitive surge events. Layout must follow Vishay's recommended mounting pad dimensions (0.185" max width, 0.126" min length) to achieve specified thermal performance. The SMC5K10A-M3/H relies on proper thermal design to sustain operation at T_J up to +150 °C.