Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K13CA-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K13CA-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K13CA-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,898
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K13CA-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 13 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 21.5 V maximum clamping voltage at 233 A IPPM - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K13CA-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K13CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K13CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K13CA-M3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC VDD, bidirectional polarity compatibility with AC-coupled interfaces, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, and thermal resistance (RthJA = 90 °C/W) under PCB layout constraints.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector triggered by transient overvoltage events exceeding its reverse stand-off voltage (VWM = 13 V). Its bidirectional structure enables symmetric clamping on both polarities without external polarity orientation, supporting AC signal line and dual-rail DC bus protection.
It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform and sustains 40 kW under 8/20 μs lightning surge conditions, with low incremental surge resistance ensuring minimal voltage overshoot during high-current transients up to 233 A (10/1000 μs) and 1471 A (8/20 μs).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below protected circuit's max rail voltage. |
| VBR min/max | 14.4 V / 15.9 V at 1 mA - breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on above VWM with defined tolerance. |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.5 V at 233 A (10/1000 μs) - clamped voltage seen by downstream circuit during worst-case surge; determines voltage stress on protected ICs. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capability for repetitive switching transients; validates suitability for inductive load snubbing. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures. |
| RthJA | 90 °C/W - thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard FR4; informs minimum copper area required for thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional device with no cathode band; matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1, 260 °C reflow compatible.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink (negative half-cycle) | Provides low-impedance path to ground for negative-going surges; symmetrical with cathode due to bidirectional construction. |
| Cathode | Transient current sink (positive half-cycle) | Provides low-impedance path to ground for positive-going surges; functionally identical to anode in bidirectional configuration. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - suitable for ECU, ADAS, and body control modules. |
| 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-4 electrical fast transients (EFT) and ISO 7637-2 load dump spikes without derating. |
| Low clamping voltage (21.5 V @ 233 A) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to 3.3 V/5 V/12 V logic and gate drivers, preserving system-level functional safety margins. |
| ESD immunity: ±30 kV (HBM, contact/air) | Meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 without external shielding - reduces need for secondary ESD protection on sensor interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs in body control modules against load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed upstream of LDO regulators and MCU VDD pins. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to ≤21.5 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing brownout reset or latch-up in automotive-grade MCUs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate driver ICs and current-sense amplifiers in three-phase inverter stages exposed to IGBT switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across isolated gate drive supply rails and analog feedback paths. Use Value: Limits coupled dv/dt-induced voltage spikes to <22 V, maintaining gate oxide integrity and ADC reference stability during PWM transitions. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Sensor Hub ESD Hardening |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in outdoor base stations from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element on differential data lines, coordinated with GDT or polymer PTC. Use Value: Withstands 8/20 μs surges up to 1471 A while holding clamping voltage below 27.2 V - within common-mode input range of ISO 8802-3 compliant PHYs. | Use Scenario: Adding board-level ESD resilience to MEMS accelerometer and environmental sensor clusters in smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS at sensor connector or flex-cable entry point, before signal conditioning op-amps. Use Value: Absorbs ±30 kV HBM discharges without degradation, eliminating field failures from user-handling ESD in unshielded plastic enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ13CA-E3/5A (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (DO-214AC), same VWM/VBR/VC specs | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to consumer/industrial non-automotive use | Select when space-constrained layouts require smaller footprint and automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
| 1.5KE13CA (ON Semiconductor) | Higher RthJA (100 °C/W), axial lead DO-15 package, same VWM/VC but lower IPPM (217 A) | Through-hole mounting only; unsuitable for automated SMT production or high-vibration environments | Choose for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMC5K13CA-M3/I, SMAJ13CA-E3/5A trades surge capacity and automotive qualification for compact size, while 1.5KE13CA sacrifices SMT compatibility and thermal performance for cost-sensitive through-hole deployment - all three share identical 13 V stand-off and ~21.5 V clamping behavior.
Availability
SMC5K13CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor control, telecom infrastructure, and consumer sensor systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and high-energy transient immunity.
Supply support for SMC5K13CA-M3/I 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMC5KxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-power, bidirectional surge suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive power distribution, industrial automation, and infrastructure equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMC5K13CA-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMC5K13CA-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 233 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SMC5K13CA-M3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K13CA-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, meeting rigorous stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life. Its SMC package, 175 °C max junction temperature, and bidirectional clamping make it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems where reliability under vibration and thermal extremes is mandatory.
Does the SMC5K13CA-M3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, the SMC5K13CA-M3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode and does not feature a cathode band or other polarity marking on the SMC (DO-214AB) case. Its symmetrical construction allows installation in either orientation on PCBs - simplifying layout and eliminating risk of reverse placement during assembly.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RthJA) for the SMC5K13CA-M3/I?
The SMC5K13CA-M3/I has a typical RthJA of 90 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB per JEDEC 51-2A guidelines. This value assumes a 2 oz. copper footprint matching the recommended pad layout; actual thermal performance depends on copper area, layer count, and airflow - underscoring the need for adequate heatsinking in high-duty-cycle surge environments.
How does the SMC5K13CA-M3/I perform under 8/20 μs lightning surge conditions?
Under 8/20 μs waveform testing, the SMC5K13CA-M3/I achieves a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1471 A with a clamping voltage of 27.2 V. Its 40 kW peak pulse power rating for this waveform confirms suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3–4 surge immunity testing in telecom and industrial power systems where lightning-induced transients dominate failure modes.
SMC5K13CA-M3/I 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):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 233A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMC5K13CA-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K13CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K13CA-M3/I 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 SMC5K13CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K13CA-M3/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC5K13CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K13CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K13CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K13CA-M3/I?
SMC5K13CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K13CA-M3/I 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 SMC5K13CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K13CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K13CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K13CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K13CA-M3/I 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 SMC5K13CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K13CA-M3/I?
All SMC5K13CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K13CA-M3/I, 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 SMC5K13CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K13CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K13CA-M3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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