Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K15A-M3/I

Overview

SMC5K15A-M3/I 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 with 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), and 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 205 A IPPM - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the SMC5K15A-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K15A-M3/I pinout, SMC5K15A-M3/I application, or SMC5K15A-M3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification (for automotive-grade variants up to SMC5K20A), 15 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), low 2.0 μA reverse leakage at V_WM, and UL 497B safety recognition - all critical for robust overvoltage protection in harsh environments.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device, triggered when transient voltage exceeds its 16.7–18.5 V breakdown threshold, limiting downstream voltage to ≤24.4 V at 205 A peak pulse current. Its low incremental surge resistance and sub-nanosecond response time ensure effective suppression of inductive switching spikes and ESD events.

Thermally, it supports junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C, with R_thJA = 90 °C/W and R_thJM = 4.0 °C/W, enabling reliable operation under sustained surge stress when mounted on standard FR4 PCBs. It meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity indicated by cathode band.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/5AT and 1.5KE15A, the SMC5K15A-M3/I delivers 12.5× higher peak pulse power in an SMT package with superior thermal resistance and automotive qualification - making it the preferred choice for next-generation automotive and industrial designs demanding high-surge resilience without through-hole compromises.

Availability

SMC5K15A-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial motor drive interfaces, and telecom power supply protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for SMC5K15A-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, precision, and application-specific validation.

The SMC5KxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and UL safety recognition are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMC5K15A-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The SMC5K15A-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 205 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87742) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SMC5K15A-M3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SMC5K15A-M3/I AEC-Q101 qualified?

Yes, the SMC5K15A-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified. Although the base SMC5K15A part is industrial-grade, the HM3 suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification - and the M3/I variant shares the same die and construction as the HM3 family. Vishay explicitly states AEC-Q101 qualification applies to SMC5K10A through SMC5K20A types, and the SMC5K15A-M3/I is covered under that scope per Revision 09-Jan-2024 of document 87742.

What is the standoff voltage (V_WM) and why does it matter for SMC5K15A-M3/I placement?

The SMC5K15A-M3/I has a standoff voltage (V_WM) of 15 V, meaning it remains in high-impedance state below this reverse voltage - allowing normal circuit operation without leakage or loading. This makes it suitable for placement on 12 V automotive rails or 15 V industrial supplies. Exceeding V_WM risks premature conduction; thus, the SMC5K15A-M3/I must be selected so V_WM exceeds the maximum steady-state voltage of the protected line by ≥10 %.

Does the SMC5K15A-M3/I meet UL safety standards?

Yes, the SMC5K15A-M3/I carries UL recognition under file number E136766 for safety standard UL 497B, which covers protectors used on telecommunications and signaling circuits. This certification validates its suitability for use in telecom infrastructure, PoE equipment, and other safety-critical signal-line applications where third-party safety agency approval is required.

What is the thermal resistance of the SMC5K15A-M3/I and how does it affect layout?

The SMC5K15A-M3/I has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_thJA) of 90 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB per JEDEC 51-2A. Its junction-to-mount (R_thJM) is 4.0 °C/W, indicating efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper. For optimal thermal performance, designers should use generous copper pour on both anode and cathode pads and avoid narrow traces - ensuring the SMC5K15A-M3/I sustains repeated surges without exceeding its 150 °C T_J max.