Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K15CA-M3/H
- Part No.:
- SMC5K15CA-M3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K15CA-M3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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), 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 205 A IPPM - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K15CA-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K15CA-M3/H pinout, SMC5K15CA-M3/H application, or SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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 exceeding its breakdown threshold (VBR min = 16.7 V, max = 18.5 V at 1 mA). It responds within <1 ns to suppress ESD (30 kV HBM/air) and lightning-induced surges (8/20 μs, up to 1231 A), maintaining low incremental surge resistance for stable clamping under repetitive stress.
Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical protection on AC or differential lines without polarity concerns; the SMC package supports 175 °C junction temperature operation and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 with 260 °C reflow peak, enabling compatibility with standard lead-free assembly processes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for protected circuit's normal operating rail. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1 mA - Breakdown onset range; defines minimum overvoltage threshold for reliable triggering. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 205 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamped voltage during worst-case surge; must stay below protected device's absolute maximum rating. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak surge energy handling capacity; determines survivability against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 transients. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-power industrial enclosures. |
| RthJA | 90 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4; informs required copper area and airflow for thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional - no cathode band; matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified (M3/H suffix denotes industrial grade with MSL Level 1 rating).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink (during positive surge) | Connects to line being protected; conducts when voltage exceeds VBR in either polarity. |
| Cathode | Transient current sink (during negative surge) | Same physical terminal as Anode due to bidirectional symmetry; no polarity marking required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled, differential, or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. |
| 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV (line-earth) in compact SMC footprint. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero-defect reliability and extended temperature operation. |
| 30 kV ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-2) | Eliminates need for additional ESD protection stages on sensor inputs or communication ports exposed to handling. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power rails in engine control units subject to load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role: Shunt TVS placed between VDD and GND to clamp surges above 15 V before reaching MCU VDD pins. Use Value: Withstands 5000 W pulses and operates up to +175 °C, ensuring robustness in under-hood thermal environments. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on gate driver supply lines feeding IGBTs in variable-frequency drives exposed to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamping element across isolated DC bias rails to prevent gate oxide damage from coupled transients. Use Value: Low clamping voltage (24.4 V) ensures gate driver ICs remain within safe operating area during 205 A surge events. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Sensor Hub |
|
Use Scenario: Protection of RS-485 transceiver I/O pins connected to outdoor cabling susceptible to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair (A/B) and common-mode ground to suppress common- and differential-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping and 30 kV ESD rating eliminate polarity-sensitive design and support field-replaceable port hardening. |
Use Scenario: ESD and fast-transient protection for MEMS accelerometer and gyroscope analog outputs in wearable health monitors. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF at VWM) shunt device on analog output traces to preserve signal integrity while suppressing HBM discharges. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and low leakage (<2 μA at 12 V) prevent baseline shift or measurement drift during normal operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CA-E3/5A (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RthJA = 110 °C/W), same VWM/VBR range. | Targeted at lower-energy consumer interfaces; insufficient for automotive load dump or industrial 8/20 μs surges. | Select only where surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 ESD and low-current transients. |
| 1.5KE15CA (ON Semiconductor) | Higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (through-hole), larger thermal mass but incompatible with SMT assembly. | Used in legacy industrial power supplies; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility. | Choose only for through-hole prototyping or repair scenarios where SMT process integration is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ15CA-E3/5A and 1.5KE15CA, the SMC5K15CA-M3/H delivers 12.5× higher surge power handling than the SMAJ variant and offers SMT manufacturability plus automotive qualification absent in the 1.5KE series - making it the sole option for high-reliability, high-energy, surface-mount surge protection.
Availability
SMC5K15CA-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial motor drive systems, and telecom infrastructure equipment requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMC5K15CA-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 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 family is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure tolerance and long-term stability under thermal and electrical stress are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K15CA-M3/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/H has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 205 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig.3 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #87024) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is SMC5K15CA-M3/H suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K15CA-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified (per Note (1) in the Thermal Characteristics section), rated for operation from –55 °C to +175 °C, and features halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction. Its bidirectional architecture, 30 kV ESD immunity, and 5000 W surge capability make it appropriate for engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.
Does SMC5K15CA-M3/H have polarity markings on the package?
No, the SMC5K15CA-M3/H is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMC (DO-214AB) case. Its symmetrical IV characteristic allows installation in either orientation across protected lines - simplifying layout and eliminating risk of reverse placement during automated assembly.
What is the thermal resistance of SMC5K15CA-M3/H, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/H has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 90 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB per JEDEC 51-2A. To maintain safe junction temperatures during repeated surges, designers must allocate adequate copper area (e.g., ≥250 mm² per pad) and avoid thermal isolation - especially in automotive or industrial enclosures with limited airflow.
How does the SMC5K15CA-M3/H compare to the SMC5K15CAHM3/H variant?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/H is industrial-grade, while SMC5K15CAHM3/H adds explicit AEC-Q101 qualification in its part number suffix. Both share identical electrical specs (VWM = 15 V, VC = 24.4 V, PPPM = 5000 W), package, and pinout. The HM3 variant undergoes additional automotive-specific stress testing - select SMC5K15CAHM3/H only when full AEC-Q101 documentation and traceability are contractually required.
SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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):
- 15V
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMC5K15CA-M3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K15CA-M3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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 SMC5K15CA-M3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K15CA-M3/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMC5K15CA-M3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K15CA-M3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K15CA-M3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K15CA-M3/H?
SMC5K15CA-M3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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 SMC5K15CA-M3/H?
For technical support, including SMC5K15CA-M3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K15CA-M3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K15CA-M3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K15CA-M3/H 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 SMC5K15CA-M3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K15CA-M3/H?
All SMC5K15CA-M3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K15CA-M3/H, 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 SMC5K15CA-M3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K15CA-M3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K15CA-M3/H Tags

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