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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMC5K15CA-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), clamps at 24.4 V under 205 A surge current, and operates across -55 °C to +175 °C - deployed on signal lines of automotive sensor units, industrial I/O interfaces, and telecom power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K15CA-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K15CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K15CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K15CA-M3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its 15 V standoff voltage, bidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, UL 497B safety recognition, and M3 halogen-free RoHS-compliant industrial-grade construction.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche junction technology to provide sub-nanosecond response to transient overvoltages. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping without polarity sensitivity, supporting protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
The device meets JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity and withstands 260 °C lead-free reflow. Thermal resistance is 90 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 4.0 °C/W (junction-to-mount), enabling reliable operation under high-energy 8/20 μs surges up to 1231 A.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 16.7–18.5 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche conduction onset range |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 24.4 V at 205 A (10/1000 μs) - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity for common lightning/inductive-switching transients |
| Operating Temperature | -55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Surge Current (IPPM) | 205 A (10/1000 μs), 1231 A (8/20 μs) - defines maximum single-event current it can shunt |
| ESD Immunity | ±30 kV HBM (contact & air) - exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 for system-level ESD robustness |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band. Matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable, JESD 22-B102 whisker-tested (Class 2).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Either terminal accepts surge current; bidirectional clamping eliminates orientation constraints during PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Meets safety standards for telecom and industrial signal-line protection applications |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for downstream ICs |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Complies with environmental regulations and enables use in industrial and consumer supply chains |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking, reducing manufacturing overhead |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp transients before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Withstands 1231 A (8/20 μs) surge and maintains 24.4 V clamping, preserving signal integrity for 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and ADCs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on each channel's input line, coordinated with series current-limiting resistor and optocoupler isolation. Use Value: 5000 W peak power rating and -55 °C to +175 °C operation ensure uptime in harsh factory-floor environments with frequent switching events. |
| Telecom Power Rail Protection | Consumer USB/Display Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Guarding 48 V PoE-powered Ethernet switch ports and base station RF front-end supplies against lightning-induced surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-stage TVS after gas discharge tube (GDT), providing low-clamp backup for fast-rising transients. Use Value: 24.4 V clamping at 205 A ensures compliance with EN 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-earth) when used with appropriate coordination network. |
Use Scenario: Shielding HDMI, USB 2.0, or DisplayPort signal pairs in smart TVs and set-top boxes from ESD events during user handling or cable insertion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed adjacent to connector to suppress ±30 kV HBM discharges without signal distortion. Use Value: Junction capacitance <100 pF (typ.) at VWM preserves signal rise/fall times for high-speed interfaces up to 480 Mbps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA-M3/5A | Lower PPPM (600 W), SMB package (smaller footprint), same VWM (15 V), higher VC (24.4 V @ 24.4 A) | Targeted for space-constrained consumer electronics where 5000 W surge capacity is not required | Select when board area is critical and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 Level 3 (8 kV contact) |
| SMC5K15CAHM3/I | Identical electrical specs; HM3 suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification (vs. M3's industrial grade only) | Required for automotive OEM designs requiring full AEC-Q101 documentation and traceability | Choose HM3 version if automotive PPAP submission or zero-defect field reliability is mandated |
Compared with SMC5K15CA-M3/I, SMBJ15CA-M3/5A offers reduced surge capability in a smaller package, while SMC5K15CAHM3/I provides identical performance with full automotive qualification - enabling direct substitution only when AEC-Q101 compliance is explicitly required.
Availability
SMC5K15CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor systems, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power rail protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMC5K15CA-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, TVS devices, and MOSFETs for high-reliability power and protection applications.
The SMC5KxxCA family is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments - delivering 5 kW surge capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and UL safety certification in the rugged SMC package.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMC5K15CA-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/I clamps at 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 Fig.3 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #87024) and defines the maximum voltage seen by protected circuitry during such an event. The SMC5K15CA-M3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SMC5K15CA-M3/I suitable for automotive applications?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/I is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing but is designated as industrial grade (M3 suffix). For full automotive qualification including documentation and traceability, the SMC5K15CAHM3/I variant must be used. The SMC5K15CA-M3/I itself is commonly deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems like body control modules where industrial-grade reliability suffices.
Does the SMC5K15CA-M3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No. The SMC5K15CA-M3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMC (DO-214AB) case. Its symmetrical construction allows installation in either orientation on the PCB - a key advantage for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines without layout constraints.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMC5K15CA-M3/I?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/I has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 90 °C/W and a junction-to-mount thermal resistance (RthJM) of 4.0 °C/W, per JEDEC 51-2A and 51-14 test methods respectively. These values assume mounting on a standard FR4 PCB with 2 oz. copper and the specified pad layout - critical for calculating safe power derating above 25 °C ambient.
How does the SMC5K15CA-M3/I compare to the SMC5K15A variant?
The SMC5K15CA-M3/I is bidirectional (CA suffix), whereas SMC5K15A is unidirectional (A suffix) and includes a cathode band. Their VWM (15 V), VBR (16.7–18.5 V), and PPPM (5000 W) are identical, but the CA version clamps symmetrically for AC or floating signals, while the A version only protects against negative transients relative to ground. The SMC5K15CA-M3/I cannot substitute for SMC5K15A in grounded DC circuits without redesign.
SMC5K15CA-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):
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K15CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K15CA-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 SMC5K15CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K15CA-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 SMC5K15CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K15CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K15CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K15CA-M3/I?
SMC5K15CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K15CA-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 SMC5K15CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K15CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K15CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K15CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K15CA-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 SMC5K15CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K15CA-M3/I?
All SMC5K15CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K15CA-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 SMC5K15CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K15CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K15CA-M3/I Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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