Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K16A-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K16A-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K16A-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,955
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K16A-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 16 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 26.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 192 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs).
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K16A-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K16A-M3/I pinout, SMC5K16A-M3/I application, or SMC5K16A-M3/I equivalent, this device is selected for high-energy surge suppression in automotive power rails, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC-DC converter input stages where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and AEC-Q101 qualification are critical.
Technical Context
The SMC5K16A-M3/I operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (17.8–19.7 V). Its low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during 10/1000 μs transients up to 192 A, with clamping sustained at ≤26.0 V - enabling reliable protection of 16 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs.
Thermal performance is defined by RthJA = 90 °C/W (JEDEC 51-2A, FR4, 2 oz Cu) and RthJM = 4.0 °C/W (JEDEC 51-14 TDIM), supporting continuous operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. It meets IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity (30 kV contact/air) and UL 497B recognition (E136766).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction; defines compatibility with 16 V nominal supply rails. |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1 mA - Ensures precise, repeatable turn-on threshold across production lots and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM | 26.0 V at 192 A (10/1000 μs) - Limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case surge, preserving downstream component safety margin. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and industrial switching events. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained industrial enclosures. |
| ESD Rating | 30 kV HBM (contact & air) - Provides intrinsic electrostatic discharge hardening without external shielding layers. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Industry-standard surface-mount outline with 3.20 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.06 mm height for automated assembly. |
Pinout & Package
SMC5K16A-M3/I uses the standard SMC (DO-214AB) package: cathode-indicating band on one end, anode at opposite end. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink node | Connected to protected line; conducts transient energy to ground or lower-potential rail during overvoltage event. |
| Anode (non-banded end) | Reference/return node | Typically tied to system ground or negative rail; completes current path during clamping action. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unidirectional clamping | Protects only against reverse-polarity surges on positive-rail applications - avoids unnecessary forward conduction losses. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - required for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS modules. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets global environmental compliance mandates without compromising surge performance or thermal stability. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak reflow) | Supports standard lead-free PCB assembly processes without preconditioning or special handling. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes voltage overshoot relative to breakdown threshold - critical for protecting 16 V logic and gate drivers with tight VIH/VIL margins. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump transients (up to 60 V, 400 ms) on 12 V battery-fed ECUs and lighting modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between battery input and DC-DC regulator input. Use Value: Prevents regulator latch-up or destruction during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events while maintaining <26 V clamping at 192 A. |
Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs exposed to relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector on 4–20 mA loop or 0–10 V signal lines. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to 8/20 μs surges up to 1163 A, limiting induced voltage to ≤34.4 V and preserving ADC integrity. |
| DC-DC Converter Input Stage | Telecom Power Supply Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Guards buck converter input against inductive switching spikes in motor drive inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS at input capacitor node, upstream of controller IC. Use Value: Absorbs 5000 W pulses without degradation, ensuring stable 16 V input to controller even during 192 A transient events. |
Use Scenario: Protects AC/DC rectified output rails in telecom base station power supplies subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level clamping device after MOV primary stage, refining voltage limiting. Use Value: Delivers precise 26.0 V clamping (vs. MOV's ±20 % tolerance), preventing false triggering of overvoltage shutdown circuits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ16A-M3/8B (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (DO-214AC), same VWM/VBR range. | Not suitable for automotive load-dump or high-current industrial surges; limited to low-energy signal-line protection. | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤400 W (e.g., USB or GPIO protection). |
| 1.5KE16A (ON Semiconductor) | Higher VBR (17.8–19.7 V), same VWM, but through-hole DO-201 package and 1500 W PPPM rating. | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility; unsuitable for automotive SMT production. | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs where 1500 W surge capacity suffices and reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ16A-M3/8B and 1.5KE16A, the SMC5K16A-M3/I delivers 12.5× higher peak pulse power in an automotive-qualified SMT package, enabling single-device protection for demanding 12 V/24 V systems without secondary clamping stages or layout compromises.
Availability
SMC5K16A-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC-DC converter input protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SMC5K16A-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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMC5K16A-M3/I belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of high-power TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments where failure is not an option - especially in automotive and industrial power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMC5K16A-M3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K16A-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 192 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lot, ensuring predictable protection behavior for 16 V systems. The SMC5K16A-M3/I achieves this with low incremental surge resistance, minimizing voltage overshoot during fast transients.
Is the SMC5K16A-M3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K16A-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, meeting rigorous stress tests for automotive use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. It is explicitly listed in the Vishay datasheet as qualified for SMC5K10A to SMC5K20A types. The SMC5K16A-M3/I is commonly deployed in engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where reliability under extreme conditions is mandatory.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SMC5K16A-M3/I?
The "M3" suffix in SMC5K16A-M3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads that pass JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. It also confirms compliance with JEDEC moisture sensitivity level (MSL) Level 1, allowing exposure to ambient conditions indefinitely and supporting standard 260 °C peak reflow profiles without baking. The SMC5K16A-M3/I is fully compatible with lead-free manufacturing.
How does the SMC5K16A-M3/I compare to bidirectional TVS diodes in surge protection?
The SMC5K16A-M3/I is unidirectional, meaning it protects only against reverse-polarity transients on positive-rail applications - unlike bidirectional devices that conduct in both directions. This design eliminates forward conduction losses and reduces leakage in normal operation. For 16 V DC systems like automotive battery feeds, the SMC5K16A-M3/I provides superior efficiency and tighter clamping than bidirectional alternatives with equivalent VWM ratings.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for the SMC5K16A-M3/I?
The SMC5K16A-M3/I has a typical thermal resistance from junction to ambient (RthJA) of 90 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with 2 oz copper, per JEDEC 51-2A test conditions. This value enables accurate thermal modeling for continuous operation up to +150 °C junction temperature. The SMC5K16A-M3/I also features RthJM = 4.0 °C/W (junction-to-mount), supporting efficient heat transfer to heatsinked pads or thermal vias.
SMC5K16A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 192.3A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 5000W (5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMC5K16A-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K16A-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K16A-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 SMC5K16A-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K16A-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 SMC5K16A-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K16A-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K16A-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K16A-M3/I?
SMC5K16A-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K16A-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 SMC5K16A-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K16A-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K16A-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K16A-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K16A-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 SMC5K16A-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K16A-M3/I?
All SMC5K16A-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K16A-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 SMC5K16A-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K16A-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K16A-M3/I Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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D5V0P1B2LP-7B
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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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

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DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
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