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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K18CA-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K18CA-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K18CA-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,688
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K18CA-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), 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 171 A IPPM - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K18CA-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K18CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K18CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K18CA-M3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical ratings, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance values, clamping performance under 8/20 μs surges, and real-world use context for ESD and lightning transient suppression.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates bidirectionally with symmetrical breakdown characteristics (VBR min/max = 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1.0 mA), enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its low incremental surge resistance ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast transients.
The device meets IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity up to 30 kV (contact/air), complies with UL 497B (E136766), and achieves MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility with 260 °C peak temperature - confirming suitability for automated SMT assembly in automotive-grade production.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12–15 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1.0 mA - Tight breakdown window ensures predictable turn-on and avoids false triggering near system rail. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 171 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 5 kA-level surges in industrial power supplies. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains high-energy transients from inductive switching or lightning-induced coupling on board-level interfaces. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures without derating. |
| RthJA | 90 °C/W - Thermal resistance measured per JEDEC 51-2A on FR4; informs heatsinking requirements for repetitive surge duty cycles. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band. Matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and qualified to AEC-Q101.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during positive transient | Connects to protected line; symmetric with cathode for bidirectional clamping. |
| Cathode | Current entry point during negative transient | Connects to protected line; identical physical terminal as anode - no polarity marking required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded DC rails without polarity concerns. |
| 40 kW surge capability (8/20 μs) | Supports compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line) when used with appropriate series impedance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules subject to extended temperature cycling and vibration. |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak | Permits single-pass lead-free reflow without moisture-related popcorn failure or delamination. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V battery-fed power inputs in body control modules against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontroller power rails. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤29.2 V during 171 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream FETs and regulators. |
Use Scenario: Input stage surge suppression on 24 V control terminals of variable frequency drives exposed to contactor switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt protector absorbing energy from inductive kickback before it reaches isolation barriers or logic circuitry. Use Value: Clamps within <1 ns to hold bus voltage below 30 V, preserving integrity of optocoupler input stages and MCU GPIOs. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Sensor Hub Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on POTS or DSL line interface cards subjected to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamp with GDT or MOV upstream; handles residual energy after coarse suppression. Use Value: Delivers 29.2 V clamping at 171 A, ensuring compliance with GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: ESD hardening of I²C/SPI lines connecting environmental sensors (e.g., humidity, pressure) to host processors in smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS adjacent to connector pins to divert HBM ±30 kV discharges before reaching sensor ASICs. Use Value: Low capacitance (<100 pF at VWM) prevents signal rise-time degradation on 400 kHz I²C buses while passing full IEC 61000-4-2 testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA-E3/5A (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint), same VWM (18 V), higher VC (32.4 V at 12.3 A) | Targeted at space-constrained consumer electronics with lower surge exposure; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select when board area is critical and surge energy remains below 400 W; avoid for automotive or industrial mains-connected designs. |
| 1.5KE18CA (ON Semiconductor) | Higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (through-hole), same VWM (18 V), VC = 27.7 V at 54.2 A | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where through-hole mounting and manual rework are acceptable | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-automated assemblies requiring proven field reliability but lacking SMT process capability. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA-E3/5A and 1.5KE18CA, the SMC5K18CA-M3/I delivers 12.5× higher peak pulse power in an SMT package with AEC-Q101 validation - making it the only option among the three qualified for under-hood automotive deployment and high-reliability industrial motion control.
Availability
SMC5K18CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial motor drive interfaces, telecom line cards, and consumer sensor hubs requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMC5K18CA-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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The SMC5KxxCA series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting AEC-Q101 compliance, 175 °C operation, and robust 8/20 μs surge resilience in automotive and industrial power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K18CA-M3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K18CA-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 171 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the Vishay datasheet 87024 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during standardized surge events. The SMC5K18CA-M3/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMC5K18CA-M3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K18CA-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 10-Sep-2024 (Document Number: 87024), Section "MECHANICAL DATA" and "RATINGS AND CHARACTERISTICS CURVES". This qualification covers temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life testing - validating its use in automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems. The SMC5K18CA-M3/I carries the HM3 suffix variant for full AEC-Q101 compliance.
What does the "-M3/I" suffix indicate in SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
The "-M3" suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with industrial-grade qualification and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "/I" indicates packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 3500 units per reel. This differs from "/H", which specifies 7-inch reels with 850 units. The SMC5K18CA-M3/I is fully compatible with standard SMT pick-and-place equipment using industry-standard feeders.
How does SMC5K18CA-M3/I perform under 8/20 μs surge conditions?
Under the 8/20 μs waveform, the SMC5K18CA-M3/I achieves a clamping voltage of 39.3 V at 1018 A peak pulse current, delivering 40 kW peak pulse power. This performance is documented in Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" of the Vishay datasheet. The SMC5K18CA-M3/I's low dynamic impedance enables effective suppression of fast-rising lightning-induced transients commonly encountered in telecom and industrial infrastructure.
What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of the SMC5K18CA-M3/I is 90 °C/W, measured per JEDEC 51-2A on a standard FR4 PCB with 2 oz. copper and the recommended mounting pad layout. This value applies to steady-state conduction and informs thermal design for applications involving repetitive surge events. The SMC5K18CA-M3/I also features RthJM = 4.0 °C/W for direct heatsink coupling scenarios.
SMC5K18CA-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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 171A
- 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)
SMC5K18CA-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K18CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K18CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
SMC5K18CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K18CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K18CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K18CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K18CA-M3/I?
All SMC5K18CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K18CA-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 SMC5K18CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K18CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K18CA-M3/I Tags
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