Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K20A-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K20A-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K20A-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,725
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K20A-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and clamps to ≤32.4 V at 154 A peak pulse current - ideal for safeguarding automotive-grade MOSFETs and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K20A-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K20A-M3/I pinout, SMC5K20A-M3/I application, or SMC5K20A-M3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 30 kV ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2, unidirectional polarity, thermal resistance of 90 °C/W (RthJA), and compliance with UL 497B (E136766) and RoHS/halogen-free standards.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuit nodes, activating when reverse voltage exceeds VBR to divert surge current away from downstream components. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure effective suppression of 10/1000 μs and 8/20 μs transients without latch-up or degradation under repeated stress.
Designed for automotive-grade reliability, the SMC5K20A-M3/I meets AEC-Q101 requirements and supports operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. Its SMC package enables surface-mount assembly with MSL Level 1 rating and 260 °C lead-free reflow compatibility, while the cathode band provides unambiguous polarity identification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise turn-on threshold for reliable overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤32.4 V at 154 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage limiting stress on protected ICs or MOSFETs |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity sufficient for automotive load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses |
| IPPM | 154 A (10/1000 μs) - peak surge current capability validated per Fig. 3 waveform |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures |
| ESD Rating | 30 kV HBM (contact & air) - exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 for robust electrostatic discharge immunity |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix). Cathode identified by molded band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry during forward conduction; connected to lower-potential side of protected line | Provides reference ground path for clamping action; must be routed with low-inductance trace |
| Cathode | Current exit during reverse-biased clamping; connected to higher-potential side (e.g., VIN, signal line) | Acts as surge sink node; polarity band ensures correct orientation during placement |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| UL 497B recognized (E136766) | Meets safety requirements for telecom and industrial equipment surge protection circuits |
| MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak | Enables standard lead-free reflow without moisture-related popcorn failure |
| Low Rsurge | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive kickback) |
| 30 kV ESD immunity | Protects against human-body-model discharges in manufacturing, field service, and end-user handling |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients up to 35 V and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected clamping TVS absorbing surge energy before it reaches DC-DC converters or microcontrollers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to automotive-grade MCUs and gate drivers during alternator regulation faults. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element suppressing EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and cable discharge events on 4–20 mA loops. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and prevents false triggering in PLC analog input modules exposed to noisy plant-floor environments. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC/DC adapter inputs in base station power supplies against lightning-induced surges on primary-side rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS limiting transient voltage across bridge rectifier and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Extends lifetime of electrolytic capacitors and reduces risk of secondary-side regulator failure during outdoor installation surges. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge protection on USB VBUS lines in smart home hubs and portable media players. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V) clamping diode placed after EMI filter but before USB controller. Use Value: Blocks 30 kV ESD events without distorting high-speed USB 2.0 data signals or violating eye-diagram compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-M3/87A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package, same VWM/VBR range but reduced surge current (22.5 A) | Targeted at consumer electronics with lower energy threats; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select when cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs require basic IEC 61000-4-2 protection only |
| SMCJ20A-M3/87A | Same SMC package and AEC-Q101 qualification, but higher PPPM (1500 W) and lower VC (32.4 V vs. 34.4 V at same IPPM) | Optimized for tighter clamping in space-constrained automotive modules where margin below 33 V is critical | Choose when system-level testing shows marginal margin with SMC5K20A-M3/I clamping voltage |
Compared with SMAJ20A-M3/87A and SMCJ20A-M3/87A, the SMC5K20A-M3/I delivers 3.3× higher peak pulse power than SMAJ20A and matches SMCJ20A's automotive qualification while offering identical clamping performance - making it optimal for high-reliability 12 V rail protection where both energy handling and qualification are mandatory.
Availability
SMC5K20A-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom power supplies, and consumer USB port protection requiring stable component supply and full AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for SMC5K20A-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 optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMC5K series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, combining AEC-Q101 validation, UL safety recognition, and robust SMC packaging for demanding under-hood and factory-floor deployments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMC5K20A-M3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K20A-M3/I clamps to a maximum of 32.4 V at 154 A peak pulse current under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 87742) and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. Designers should verify layout inductance does not cause overshoot beyond this spec.
Is the SMC5K20A-M3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K20A-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024. This qualification applies specifically to SMC5K10A through SMC5K20A variants with HM3 or M3 suffixes. The qualification covers temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and surge testing required for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics.
What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SMC5K20A-M3/I?
The "M3" suffix denotes a halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads that meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements. It also indicates packaging in 13-inch plastic tape and reel (3500 units per reel), as specified in the ordering information table. The "I" denotes the reel size, not a functional variant.
How does the SMC5K20A-M3/I compare to the SMCJ20A-M3/87A in terms of surge handling?
The SMC5K20A-M3/I offers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), whereas the SMCJ20A-M3/87A is rated at 1500 W. Both share the SMC package and AEC-Q101 qualification, but the SMC5K20A-M3/I delivers over 3× higher energy absorption - making it suitable for severe transients like automotive load dump, while SMCJ20A targets lighter-duty industrial surges.
Can the SMC5K20A-M3/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the SMC5K20A-M3/I is strictly unidirectional, as stated in the Features section of the Vishay datasheet. Its cathode band marks the polarity, and it conducts only during reverse overvoltage events. For bidirectional protection, designers must select a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as the SMC5K20CA-M3/I, which is not interchangeable with the SMC5K20A-M3/I due to different internal structure and electrical behavior.
SMC5K20A-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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 154.3A
- 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)
SMC5K20A-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K20A-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K20A-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 SMC5K20A-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K20A-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 SMC5K20A-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K20A-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K20A-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K20A-M3/I?
SMC5K20A-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K20A-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 SMC5K20A-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K20A-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K20A-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K20A-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K20A-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 SMC5K20A-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K20A-M3/I?
All SMC5K20A-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K20A-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 SMC5K20A-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K20A-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K20A-M3/I Tags

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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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