Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K20CA-M3/H
- Part No.:
- SMC5K20CA-M3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K20CA-M3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,690
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMC5K20CA-M3/H from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage, and 32.4 V clamping voltage at 154 A. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial power electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K20CA-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K20CA-M3/H pinout, SMC5K20CA-M3/H application, or SMC5K20CA-M3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage under 154 A surge, bidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, and SMC package thermal performance up to +175 °C junction temperature.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, responding in sub-nanosecond time to transients induced by inductive switching or lightning surges. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without external biasing, supporting robust protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
It delivers 5000 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform and sustains 40 kW under 8/20 μs waveform, with low incremental surge resistance ensuring stable clamping during high-current events. Thermal resistance is 90 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 4.0 °C/W (junction-to-mount), enabling reliable operation on standard FR4 PCBs with 2 oz copper.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 22.2–24.5 V at 1 mA - defines minimum voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction to initiate clamping |
| Stand-off Voltage VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 2 µA; sets operating margin below clamping threshold |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 32.4 V at 154 A (10/1000 μs) - actual voltage seen by protected circuit during rated surge, limiting stress on downstream components |
| Peak Pulse Power | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capability for common lightning/surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5 |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without derating |
| ESD Immunity | ±30 kV HBM (contact & air) - meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 for system-level ESD robustness |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, M3 suffix indicating industrial grade and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Matte tin-plated leads, no cathode band (bidirectional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Both terminals function identically; bidirectional clamping requires no polarity orientation during placement |
| Case (cathode side marking absent) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Exposed metal pad provides primary heat dissipation path to PCB copper; no electrical isolation required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses, or ungrounded circuits without polarity constraints |
| 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive power inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates long-term reliability under automotive thermal, vibration, and humidity stress profiles |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during surge events, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected MOSFETs/ICs |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Confirms safety compliance for telecom and data line protection applications requiring regulatory certification |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Lines |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed at power entry point to clamp surges before they reach DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 5000 W pulses and operates up to +175 °C, enabling direct placement near connectors in engine control modules. | Use Scenario: Guarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V output lines exposed to field wiring transients. Use Value: 32.4 V clamping at 154 A ensures downstream op-amps and ADCs remain within absolute maximum ratings during 8/20 μs surges. |
| Telecom Data Line Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Inputs |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on Ethernet PHY power rails and auxiliary bias lines in PoE switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS after primary GDT or MOV, providing fast-response clamping for sensitive PHY ICs. Use Value: UL 497B recognition and ±30 kV HBM rating support compliance with GR-1089-CORE and IEC 61000-4-2 for telecom infrastructure. | Use Scenario: Input-stage transient protection in wall-mounted USB-C PD adapters handling 20 V input rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS across bulk capacitor input to absorb line-switching spikes and EFT bursts. Use Value: 20 V VWM provides 10 % margin above nominal 18 V max input, while 32.4 V VC stays safely below 36 V IC input limits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA-E3/5A (Vishay) | Lower peak pulse power (400 W), SMA package, same VBR range but higher VC (32.4 V @ 12.3 A) | Suitable for lower-energy surges; not rated for AEC-Q101 or 40 kW (8/20 μs) | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-4 EFT only |
| 1.5KE20CA (ON Semiconductor) | Higher VC (36.5 V @ 137 A), through-hole DO-201 package, same 5000 W rating but no AEC-Q101 or UL 497B | Requires PCB through-hole mounting; lacks automotive qualification and telecom safety certification | Choose for legacy through-hole designs where rework to SMD is impractical and AEC-Q101 is not required |
Compared with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A and 1.5KE20CA, the SMC5K20CA-M3/H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, UL 497B recognition, 40 kW (8/20 μs) capability, and SMC package thermal performance-making it the only option qualified for high-reliability automotive power rail and telecom infrastructure protection.
Availability
SMC5K20CA-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom data line protection, and consumer power adapter inputs requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMC5K20CA-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SMC5KxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure-where sustained surge immunity and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K20CA-M3/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K20CA-M3/H has a maximum clamping voltage of 32.4 V at 154 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig.3 in the official Vishay datasheet (Doc. #87024) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The SMC5K20CA-M3/H maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMC5K20CA-M3/H qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMC5K20CA-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet (Revision: 10-Sep-2024, p.3, Note (1)). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life-validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics. The SMC5K20CA-M3/H meets these requirements in its standard M3 industrial grade configuration.
What does the "-M3/H" suffix mean in SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
The "-M3" suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and J-STD-002 solderability standards. The "/H" indicates packaging in 7-inch plastic tape and reel with 850 units per reel. This ordering code is confirmed in the "ORDERING INFORMATION" section of the Vishay datasheet (p.3), and applies directly to the SMC5K20CA-M3/H part number.
Does SMC5K20CA-M3/H have UL safety certification?
Yes, the SMC5K20CA-M3/H carries UL recognition under file number E136766 for safety standard UL 497B, as documented in the "FEATURES" section of the Vishay datasheet (p.1). This certification validates its use in telecom and data line protection applications requiring third-party safety approval, and applies to the entire SMC5KxxCA family including the SMC5K20CA-M3/H variant.
What is the thermal resistance specification for SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
The SMC5K20CA-M3/H has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 90 °C/W and junction-to-mount thermal resistance (RthJM) of 4.0 °C/W, per JEDEC 51-2A and 51-14 test methods respectively. These values are measured on standard FR4 PCB with 2 oz copper and define the device's ability to dissipate surge energy thermally-critical for maintaining <175 °C junction temperature during repeated transient events. The SMC5K20CA-M3/H datasheet confirms these parameters in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table (p.2).
SMC5K20CA-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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 154A
- 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)
SMC5K20CA-M3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K20CA-M3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K20CA-M3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
SMC5K20CA-M3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
For technical support, including SMC5K20CA-M3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K20CA-M3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K20CA-M3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K20CA-M3/H?
All SMC5K20CA-M3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K20CA-M3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K20CA-M3/H Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

