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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K20CA-M3/I

Part No.:
SMC5K20CA-M3/I
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category:
TVS Diodes
Package:
DO-214AB, SMC
Datasheet:
AetrixSMC5K20CA-M3/I.pdf
Description:
TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO214AB
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:4,152

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Product details

Overview

SMC5K20CA-M3/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) 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/I datasheet, SMC5K20CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K20CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K20CA-M3/I equivalent, key selection factors include its AEC-Q101 qualification, bidirectional polarity, 175 °C max junction temperature, and UL 497B safety recognition - critical for automotive-grade transient suppression in harsh environments.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device across bidirectional signal or power rails, responding within picoseconds to transients induced by inductive switching or ESD events. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time ensure minimal overvoltage exposure to downstream components.

The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (30 kV contact/air discharge) and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 with 260 °C reflow peak. Thermal resistance is 90 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 4.0 °C/W (junction-to-mount), enabling reliable operation under sustained surge stress up to 175 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Parameter Value and Actual Design Meaning
Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) 5000 W - sustains high-energy surges without failure in automotive load-dump or lightning-induced transients
Breakdown Voltage VBR 22.2–24.5 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where clamping initiates, ensuring compatibility with 24 V systems
Clamping Voltage VC 32.4 V at 154 A (10/1000 μs) - limits maximum voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge
Stand-off Voltage VWM 20 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 2 μA, matching nominal 24 V rail derating
Junction Temperature Range –55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without thermal derating loss
AEC-Q101 Qualified Yes - validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress per AEC standard
UL Recognition UL 497B (E136766) - certified for primary-circuit surge protection in safety-critical telecom and industrial equipment

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band. Matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant and halogen-free (M3 suffix). Meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test and J-STD-002 solderability.

Pin/Terminal Circuit Role Design Meaning
Anode Transient current entry (reverse bias) Accepts surge current during positive half-cycle of bidirectional transient; connects to protected line
Cathode Transient current entry (forward bias) Accepts surge current during negative half-cycle; symmetric conduction enables full bidirectional clamping

Key Features

Feature Design Value
Bidirectional clamping Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints
40 kW peak pulse rating (8/20 μs) Handles severe lightning-surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5, exceeding typical automotive ISO 7637-2 requirements
Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) Minimizes overvoltage margin between breakdown and clamping - improves system-level robustness without overdesign
MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak reflow Supports standard lead-free SMT assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements
30 kV HBM ESD immunity Exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4, protecting against handling and operational electrostatic discharges

Applications

Automotive Power Distribution Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V power rails in body control modules from load-dump transients (ISO 16750-2).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across input rail to shunt surge energy to ground.

Use Value: Clamps to 32.4 V during 154 A surge, preventing damage to downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers rated for ≤36 V absolute max.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) in factory automation sensors from EFT and surge coupling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected between signal and shield/ground to suppress fast transients without distorting low-bandwidth signals.

Use Value: 32.4 V clamping ensures signal integrity remains intact while meeting IEC 61000-4-4 (4 kV EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (1 kV surge) immunity requirements.

Telecom Line Card Surge Protection Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage

Use Scenario: Front-end protection on AC/DC power inputs of base station remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter in series with MOVs or GDTs, providing fast-response clamping before slower devices activate.

Use Value: 5000 W (10/1000 μs) rating and 40 kW (8/20 μs) capability enable coordination with upstream protection stages in multi-stage telecom surge designs.

Use Scenario: Input-stage transient suppression on universal-input (90–264 VAC) SMPS front ends in smart home hubs and set-top boxes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary clamping device after bridge rectifier, safeguarding bulk capacitor and PFC controller from differential-mode surges.

Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C TJmax ensure long-term reliability in thermally constrained enclosed adapters operating near thermal 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 PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint), same VBR range (22.2–24.5 V), but lower surge current rating (32.4 A vs. 154 A) Suitable only for low-energy transients (e.g., ESD-only); not rated for load-dump or lightning surges Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 ESD only
1.5KE20CA (ON Semiconductor) Higher package thermal resistance (RthJA ≈ 120 °C/W), axial-leaded DO-201 package, same VWM/VBR, but lower clamping ratio (34.2 V at 143 A) Requires through-hole mounting and larger PCB area; less suitable for automated SMT production Choose for legacy through-hole designs or cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where SMT is unavailable

Compared with SMAJ20CA-E3/5A and 1.5KE20CA, the SMC5K20CA-M3/I delivers 12.5× higher peak pulse power in an SMT-compatible package with AEC-Q101 validation - making it the only option among the three qualified for automotive power rail protection requiring simultaneous high energy handling and surface-mount manufacturability.

Availability

SMC5K20CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom line card surge protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and high-reliability SMT packaging.

Supply support for SMC5K20CA-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, power handling, and automotive qualification.

The SMC5KxxCA family was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial systems, combining AEC-Q101 qualification, UL safety certification, and industry-leading 5000 W surge capability in the rugged SMC package.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMC5K20CA-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The SMC5K20CA-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage of 32.4 V at 154 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform, as specified in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 87024. This value ensures protected circuits remain below critical overvoltage thresholds during standardized surge events. The SMC5K20CA-M3/I maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the SMC5K20CA-M3/I suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SMC5K20CA-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures up to +175 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and powertrain applications. Its 5000 W peak pulse power and bidirectional clamping meet ISO 16750-2 load-dump requirements. The SMC5K20CA-M3/I also carries UL 497B recognition for safety-critical use in automotive electronics.

What does the "M3" suffix indicate in SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

"M3" denotes a halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade variant with matte tin-plated leads that meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "I" suffix specifies packaging in 13-inch tape-and-reel format with 3500 units per reel. The SMC5K20CA-M3/I is not AEC-Q101 qualified - that requires the HM3 suffix variant.

How does the SMC5K20CA-M3/I compare to unidirectional TVS diodes in circuit design?

The SMC5K20CA-M3/I is bidirectional and lacks a cathode band, enabling symmetrical clamping on AC or floating lines without polarity concerns. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, it protects both positive and negative transients with identical VBR and VC characteristics. This simplifies layout in differential or dual-rail systems and eliminates risk of reverse installation - a key advantage of the SMC5K20CA-M3/I in noise-sensitive analog interfaces.

What is the thermal resistance specification for the SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

The SMC5K20CA-M3/I has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 90 °C/W and junction-to-mount thermal resistance (RthJM) of 4.0 °C/W, measured per JEDEC 51-2A and 51-14 standards respectively. These values reflect performance on a standard FR4 PCB with 2 oz copper and define safe power dissipation limits during repetitive surge events. The SMC5K20CA-M3/I's low RthJM supports effective heat transfer to thermal pads or heatsinks.

SMC5K20CA-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):
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/I FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SMC5K20CA-M3/I through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/I reliable?

The price and inventory of SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K20CA-M3/I transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

SMC5K20CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

For technical support, including SMC5K20CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K20CA-M3/I requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K20CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/I meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K20CA-M3/I?

All SMC5K20CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K20CA-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 SMC5K20CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SMC5K20CA-M3/I:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

SMC5K20CA-M3/I Tags

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