Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K36CA-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K36CA-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K36CA-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 36VWM 58.1VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,468
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K36CA-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), 36 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 58.1 V maximum clamping voltage at 86.1 A IPPM - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K36CA-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K36CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K36CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K36CA-M3/I equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance values, clamping performance under 8/20 μs surges, and real-world use context for ESD-hardened sensor interfaces and 12 V/24 V system protection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates bidirectionally with a breakdown voltage range of 40.0–44.2 V at 1 mA test current and clamps transients to ≤58.1 V at 86.1 A (10/1000 μs) and ≤76.0 V at 526 A (8/20 μs). Its low incremental surge resistance ensures stable voltage limiting during fast-rising surges up to 30 kV per IEC 61000-4-2.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it features RthJA = 90 °C/W and RthJM = 4.0 °C/W, enabling reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures without derating below 125 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 36 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction; sets safe margin above 24 V nominal rail. |
| VBR min/max | 40.0 / 44.2 V at 1 mA - defines guaranteed breakdown onset window for predictable clamping initiation. |
| VC @ IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 58.1 V at 86.1 A - clamping voltage seen by protected IC during standard lightning-surge testing. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2b/5a in automotive systems. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables placement near heat-generating components like MOSFETs or gate drivers without thermal shutdown. |
| ESD rating | ±30 kV HBM (contact & air) - exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 for robust front-end ESD immunity. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and UHAST. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (negative polarity event) | Conducts surge current into device during negative-going transients; symmetric with cathode for bidirectional operation. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry (positive polarity event) | Conducts surge current into device during positive-going transients; electrically identical to anode in bidirectional construction. |
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 power (8/20 μs) | Supports high-current surge events such as induced lightning surges in telecom and industrial field wiring. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow) | Permits standard lead-free PCB assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements. |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Validates safety compliance for use in telecom line interface circuits requiring regulatory certification. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance mandates for industrial and automotive OEM supply chains. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power distribution networks in engine control units against load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of DC/DC converters and microcontroller power inputs. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤58.1 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) of pressure/temperature sensors from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt element across signal and return paths to divert sub-1 ns ESD pulses. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 ns response time and <1 nA leakage at 36 V, avoiding measurement drift. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers connected to external cabling exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS placed after gas discharge tube (GDT) in hybrid protection architecture. Use Value: Clamps residual surges to ≤76.0 V under 8/20 μs waveform, ensuring transceiver survival per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected suppressor across motor terminals to absorb inductive kickback energy. Use Value: Handles repetitive 5000 W pulses without degradation, extending motor driver MOSFET lifetime in cyclic duty applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ36CA-M3/5A | Lower PPPM (600 W vs. 5000 W); SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RthJA = 110 °C/W) | Suitable only for low-energy ESD and board-level noise; not rated for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a or lightning surges. | Select when space-constrained layouts prioritize size over surge energy handling. |
| SMCJ36A-M3/86A | Unidirectional; same SMC package but lacks reverse-polarity clamping capability | Requires external polarity management (e.g., series diode) for AC or floating signals; unsuitable for bidirectional data lines. | Choose only for DC-biased rails where polarity is fixed and cost optimization is critical. |
Compared with SMC5K36CA-M3/I, SMBJ36CA-M3/5A trades surge robustness for compactness, while SMCJ36A-M3/86A sacrifices bidirectional operation to reduce unit cost - making SMC5K36CA-M3/I the sole choice for high-energy, polarity-agnostic protection in automotive and industrial settings.
Availability
SMC5K36CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface development, and telecom line card prototyping requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMC5K36CA-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, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The SMC5KxxCA family was engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-environment electronics, emphasizing high-power clamping, low thermal resistance, and process-controlled consistency across voltage grades.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K36CA-M3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMC5K36CA-M3/I clamps to a maximum of 58.1 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 86.1 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig.3 in Vishay document 87024 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized lightning-surge testing.
Is SMC5K36CA-M3/I qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMC5K36CA-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing (UHAST). The HM3 variant is explicitly marked for automotive, but the M3 suffix shares identical die and qualification - confirmed in Vishay's 87024 revision 10-Sep-2024.
Does SMC5K36CA-M3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMC5K36CA-M3/I is a bidirectional TVS and carries no cathode band or polarity marking on the SMC (DO-214AB) case. Its symmetrical construction means either terminal functions identically as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - verified in the "Polarity" section of Vishay document 87024.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for SMC5K36CA-M3/I?
The thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RthJA) for SMC5K36CA-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 assumes natural convection and is used to calculate allowable power dissipation at elevated ambient temperatures.
How does SMC5K36CA-M3/I perform under IEC 61000-4-2 ESD testing?
SMC5K36CA-M3/I withstands ±30 kV contact discharge and ±30 kV air discharge per IEC 61000-4-2, as stated in the Immunity section of Vishay document 87024. Its sub-nanosecond response time and low dynamic impedance ensure effective charge diversion before sensitive downstream ICs experience overstress.
SMC5K36CA-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):
- 36V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 40V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 58.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 86.1A
- 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)
SMC5K36CA-M3/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K36CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K36CA-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 SMC5K36CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K36CA-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 SMC5K36CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K36CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K36CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K36CA-M3/I?
SMC5K36CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K36CA-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 SMC5K36CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K36CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K36CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K36CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K36CA-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 SMC5K36CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K36CA-M3/I?
All SMC5K36CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K36CA-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 SMC5K36CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K36CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K36CA-M3/I Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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