Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K78CA-M3/H
- Part No.:
- SMC5K78CA-M3/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K78CA-M3/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,700
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K78CA-M3/H 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), 78 V stand-off voltage, and 126 V clamping voltage at 39.7 A. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial power electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K78CA-M3/H datasheet, SMC5K78CA-M3/H pinout, SMC5K78CA-M3/H application, or SMC5K78CA-M3/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with 8/20 μs lightning surge waveforms.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, responding within picoseconds to transients exceeding its 78 V reverse stand-off voltage (VWM). Its breakdown voltage range is 86.7–95.8 V at 1 mA test current, ensuring precise overvoltage thresholding before conduction.
The device delivers 5000 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform and sustains 163 V clamping at 245 A under 8/20 μs waveform - critical for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance. Thermal resistance junction-to-mount is 4.0 °C/W, enabling robust thermal management in high-power transient events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 86.7 V / 95.8 V at 1 mA - defines reliable breakdown onset window for design margining |
| VC @ IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 126 V at 39.7 A - clamping voltage during standard surge testing; determines protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - energy-handling capacity for repetitive or single-event inductive switching surges |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| ESD immunity | ±30 kV HBM (contact & air) - meets IEC 61000-4-2 for board-level ESD robustness |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and humidity testing |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band. Matte tin-plated leads, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, MSL Level 1, LF peak 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (bidirectional) | Conducts surge current in either polarity; symmetric structure eliminates orientation dependency |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (bidirectional) | Paired with anode to form symmetrical clamping path; no marking required per bidirectional design |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints |
| 40 kW surge rating (8/20 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 lightning surge immunity (2 kV line-to-line, 4 kV line-to-ground) |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), improving protection margin |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring long-term field reliability |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Confirms safety compliance for telecom and industrial interface port protection applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed across power input rails upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: Clamps 126 V at 39.7 A (10/1000 μs), limiting downstream voltage stress to safe levels for 36 V-rated regulators. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor on 4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V output lines. Use Value: Withstands ±30 kV ESD and 8/20 μs surges up to 245 A while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 78 V. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers connected to external cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge clamp on differential data lines, coordinated with common-mode chokes. Use Value: 163 V clamping at 245 A (8/20 μs) ensures transceiver survival during induced lightning surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers from back-EMF spikes in BLDC fan motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS mounted adjacent to motor driver ICs on PCB power traces. Use Value: 5000 W peak pulse power handles repetitive inductive switching spikes without degradation over >10⁵ cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ78CA-E3/5A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass), same VWM (78 V) | Best suited for space-constrained consumer electronics with moderate surge exposure | Select when board area is limited and surge energy does not exceed 400 W; not suitable for automotive load dump |
| SMCJ78CA | Same SMC package and VWM, but rated for 1500 W (10/1000 μs); lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Applicable in industrial controls where automotive qualification is unnecessary | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs requiring SMC footprint and 78 V clamping, but without AEC-Q101 requirement |
Compared with SMC5K78CA-M3/H, SMAJ78CA-E3/5A offers reduced surge handling and smaller size, while SMCJ78CA provides identical packaging and voltage rating but omits automotive qualification - making SMC5K78CA-M3/H the only option meeting both 5000 W surge and AEC-Q101 for harsh-environment deployment.
Availability
SMC5K78CA-M3/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and full AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for SMC5K78CA-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 and high-performance power management.
The SMC5KxxCA series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial systems, combining AEC-Q101 validation, UL safety recognition, and industry-leading 5000 W surge capability in the rugged SMC package.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K78CA-M3/H at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K78CA-M3/H clamps to 126 V at its specified peak pulse current of 39.7 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Fig. 3 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #87024) and defines the maximum voltage seen by downstream circuitry during standardized surge events.
Is SMC5K78CA-M3/H qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMC5K78CA-M3/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 10-Sep-2024 (Document Number: 87024). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock - validating its use in automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems.
What does the "-M3/H" suffix indicate in SMC5K78CA-M3/H?
The "-M3" denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade construction per JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing. The "/H" specifies packaging in 7-inch plastic tape-and-reel format with 850 units per reel - a standard logistics configuration for automated SMT assembly.
How does SMC5K78CA-M3/H perform under 8/20 μs lightning surge conditions?
Under the 8/20 μs waveform, SMC5K78CA-M3/H clamps to 163 V at 245 A, delivering 40 kW peak pulse power. This performance aligns with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements and is documented in the Electrical Characteristics table of the Vishay datasheet.
Does SMC5K78CA-M3/H have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMC5K78CA-M3/H is a bidirectional TVS and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Its symmetrical internal structure allows installation in either orientation - a key design simplification for layout and assembly of AC-coupled or floating circuits.
SMC5K78CA-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):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 39.7A
- 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)
SMC5K78CA-M3/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K78CA-M3/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K78CA-M3/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K78CA-M3/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K78CA-M3/H?
SMC5K78CA-M3/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/H?
For technical support, including SMC5K78CA-M3/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K78CA-M3/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K78CA-M3/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K78CA-M3/H?
All SMC5K78CA-M3/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K78CA-M3/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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