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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMC5K78CA-M3/I
- Part No.:
- SMC5K78CA-M3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMC5K78CA-M3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,801
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Product details
Overview
SMC5K78CA-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), 78 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and 126 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 39.7 A IPPM - deployed on automotive power rails and industrial sensor signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SMC5K78CA-M3/I datasheet, SMC5K78CA-M3/I pinout, SMC5K78CA-M3/I application, or SMC5K78CA-M3/I equivalent, this device delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, UL 497B safety recognition, and robust 30 kV ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 - critical for automotive body control modules and industrial PLC I/O protection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates bidirectionally to clamp both positive and negative transients without polarity marking, leveraging silicon avalanche breakdown for sub-nanosecond response. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 4.0 °C/W junction-to-mount thermal resistance support high-reliability operation in under-hood automotive environments.
The device meets JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Its 90 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is measured on standard FR4 PCB per JEDEC 51-2A.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below system rail voltage. |
| VBR (min/max) | 86.7 V / 95.8 V at 1 mA - Breakdown voltage range ensures consistent turn-on across production lots and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 126 V at 39.7 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected IC's maximum transient stress level. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b surges. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power MOSFETs) in engine control units without derating. |
| ESD Rating | 30 kV (IEC 61000-4-2 contact & air discharge) - Provides immunity to human-body-model ESD events in assembly and field use. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no cathode band; molded compound rated UL 94 V-0; halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade (M3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current sink (negative half-cycle) | Connects to protected line; conducts during negative surges to ground or lower-potential rail. |
| Cathode | Transient current sink (positive half-cycle) | Connects to protected line; conducts during positive surges to ground or lower-potential rail. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including powertrain, chassis, and body electronics. |
| UL 497B recognition (E136766) | Confirms compliance with safety standards for telecom and industrial interface protection circuits. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Permits standard reflow soldering without pre-baking, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., EFT bursts), improving protection margin. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator switching transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between power rail and ground, absorbing >5000 W surge energy within nanoseconds. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤126 V during 39.7 A transients, preventing damage to downstream PMICs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in factory automation systems from EFT and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector on differential or single-ended signal pairs, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients before they exceed ADC input absolute maximum ratings (±15 V typical). |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Consumer Device USB/Display Port Lines |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in base station backhaul equipment exposed to induced lightning surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection device placed after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary stage. Use Value: Provides low-clamping-voltage follow-up protection with <30 ns response, limiting residual surge to <126 V at 39.7 A. |
Use Scenario: Hardening USB 2.0 data lines and DisplayPort AUX channels in laptops and docking stations against ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Board-level ESD suppressor mounted adjacent to connector, shunting 30 kV HBM discharges. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and gate oxide damage in USB transceivers by clamping ESD pulses to ≤126 V within <1 ns. |
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 (Vishay) | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint), same VWM/VC but higher RthJA (125 °C/W). | Suitable for space-constrained consumer PCBs where surge energy is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (0.5 kV/0.25 kA). | Select when board area is critical and surge threat level is moderate; not recommended for automotive load dump. |
| 1.5KE78CA (ON Semiconductor) | Higher VBR (86.7–95.8 V → 86.7–99 V), through-hole DO-201 package, same 5000 W rating but no AEC-Q101 or MSL Level 1. | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where reflow compatibility and automotive qualification are not required. | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs with existing through-hole assembly infrastructure. |
Compared with SMC5K78CA-M3/I, SMAJ78CA-E3/5A trades surge robustness for compactness, while 1.5KE78CA sacrifices automotive qualification and surface-mount process compatibility for legacy design continuity - making SMC5K78CA-M3/I the only option qualified for modern automotive SMT production with full 5 kW capability.
Availability
SMC5K78CA-M3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, telecom interface modules, and consumer portable device protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SMC5K78CA-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 automotive-grade 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, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMC5K78CA-M3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMC5K78CA-M3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at 39.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000 μs waveform condition. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lot, ensuring predictable overvoltage protection for downstream components in automotive and industrial systems.
Is SMC5K78CA-M3/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMC5K78CA-M3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, meeting the stress test requirements for automotive discrete semiconductors including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. It is specified for use in body electronics, infotainment, and chassis modules where reliability under extended temperature and vibration is mandatory.
What does the "M3/I" suffix mean in SMC5K78CA-M3/I?
The "M3" suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, industrial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "I" denotes packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, containing 3500 units - optimized for high-volume SMT assembly lines.
Can SMC5K78CA-M3/I replace SMC5K75CA or SMC5K85CA in a design?
No - SMC5K78CA-M3/I has a specific 78 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 86.7–95.8 V breakdown range. Substituting with SMC5K75CA (75 V VWM) risks premature clamping; using SMC5K85CA (85 V VWM) may allow damaging overvoltage before clamping. Each variant must be selected based on exact system rail voltage and margin requirements.
Does SMC5K78CA-M3/I have polarity markings on the package?
No, SMC5K78CA-M3/I is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no cathode band or polarity marking. Its symmetrical construction allows installation in either orientation on the PCB - simplifying layout and eliminating orientation-related assembly errors in automated SMT processes.
SMC5K78CA-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):
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMC5K78CA-M3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMC5K78CA-M3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMC5K78CA-M3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMC5K78CA-M3/I?
SMC5K78CA-M3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/I?
For technical support, including SMC5K78CA-M3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMC5K78CA-M3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMC5K78CA-M3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMC5K78CA-M3/I?
All SMC5K78CA-M3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMC5K78CA-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 SMC5K78CA-M3/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMC5K78CA-M3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMC5K78CA-M3/I Tags
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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
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Diodes Incorporated
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