Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCG160AHE3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCG160AHE3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-215AB, SMC Gull Wing
- Datasheet:
-
SMCG160AHE3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO215AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,506
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Product details
Overview
SMCG160AHE3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMCG (DO-215AB) package, featuring a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), 5.8 A maximum clamping current (IPPM), and 259 V clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM. It is AEC-Q101 qualified and designed for automotive-grade overvoltage protection of power rails and signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the SMCG160AHE3/9AT datasheet, SMCG160AHE3/9AT pinout, SMCG160AHE3/9AT application, or SMCG160AHE3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-215AB thermal performance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), 150 °C max junction temperature, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, and compliance with UL 497B for surge protector classification.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type overvoltage protection device, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to limit transient voltages across protected circuits. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling consistent clamping behavior under 10/1000 µs surge waveforms.
The SMCG160AHE3/9AT is rated for 1500 W peak pulse power dissipation with no derating required up to 25 °C ambient, and supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) for inductive load switching events. Its bidirectional counterpart variant (e.g., SMCG160CA) is not applicable - this part is strictly unidirectional, with cathode marked by a band.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range defining protection threshold accuracy |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure |
| TJ max | +150 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMCG (DO-215AB) - surface-mount, low-profile gull-wing leaded package with matte tin-plated terminals, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and MSL Level 1 rating (peak reflow 260 °C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to system ground in standard unidirectional TVS configuration | Provides reference node for clamping; must be routed with low-inductance path to ground plane |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail) | Defines polarity-sensitive placement - reversal causes open-circuit failure during transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, critical for long-term automotive field reliability |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates robustness against mechanical shock, thermal cycling, and high-temperature reverse bias stress |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for 48 V and 12 V ECUs |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables direct placement into high-volume SMT lines without baking or special handling |
| UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) | Confirms suitability for telecom and automotive data line surge protection per safety standards |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V/48 V battery-connected ECUs (e.g., body control modules) from load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping transient overvoltages above 160 V to ≤259 V within nanoseconds, safeguarding DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage in automotive electronics exposed to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120 V peak. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in PLC I/O modules from ESD and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding in <1 ns to ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 259 V clamping while preserving low leakage (<1 µA at 160 V) for precision measurement circuits. |
| Telecom Power Feeding Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered equipment (e.g., IP cameras) receiving 48 V DC power over Ethernet cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on PSE-side power input, absorbing induced surges from cable coupling or lightning-induced common-mode transients. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W peak pulses without degradation, meeting UL 497B Class B requirements for telecom protectors. | Use Scenario: Protecting MCU GPIOs and gate drivers in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine motor controllers) from back-EMF spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp across MOSFET source-drain or supply rail, triggered by inductive kick during PWM switching. Use Value: Limits voltage overshoot to 259 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 600 V Si MOSFETs and ensuring >100,000-cycle reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A-E3/57T | Same VWM (160 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA (DO-214AC) package, RθJA = 100 °C/W | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for automotive load dump per ISO 7637-2 | Select only for cost-sensitive industrial controls where surge energy ≤400 W |
| 1.5KE160A | Through-hole DO-201 package, same VWM/VC specs, higher IFSM (250 A), but no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not suitable for automated SMT production or automotive under-hood mounting | Use only in legacy through-hole designs requiring higher surge margin but no automotive qualification |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/57T and 1.5KE160A, the SMCG160AHE3/9AT delivers superior thermal performance (75 vs. 100 °C/W), AEC-Q101 validation for automotive use, and 1500 W surge capacity - making it the only option qualified for modern SMT-based automotive power rail protection.
Availability
SMCG160AHE3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom power feeding systems, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SMCG160AHE3/9AT 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCG series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - particularly automotive power distribution, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and UL recognition are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCG160AHE3/9AT and how is it measured?
The SMCG160AHE3/9AT has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V, measured at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.8 A under a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88457, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. The SMCG160AHE3/9AT maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMCG160AHE3/9AT suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No - the SMCG160AHE3/9AT is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional variants like SMCG160CA). It conducts only in reverse bias above VBR and must be installed with the cathode band oriented toward the protected line. Using SMCG160AHE3/9AT in bidirectional configurations will result in open-circuit behavior during positive transients, leaving downstream components unprotected.
What does the "HE3/9AT" suffix mean in SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
The "HE3" denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification, while "9AT" specifies packaging in a 13-inch diameter plastic tape-and-reel format containing 3500 units. This differs from "57T" (7-inch reel, 850 units) and confirms the part meets automotive-grade reliability and automated assembly requirements. The SMCG160AHE3/9AT is not interchangeable with non-HE3 variants in AEC-Q101–mandated designs.
How does the thermal resistance of SMCG160AHE3/9AT affect PCB layout?
The SMCG160AHE3/9AT has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe junction temperatures below 150 °C, PCB layout must allocate sufficient copper area and avoid thermal bottlenecks. Reducing pad size or omitting thermal vias increases RθJA, risking premature thermal runaway during repeated surges - a critical consideration for SMCG160AHE3/9AT deployment in engine-control modules.
Does SMCG160AHE3/9AT require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?
Yes - the SMCG160AHE3/9AT must be derated above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88457). At 85 °C ambient, its peak pulse power (PPPM) drops to approximately 750 W (50% derating), and at 125 °C, it falls to ~300 W. Designers must verify that expected surge energy remains within the derated PPPM envelope; exceeding it risks parametric shift or catastrophic failure. This derating behavior is intrinsic to the SMCG160AHE3/9AT's silicon and package construction.
SMCG160AHE3/9AT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-215AB, SMC Gull Wing
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCG)
SMCG160AHE3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCG160AHE3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCG160AHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160AHE3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCG160AHE3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCG160AHE3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCG160AHE3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
SMCG160AHE3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCG160AHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCG160AHE3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCG160AHE3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCG160AHE3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCG160AHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160AHE3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
All SMCG160AHE3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCG160AHE3/9AT, 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 SMCG160AHE3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCG160AHE3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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