Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCG160CA-E3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCG160CA-E3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-215AB, SMC Gull Wing
- Datasheet:
-
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO215AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMCG (DO-215AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on signal and power lines. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 5.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMCG160CA-E3/9AT datasheet, SMCG160CA-E3/9AT pinout, SMCG160CA-E3/9AT application, or SMCG160CA-E3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, AEC-Q101 qualification, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and compatibility with 0.31" × 0.31" copper pad layouts per JEDEC standards.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar during transients, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to limit overvoltage across protected circuits. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping in both polarities without external polarity management, and its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics over temperature and lifetime.
The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, with thermal resistance RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15 °C/W, supporting reliable operation under sustained surge stress when mounted on specified 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per Figure 2 of the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping activation; defines upper limit of normal operating range. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold with ±5.5% tolerance. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V @ 5.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (per J-STD-020) - No floor life limitation; allows unlimited exposure to ambient conditions prior to reflow. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMCG (DO-215AB) - surface-mount, low-profile gull-wing leaded case with matte tin-plated terminals solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; cathode-defined polarity reference for unidirectional variants | Bidirectional symmetry means Anode and Cathode are functionally interchangeable - no polarity marking required. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; band-marked end for unidirectional types | No band marking on SMCG160CA-E3/9AT; terminals are electrically identical in both directions for transient suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche breakdown voltage over 1000+ surge events and >15-year operational life. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a), improving system immunity. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Eliminates bake-out requirement and floor-life tracking - simplifies SMT line logistics and reduces handling risk. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Supports protection of 24 V and 48 V industrial buses against lightning-induced surges up to 10/1000 µs waveform. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD and LIN bus transceivers from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before it reaches PHY layer. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under ISO 16750-2 load dump (12 V systems) and prevents latch-up in transceivers rated ≤ 36 V absolute max. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC analog input channels (4–20 mA, 0–10 V) against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end TVS on terminal block side of isolation barrier, absorbing energy before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to <259 V during 1 kV/500 A 10/1000 µs surge, preserving ADC reference stability and op-amp input stage integrity. |
| Telecom Power Line Protection | Consumer Device USB Port |
Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on 48 V PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) power feed lines in network switches and base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamping device downstream of GDT or polymer PTC, providing precise voltage limiting after coarse suppression. Use Value: Clamps residual surge to 259 V within nanoseconds, preventing damage to DC-DC controllers and MOSFETs rated at 300 V breakdown. | Use Scenario: ESD and surge protection for USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports in laptops and docking stations exposed to human-body-model (HBM) and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional TVS placed between CC, D+/D-, and VBUS lines and ground. Use Value: Provides <1 µA leakage at 160 V while clamping 8 kV contact ESD to <30 V peak - preserving signal rise time and eye diagram integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160CA | Same VWM (160 V) and VC (259 V), but lower PPPM (400 W); SMA (DO-214AC) package with higher RθJA (105 °C/W). | Limited to lower-energy transients (IEC 61000-4-2 only); unsuitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3+ or automotive load dump. | Select SMAJ160CA only for cost-sensitive consumer applications where surge energy is strictly bounded and thermal margin is adequate. |
| SMCJ160CA | Identical electrical specs (160 V VWM, 259 V VC, 1500 W PPPM), same DO-214AB package footprint but different leadform (gull wing vs. J-bend). | Requires PCB land pattern revision; not drop-in compatible due to mechanical mismatch despite identical electrical performance. | Choose SMCJ160CA only if existing layout uses DO-214AB and rework is acceptable - otherwise SMCG160CA-E3/9AT offers superior automated placement yield. |
Compared with SMAJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the SMCG160CA-E3/9AT delivers equal surge robustness in a lower-profile, MSL Level 1–compliant package optimized for high-speed SMT lines and automotive-grade reliability - making it the preferred choice where AEC-Q101 validation and production scalability are mandatory.
Availability
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interface hardening, and telecom power line safeguarding requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCG series was engineered specifically for high-power, bidirectional transient suppression in space-constrained automotive and industrial environments - prioritizing AEC-Q101 compliance, low-profile packaging, and consistent clamping performance across temperature.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCG160CA-E3/9AT at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 5.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +150 °C).
Is SMCG160CA-E3/9AT suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCG160CA-E3/9AT is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly validated for automotive use cases including engine control modules, ADAS sensor interfaces, and body electronics. Its bidirectional architecture, 1500 W surge rating, and operation up to +150 °C junction temperature meet stringent requirements for under-hood and chassis-mounted systems. The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT also complies with J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, eliminating moisture sensitivity concerns during reflow assembly in automotive manufacturing lines.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCG160CA-E3/9AT?
The "CA" suffix in SMCG160CA-E3/9AT denotes a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities without requiring orientation during placement. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCG160A), the CA version has no cathode band marking and exhibits identical VBR, VC, and IPPM characteristics in either direction - essential for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines such as CAN, RS-485, or Ethernet PHY interfaces. The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT leverages this symmetry to simplify PCB layout and eliminate polarity-related assembly errors.
How does the SMCG160CA-E3/9AT package differ from SMAJ or SMCJ series?
The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT uses the SMCG (DO-215AB) package - a low-profile gull-wing variant with 0.024" lead pitch and 0.220" × 0.245" body dimensions - distinct from SMAJ's DO-214AC (higher profile, J-bend leads) and SMCJ's DO-214AB (same footprint but different leadform). This design enables better automated placement yield, improved thermal dissipation via lower RθJA (75 °C/W vs. 105 °C/W for SMAJ), and MSL Level 1 compliance. The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT's package is optimized for high-reliability, high-volume automotive SMT lines where coplanarity and moisture resistance are critical.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current of SMCG160CA-E3/9AT at its stand-off voltage?
The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA at its 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and signal distortion in always-on monitoring circuits, such as battery-backed sensor nodes or 4–20 mA loop receivers. The SMCG160CA-E3/9AT maintains leakage below 5 µA even at elevated temperatures (up to +125 °C), preserving accuracy in precision analog front-ends without introducing offset or gain error.
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCG)
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT 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 SMCG160CA-E3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCG160CA-E3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT?
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCG160CA-E3/9AT 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 SMCG160CA-E3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCG160CA-E3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCG160CA-E3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCG160CA-E3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCG160CA-E3/9AT 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 SMCG160CA-E3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCG160CA-E3/9AT?
All SMCG160CA-E3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCG160CA-E3/9AT, 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 SMCG160CA-E3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCG160CA-E3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCG160CA-E3/9AT Tags

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