Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCG160CAHE3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCG160CAHE3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-215AB, SMC Gull Wing
- Datasheet:
-
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO215AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in the SMCG (DO-215AB) package, rated for 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), and clamping voltage of 259 V at 5.8 A IPPM. It features AEC-Q101 qualification, glass passivated junction, and UL 94 V-0 molding compound - designed for automotive-level surge protection on signal or power lines.
For engineers reviewing the SMCG160CAHE3/9AT datasheet, SMCG160CAHE3/9AT pinout, SMCG160CAHE3/9AT application, or SMCG160CAHE3/9AT equivalent, this device is selected for high-energy transient suppression in automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line protection where bidirectional clamping, low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are critical.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities with identical breakdown (VBR min/max = 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA), clamping (VC = 259 V at IPPM), and thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W). Its DO-215AB package supports automated placement and meets J-STD-020 reflow profile up to 260 °C peak.
Designed for unclamped inductive switching transients (e.g., relay coils, solenoids) and lightning-induced surges (10/1000 µs waveform), it delivers stable clamping performance over -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage at 160 V standoff - critical for low-power sensor biasing integrity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; defines safe operating margin for 12 V/24 V/48 V automotive and industrial bus systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - guaranteed breakdown threshold ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - clamping voltage under full 1500 W surge; limits downstream IC stress to survivable levels per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; supports Class 3B/4 automotive load dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 µA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and battery drain budget in always-on sensor circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables deployment in under-hood automotive modules and high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMCG (DO-215AB) - surface-mount gull-wing package with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad layout; optimized for thermal dissipation and automated assembly. |
Pinout & Package
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT uses the SMCG (DO-215AB) package: a bidirectional two-terminal device with no polarity marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, compatible with standard SMT reflow profiles (MSL Level 1, 260 °C peak).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; symmetrical structure eliminates orientation constraints during PCB layout. |
| Terminal 2 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Terminal 1; enables placement across differential lines or single-ended rails without polarity verification. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, ADAS sensors, and body electronics per stress test requirements. |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term reliability and stable VBR drift under thermal cycling and humidity exposure (JESD22-A101, A110). |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Molding compound resists ignition and flame propagation - required for safety-critical automotive and industrial end equipment. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, relay bounce), improving clamping precision and system robustness. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows indefinite floor life before reflow; eliminates baking requirement and simplifies manufacturing logistics. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceiver power rails from load dump and jump-start surges in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between VCC and GND, absorbing energy without polarity dependence. Use Value: Maintains 160 V standoff while clamping to 259 V - preserving regulator input headroom and preventing downstream IC latch-up during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog I/O modules from field wiring induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across signal and return lines, limiting common-mode surge voltage before front-end op-amps. Use Value: Sub-1 µA leakage at 160 V ensures minimal impact on loop accuracy; 1500 W rating handles repeated 1 kV/500 A surges per IEC 61000-4-5. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY power supplies and data lines against lightning-induced surges in outdoor network equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC bias rail and secondary-level clamp on differential pairs, coordinated with gas discharge tubes. Use Value: Symmetrical 178–197 V breakdown ensures consistent response to positive/negative lightning strikes; DO-215AB footprint allows compact dual-stage designs. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, power tools). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback during MOSFET/FET switching transitions. Use Value: 259 V clamping voltage prevents MOSFET avalanche failure; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures longevity under repeated thermal stress in enclosed housings. |
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 | Unidirectional; same VWM (160 V) and PPPM (400 W), but lower power rating and smaller SMA package (DO-214AC). | Limited to single-polarity protection; unsuitable for AC-coupled or differential signal lines requiring bidirectional clamping. | Select only when polarity is fixed and board space is constrained; verify clamping voltage (VC = 259 V) matches system tolerance. |
| SMCJ160CA | Bidirectional; higher PPPM (1500 W), same VWM (160 V), but larger SMC (DO-214AB) package and non-AEC-Q101 grade. | Acceptable for industrial use but lacks automotive qualification; requires larger PCB area and different thermal pad layout. | Choose when AEC-Q101 is not required and thermal mass from larger copper pads improves sustained surge handling. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/57T and SMCJ160CA, SMCG160CAHE3/9AT uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, bidirectional operation, and DO-215AB footprint - enabling automotive-grade surge protection in space-constrained, thermally demanding layouts without compromising reliability or polarity flexibility.
Availability
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and telecom infrastructure equipment requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, automotive qualification, and high-power density design.
The SMCG series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-environment automotive and industrial systems - prioritizing low leakage, repeatable clamping, and robust thermal performance in compact surface-mount packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCG160CAHE3/9AT and how is it measured?
The clamping voltage (VC) of SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is 259 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.8 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value reflects the maximum voltage seen across the device during a full-power transient event and is specified in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88457, page 2. SMCG160CAHE3/9AT maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SMCG160CAHE3/9AT suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its construction - glass passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility - meets stringent automotive reliability requirements. The "HE3" suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, and the "CA" suffix confirms bidirectional functionality required for many automotive signal and power line protections.
What does the "9AT" suffix mean in SMCG160CAHE3/9AT?
The "9AT" suffix indicates the packaging configuration: 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 3500 units per reel. This format supports high-volume automated SMT assembly. The "HE3" portion confirms RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification, while "CA" specifies bidirectional polarity - all defined in Vishay's ordering information table (Document Number 88457, page 3).
How does SMCG160CAHE3/9AT differ from unidirectional variants like SMCG160AHE3/9AT?
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is bidirectional with symmetrical electrical characteristics in both directions (VBR, VC, ID), whereas SMCG160AHE3/9AT is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias. The "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bidirectional function, making SMCG160CAHE3/9AT appropriate for AC signals, differential lines, or any application where voltage polarity reversal must be suppressed - unlike the unidirectional version which would fail to protect during positive transients.
What is the thermal resistance of SMCG160CAHE3/9AT and how does it affect layout?
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. This value assumes the recommended pad layout shown in the Vishay datasheet - underscoring the need for adequate copper area to sustain repetitive surges. Reducing pad size increases RθJA, raising junction temperature and potentially derating PPPM performance.
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCG)
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160CAHE3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCG160CAHE3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT?
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCG160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160CAHE3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCG160CAHE3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCG160CAHE3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCG160CAHE3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCG160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCG160CAHE3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCG160CAHE3/9AT?
All SMCG160CAHE3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCG160CAHE3/9AT, 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 SMCG160CAHE3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCG160CAHE3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCG160CAHE3/9AT Tags

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