Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMCJ120CA
- Part No.:
- SMCJ120CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ120CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,385
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ120CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 1500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AB (SMC) package, with 120V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–147V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 193V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 8.1A peak impulse current - designed for automotive load-dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2b/3b protection in power supply rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ120CA datasheet, SMCJ120CA pinout, SMCJ120CA application, or SMCJ120CA equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. system rail tolerance, unidirectional/bidirectional configuration matching circuit polarity, thermal derating above 25°C ambient, and compliance with automotive EFT and surge immunity standards.
Technical Context
The SMCJ120CA operates as a bipolar avalanche diode, conducting symmetrically in both forward and reverse directions when transient voltage exceeds VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1μA at 120V), while fast response (<1.0ps) enables suppression of sub-nanosecond ESD and EFT events before downstream ICs are damaged.
Thermally, it features RθJA = 55°C/W and RθJC = 10°C/W, supporting sustained 5W steady-state dissipation at 25°C with linear derating above that temperature. It meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability requirements for high-reliability PCB mounting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for protected rail voltage. |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 147 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range defining turn-on threshold under standardized test conditions. |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V @ 8.1 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; determines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream components. |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling per single 1ms transient; defines energy absorption capability per event. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures negligible standby current in always-on systems. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| Package | DO-214AB (SMC) - Surface-mount outline with 7.11 mm x 6.22 mm footprint and 2.3 mm height; compatible with automated placement. |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AB (SMC) package: molded plastic case with two coplanar matte tin-plated leads; cathode band marking omitted for bidirectional configuration (CA suffix). Polarity is non-directional - terminals are functionally identical.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals serve as symmetrical avalanche junction endpoints; no fixed anode/cathode assignment - connects across protected line and ground or between differential lines. |
| Case | Thermal mass / mechanical anchor | Plastic body provides structural rigidity and thermal path to PCB copper; no electrical connection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC lines, differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485), or floating DC rails without polarity concerns. |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (EFT), meeting OEM automotive EMC requirements. |
| Sub-1ps response time | Clamps transients before propagation into sensitive analog or digital circuitry - critical for protecting high-speed interface ICs and microcontrollers. |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Zero bake requirement prior to reflow; supports standard SMT assembly without special handling or dry-pack protocols. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - suitable for green manufacturing and export to regulated markets. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Transient Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load-dump surges up to 120V during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converters and LDO regulators. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤193V during 1500W transients, preventing gate oxide rupture in MOSFETs and latch-up in PMICs. | Use Scenario: Two-wire CAN FD networks in factory automation subject to cable-induced EFT bursts and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS across CANH–CANL differential pair, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode transients to <±200V while adding <0.5pF capacitance - no data rate degradation at 5 Mbps. |
| LED Driver Output Stage Protection | AC-DC Adapter Secondary-Side Surge Guard |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers powering streetlight arrays subjected to induced lightning surges on long output cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS at driver output terminals to shunt surge energy away from LED string and current-sense amplifier. Use Value: Absorbs 1500W pulses without degradation, preserving LED lifetime and avoiding false overvoltage shutdowns in feedback loop. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side 12V/24V outputs of medical-grade AC-DC adapters exposed to mains-borne surges per IEC 61000-4-5. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage transient guard before connector pins, supplementing primary-side MOVs and Y-capacitors. Use Value: Provides precise 193V clamping with <1μA leakage - avoids standby power loss and ensures safety isolation 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120CA (Bourns) | Same VWM (120V), lower PPK (600W), smaller SMB package (3.56 mm × 4.6 mm). | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 or automotive load-dump. | Select only for space-constrained consumer electronics where 600W surge rating suffices. |
| P6SMB120CA (ON Semiconductor) | Identical VWM (120V), same DO-214AB package, but rated at 600W PPK and higher VC (200V @ 6A). | Lower surge capacity and looser clamping reduce protection margin in demanding automotive or industrial settings. | Acceptable for cost-sensitive industrial controls where full 1500W immunity is not required. |
Compared with SMCJ120CA, SMBJ120CA offers reduced board area but sacrifices 60% peak power handling and fails ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 validation; P6SMB120CA matches footprint but delivers weaker clamping performance and lower surge endurance - making SMCJ120CA the only choice for full-compliance automotive front-end protection.
Availability
SMCJ120CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial CAN network deployment, and LED lighting system development requiring stable component supply and full ISO 7637-2 compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ120CA 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in discrete semiconductors, including TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with ISO/TS 16949 certification for automotive-grade production.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing robustness under repetitive surge stress and compatibility with automated SMT assembly lines.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ120CA and how is it measured?
The SMCJ120CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V, measured at 8.1 A peak impulse current (IPPM) using a 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform per Fig.5 in the datasheet. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized transient event and is guaranteed across temperature and production lot.
Is SMCJ120CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does the CA suffix indicate this?
The SMCJ120CA is a bidirectional TVS diode - the "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bipolar construction, meaning it clamps symmetrically in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional SMCJ120A devices, SMCJ120CA has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation, making it ideal for AC or differential signal protection.
Does SMCJ120CA meet automotive EMC standards such as ISO 7637-2?
Yes, SMCJ120CA is specified to meet ISO 7637-2 for Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (electrical fast transients). This compliance is confirmed in the FEATURES section of the datasheet and validated through TSC's internal surge testing per the standard's waveform definitions.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of SMCJ120CA?
The SMCJ120CA has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 55°C/W and a junction-to-case resistance (RθJC) of 10°C/W. Its maximum rated junction temperature is +150°C, enabling reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures with limited airflow.
Can SMCJ120CA be used in place of a unidirectional SMCJ120A in a DC power rail?
Yes, SMCJ120CA can replace SMCJ120A on a DC rail, but with trade-offs: it provides identical clamping in reverse bias but also conducts during positive overvoltage - potentially causing unintended crowbar behavior if upstream polarity protection is absent. For pure DC rails, SMCJ120A is preferred unless bidirectional capability is intentionally required.
SMCJ120CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 7.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMCJ120CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ120CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ120CA 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 SMCJ120CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ120CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ120CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ120CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ120CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ120CA?
SMCJ120CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ120CA 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 SMCJ120CA?
For technical support, including SMCJ120CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ120CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ120CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ120CA 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 SMCJ120CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ120CA?
All SMCJ120CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ120CA, 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 SMCJ120CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ120CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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