Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ120CA-E3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ120CA-E3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:987
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 120 V standoff voltage (VWM), 193 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 7.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power dissipation (PPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive infotainment power supplies to safeguard CAN transceivers and microcontrollers against load dump and ESD.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T datasheet, SMCJ120CA-E3/57T pinout, SMCJ120CA-E3/57T application, or SMCJ120CA-E3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both polarities due to its bidirectional CA construction. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns) enable effective suppression of transients induced by inductive switching and ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a/b.
Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, on recommended pad layout) and RθJL = 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting continuous operation up to TJ = +150 °C. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is rated for 260 °C lead-free reflow peak temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V–48 V systems. |
| VBR min / max | 133 V / 147 V at IT = 1 mA - Breakdown voltage range ensures reliable triggering across process variation and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 7.8 A - Clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected IC's maximum transient stress level. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables survival of high-energy transients like automotive load dump. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at standoff voltage; negligible power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance sensor biasing. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive deployment without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount package with 7.75 mm × 8.13 mm footprint and 3.20 mm height; optimized for automated pick-and-place. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package - a two-terminal, non-polarized surface-mount outline with no cathode marking (bidirectional configuration). Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no polarity marking required. |
| Terminal 2 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Terminal 1; symmetrical conduction enables AC-coupled or floating rail protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in differential or AC-coupled interfaces. |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120 V system voltage without degradation. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge events - critical for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces downstream. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification option | HE3/HM3 variants available - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and humidity testing. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - simplifies SMT line logistics without baking requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed infotainment head unit exposed to load dump transients during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across main DC input to clamp surges before they reach DC/DC converters and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤193 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 40 V-rated buck controllers and 5 V LDOs. |
Use Scenario: RS-485 transceiver in factory automation PLC connected to long field wiring subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across differential bus lines (A/B) and ground to shunt common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping preserves signal integrity while diverting >1 kA surge energy away from ±12 V transceiver I/O pins. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
|
Use Scenario: 48 V PoE-powered network switch with external AC/DC adapter susceptible to AC line transients coupling into DC output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SMCJ120CA-E3/57T installed between DC input and primary filter capacitor to absorb residual surges. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles combination of IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surges and repetitive switching noise without parameter drift. |
Use Scenario: Brushless DC motor controller in smart HVAC system where MOSFET bridge switching induces high dV/dt spikes on low-voltage control rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across 12 V gate driver supply to suppress coupled transients from power stage switching. Use Value: 1.0 µA leakage at 120 V ensures no measurable loading on precision current-sense amplifiers sharing the same rail. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAC120CA | Same VWM (120 V) and PPPM (1500 W), but smaller SMA package (DO-214AC); lower IPPM (6.5 A) and higher VC (200 V). | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for automotive load dump where 7.8 A IPPM is required. | Select only when board space is constrained and surge energy is limited to <100 mJ. |
| 1.5KE120CA | Through-hole DO-201 package; identical VWM, VBR, and VC specs, but higher RθJA (100 °C/W) and no MSL Level 1 rating. | Not compatible with automated SMT assembly; requires wave soldering and manual rework capability. | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SAC120CA and 1.5KE120CA, the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T delivers superior surge current handling in a moisture-insensitive, SMT-optimized package - making it the preferred choice for high-reliability automotive and industrial production where automated assembly and load dump immunity are mandatory.
Availability
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T 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 high-reliability, automotive-qualified, and AEC-Q101-compliant components.
The SMCJ series targets high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - engineered specifically for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding robustness against load dump, ESD, and lightning-induced surges.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T under standard test conditions?
The SMCJ120CA-E3/57T has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at 7.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 09-Jan-2024, page 2.
Is the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMCJ120CA-E3/57T itself is the commercial-grade RoHS-compliant variant (E3 suffix); however, the AEC-Q101-qualified version is designated SMCJ120CAHE3_A/H or SMCJ120CAHM3_A/H. While SMCJ120CA-E3/57T shares identical electrical specs and package, formal automotive qualification requires the HE3/HM3 suffix and associated test documentation - essential for Tier 1 automotive BOMs.
How does the bidirectional design of the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The SMCJ120CA-E3/57T has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, eliminating orientation-dependent placement errors during SMT assembly. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ120A), it requires no cathode band alignment - simplifying layout, reducing inspection overhead, and enabling use in AC-coupled or floating-ground circuits where polarity reversal is possible.
What is the thermal resistance specification for the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T, and how does it impact PCB design?
The SMCJ120CA-E3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on the minimum recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under full 6.5 W steady-state dissipation, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid thermal isolation - especially in enclosed automotive enclosures with ambient temperatures up to +105 °C.
Can the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T be used to protect 24 V industrial control systems?
Yes - the SMCJ120CA-E3/57T is well-suited for 24 V systems: its 120 V standoff voltage (VWM) provides a 5× safety margin above nominal rail voltage, and its 193 V clamping voltage remains below the absolute maximum ratings of most 24 V-rated interface ICs (e.g., RS-485 transceivers, CAN controllers). It is routinely deployed in programmable logic controllers and motor drive I/O modules per IEC 61000-4-4/5 compliance requirements.
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T 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):
- 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:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T 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-E3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ120CA-E3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T?
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ120CA-E3/57T 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-E3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ120CA-E3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ120CA-E3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ120CA-E3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ120CA-E3/57T 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-E3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ120CA-E3/57T?
All SMCJ120CA-E3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ120CA-E3/57T, 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-E3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ120CA-E3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ120CA-E3/57T Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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