Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 1500 W peak pulse power rating, 193 V maximum clamping voltage at 7.8 A peak pulse current, and 120 V standoff voltage. It protects sensitive ICs, MOSFETs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial power systems against inductive switching transients and lightning-induced surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I datasheet, SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I pinout, SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I application, or SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 1500 W surge rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on standard PCB copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ leakage at 120 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 133–147 V breakdown range (tested at 1 mA). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche behavior and fast response (<1 ns).
Thermally, it features a junction-to-lead thermal resistance of 15 °C/W and is rated for continuous operation from –55 °C to +150 °C. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use - confirmed by the "HE3" suffix and ordering code structure in Vishay's documentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 µs) | 1500 W - sustains high-energy transients without failure, suitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance |
| Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets system operating margin |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 133–147 V at 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold; tight tolerance enables predictable clamping onset |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 193 V at 7.8 A IPPM - limits protected circuit voltage during surge; critical for ensuring downstream component survival |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad thermal requirement |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| Maximum Junction Temperature | +150 °C - supports operation in under-hood and industrial environments without derating below ambient |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is a bidirectional TVS diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package with no polarity marking; both terminals are functionally symmetric. The device mounts using matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and requires 0.31″ × 0.31″ (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal for full 1500 W rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Either terminal conducts surge current bidirectionally; no cathode band marking distinguishes polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints - e.g., CAN bus, RS-485, sensor bridges |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive electronics including engine control units and ADAS sensors - eliminates need for additional qualification testing |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, relay bounce), improving protection margin |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature - critical for long-term field reliability |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables direct placement on reflow lines without dry-pack or baking - reduces manufacturing cost and process complexity |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails in body control modules against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Clamps 120 V nominal rail to ≤193 V during 1500 W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp on differential or single-ended sensor outputs. Use Value: Symmetric clamping preserves signal integrity across both polarities while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (15 kV air/8 kV contact). |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on RJ45 line-side traces before common-mode chokes. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (10/700 µs) up to 4 kV, reducing need for multi-stage protection. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, blenders). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-the-line TVS placed parallel to motor terminals. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 200 A surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and clamps spikes to safe levels for MCU GPIO and driver ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120AHE3_A/I | Lower 400 W peak pulse power; SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W) | Suitable only for lower-energy transients (e.g., ESD-only); not recommended for load dump or lightning | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is limited to <400 W |
| SMCJ120AHE3_A/I | Unidirectional version; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM, but includes cathode band marking | Required where polarity-sensitive circuits (e.g., DC power inputs) demand asymmetric clamping | Choose for unidirectional DC rails; avoid for AC or floating signal paths |
Compared with SMAJ120AHE3_A/I and SMCJ120AHE3_A/I, the SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I uniquely delivers bidirectional 1500 W surge handling in an AEC-Q101-qualified SMC package - making it the only option among the three for automotive-grade, polarity-agnostic, high-energy protection.
Availability
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, telecom line card surge protection, and consumer appliance motor drive protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I 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 automotive-grade qualification.
The SMCJ series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications demanding AEC-Q101 compliance and robust surge immunity.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix mean in SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I?
The 'CA' suffix in SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I indicates a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage clamping in both forward and reverse directions. This is essential for protecting AC-coupled signals, differential buses like CAN or RS-485, and floating sensor outputs where polarity is undefined. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ120AHE3_A/I), the SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation.
Is SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the 'HE3' suffix and Vishay's official ordering information table. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock - validating its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics such as body control modules, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power supplies.
What is the maximum clamping voltage for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I at rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is 193 V at 7.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event and is critical for ensuring downstream components - such as 150 V-rated MOSFETs or 200 V-input DC-DC controllers - remain within safe operating limits.
Does SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes, SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I requires 0.31″ × 0.31″ (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal to achieve its full 1500 W peak pulse power rating, as specified in Vishay's datasheet Figure 2 and Mechanical Data section. Smaller pads cause thermal derating and reduced surge capability. Additionally, short, wide traces should connect the device directly across the protected line and ground to minimize inductance and preserve clamping performance.
How does the SMC (DO-214AB) package of SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I compare to SMA (DO-214AC)?
The SMC (DO-214AB) package used by SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I offers significantly higher power handling than SMA (DO-214AC): 1500 W vs. 400 W peak pulse power, and lower thermal resistance (RθJL = 15 °C/W vs. ~25 °C/W). Its larger body (7.75 mm × 6.22 mm vs. 4.57 mm × 2.92 mm) accommodates more silicon area for robust avalanche conduction, making SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I appropriate for high-energy threats where SMAJ120AHE3_A/I would fail.
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I 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 SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I?
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I 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 SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I 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 SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I?
All SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I, 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 SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ120CAHE3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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