Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ120CA-M3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ120CA-M3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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 stand-off voltage. It protects sensitive ICs, MOSFETs, and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial power electronics against inductive switching transients and lightning-induced surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ120CA-M3/57T datasheet, SMCJ120CA-M3/57T pinout, SMCJ120CA-M3/57T application, or SMCJ120CA-M3/57T equivalent, this device is selected for robust bidirectional ESD/surge protection where low clamping ratio, fast response (<1 ns), and AEC-Q101 qualification (via HM3 suffix variant) are critical in harsh-environment designs.
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 reverse (or forward, in bidirectional mode) voltage exceeds its breakdown range of 133–147 V at 1 mA test current. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T uses a symmetrical bidirectional structure - no polarity marking - enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without orientation constraints. Its thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W) and junction temperature limit (TJ = 150 °C) support operation on standard PCB copper pads (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm per terminal) without heatsinking in most industrial and automotive ambient conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 147 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown voltage range ensuring reliable triggering across manufacturing lot and temperature |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 7.8 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; limits protected circuit voltage to safe level |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; determines survivability against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IPPM | 7.8 A - Peak surge current supported at rated clamping voltage; used for PCB trace sizing and layout derating |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial enclosures |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount package with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with automated pick-and-place |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T uses a 2-terminal SMC (DO-214AB) package with no polarity marking (bidirectional). Terminals are matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Surge return path (bidirectional) | One end of symmetrical avalanche junction; connects to protected line or ground reference depending on circuit topology |
| Cathode | Surge return path (bidirectional) | Other end of symmetrical avalanche junction; functionally identical to Anode in CA devices; no band marking |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC signals, differential buses, and floating references without polarity sensitivity or external circuit modification |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV/2 Ω combination wave surges with margin for aging and temperature drift |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a), improving system immunity |
| Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for automotive and industrial OEMs without compromising surge performance |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns or baking requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails feeding ECUs, body control modules, and lighting drivers from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed at power entry point, clamping surges within 1 ns to prevent latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤193 V during 7.8 A surge events, preserving system uptime and meeting ISO 16750-2 pulse 5a immunity requirements. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog front-end inputs of pressure, temperature, and position sensors in PLCs and motor drives exposed to field wiring noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp on differential or single-ended sensor outputs, suppressing ±1 kV EFT bursts without distorting low-level mV signals. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting transient-induced offset shift to <10 mV due to sub-1 ns response and low dynamic impedance. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-422 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in base stations and network equipment from induced lightning surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge arrestor on data line pairs, coordinated with GDT or polymer PTC upstream to handle multi-kA threats while limiting let-through energy. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.21 Basic Protection Level (10/700 µs, 4 kV) with clamping voltage well below transceiver absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Securing gate drive circuits of IGBTs/MOSFETs in washing machine inverters and HVAC compressors subjected to back-EMF spikes during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Snubber-style clamping element across DC bus or gate-source terminals, diverting inductive kickback energy away from driver ICs. Use Value: Reduces gate voltage overshoot to <20 V during 100 ns switching edges, preventing false turn-on and extending MOSFET lifetime. |
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-E3/52T | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (DO-214AA), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Suitable for space-constrained, lower-energy applications (e.g., USB port protection); not recommended for 120 V DC bus clamping | Select only if surge threat level is ≤IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 and board area is critical |
| SMCJ120A-M3/57T | Unidirectional version; cathode band marking; same VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM | Required for DC-biased lines where reverse polarity must be blocked; incompatible with AC or floating signals | Choose SMCJ120A-M3/57T only when circuit topology mandates unidirectional blocking |
Compared with SMBJ120CA-E3/52T and SMCJ120A-M3/57T, the SMCJ120CA-M3/57T uniquely delivers 1500 W bidirectional clamping in the SMC footprint - essential for high-reliability 120 V systems where polarity independence and thermal margin are non-negotiable.
Availability
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T 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 reliability, ruggedness, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SMCJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure modes must be mitigated via robust, standardized, and AEC-Q101-capable components.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ120CA-M3/57T at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 7.8 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream components. The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMCJ120CA-M3/57T suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMCJ120CA-M3/57T is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix), and belongs to the AEC-Q101-qualified SMCJ family - though the exact M3/57T variant requires verification of the HM3 suffix for formal qualification. Its 1500 W surge rating, 150 °C junction rating, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility make it appropriate for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive subsystems. For certified AEC-Q101 use, confirm ordering code SMCJ120CAHM3_A/H or SMCJ120CAHM3_A/I.
How does the bidirectional design of SMCJ120CA-M3/57T affect PCB layout?
The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T has no polarity marking and identical electrical behavior in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during placement. This simplifies PCB layout for AC-coupled lines, differential pairs (e.g., CAN, RS-485), or floating grounds where traditional unidirectional TVS diodes would require careful anode/cathode alignment. The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T can be placed symmetrically without affecting protection function or surge response.
What is the thermal resistance of SMCJ120CA-M3/57T, and how does it impact board design?
The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB construction and guides minimum pad size and copper weight selection. To sustain repeated surges without exceeding 150 °C junction temperature, designers should avoid excessive trace length between the SMCJ120CA-M3/57T and ground/power planes and ensure adequate thermal relief.
Can SMCJ120CA-M3/57T replace SMCJ120A-M3/57T in an existing design?
No - the SMCJ120CA-M3/57T is bidirectional, while the SMCJ120A-M3/57T is unidirectional with a cathode band marking. Substituting them without circuit review risks improper clamping on DC-biased lines or failure to suppress negative-going transients. The SMCJ120CA-M3/57T may only replace SMCJ120A-M3/57T in fully AC-coupled or floating topologies where polarity independence is verified. Always validate transient response and steady-state leakage in the target application before interchange.
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T 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 (SMC)
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T 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-M3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ120CA-M3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T?
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ120CA-M3/57T 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-M3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ120CA-M3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ120CA-M3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ120CA-M3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ120CA-M3/57T 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-M3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ120CA-M3/57T?
All SMCJ120CA-M3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ120CA-M3/57T, 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-M3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ120CA-M3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ120CA-M3/57T Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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