Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMCJ160A
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:79,311
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500W surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AB (SMC) package, with 160V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 259V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 6A peak pulse current. It protects automotive power electronics and industrial control inputs against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160A datasheet, SMCJ160A pinout, SMCJ160A application, or SMCJ160A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal performance data, clamping behavior under 10/1000μs surge, polarity marking guidance, and direct alternatives for ESD and inductive switching protection design.
Technical Context
The SMCJ160A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, activated only during reverse overvoltage events above its VBR range (178–197V @ 1mA). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1μA @ 160V), while its 10°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance supports sustained surge handling in compact PCB layouts.
Designed to meet ISO 7637-2 immunity requirements, it responds in <1.0ps from 0V to VBR min and delivers 1500W peak pulse power (tp = 1ms) with derating above 25°C ambient per published curve. The device is rated for TJ = –55°C to +150°C and features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V @ 6 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power rating at TA = 25°C, defining single-event surge capacity |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off, minimizing standby power loss |
| RθJC | 10 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance enabling effective heatsinking through PCB copper |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature supporting operation in engine bay or industrial enclosures |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AB (SMC) surface-mount package with cathode band marking on one end; polarity-critical for unidirectional operation. Body dimensions: 7.11 × 6.22 × 2.34 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈ 0.210 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path in clamp-to-rail configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12V rail, CAN-H, sensor input); conducts when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures consistent VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance (Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b) | Validated for automotive load-dump and inductive-switching immunity without external filtering |
| Fast response time <1.0 ps | Clamps before transient energy couples into sensitive analog or digital circuitry |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 (J-STD-020) | Zero bake requirement prior to reflow; compatible with standard SMT assembly lines |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU directives for environmentally constrained applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V/24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp surges exceeding 160V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by LDOs and microcontrollers to ≤259V during 10/1000μs pulses, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. | Use Scenario: Analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in factory automation systems subject to EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode on signal line referenced to local ground, absorbing fast transients before they reach ADC front-end. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1μA leakage at 160V stand-off, avoiding DC offset errors in precision measurement paths. |
| Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection | DC-DC Converter Input Stage Protection |
Use Scenario: High-side gate driver ICs controlling brushed DC motors in robotics or HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS across gate-source or supply-to-ground to suppress inductive kickback from motor windings. Use Value: Responds in <1ps to clamp spikes up to 1500W, protecting MOSFET gate oxide and driver logic from destructive dv/dt. | Use Scenario: 48V input stage of isolated DC-DC converters used in telecom or server PSUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on bulk input, upstream of active regulation. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 1500W surges and maintains 160V hold-off, enabling robust front-end design without oversized capacitors or fuses. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160A (Bourns) | Same VWM (160V), lower PPK (600W), SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA) | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for full ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) | Select SMCJ160A when 1500W surge headroom and DO-214AB mechanical robustness are required |
| P6SMB160A (Littelfuse) | Identical VWM/VBR/VC specs, same DO-214AB package, but rated for 600W PPK (not 1500W) | Not validated for 1500W 1ms pulses; requires parallel devices for equivalent energy handling | SMCJ160A provides single-device 1500W capability where space and BOM count are constrained |
Compared with SMBJ160A and P6SMB160A, the SMCJ160A delivers triple the peak pulse power in the same footprint, enabling simplified layout, fewer components, and guaranteed compliance with high-energy automotive transients without derating or paralleling.
Availability
SMCJ160A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface protection, motor drive gate driver safeguarding, and DC-DC converter input staging requiring stable component supply and full ISO 7637-2 immunity validation.
Supply support for SMCJ160A 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving global automotive, industrial, and computing markets since 1979.
The SMCJ series belongs to TSC's high-power TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-emphasizing low clamping ratio, tight VBR tolerance, and AEC-Q200 readiness for automotive subsystems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ160A at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ160A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 6 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in the official Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet revision S2104. The SMCJ160A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (–55°C to +150°C).
Is SMCJ160A unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?
The SMCJ160A is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for use in DC circuits where overvoltage occurs only in reverse bias. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the DO-214AB (SMC) package body - the banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., 12V rail), and the unmarked end connects to ground. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., SMCJ160CA), which SMCJ160A does not carry.
Does SMCJ160A meet automotive transient immunity standards?
Yes, the SMCJ160A meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for Pulse 1 (inductive load disconnect), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling and EFT), as explicitly stated in the Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet. Its 1500W peak power rating, fast <1.0 ps response, and low clamping ratio make it suitable for front-end protection in automotive ECUs, body control modules, and infotainment power supplies.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of SMCJ160A?
The SMCJ160A has a steady-state power dissipation (PD) rating of 5 W at TA = 25°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This value applies to continuous DC or low-frequency reverse-bias conditions-not transient events-and must be derated linearly above 25°C ambient using the published thermal derating curve. For typical surge-only applications, PD is not the limiting factor; peak pulse power (PPK = 1500 W) governs design margin.
Can SMCJ160A be used in place of SMCJ160 without redesign?
No-SMCJ160A and SMCJ160 are distinct variants: SMCJ160A has tighter VBR tolerance (178–197 V vs. 178–218 V for SMCJ160) and lower clamping voltage (259 V vs. 287 V at same IPPM), resulting in superior protection performance. While both share the DO-214AB package and pinout, substituting SMCJ160A for SMCJ160 improves clamping margin and reduces stress on downstream components, but validation per application requirements is still recommended.
SMCJ160A 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMCJ160A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160A 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 SMCJ160A reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160A?
SMCJ160A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160A 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 SMCJ160A?
For technical support, including SMCJ160A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160A 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 SMCJ160A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160A?
All SMCJ160A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160A, 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 SMCJ160A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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