Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160AHE3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160AHE3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160AHE3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,370
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160AHE3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 259 V clamping voltage (VC) at 5.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM). It delivers 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform) and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160AHE3/57T datasheet, SMCJ160AHE3/57T pinout, SMCJ160AHE3/57T application, or SMCJ160AHE3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs transients, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity marking, and compliance with UL 497B and AEC-Q101 for harsh-environment deployment.
Technical Context
The SMCJ160AHE3/57T uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients. Its unidirectional configuration provides cathode-band polarity identification and supports DC-biased signal or power line protection.
Thermal design relies on RθJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, on recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads) and RθJL = 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C. The device meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 and is rated for 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC bias margin for protected line. |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V at IT = 1.0 mA - verified breakdown threshold range ensuring consistent turn-on across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; defines single-event surge energy limit. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design ceiling for PCB layout and ambient conditions. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - surface-mount package with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm thermal pad footprint; supports automated placement and reflow. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160AHE3/57T is housed in an SMC (DO-214AB) package with two terminals: anode and cathode. Polarity is marked by a band on the cathode end. The package is optimized for high-current surge conduction and thermal dissipation via large copper pad areas.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path; carries full transient current during clamping event. |
| Anode | Protected line input | Connected to line under protection (e.g., 160 V DC rail); reverse-biased during normal operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved moisture resistance versus epoxy-passivated alternatives. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for sensitive MOSFETs and ICs. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Enables standard reflow soldering without pre-baking; compatible with high-volume SMT assembly lines. |
| UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) | Validates suitability for telecom and industrial signal line protection per safety-critical surge standards. |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; eliminates whisker risk per JESD 201 Class 2. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial DC Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V/24 V/48 V battery-fed control modules against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. Use Value: Clamps to 259 V at 5.8 A, limiting stress on 36 V-rated CAN transceivers and microcontrollers in engine control units. |
Use Scenario: Guarding H-bridge gate driver inputs against flyback voltage spikes from brushed DC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on logic-level enable lines to absorb inductive kickback during PWM switching. Use Value: 1500 W peak power rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs spikes without degradation, extending system MTBF. |
| Telecom Line Interface Cards | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on RS-485 or Ethernet PHY power rails exposed to lightning-induced common-mode transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary unidirectional clamp on isolated 12 V bias supply feeding isolated data interfaces. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures robustness in outdoor cabinets where temperature cycling exceeds commercial grade limits. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage safeguard on photovoltaic string inputs subjected to rapid voltage rise during cloud-edge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after MOV-based front-end, absorbing residual fast transients missed by slower devices. Use Value: 178–197 V VBR range aligns precisely with 1500 V DC string nominal ratings, preventing nuisance triggering while maintaining margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A-E3/61 | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller thermal mass), higher RθJA (~150 °C/W). | Suitable only for lower-energy transients; not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to commercial temperature range. | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is ≤ IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
| 1.5KE160A | Through-hole DO-201 package, same VWM/VBR/VC specs, but larger footprint and manual assembly requirement. | Preferred in legacy industrial designs where reworkability and high-surge margin outweigh SMT density needs. | Choose when field serviceability or compatibility with existing through-hole layouts is mandatory. |
Compared with SMCJ160AHE3/57T, SMAJ160A-E3/61 trades surge capacity and automotive qualification for compact size, while 1.5KE160A retains identical electrical performance but requires through-hole assembly and lacks AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SMCJ160AHE3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial motor drive inputs, telecom line interface cards, and renewable energy inverter DC link applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ160AHE3/57T 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCJ series was developed to deliver high-power transient suppression in compact SMT packages for automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMCJ160AHE3/57T under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMCJ160AHE3/57T clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 5.8 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured with the device mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per Vishay's test condition, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is the SMCJ160AHE3/57T suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SMCJ160AHE3/57T is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with the "HE3" suffix. It has passed stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock, making it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power supplies where reliability under harsh conditions is mandatory.
How does the SMCJ160AHE3/57T differ from bidirectional variants like SMCJ160CA?
The SMCJ160AHE3/57T is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, allowing it to protect DC-biased lines such as power rails. In contrast, SMCJ160CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and is intended for AC or symmetrical signal lines. Their VBR, VWM, and VC values differ accordingly-SMCJ160AHE3/57T has VWM = 160 V and VBR = 178–197 V, while SMCJ160CA has VWM = 160 V but symmetric breakdown in both directions.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMCJ160AHE3/57T, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The SMCJ160AHE3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under full 1500 W surge duty, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid excessive ambient temperature buildup-undersized pads increase RθJA and risk thermal runaway during repeated surges.
Does the SMCJ160AHE3/57T meet any safety certifications?
Yes, the SMCJ160AHE3/57T carries Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognition under file number E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional configurations, compliant with UL 497B for signal and power line protectors. It also meets RoHS and halogen-free requirements per Vishay's HE3 designation, and is rated for flammability UL 94 V-0 in its molding compound.
SMCJ160AHE3/57T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMCJ160AHE3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160AHE3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160AHE3/57T 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 SMCJ160AHE3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160AHE3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160AHE3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160AHE3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160AHE3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160AHE3/57T?
SMCJ160AHE3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160AHE3/57T 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 SMCJ160AHE3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ160AHE3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160AHE3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160AHE3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160AHE3/57T 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 SMCJ160AHE3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160AHE3/57T?
All SMCJ160AHE3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160AHE3/57T, 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 SMCJ160AHE3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160AHE3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160AHE3/57T Tags

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