Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160AHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160AHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,964
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 5.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM). It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive power systems and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160AHM3_A/I datasheet, SMCJ160AHM3_A/I pinout, SMCJ160AHM3_A/I application, or SMCJ160AHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), and junction temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C).
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that diverts transient energy away from sensitive downstream circuitry using an avalanche breakdown mechanism. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance under 10/1000 µs surge waveforms.
The SMCJ160AHM3_A/I features bidirectional-capable construction (though configured unidirectional per marking), meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020, and supports automated placement due to its low-profile SMC package with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
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 - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current, ensuring predictable turn-on |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 5.8 A 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak surge power handling capability under standardized waveform |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount outline with cathode band marking and 0.320" body length |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I uses the industry-standard SMC (DO-214AB) package: a rectangular surface-mount case measuring 7.11 mm × 6.22 mm × 2.62 mm, with matte tin-plated leads and cathode band marking on the anode side. Polarity is unidirectional; the banded end is the cathode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when V > VBR |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference node | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path for clamping action |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS power rails |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance requirements for modern industrial and consumer electronics |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tighter clamping and lower let-through voltage during fast transients |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow compatibility up to 260 °C peak temperature |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable, repeatable breakdown characteristics over temperature and lifetime |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp surges above 160 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 259 V during 1500 W transients, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate drivers and IGBTs in variable-frequency drives exposed to inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected clamping device across DC bus or gate drive lines. Use Value: Absorbs 5.8 A surge current within 10/1000 µs, maintaining safe operating area for power semiconductors. |
| Telecom Power Interface | Sensor Signal Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered equipment front-end circuits from lightning-induced surges on Ethernet lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC input rail upstream of DC/DC converters. Use Value: Withstands repeated 1500 W pulses without degradation, supporting long-term field reliability. | Use Scenario: Guarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional suppressor on signal path to ground. Use Value: Clamps ESD events to ≤259 V while adding minimal loading (<1 nA leakage at 160 V) to precision signal chains. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160AHE3_A/I | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package, same VWM and VC | Not suitable for high-energy surges; limited to low-power signal lines | Select only where space constraints outweigh surge energy requirements |
| SMCJ160AHE3_A/I | Same electrical specs but non-halogen-free; lacks HM3 suffix compliance | Acceptable for commercial-grade designs without halogen-free mandates | Choose when cost sensitivity overrides environmental compliance needs |
Compared with SMCJ160AHM3_A/I, SMAJ160AHE3_A/I offers reduced surge capacity in a smaller footprint, while SMCJ160AHE3_A/I matches performance but omits halogen-free certification-making the HM3 variant optimal for automotive and green-industrial deployments requiring full regulatory alignment.
Availability
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial motor drive protection, and telecom power interface applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ160AHM3_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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness and long-term stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMCJ160AHM3_A/I under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMCJ160AHM3_A/I clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to its rated 5.8 A peak pulse current under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is the SMCJ160AHM3_A/I AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, the SMCJ160AHM3_A/I carries AEC-Q101 qualification, confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix "HM3" and documentation in the SMCJ5.0A–SMCJ188CA datasheet (Document Number 88394, Revision 09-Jan-2024). This validates its suitability for automotive electronic control units and powertrain modules.
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMCJ160AHM3_A/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMCJ160AHM3_A/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade "M3" or "E3" versions and confirms compliance with automotive environmental and reliability standards.
Can SMCJ160AHM3_A/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SMCJ160AHM3_A/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional operation, Vishay specifies part numbers ending in "CA", such as SMCJ160CA, which have symmetrical breakdown in both directions.
What is the thermal resistance of SMCJ160AHM3_A/I, and how does it affect layout?
The SMCJ160AHM3_A/I 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. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area and avoid thermal bottlenecks near the device.
SMCJ160AHM3_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:
- 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:
- Telecom
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160AHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160AHM3_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 SMCJ160AHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160AHM3_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 SMCJ160AHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160AHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160AHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160AHM3_A/I?
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160AHM3_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 SMCJ160AHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ160AHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160AHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160AHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160AHM3_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 SMCJ160AHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160AHM3_A/I?
All SMCJ160AHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160AHM3_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 SMCJ160AHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160AHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160AHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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