Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160AHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160AHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160AHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,551
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160AHM3/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, 259 V clamping voltage at 5.8 A peak pulse current, and 1500 W peak pulse power rating. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in automotive power systems and industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160AHM3/I datasheet, SMCJ160AHM3/I pinout, SMCJ160AHM3/I application, or SMCJ160AHM3/I equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and thermal resistance of 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient under standard pad layout.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche breakdown above its 178–197 V breakdown voltage range (at 1 mA test current), limiting transient overvoltages to ≤259 V while absorbing up to 1500 W of 10/1000 μs waveform energy. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage performance and fast response time (<1 ns).
Designed for surface-mount assembly on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal, it delivers 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation at 50 °C ambient and supports 200 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine). The HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified construction.
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, defining turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 5.8 A 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized surge waveform |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient air, critical for PCB pad layout design |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum allowable junction temperature, enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated standoff voltage, minimizing standby power loss |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMC (DO-214AB), molded plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; polarity indicated by cathode band on unidirectional devices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Anode-side connection point | Connected to protected circuit's positive rail or signal line; reverse-biased during normal operation |
| Anode (non-banded end) | Cathode-side connection point | Typically tied to ground or low-impedance return path; provides low-impedance shunt path during transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and IEC 61249-2-21:2011 material requirements |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tighter clamping (259 V at 5.8 A) versus higher-resistance alternatives, reducing stress on downstream components |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles without moisture sensitivity concerns |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable electrical characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge events |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across input rails to clamp surges exceeding 160 V standoff level. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤259 V during 1500 W transients, preventing damage to DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate drivers and current sense amplifiers in variable-frequency drives exposed to IGBT switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamping device on isolated signal lines between controller and power stage. Use Value: Suppresses sub-100 ns EFT bursts with <1 ns response, preserving signal integrity and timing accuracy. |
| Telecom Base Station Power | Consumer Appliance Mainboard |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for 48 V telecom rectifier modules subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element mounted directly at board edge connector. Use Value: Absorbs 10/1000 μs surges up to 1500 W without degradation, maintaining system uptime in outdoor deployments. | Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection for microcontroller I/O pins connected to front-panel buttons and display interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 μA) unidirectional suppressor placed near sensitive digital inputs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and ESD damage while adding negligible capacitive loading (<100 pF typical) to high-speed signals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160AHE3/A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W) | Suitable only for lower-energy transients; not recommended for automotive load dump | Select when space-constrained and surge energy is limited to ≤400 W |
| 1.5KE160A | Through-hole DO-201 package, same VWM/VC specs but higher mounting thermal resistance | Requires wave soldering or hand assembly; incompatible with fully SMT production lines | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where rework tolerance is prioritized |
Compared with SMCJ160AHM3/I, SMAJ160AHE3/A offers reduced surge handling and thermal performance due to smaller package size, while 1.5KE160A sacrifices automated assembly compatibility for identical electrical clamping behavior in through-hole layouts.
Availability
SMCJ160AHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor control, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 qualification and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ160AHM3/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 and application-specific performance.
The SMCJ series is engineered for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against repetitive surges and extended temperature operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ160AHM3/I under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SMCJ160AHM3/I 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 across the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events, ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.
Is SMCJ160AHM3/I qualified for automotive use?
Yes, SMCJ160AHM3/I carries the HM3 suffix, indicating it is halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified. This certification validates its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power supplies where reliability under temperature cycling, vibration, and high-energy transients is required.
What does the "HM3" suffix mean in SMCJ160AHM3/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMCJ160AHM3/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade M3 (halogen-free, RoHS, no AEC-Q101) and E3 (RoHS only) versions, confirming compliance with automotive material and reliability standards.
Can SMCJ160AHM3/I be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SMCJ160AHM3/I is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. For bidirectional operation, Vishay specifies the CA suffix (e.g., SMCJ160CA); using SMCJ160AHM3/I in reverse-biased signal paths would result in forward conduction and failure to suppress negative-going transients.
What is the thermal resistance of SMCJ160AHM3/I and how does it affect layout?
The SMCJ160AHM3/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 junction temperature below 150 °C under full 6.5 W steady-state dissipation, PCB layout must provide adequate copper area and avoid thermal bottlenecks-undersized traces or insufficient copper will cause premature thermal shutdown or parametric drift.
SMCJ160AHM3/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:
- 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:
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160AHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160AHM3/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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160AHM3/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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160AHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160AHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160AHM3/I?
SMCJ160AHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160AHM3/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/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ160AHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160AHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160AHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160AHM3/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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160AHM3/I?
All SMCJ160AHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160AHM3/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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160AHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160AHM3/I Tags

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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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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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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