Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMCJ160CA
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC SMC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,664
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 1500W 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 lines and industrial I/O interfaces against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CA datasheet, SMCJ160CA pinout, SMCJ160CA application, or SMCJ160CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, thermal resistance (RθJC = 10°C/W), moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1), and RoHS/halogen-free compliance - all critical for ESD and load-dump protection design validation.
Technical Context
The SMCJ160CA is a glass-passivated, bipolar TVS diode designed for unidirectional or bidirectional surge suppression without polarity dependency. Its junction operates from −55°C to +150°C, with <1.0ps response time from 0 V to VBR min and typical reverse leakage <1 μA at 160V.
It meets ISO 7637-2 immunity requirements for automotive electronics and supports fast transient suppression on DC power rails and signal lines. The device uses a single-die construction in a UL 94V-0 molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
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 @ IT = 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range for reliable turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V @ 6 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge, defining worst-case overvoltage seen by protected circuit |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling per single 1 ms transient, derated above 25°C |
| RθJC | 10 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance enabling effective heatsinking through PCB copper |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage at rated stand-off, preserving low-power system quiescent current |
| Package | DO-214AB (SMC) - Surface-mount outline with 0.210 g mass and J-STD-020 MSL 1 rating for reflow compatibility |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AB (SMC) package: surface-mount, dual-leaded, cathode-banded for unidirectional variants; SMCJ160CA is bidirectional and marked with code GHP, with no polarity marking required. Case meets UL 94V-0; terminals are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge conduction path | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - no orientation required during placement |
| Case (body) | Thermal and mechanical interface | Provides primary heat transfer path to PCB copper; requires adequate thermal pad area for RθJC = 10°C/W performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Validated for Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off), Pulse 2a/2b (battery disconnect/load dump), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling) waveforms |
| Clamping speed | <1.0 ps response from 0 V to VBR min ensures sub-nanosecond turn-on before sensitive IC damage occurs |
| Moisture sensitivity | MSL 1 per J-STD-020 - zero bake requirement prior to reflow, simplifying SMT line integration |
| Environmental compliance | RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21 - suitable for automotive and industrial green manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at power entry to limit bus voltage to ≤259 V during 10/1000μs surges. Use Value: Prevents overvoltage failure of downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers without adding series impedance or latency. | Use Scenario: Analog input channels on programmable logic controllers subjected to field-wiring EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector across differential sensor inputs or 24 V digital I/O lines. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 5 kHz burst noise events while drawing <1 μA at 160 V stand-off. |
| LED Driver Surge Suppression | Telecom DC Feeder Protection |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in streetlight systems experiencing inductive switching spikes from relay control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS absorbing energy from coil back-EMF before it reaches driver MOSFETs or current-sense amplifiers. Use Value: Enables 1500 W single-pulse robustness without derating at ambient up to 125°C (per Fig.2 derating curve). | Use Scenario: -48 V DC telecom power feeds vulnerable to lightning-induced surges on outside plant wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamp on central office power distribution boards upstream of DC/DC isolation stages. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000μs impulses up to 6 A while maintaining <1 μA leakage - minimizing standby power loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA (Bourns) | Same VWM (160 V), lower PPK (600 W), smaller SMB package (DO-214AA), RθJC = 15°C/W | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump | Select only when board space is constrained and surge energy does not exceed 600 W |
| 1.5KE160CA (ON Semiconductor) | Same VWM (160 V), higher VC (274 V @ 5.5 A), axial leaded DO-15 package, PPK = 1500 W | Not surface-mountable; requires through-hole assembly and manual rework; higher clamping increases protected IC stress | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs where re-layout is prohibitive |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, the SMCJ160CA delivers superior thermal performance (RθJC = 10°C/W), lower clamping voltage (259 V vs. 274 V), and full SMT compatibility - making it optimal for high-reliability automotive and industrial power rail protection where PCB real estate and thermal management are critical.
Availability
SMCJ160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O modules, LED driver front-end protection, and telecom DC feeder systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SMCJ160CA 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, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and power management devices.
The SMCJ series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing low clamping voltage, fast response, and robust thermal performance in standard SMT packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SMCJ160CA under a 10/1000μs surge?
The SMCJ160CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to a 6 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the SMCJ160CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity indicated?
The SMCJ160CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity dependence. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ160A), it carries no cathode band marking and is identified by the "CA" suffix. Its DO-214AB package has identical terminals - either lead functions as anode or cathode based on instantaneous surge polarity.
Does the SMCJ160CA meet automotive transient immunity standards?
Yes, the SMCJ160CA meets ISO 7637-2 requirements for Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off), Pulse 2a/2b (battery disconnection and load dump), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling). Its 1500 W peak power rating, sub-1.0 ps response time, and 259 V clamping voltage enable robust protection of automotive ECUs, body control modules, and infotainment power supplies against real-world vehicle electrical disturbances.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of the SMCJ160CA?
The SMCJ160CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 10°C/W and a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +150°C. These values are validated per JEDEC test conditions and allow direct thermal coupling to PCB copper pads. At 25°C ambient, the device sustains 1500 W for 1 ms; derating follows Fig.2 in the datasheet, permitting ~750 W at 100°C ambient.
How does the SMCJ160CA compare to the SMCJ160A in terms of breakdown voltage and clamping performance?
The SMCJ160CA has a breakdown voltage range of 178–197 V and clamps at 259 V, whereas the unidirectional SMCJ160A breaks down at 178–197 V but clamps at 287 V. The CA variant's lower VC results from optimized symmetric junction design, delivering tighter voltage control during bidirectional surges - making SMCJ160CA preferable for balanced AC-coupled or floating DC systems where equal positive/negative clamping is required.
SMCJ160CA 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SMCJ160CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CA 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 SMCJ160CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CA?
SMCJ160CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CA 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 SMCJ160CA?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CA 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 SMCJ160CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CA?
All SMCJ160CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CA, 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 SMCJ160CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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