Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CA-E3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CA-E3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection with 1500 W peak pulse power rating, 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), and clamping voltage of 259 V at 5.8 A peak pulse current. It protects sensitive ICs, MOSFETs, and sensor signal lines in automotive power systems, industrial motor controls, and telecom interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T datasheet, SMCJ160CA-E3/57T pinout, SMCJ160CA-E3/57T application, or SMCJ160CA-E3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HE3 suffix variants), UL 497B recognition, and compatibility with 10/1000 µs surge waveforms per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector, responding within picoseconds to transients exceeding its reverse standoff voltage (VWM = 160 V) and limiting downstream voltage to ≤259 V under 10/1000 µs surges. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior across both polarities, eliminating polarity-dependent design constraints.
Constructed with glass-passivated junctions and rated for TJ = -55 °C to +150 °C, the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T delivers stable performance under thermal stress and meets MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow). Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time enable robust protection against inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges in DC power rails and data lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 178–197 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range defining clamping onset |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 259 V at IPPM = 5.8 A (10/1000 µs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 1500 W - Energy-handling capacity for standardized 10/1000 µs transient waveform |
| ID (Max Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 µA at VWM - Minimal quiescent current draw ensuring negligible standby power loss |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad thermal requirement for rated power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T uses the SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package: 2-terminal, non-polarized bidirectional device with no cathode/anode marking. Terminals are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; symmetric conduction path |
| Terminal 2 | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Terminal 1; no polarity marking required for bidirectional operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR (178–197 V) and VC (259 V) in both directions enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines |
| UL 497B recognition | QVGQ2 listing (E136766) certifies suitability for telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring safety agency approval |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tighter clamping margin (VC − VBR ≈ 62–81 V), reducing stress on downstream MOSFETs and interface ICs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | E3 suffix indicates RoHS-compliant commercial grade; HE3 variant available for automotive-grade AEC-Q101 qualified versions |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports standard 260 °C lead-free reflow without preconditioning, simplifying manufacturing integration |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Motor Drive Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed across input rail upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Clamps 1500 W surges to ≤259 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic and power FETs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate drivers and position encoder interfaces in variable-frequency drives exposed to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on isolated feedback lines and auxiliary power rails subject to cross-talk and ground bounce. Use Value: Symmetric clamping eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices, reducing BOM count and PCB area in compact drive modules. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHYs, RS-485 transceivers, and PoE injectors from ESD and lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS at connector entry point, coordinated with secondary GDT or polymer-based protectors. Use Value: UL 497B recognition validates compliance with telecom safety standards; 1.0 µA leakage preserves signal integrity on high-impedance differential pairs. |
Use Scenario: Securing analog outputs of MEMS accelerometers, pressure sensors, and Hall-effect current monitors in smart appliances. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF typical) shunt protector on 0–5 V ratiometric output lines near ADC inputs. Use Value: 259 V clamping prevents overvoltage saturation of precision op-amps and reference buffers during ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2. |
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-E3/52T | Lower PPPM (600 W), same VWM (160 V), SMB (DO-214AA) package (smaller footprint, higher thermal resistance) | Suitable for space-constrained consumer electronics where surge energy is limited to <600 W | Select when board area is critical and peak surge exposure is below 600 W; verify thermal derating for ambient >70 °C |
| SMCJ160A-E3/57T | Unidirectional version; identical VWM (160 V), VC (259 V), and PPPM (1500 W); includes cathode band marking | Required for DC-biased rails where reverse conduction must be blocked (e.g., positive-only supply lines) | Choose for unidirectional applications needing polarity-specific blocking; not interchangeable with SMCJ160CA-E3/57T without circuit review |
Compared with SMBJ160CA-E3/52T and SMCJ160A-E3/57T, the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T uniquely provides bidirectional 1500 W surge handling in the larger SMC package-enabling higher reliability in automotive and industrial settings where both polarity transients and thermal margin are critical.
Availability
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU designs, industrial motor controllers, telecom line cards, and consumer sensor modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where failure resilience and safety certification are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SMCJ160CA-E3/57T clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 5.8 A. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during standardized surge events. The SMCJ160CA-E3/57T maintains this clamping performance bidirectionally, making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating nodes.
Is the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T carries the "E3" suffix, indicating it is RoHS-compliant and meets commercial-grade environmental requirements per Vishay's material categorization policy. It is not halogen-free; for halogen-free compliance, the "M3" suffix variant (e.g., SMCJ160CA-M3/57T) must be selected. Both E3 and M3 versions satisfy JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing.
Does the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T have AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMCJ160CA-E3/57T itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified, as the "E3" suffix denotes commercial-grade construction. However, Vishay offers the functionally identical SMCJ160CAHE3_X variant (e.g., SMCJ160CAHE3_A) which adds AEC-Q101 qualification while retaining the same electrical specs and SMC package. Engineers designing for automotive applications should specify the HE3 suffix version to ensure qualification compliance.
What is the thermal resistance of the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T?
The SMCJ160CA-E3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on the minimum recommended 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. Its junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) is 15 °C/W. These values assume proper PCB layout per Vishay's mounting pad recommendations and are essential for calculating safe operating temperature margins in high-ambient environments.
How does the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T differ from the unidirectional SMCJ160A-E3/57T?
The SMCJ160CA-E3/57T is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no polarity marking, whereas the SMCJ160A-E3/57T is unidirectional, features a cathode band, and blocks reverse current above VWM. Both share identical VWM (160 V), VC (259 V), and PPPM (1500 W), but the SMCJ160CA-E3/57T is required for AC or floating signal paths, while the SMCJ160A-E3/57T suits DC rails with defined polarity.
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- 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:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-E3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CA-E3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T?
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CA-E3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-E3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CA-E3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CA-E3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CA-E3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CA-E3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-E3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CA-E3/57T?
All SMCJ160CA-E3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CA-E3/57T, 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 SMCJ160CA-E3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CA-E3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CA-E3/57T Tags

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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