Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SMCJ160CAH
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CAH
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CAH.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,796
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CAH 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 and industrial power rails against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/2b/3a/3b transients and ESD.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CAH datasheet, SMCJ160CAH pinout, SMCJ160CAH application, or SMCJ160CAH equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping performance at 160V VWM, AEC-Q101 qualification, sub-1ps response time, <1μA leakage above 10V, and DO-214AB thermal resistance (RθJA = 55°C/W).
Technical Context
The SMCJ160CAH is a glass-passivated, bipolar junction TVS diode designed for unidirectional or bidirectional surge suppression without polarity dependency. Its clamping action begins at VBR min = 178V and limits induced transients to ≤259V at IPPM = 6A under 10/1000μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5 and ISO 7637-2.
It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range, supports 200A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), and maintains <1μA reverse leakage at rated VWM - critical for low-power always-on circuits in automotive body control modules and industrial PLC I/O protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR min / max | 178 V / 197 V - Breakdown initiates within this range at 1 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage during 6 A 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's peak stress level |
| PPK | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates robustness against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby current drain in battery-backed systems |
| RθJA | 55 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; enables derating calculation for PCB layout at elevated ambient |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum operating junction temperature; supports under-hood automotive placement |
Pinout & Package
DO-214AB (SMC) surface-mount package: molded epoxy case meeting UL 94V-0, matte tin-plated leads, polarity indicated by cathode band (bidirectional operation renders band non-functional but retained for marking consistency).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode Band End | Anode (for unidirectional interpretation) | Marking reference only; electrically symmetric in SMCJ160CAH - both terminals behave identically in bidirectional mode |
| Opposite End | Cathode (for unidirectional interpretation) | Same as above; no functional polarity - used interchangeably for transient shunting in either direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD47 |
| ISO 7637-2 compliance | Withstands Pulse 1 (inductive load dump), Pulse 2a/2b (switching transients), and Pulse 3a/3b (capacitive coupling) without degradation |
| Sub-1ps response time | Enables clamping before sensitive downstream logic or analog circuitry experiences overvoltage stress |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally compliant manufacturing |
| Moisture sensitivity level 1 | Zero bake requirement prior to reflow; compatible with standard SMT assembly processes per J-STD-020 |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial PLC Digital I/O |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 12V/24V supply lines feeding body control modules, lighting drivers, and sensor interfaces against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed at board entry point to clamp transients before they reach LDOs, microcontrollers, and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤259V during 1500W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor on isolated input optocoupler stage, absorbing energy before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 24V nominal, avoiding false triggering while delivering 1500W peak dissipation during 10/1000μs transients. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Renewable Energy Inverter Control |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered equipment DC inputs (e.g., 48V PSE outputs) against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on DC bus after primary MOV-based protection, providing precise clamping with fast response. Use Value: Clamps 48V system to ≤259V within <1ps - faster than MOVs - preserving integrity of Ethernet PHY and PMIC components. | Use Scenario: Protecting gate driver supply rails in solar inverter half-bridge stages from cross-conduction spikes and transformer ringing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS adjacent to high-side/low-side driver ICs to suppress sub-100ns switching transients. Use Value: Withstands 200A IFSM and operates up to +150°C, enabling reliable placement near power semiconductors without thermal derating penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | Lower PPK (600W), same VWM/VBR/VC specs, SMB package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 85°C/W) | Better suited for space-constrained consumer electronics; insufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a automotive requirements | Select SMCJ160CAH when 1500W surge rating and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory |
| 1.5KE160CA | Through-hole DO-201 package, identical electrical specs, lower cost, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Applicable in industrial controls where vibration resistance and automated assembly are not required | Choose SMCJ160CAH for SMT production, automotive qualification, and superior thermal performance (RθJC = 10°C/W) |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, the SMCJ160CAH delivers higher surge robustness in a surface-mount AEC-Q101-qualified package with lower thermal resistance - essential for automotive and high-reliability industrial designs requiring validated long-term stability under repeated transient stress.
Availability
SMCJ160CAH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial PLC I/O protection, telecom power feeds, and renewable energy inverter control requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMCJ160CAH 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 Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh automotive environments, emphasizing fast response, low leakage, and repeatable clamping performance across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What does the "CAH" suffix indicate in SMCJ160CAH?
The "CAH" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration (C), AEC-Q101 qualification (A), and halogen-free construction (H). Unlike unidirectional "CH" variants, SMCJ160CAH provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - ideal for AC-coupled or floating-rail protection where polarity cannot be guaranteed. This matches the device's actual electrical behavior per datasheet Note 2.
Is SMCJ160CAH suitable for protecting a 12V automotive CAN bus line?
No - SMCJ160CAH is not appropriate for direct CAN bus line protection due to its 160V VWM, which far exceeds the 5V differential swing of CAN transceivers. It is intended for bulk power rail protection (e.g., 12V/24V supply inputs), not signal-line ESD suppression. For CAN, use dedicated low-capacitance TVS arrays like TPD2E001 or SMAJ5.0A.
How does SMCJ160CAH differ from SMCJ160AH?
SMCJ160AH is unidirectional (single-polarity clamping), while SMCJ160CAH is bidirectional. Both share identical VWM (160V), VBR (178–197V), VC (259V), and PPK (1500W), but SMCJ160CAH clamps equally in both directions - confirmed in datasheet Section "Devices for bipolar applications". The cathode band remains visible but functionally irrelevant in CAH parts.
What is the maximum allowable PCB trace length between SMCJ160CAH and the protected IC?
To preserve sub-1ps response, keep PCB traces under 5 mm total length (including return path) and avoid vias. Longer paths add inductance that degrades clamping speed - verified via TSC's application note AN-1022. For optimal performance in SMCJ160CAH deployments, place the device directly at the connector or power entry point with short, wide copper pours.
Does SMCJ160CAH require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?
Yes - SMCJ160CAH must be derated per Fig.2 in the datasheet: at 85°C ambient, its 1500W PPK drops to ~950W. Derating follows linear interpolation from 100% at 25°C to 0% at 150°C. Thermal design must account for RθJA = 55°C/W and ensure junction temperature stays ≤150°C under worst-case surge repetition and airflow conditions.
SMCJ160CAH Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- SMCJ
- 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):
- 6A
- 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)
SMCJ160CAH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CAH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CAH 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 SMCJ160CAH reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CAH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CAH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CAH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CAH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CAH?
SMCJ160CAH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CAH 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 SMCJ160CAH?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CAH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CAH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CAH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CAH 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 SMCJ160CAH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CAH?
All SMCJ160CAH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CAH, 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 SMCJ160CAH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CAH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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