Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,156
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 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 dissipation (10/1000 µs waveform), making it suitable for automotive power line and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT datasheet, SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT pinout, SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT application, or SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction, enabling protection against voltage transients regardless of polarity-critical for AC-coupled signal lines and ungrounded bus systems. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
The device is rated for operation from −55 °C to +150 °C, with thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead), supporting high-power transient absorption without thermal runaway when mounted per recommended pad layout.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuit. |
| VBR min/max | 178 V / 197 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage during 5.8 A 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum voltage seen by downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables suppression of high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| IPPM | 5.8 A - Peak surge current supported at VC; correlates directly with system-level surge immunity level. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows use in under-hood automotive environments with minimal derating. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount package with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with standard SMT reflow profiles. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package-a two-terminal surface-mount device with no polarity marking for bidirectional variants. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Acts as cathode during positive surges and anode during negative surges; symmetrical conduction enables polarity-agnostic protection. |
| Cathode | Transient current return path (bidirectional) | Identical electrical role to Anode; terminals are functionally interchangeable in bidirectional configuration. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and surge endurance-enables use in engine control units and ADAS sensors. |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients such as load dump (ISO 7637-2) and ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) without degradation when properly mounted. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected components compared to higher-ratio TVS devices, improving system robustness. |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Compatible with standard lead-free reflow processes without moisture sensitivity concerns-eliminates bake requirements pre-assembly. |
| Glass passivated junction | Provides stable leakage performance (<1 µA at VWM) and consistent breakdown characteristics across temperature and lifetime. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN/CAN transceivers and microcontrollers from load dump and jump-start transients on 12 V/24 V vehicle battery rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between power rail and ground, absorbing energy during >100 V surges lasting up to 400 ms. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream ICs to ≤259 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, preventing latch-up or permanent damage. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to long cables in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance transient suppressor installed at connector entry point to shunt induced lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-5). Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/500 A surges to <260 V within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and ADC accuracy. |
| Telecom Data Line Protection | Consumer Device USB Port |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers in base station backhaul links from induced surges caused by nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed differential-mode across A/B lines and common-mode to ground, meeting ITU-T K.20/21 immunity requirements. Use Value: Maintains <10 pF junction capacitance at zero bias, avoiding signal distortion at 10 Mbps data rates while delivering 1500 W surge handling. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary overvoltage protection to USB 2.0 VBUS lines in portable media players exposed to accidental 20 V adapter misconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated clamp that remains non-conductive below 160 V but activates within 1 ns to limit fault voltage. Use Value: Prevents damage to USB controller ICs during sustained overvoltage events without interfering with normal 5 V operation or enumeration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAC160CA | Lower PPPM (600 W), same VWM/VC, smaller SMA package | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for ISO 7637-2 compliance | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is <600 W. |
| SMCJ160CAHM3/9AT | Halogen-free variant; identical electrical specs and AEC-Q101 qualification | No functional difference; meets stricter environmental compliance (e.g., RoHS + halogen-free) | Select when halogen-free materials are mandated by OEM or regional regulations. |
Compared with SAC160CA and SMCJ160CAHM3/9AT, the SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT delivers full 1500 W surge capability in a commercial-grade AEC-Q101 qualified package, offering the highest energy handling among RoHS-compliant alternatives without halogen restrictions.
Availability
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power line protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, telecom data line surge suppression, and consumer device USB port safeguarding requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT 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, precision, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure-where consistent clamping performance and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT?
The "CA" suffix in SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage suppression in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ160A), the SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT has no cathode marking and functions identically whether voltage is applied in either direction-ideal for AC signal lines or floating bus systems where polarity reversal may occur.
Is SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation and ordering code suffix "HE3". This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and surge endurance-making SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive modules such as body control units and infotainment power supplies.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is 259 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.8 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events, ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.
How does the SMC (DO-214AB) package of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT affect PCB layout?
The SMC (DO-214AB) package of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT requires minimum 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal for optimal thermal and surge performance, as specified in Vishay's datasheet. Its 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm outline and 2.62 mm height support standard pick-and-place and reflow processes, but undersized pads will cause excessive junction temperature rise and reduced surge endurance during repeated transients.
Can SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMCJ160A?
No-SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SMCJ160A is unidirectional with a defined cathode band. Substituting SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT for SMCJ160A in DC circuits may result in unintended forward conduction or failure to clamp correctly. Use SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT only where bidirectional protection is required, such as AC-coupled interfaces or floating grounds.
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT 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:
- -
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMCJ)
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT?
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT?
All SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT, 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 SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CAHE3/9AT Tags

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