Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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, and 1500 W peak pulse power dissipation with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor signal lines, industrial I/O ports, and telecom interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H datasheet, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H pinout, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H application, or SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance (HM3 suffix), thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical clamping in both directions due to its bidirectional CA construction. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns) enable effective suppression of ESD, lightning-induced transients, and inductive switching spikes without degradation under repetitive stress.
Designed for surface-mount use in high-reliability environments, the SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 (peak reflow 260 °C) and supports operation across -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range. The HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
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 at 1 mA - Breakdown voltage range ensuring reliable turn-on margin above VWM |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability defines transient energy absorption capacity |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance determines derating above 25 °C ambient |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling use in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Standardized 2-pin surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a 2-terminal surface-mount device with no polarity marking for bidirectional operation. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads compatible with standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry (either direction) | One terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; interchangeable with cathode in bidirectional mode |
| Cathode | Transient current exit (either direction) | Second terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; functionally identical to anode for CA devices |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per stress test plan |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets environmental compliance requirements for modern automotive and industrial supply chains |
| Low profile SMC package | Enables high-density PCB layouts while maintaining thermal performance via 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad layout |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Supports protection against severe transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) in 12 V systems |
| Fast response time & low clamping ratio | Clamps within <1 ns with VC/VBR ≈ 1.45, minimizing overvoltage exposure to protected circuitry |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Ports |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and jump-start transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector interface to shunt surge energy before reaching signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting transient voltage to ≤259 V while surviving repeated 1500 W pulses - critical for ASIL-B compliant designs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input/output channels of programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and ground loop transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end TVS element on terminal blocks and optocoupler interfaces, absorbing energy before isolation barriers. Use Value: Enables >100,000 surge cycles at rated conditions due to stable avalanche characteristics and low thermal resistance (RθJL = 15 °C/W). |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Consumer Power Adapter ESD Guard |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHYs, RS-485 transceivers, and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protector downstream of gas discharge tubes or polymer PTCs, providing precise clamping after coarse filtering. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR (178–197 V) ensures equal protection for differential signal pairs without polarity concerns. | Use Scenario: Adding robust ESD immunity to USB-C and barrel jack inputs in AC/DC adapters used in harsh environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on DC input rail, clamping fast-rising ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV contact) before primary regulator. Use Value: Withstands 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), preventing failure during accidental reverse-polarity connection events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CAHM3_A/H | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package (DO-214AA), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Reduced surge energy handling; suitable only for lower-risk consumer interfaces, not automotive load dump | Select when board space is constrained and peak transient energy is below 600 W |
| SMCJ160AHE3_A/H | Unidirectional version; same VWM, VC, and PPPM but asymmetric conduction; RoHS-compliant (E3), not halogen-free | Requires correct polarity orientation; lacks bidirectional symmetry needed for AC-coupled or differential lines | Choose only for DC-biased rails where reverse conduction must be blocked |
Compared with SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H, the SMBJ160CAHM3_A/H offers footprint reduction at the cost of 60 % lower surge power rating and poorer thermal performance, while the SMCJ160AHE3_A/H sacrifices bidirectional capability for unidirectional blocking - making the original SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H uniquely suited for AEC-Q101-compliant, halogen-free, symmetrical protection in space-constrained automotive and industrial modules.
Availability
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom interface hardening requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable halogen-free sourcing.
Supply support for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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 demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 qualification, consistent clamping, and thermal robustness are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
The 'CA' suffix in SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H denotes a bidirectional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient voltage suppression in both polarities. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ160A), it has no cathode marking and clamps equally for positive and negative transients - essential for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential buses like RS-485, or any signal path where polarity reversal may occur. This behavior is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet section "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS".
Is SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet under "FEATURES" and verified in the ordering information table footnote (1). The HM3 suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction meeting automotive material requirements, and the device undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD per AEC-Q101. This makes SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H suitable for under-hood and body-control module applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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 is listed in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table for SMCJ160A under the "MAXIMUM CLAMPING VOLTAGE AT IPPM" column and applies identically to the CA variant per datasheet note stating "Electrical characteristics apply in both directions." It defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
How does the HM3 suffix differ from E3 in SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
The HM3 suffix in SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H specifies halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and matte tin-plated leads, whereas E3 denotes RoHS-compliant but not halogen-free material. Both meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, but HM3 adds compliance with IEC 61249-2-21 for bromine/chlorine content (<900 ppm each), required by many Tier 1 automotive suppliers. The datasheet confirms HM3 devices are "halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified," distinguishing them from E3's commercial-grade qualification.
What PCB layout guidance applies to SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H for optimal thermal and surge performance?
For optimal performance, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H should be mounted on minimum 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, as specified in the "MECHANICAL DATA" and "MAXIMUM RATINGS" sections. This pad area ensures adequate heat dissipation (supporting RθJA = 75 °C/W) and low-inductance current paths for surge conduction. The device must be placed as close as possible to the protected interface, with short, wide traces to minimize parasitic inductance that could elevate clamping voltage during fast transients.
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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:
- 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)
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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 SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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 SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H 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 SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H?
All SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H, 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 SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/H Tags

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