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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount 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 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 5.8 A peak pulse current. It protects sensitive ICs and MOSFETs against inductive switching transients and lightning-induced surges in automotive and industrial power rails.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I application, or SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, 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 voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 μA leakage at 160 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 178–197 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche behavior and fast response (<1 ns).
Designed for unclamped inductive load switching events, it sustains non-repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 1500 W without degradation, with thermal performance validated across -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature range and derated linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 of the datasheet.
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 - Confirmed breakdown threshold range defining turn-on precision |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - Clamped voltage during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capacity under standardized waveform |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm pad layout |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Absolute maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I uses a 2-terminal SMC (DO-214AB) package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional construction. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (positive half-cycle) | Conducts surge current during positive overvoltage events; symmetrically identical to cathode in bidirectional operation |
| Cathode | Transient current entry point (negative half-cycle) | Conducts surge current during negative overvoltage events; electrically interchangeable with anode due to bidirectional symmetry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Equal VBR and VC performance for both polarities - eliminates need for polarity-aware board layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | HM3 suffix confirms halogen-free molding compound and full RoHS compliance per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL level 1 |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tight VC specification (259 V) despite high PPPM (1500 W), minimizing let-through voltage |
| Automated placement optimized | Low-profile SMC package with defined lead coplanarity and solderable matte tin terminations supports high-yield SMT assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN transceiver power inputs and microcontroller supply lines in engine control units exposed to load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS device clamping voltage spikes before they reach downstream regulators and logic ICs. Use Value: Withstands 1500 W surges while holding clamped voltage below 259 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic domains. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers on 200–400 V DC bus lines in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting voltage clamp placed across bus rails to suppress commutation spikes and regenerative energy transients. Use Value: 178–197 V breakdown range aligns precisely with 160 V nominal bus, ensuring early conduction before critical overvoltage thresholds are breached. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY power pins and RS-485 transceivers from ESD and lightning-induced surges entering via external cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor connected between VCC and GND, absorbing differential-mode surges on powered interfaces. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal protection for positive and negative transients, meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 kV) requirements. | Use Scenario: Securing primary-side controller ICs and bulk capacitor charging circuits in AC-DC adapters for refrigerators and washing machines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-stage TVS placed after bridge rectifier to clamp line-to-line and line-to-ground surges. Use Value: 1500 W rating handles high-energy surges common in residential power grids, while 160 V VWM avoids false triggering during normal 120/230 VAC operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160CA | Lower PPPM (400 W), same VWM (160 V), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA) | Not suitable for 1500 W surge events; limited to lower-energy consumer-grade protection | Select only when space constraints prohibit SMC and surge energy is confirmed ≤400 W |
| SMCJ160A | Unidirectional version; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM but requires polarity-aware layout | Cannot protect AC-coupled or bipolar signal paths; unsuitable where negative transients occur | Choose only for DC-only rails with known polarity and where cathode orientation can be reliably maintained |
Compared with SMAJ160CA and SMCJ160A, the SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I uniquely combines bidirectional 1500 W surge handling, AEC-Q101 qualification, and halogen-free construction - making it the sole option for automotive-grade, high-energy, polarity-agnostic protection in space-constrained SMT designs.
Availability
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, telecom interface modules, and consumer appliance power supplies requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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-power transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against repetitive surge stress and extended temperature operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients, unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ160A). This eliminates polarity marking requirements and enables use in AC-coupled or floating signal paths. The device's VBR, VC, and IPPM values apply identically in either direction - a key distinction confirmed in the Vishay datasheet section "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS".
Is SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as indicated by the "HM3" suffix (halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified). This certification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and mechanical shock - validating suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics. The qualification applies specifically to the HM3 variant, not generic SMCJ160CA parts with E3 or M3 suffixes.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I is 259 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.8 A under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating area.
How does the SMC (DO-214AB) package of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I affect thermal performance?
The SMC (DO-214AB) package delivers RθJA = 75 °C/W when mounted on the recommended 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal, enabling reliable power dissipation up to 6.5 W at 50 °C ambient. Its low-profile geometry and matte tin-plated leads support automated reflow soldering, while the glass-passivated die ensures stable thermal coefficient of VBR (0.108 %/°C) - essential for predictable clamping behavior across automotive temperature extremes.
Can SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I replace SMCJ160A in an existing design?
No direct replacement: SMCJ160A is unidirectional and requires correct cathode orientation, whereas SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I is bidirectional with no polarity marking. Substituting without layout review risks improper clamping during negative transients. Additionally, SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I carries AEC-Q101 qualification and halogen-free materials not guaranteed in base SMCJ160A. Any change requires validation of clamping symmetry, thermal margin, and compliance documentation for the target application.
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I?
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I 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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I?
All SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I, 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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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