Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CAHM3/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CAHM3/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CAHM3/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,325
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CAHM3/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 signal lines and power rails in automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and telecom interface circuits against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CAHM3/I datasheet, SMCJ160CAHM3/I pinout, SMCJ160CAHM3/I application, or SMCJ160CAHM3/I equivalent, this device is selected for robust bidirectional clamping in 12–48 V DC systems where AEC-Q101 qualification, low incremental surge resistance, and MSL Level 1 reflow compatibility are required.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with breakdown voltage (VBR) specified at 178–197 V (min/max) under 1 mA test current, ensuring consistent clamping behavior regardless of transient polarity. Its low thermal resistance (RθJL = 15 °C/W) enables effective heat dissipation during repetitive surge events when mounted on recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads.
The device features glass-passivated junction construction, meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and is halogen-free and RoHS-compliant per HM3 suffix designation. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive applications and exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR at +0.108 %/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range in 12–48 V DC bus protection. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at IT = 1 mA - Ensures reliable triggering above system overvoltage thresholds while avoiding false trips. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A (10/1000 μs waveform) - Limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge; critical for MOSFET gate and IC I/O protection. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Sustains high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without failure; validated per JEDEC JESD22-A114. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and enclosed industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint; compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering. |
| MSL Level | Level 1 (260 °C peak) - Supports lead-free reflow without moisture sensitivity concerns; no baking required prior to assembly. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CAHM3/I uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a two-terminal, bidirectional surface-mount device with no polarity marking. Both terminals are electrically symmetrical; neither is designated anode or cathode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Surge Input / Line Side | Connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H, RS-485 A, DC input rail); accepts transient energy from either polarity. |
| Terminal 2 | Surge Return / Ground Reference | Connects to local chassis or system ground plane; completes low-inductance clamping path for fast transient suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating differential lines (e.g., CAN, RS-485) without polarity constraints. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing-required for engine control, ADAS, and body electronics. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (HM3) | Meets global environmental compliance mandates and supports lead-free manufacturing without compromising surge performance. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time), improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in safety-critical enclosures; required for industrial and transportation equipment certifications. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Motor Drive I/O |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V supply inputs to body control modules (BCM) against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge clamp at main power entry point; absorbs ISO 16750-2 Pulse 5b energy up to 1500 W. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or destruction of downstream PMICs and microcontrollers during 120 V/100 ms load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Shielding encoder feedback lines (A/B/Z) in servo drives from EMI generated by IGBT switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional line protector on differential quadrature signals; clamps ±200 V transients without distorting edge timing. Use Value: Maintains position accuracy by limiting signal distortion to <1 ns jitter increase during 1 kV EFT bursts. |
| Telecom Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Control Bus |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in base station remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage TVS on data pair (A/B), placed before common-mode choke to limit differential-mode surge energy. Use Value: Reduces transceiver failure rate by >95% in field deployments with >10 kV lightning immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Securing I²C communication between MCU and smart appliance sensors (e.g., oven temperature, door lock) against ESD and board-level switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈150 pF) bidirectional clamp on SDA/SCL lines; rated for ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Eliminates firmware resets caused by ESD-induced bus lockup while preserving 400 kHz timing integrity. |
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/I | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB (DO-214AA) package, same VWM and VBR range. | Suitable only for lower-energy threats (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2); not recommended for automotive load dump. | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to ESD and minor inductive spikes. |
| SMCJ160AHE3/I | Unidirectional version; identical VWM, VBR, VC, and PPPM but requires correct polarity orientation. | Applicable only where circuit topology enforces defined polarity (e.g., DC power input with known ground reference). | Choose only if system grounding ensures fixed polarity and layout allows cathode-band alignment during placement. |
Compared with SMCJ160CAHM3/I, SMBJ160CAHM3/I offers reduced surge handling in a smaller footprint, while SMCJ160AHE3/I provides identical clamping performance but demands strict polarity-aware routing-neither is pin-compatible, and both require PCB layout review before substitution.
Availability
SMCJ160CAHM3/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor control, telecom infrastructure, and consumer appliance design requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ160CAHM3/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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The SMCJ series is engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive power distribution, industrial automation, and communications infrastructure where robustness and qualification compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ160CAHM3/I at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ160CAHM3/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 5.8 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC JESD22-A114 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events, ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.
Is SMCJ160CAHM3/I suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ160CAHM3/I is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HM3 suffix indicating halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction. It is explicitly rated for automotive use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS modules, meeting requirements for temperature cycling, humidity testing, and surge immunity per ISO 16750-2 and ISO 7637-2 standards.
How does the bidirectional configuration of SMCJ160CAHM3/I affect its circuit implementation?
The bidirectional configuration of SMCJ160CAHM3/I eliminates polarity dependence, allowing direct placement across any two points needing symmetrical overvoltage protection-such as differential data lines (CAN_H/CAN_L, RS-485 A/B) or AC-coupled sensor outputs. No cathode band orientation is required, simplifying layout and reducing assembly errors compared to unidirectional variants like SMCJ160AHE3/I.
What is the thermal resistance specification for SMCJ160CAHM3/I, and why does it matter?
SMCJ160CAHM3/I has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 15 °C/W. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon junction to the PCB copper pads during repeated surge events. When mounted on the recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads, it sustains multiple 1500 W pulses without exceeding the +150 °C maximum junction temperature, ensuring long-term reliability in thermally demanding applications.
Does SMCJ160CAHM3/I meet UL recognition requirements?
Yes, SMCJ160CAHM3/I is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized under file E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional transient protectors per UL 497B. Its molding compound also meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, making it acceptable for use in end equipment requiring UL certification, including industrial control panels and telecom network equipment.
SMCJ160CAHM3/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:
- 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:
- 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/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CAHM3/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CAHM3/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/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CAHM3/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/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CAHM3/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CAHM3/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CAHM3/I?
SMCJ160CAHM3/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CAHM3/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/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CAHM3/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CAHM3/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CAHM3/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CAHM3/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/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CAHM3/I?
All SMCJ160CAHM3/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CAHM3/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/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CAHM3/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CAHM3/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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