Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CA-M3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CA-M3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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, MOSFETs, and sensor signal lines in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems against inductive switching transients and lightning-induced surges.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CA-M3/57T datasheet, SMCJ160CA-M3/57T pinout, SMCJ160CA-M3/57T application, or SMCJ160CA-M3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping behavior, 1500 W 10/1000 µs surge capability, halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction, -55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pad layouts.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional CA configuration, enabling suppression of positive and negative polarity transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance under repetitive surge stress.
The device complies with AEC-Q101 qualification when ordered with HE3/HM3 suffixes, though SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is commercial-grade halogen-free. Thermal resistance is specified at RθJA = 75 °C/W (typ.) and RθJL = 15 °C/W (typ.), supporting reliable operation on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below system rail. |
| VBR min / max | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - Verified breakdown voltage range ensuring consistent turn-on threshold across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected downstream circuitry. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height; compatible with J-STD-020 MSL level 1 reflow. |
| Operating TJ | -55 °C to +150 °C - Wide junction temperature range supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without derating. |
| Construction | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant - Meets environmental compliance requirements for global electronics manufacturing. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a two-terminal surface-mount case with cathode/anode terminals on opposite ends of the molded body. No polarity marking is present on bidirectional variants.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Provides symmetrical conduction path for both positive and negative surges; connects to ground or common reference plane. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Functionally identical to anode in CA devices; no functional distinction - both terminals serve as interchangeable surge shunt nodes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns. |
| 1500 W 10/1000 µs surge rating | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV (line-earth) in properly designed interfaces. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) over temperature and lifetime. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and standard reflow without baking; simplifies SMT line integration. |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 2. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails in engine control units and body electronics from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between supply rail and chassis ground to shunt surge energy away from PMICs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transient overshoot to ≤259 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops or 0–10 V sensors) in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS mounted directly at connector entry point to suppress ESD and fast transients before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 160 V, avoiding DC offset errors while clamping sub-100 ns spikes. |
| Telecom Data Line Surge Protection | Consumer Equipment AC-DC Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485/RS-422 differential bus lines in base station backhaul equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired SMCJ160CA-M3/57T devices (one per line) referenced to common-mode ground to clamp differential and common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetric 259 V clamping ensures balanced suppression without skewing differential voltage windows critical for receiver thresholds. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on DC outputs of wall adapters and USB-C PD chargers feeding sensitive SoCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage limiter after primary-side isolation, guarding against secondary-side capacitor failure or regulator fault conditions. Use Value: Halogen-free construction meets IEC 62368-1 flammability and environmental requirements for end-user products. |
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-E3/52T | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, higher RθJA = 110 °C/W), same VWM/VC ratings. | Suitable only for lower-energy transients (IEC 61000-4-2 ESD, not full IEC 61000-4-5). | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to ESD or low-energy switching noise. |
| SMCJ160A-M3/57T | Unidirectional variant; requires correct polarity orientation; otherwise identical VWM, VC, PPPM, and package. | Mandatory use in DC-biased circuits where reverse conduction must be blocked (e.g., power supply input rails). | Choose only if system topology enforces unidirectional surge paths and polarity can be guaranteed during assembly. |
Compared with SMCJ160CA-M3/57T, SMAJ160CA-E3/52T trades surge robustness for compactness, while SMCJ160A-M3/57T adds polarity dependency without improving clamping performance - making SMCJ160CA-M3/57T the optimal choice for general-purpose bidirectional protection requiring 1500 W capability.
Availability
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface design, telecom data line hardening, and consumer DC power stage protection requiring stable component supply and full IEC 61000-4-5 compliance.
Supply support for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications demanding >1000 W surge capability in compact surface-mount packages with extended temperature operation.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ160CA-M3/57T at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T clamps to a maximum of 259 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 5.8 A under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMCJ160CA-M3/57T suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T itself is a commercial-grade halogen-free part and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. However, Vishay offers functionally identical AEC-Q101 versions under ordering codes SMCJ160CAHE3_X or SMCJ160CAHM3_X, where "_X" denotes revision letter. For automotive designs requiring qualification evidence, those variants must be selected - the SMCJ160CA-M3/57T remains appropriate for non-automotive industrial and telecom applications.
How does the bidirectional nature of SMCJ160CA-M3/57T affect PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
Because SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is bidirectional, it has no polarity marking and can be placed in either orientation on the PCB - eliminating orientation verification during automated assembly and reducing risk of misplacement. Unlike unidirectional types such as SMCJ160A-M3/57T, no cathode band alignment is required, simplifying layout for differential or floating signal lines. The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T thus reduces assembly complexity while maintaining identical electrical protection specs.
What is the thermal resistance profile of SMCJ160CA-M3/57T, and how does it impact heatsinking requirements?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 15 °C/W when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. These values indicate that no external heatsink is needed for transient-only operation, but sustained power dissipation must remain below 6.5 W. The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T relies on PCB copper mass for thermal management, so adequate pad area and internal ground planes are essential for thermal reliability.
Can SMCJ160CA-M3/57T be used to protect AC mains-connected circuits?
No - the SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is rated for 160 V standoff and 259 V clamping, making it unsuitable for direct AC mains (120/230 V RMS) protection where peak voltages exceed 340 V. It is intended for DC or low-voltage AC signal/power lines (e.g., 48 V telecom, 24 V industrial control, or automotive 12/24 V systems). For AC mains, higher-voltage TVS families like V18ML or specialized MOVs are required. The SMCJ160CA-M3/57T must only be applied within its specified VWM and VC limits.
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AB (SMC)
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CA-M3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T?
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CA-M3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CA-M3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CA-M3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CA-M3/57T?
All SMCJ160CA-M3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CA-M3/57T, 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CA-M3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CA-M3/57T Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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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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