My Inquiry
My Account
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,906
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. 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 a 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O modules.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT datasheet, SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT pinout, SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT application, or SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility (via HM3 suffix), and DO-214AB package compatibility with automated SMT assembly.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering symmetrical breakdown behavior in both polarities due to its bidirectional CA construction. Its clamping response is optimized for fast transients (<1 ps intrinsic response), with thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead) enabling reliable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature.
The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT complies with UL 497B recognition (QVGQ2) and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Its halogen-free, RoHS-compliant M3 suffix confirms compliance with material restrictions while maintaining full electrical equivalence to E3-grade variants.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12–48 V systems with surge headroom. |
| VBR min / max | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range ensures consistent turn-on across production lots and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 5.8 A - Clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; limits downstream IC stress during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a events. |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; supports high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and inductive switching. |
| IPPM | 5.8 A - Peak pulse current rating derived from 10/1000 µs waveform; used with VC to calculate worst-case power dissipation. |
| TJ max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad requirement; supports automated placement and reflow soldering per J-STD-020 MSL Level 1. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a surface-mount, molded plastic case with two coplanar matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking is present on bidirectional variants; terminals are electrically symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient current entry point (negative polarity) | Accepts reverse surge current during negative-going transients; forms one half of symmetrical clamping path. |
| Cathode | Transient current entry point (positive polarity) | Accepts reverse surge current during positive-going transients; completes bidirectional clamping loop with Anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC characteristics in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in differential or AC-coupled signal paths. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhanced reliability and stable leakage performance over temperature and lifetime - critical for long-service-life automotive and industrial deployments. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, relay bounce), improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant (M3) | Fulfills strict environmental compliance requirements for global OEMs without compromising electrical performance or thermal derating. |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validated for use in telecom and industrial protectors - reduces system-level safety certification effort for end equipment. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and Hall-effect sensor outputs from load dump and inductive kickback in 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to ground before reaching signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤259 V during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ASICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current-loop inputs in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring faults and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional TVS mounted across input terminals to clamp both positive and negative transients without polarity constraints. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping ±259 V surges while adding <1 pF junction capacitance - no impact on loop bandwidth or noise rejection. |
| Telecom Power Supply Rail | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Guarding 48 V DC-DC converter inputs in PoE-powered network switches against Ethernet cable surge coupling and hot-swap transients. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-stage TVS after primary MOV/GDT, providing precise, low-leakage clamping for sensitive regulator ICs. Use Value: Delivers 1500 W surge handling with only 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 160 V - avoids quiescent power loss in always-on telecom systems. |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor inverters from commutation spikes and ESD during service access. IC Role / Device Role: Localized TVS on control board near motor driver ICs, placed adjacent to connectors and relays. Use Value: Withstands repeated 5.8 A surges without degradation, supporting >100,000 cycle lifetime in high-vibration appliance environments. |
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-E3/61T | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (DO-214AC), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Suitable for lower-energy surges; limited to ambient-temperature-limited PCB layouts without thermal pads | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs surge margin, and board space allows larger footprint than SMC. |
| 1.5KE160CA | Through-hole TO-218 package, same VWM/VC, but slower response and no AEC-Q101 path | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where manual assembly or high-reliability through-hole mounting is required | Choose only for retrofit designs requiring pin-compatible through-hole replacement; not recommended for new SMT automotive designs. |
Compared with SMAJ160CA-E3/61T and 1.5KE160CA, the SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT delivers 3.75× higher peak pulse power in a smaller SMC footprint, supports automated manufacturing, and offers halogen-free compliance - making it optimal for next-generation automotive and industrial SMT platforms.
Availability
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom 48 V supply rails, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMCJ series was engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising signal fidelity or thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current of 5.8 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under defined test conditions per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a surge event. The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range from -55 °C to +150 °C.
Is SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, Vishay offers the functionally identical HM3-suffix variant (e.g., SMCJ160CAHM3_X) which carries full AEC-Q101 qualification. The M3 suffix denotes halogen-free and RoHS compliance but does not imply automotive qualification. For automotive designs requiring certified reliability, specify the HM3 version with appropriate revision code (e.g., SMCJ160CAHM3_A/I). The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT remains suitable for non-automotive industrial and telecom applications.
How does the bidirectional design of SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT has no polarity marking and exhibits symmetrical electrical behavior in both directions, eliminating orientation constraints during placement. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes that require cathode alignment toward the protected line's positive rail, the SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT can be placed in either orientation across differential pairs, AC-coupled signals, or floating buses - reducing assembly errors and simplifying layout for dual-polarity protection schemes. This symmetry is confirmed by identical VBR and VC values in both directions per Vishay's datasheet.
What is the thermal resistance profile of SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT, and how does it impact PCB design?
The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W and junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL) of 15 °C/W when mounted on the recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. To maintain safe operation below 150 °C junction temperature during repetitive surges, designers must ensure adequate copper area and avoid thermal isolation. The SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT's low RθJL enables effective heat conduction into internal ground/power planes via lead solder joints - a key advantage over smaller packages like SMAJ.
Can SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT is not designed for parallel operation due to inherent parameter variation (e.g., VBR tolerance of ±5.5%) that causes current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. Vishay specifies single-device operation only; paralleling requires active balancing circuitry not supported by the SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT's construction. For higher surge ratings, select a higher-power TVS (e.g., 3000 W series) or verify alternate packaging - never assume scalability from the SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT's datasheet parameters.
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- 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-M3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT?
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT?
All SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT, 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 SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160CA-M3/9AT Tags
-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi
-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi
-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi
-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated
-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage
-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
