Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ160-E3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCJ160-E3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ160-E3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 287VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ160-E3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-214AB (SMCJ) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 160 V standoff voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown range (VBR), 259 V clamping voltage (VC) at 5.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ160-E3/9AT datasheet, SMCJ160-E3/9AT pinout, SMCJ160-E3/9AT application, or SMCJ160-E3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under automotive load-dump transients, thermal derating above 25 °C, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminations, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The SMCJ160-E3/9AT operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown range. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while the low incremental surge resistance enables effective clamping during fast transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.
Thermally, it exhibits RθJA = 75 °C/W and RθJL = 15 °C/W, supporting operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device is rated for 200 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine) and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C reflow peak.
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 - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1.0 mA test current; defines turn-on threshold consistency |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage across device at 5.8 A peak pulse current; determines protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak transient power handling capability with 10/1000 µs waveform; critical for load-dump immunity |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at rated standoff voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets thermal design margin for PCB copper pad layout and ambient conditions |
| IFSM | 200 A - Non-repetitive surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); validates robustness against inrush or fault currents |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-214AB (SMCJ), surface-mount, low-profile case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity indicated by cathode band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts during overvoltage to shunt energy to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring high-reliability transient suppression |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable electrical parameters over time and temperature; reduces parameter drift under repeated surge stress |
| MSL Level 1 (260 °C peak) | Enables standard SMT reflow without moisture-related damage; eliminates pre-bake requirement for production |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients (e.g., ESD or inductive switching), improving clamping precision |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU; suitable for industrial and consumer designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from ISO 7637-2 load-dump transients up to 120 V for 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power input and ground to clamp surges before they reach downstream regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: SMCJ160-E3/9AT's 259 V clamping voltage ensures protected ICs see no more than 259 V during worst-case transients, well below typical 36 V absolute maximum ratings of automotive LDOs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure or temperature sensors) connected to PLC I/O modules exposed to field wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection is not required here; unidirectional SMCJ160-E3/9AT guards against negative-going transients on grounded-signal lines. Use Value: With <1.0 µA leakage at 160 V, SMCJ160-E3/9AT introduces negligible error in high-impedance sensor signal paths while delivering 1500 W transient absorption. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Motor Drive Control Signal Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges and switching noise on backplane distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at board edge with short traces to ground plane; clamps reverse polarity faults and differential-mode surges. Use Value: SMCJ160-E3/9AT's 178–197 V VBR range aligns with -48 V system derating margins, enabling reliable turn-on before upstream fuses open during sustained overvoltage events. | Use Scenario: Shielding isolated gate driver inputs (e.g., optocoupler or SiO2-isolated inputs) from coupling noise generated by IGBT/MOSFET switching in motor inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed adjacent to driver IC input pins to limit transient voltage swing to safe logic thresholds. Use Value: Fast response time and low clamping voltage (259 V) prevent false triggering or latch-up in sensitive CMOS input stages during high-dV/dt noise 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A-E3/61T | Lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (DO-214AC), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Suitable for space-constrained, lower-energy transients; not recommended for automotive load-dump | Select when board area is limited and peak surge energy is ≤400 W |
| SMCJ160AHE3/9AT | Identical electrical specs but AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix); same DO-214AB package and thermal performance | Required for automotive OEM designs needing formal qualification evidence; otherwise functionally interchangeable | Choose SMCJ160AHE3/9AT if AEC-Q101 documentation and traceability are mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/61T and SMCJ160AHE3/9AT, the SMCJ160-E3/9AT offers optimal balance of 1500 W surge capacity, industry-standard DO-214AB footprint, and commercial-grade cost structure-making it ideal for industrial and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 is unnecessary but high-energy clamping is essential.
Availability
SMCJ160-E3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC power input protection requiring stable component supply and consistent surge performance across production batches.
Supply support for SMCJ160-E3/9AT 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SMCJ series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure-where precise clamping, thermal stability, and long-term parametric consistency are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SMCJ160-E3/9AT and how is it measured?
The SMCJ160-E3/9AT has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.8 A using a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen across the device during a transient event and is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings. The SMCJ160-E3/9AT achieves this clamping performance consistently due to its low incremental surge resistance and glass-passivated junction.
Is the SMCJ160-E3/9AT suitable for automotive applications?
The SMCJ160-E3/9AT is RoHS-compliant and manufactured in an AEC-Q101-qualified process flow (as confirmed by Vishay's documentation), but the E3 suffix denotes commercial-grade qualification-not the HE3 automotive-grade variant. While it shares identical electrical and thermal specs with SMCJ160AHE3/9AT, the SMCJ160-E3/9AT lacks formal AEC-Q101 certification documentation. For production automotive use, specify SMCJ160AHE3/9AT; the SMCJ160-E3/9AT remains appropriate for industrial or telecom systems requiring similar surge performance.
What does the "9AT" suffix mean in SMCJ160-E3/9AT?
The "9AT" suffix in SMCJ160-E3/9AT indicates the packaging configuration: 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 3500 devices per reel. This format supports high-volume automated SMT placement and is compatible with standard pick-and-place equipment. The "E3" portion confirms RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification, while the absence of "H" distinguishes it from the AEC-Q101-qualified HE3 variant.
How does the thermal performance of the SMCJ160-E3/9AT affect PCB layout?
The SMCJ160-E3/9AT has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on minimum recommended 0.31" × 0.31" (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm) copper pads per terminal. To maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C under full 1500 W surge conditions, designers must ensure adequate copper area, avoid thermal bottlenecks, and consider derating above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2 in the datasheet. Poor layout can elevate junction temperature beyond specification, reducing surge endurance and long-term reliability of the SMCJ160-E3/9AT.
Can the SMCJ160-E3/9AT be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No-the SMCJ160-E3/9AT is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking and specified electrical characteristics (e.g., VBR, VC, ID) for reverse-biased operation only. For bidirectional protection, Vishay specifies part numbers ending in "CA", such as SMCJ160CA. Using the SMCJ160-E3/9AT in a bidirectional configuration would result in forward conduction during positive transients, potentially damaging the device or failing to protect the circuit. Always verify polarity and device type before integration; the SMCJ160-E3/9AT functions exclusively as a unidirectional clamp.
SMCJ160-E3/9AT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 287V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.2A
- 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 (SMCJ)
SMCJ160-E3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ160-E3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ160-E3/9AT 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 SMCJ160-E3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ160-E3/9AT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ160-E3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ160-E3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ160-E3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ160-E3/9AT?
SMCJ160-E3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ160-E3/9AT 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 SMCJ160-E3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCJ160-E3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ160-E3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ160-E3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ160-E3/9AT 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 SMCJ160-E3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ160-E3/9AT?
All SMCJ160-E3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ160-E3/9AT, 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 SMCJ160-E3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ160-E3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ160-E3/9AT Tags

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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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