Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ16AHE3_A/I

Overview

SMCJ16AHE3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 16 V standoff voltage (VWM), 26.0 V clamping voltage (VC) at 57.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and telecom power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SMCJ16AHE3_A/I datasheet, SMCJ16AHE3_A/I pinout, SMCJ16AHE3_A/I application, or SMCJ16AHE3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.625), 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp, responding to transients within <1 ps by diverting surge current away from protected circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior, while the SMC package provides thermal resistance of 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead).

Designed for single-polarity DC systems, it conducts only during reverse overvoltage events - forward conduction is limited to 3.5 V at 100 A (IF). The device meets MSL level 1 per J-STD-020 and supports peak surge currents up to 200 A (IFSM, 8.3 ms half-sine).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SMCJ16AHE3_A/I uses the standard SMC (DO-214AB) package: two-terminal, unidirectional configuration with cathode marked by a band on the body. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMCJ16AHE3_A/I, SMAJ16A-E3/57T offers reduced surge capacity in a smaller footprint but lacks automotive qualification, while SMCJ16CAHE3_A/I provides identical surge performance with bidirectional capability - making it suitable for differential or AC-signaled interfaces.

Availability

SMCJ16AHE3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor controls, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and 1500 W transient immunity.

Supply support for SMCJ16AHE3_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 and application-specific performance.

The SMCJ series targets high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, engineered specifically for automotive, industrial, and telecom systems demanding AEC-Q101 qualification and 1500 W surge capability.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ16AHE3_A/I at its rated peak pulse current?

The SMCJ16AHE3_A/I has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 57.7 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream components during surge events. The SMCJ16AHE3_A/I maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of -55 °C to +150 °C.

Is SMCJ16AHE3_A/I qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, SMCJ16AHE3_A/I is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code suffix "HE3" and documentation in datasheet 88394. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and ESD validation per the AEC-Q101 stress test flow. This makes the SMCJ16AHE3_A/I suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics where reliability under thermal and mechanical stress is critical.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for SMCJ16AHE3_A/I at its standoff voltage?

The SMCJ16AHE3_A/I exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its 16 V standoff voltage (VWM), measured at 25 °C ambient. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power drain in always-on systems such as automotive body control modules or IoT edge sensors. Leakage remains well below 10 μA even at +125 °C, supporting stable operation in thermally demanding environments.

How does the SMCJ16AHE3_A/I package compare to SMA and SMB variants in terms of thermal performance?

The SMCJ16AHE3_A/I uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package, which delivers superior thermal performance versus SMA (DO-214AC) and SMB (DO-214AA): its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) is 75 °C/W, compared to ~100–120 °C/W for SMA/SMB. This enables higher sustained power dissipation and better surge survivability - especially important in compact, sealed enclosures like automotive junction boxes where airflow is restricted.

Can SMCJ16AHE3_A/I be used in bidirectional signal line protection?

No, SMCJ16AHE3_A/I is a unidirectional TVS diode and must not be used on AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic signal lines. Its cathode band indicates polarity-sensitive operation - it clamps only during reverse overvoltage. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, CAN, or audio), the functionally matched SMCJ16CAHE3_A/I variant must be selected. Using SMCJ16AHE3_A/I in bidirectional configurations risks failure to clamp positive transients and potential device destruction.