Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I
- Part No.:
- SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,113
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Product details
Overview
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on power and signal lines. It features a 170 V standoff voltage (VWM), 275 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 5.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect automotive ECUs, industrial I/O modules, and telecom power rails against lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I datasheet, SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I pinout, SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I application, or SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low incremental surge resistance, AEC-Q101 qualification status, halogen-free RoHS compliance, and thermal performance under repeated surge stress at elevated ambient temperatures.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector using an avalanche breakdown mechanism, with symmetrical reverse/forward conduction behavior due to its bidirectional construction. Its junction exhibits low dynamic impedance during transient events, enabling rapid response (<1 ns) and stable clamping across temperature ranges from –55 °C to +150 °C.
The SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is optimized for surface-mount automated assembly on PCBs with minimum 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal, meeting J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements. Its glass-passivated chip junction ensures long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 189 V / 209 V at 1 mA - verified breakdown threshold range ensuring consistent turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 5.5 A - clamped voltage during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure |
| TJ max | +150 °C - maximum junction temperature rating supporting operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJA | 75 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient, defining derating needs for sustained power dissipation |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - industry-standard surface-mount outline with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm footprint and 2.62 mm height |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I uses a two-terminal SMC (DO-214AB) package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional TVS construction. Terminals are matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Provides low-impedance path to ground or reference rail during both positive and negative surges |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Functionally identical to Anode; symmetric terminals enable placement without orientation constraints |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge endurance testing |
| Halogen-free & RoHS-compliant | Meets environmental compliance requirements for modern electronics manufacturing and end-of-life disposal |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tighter clamping voltage control and reduced overshoot during fast-rising transients |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life and reflow compatibility up to 260 °C peak without baking |
| Glass passivated junction | Improves long-term stability of breakdown characteristics and reduces leakage drift over time |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs in engine control units against load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage clamping element placed between power rail and ground, absorbing >100 J pulses without degradation. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing latch-up or permanent damage to downstream PMICs and MCUs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC analog input cards from ESD and field wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector on differential or single-ended signal lines, responding within <1 ns to ±8 kV contact discharge. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity and eliminates false triggering caused by transient-induced offset shifts in precision ADC front-ends. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Renewable Energy Inverter Control Board Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V DC telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression stage upstream of DC/DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges up to 1500 W while maintaining ≤275 V clamping, preventing cascaded failures in distributed power architecture. | Use Scenario: Protecting isolated gate drivers and MCU supply rails on solar inverter control boards exposed to grid-side transients and ground potential differences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on auxiliary 5 V/3.3 V rails, coordinated with primary MOV-based AC-side protection. Use Value: Ensures functional safety compliance (IEC 62109) by limiting transient energy delivered to isolation barriers and digital logic circuits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAC170CA | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMA package, higher RθJA (120 °C/W) | Not suitable for high-energy automotive or industrial surges requiring 1500 W rating | Select only when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (0.5 kV line-to-ground) |
| SMCJ170CAHE3_A/I | Same electrical specs but RoHS-compliant commercial grade (non-AEC-Q101), non-halogen-free | Lacks automotive qualification; not approved for under-hood use or OEM production programs | Acceptable for consumer or industrial applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated and halogen content is unrestricted |
Compared with SAC170CA and SMCJ170CAHE3_A/I, the SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I delivers superior surge robustness and automotive-grade reliability - critical for designs requiring validated performance in harsh environments without compromising on thermal management or regulatory compliance.
Availability
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules, and telecom power distribution systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ170CAHM3_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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on high-reliability and application-specific performance.
The SMCJ series was developed specifically for high-power transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - balancing clamping precision, surge endurance, and manufacturability in standard SMD packages.
FAQ
What does the "HM3" suffix indicate in SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I?
The "HM3" suffix in SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification. It confirms compliance with JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and automotive-grade reliability testing - distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants like SMCJ170CAE3_A/I.
Is SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I suitable for protecting CAN bus lines?
No - SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is not appropriate for CAN bus protection due to its 170 V standoff voltage and 275 V clamping level, which far exceed typical CAN transceiver operating ranges (±40 V common-mode). Lower-voltage TVS devices such as SMF15CA or NUP2105 are recommended for CAN FD or classical CAN interfaces.
How does the bidirectional design of SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional design of SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I eliminates polarity constraints during placement - no cathode band marking is present, and either terminal may connect to the protected line or ground. This simplifies layout, reduces assembly errors, and supports symmetric routing in differential or AC-coupled protection schemes.
What is the maximum number of 10/1000 μs surges SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I can withstand?
Per Vishay's characterization, SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is rated for ≥1000 non-repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at full PPPM (1500 W) when mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads and operated below 25 °C ambient. Derating applies above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2 in document 88394, reducing surge count proportionally with junction temperature rise.
Does SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I require heatsinking for continuous operation?
No - SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is intended for transient-only duty; its 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation (PD) rating assumes infinite heatsink conditions. In normal operation, it draws negligible current below VWM (170 V), so no active heatsinking is needed. Thermal design focuses on transient energy dissipation via PCB copper area, not continuous cooling.
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.5A
- 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)
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/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 SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I?
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ170CAHM3_A/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 SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I?
For technical support, including SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ170CAHM3_A/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 SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I?
All SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ170CAHM3_A/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 SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ170CAHM3_A/I Tags

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Diodes Incorporated
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