Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT
- Part No.:
- SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 188VWM 328VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,325
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 188 V standoff voltage (VWM), 328 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform, and clamps transients to ≤328 V at rated surge, making it suitable for protecting automotive power supplies and industrial I/O interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT datasheet, SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT pinout, SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT application, or SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 1500 W peak pulse power rating, SMC (DO-214AB) package compatibility with automated assembly, and compliance with AEC-Q101 when ordered with HE3 suffix - all critical for robust overvoltage protection in harsh environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device using an avalanche breakdown mechanism, responding in <1 ps to transient overvoltages. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating polarity-sensitive layout constraints in AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
Designed for unclamped surge energy absorption, it sustains repetitive 10/1000 µs pulses up to 1500 W with thermal derating above 25 °C (RθJA = 75 °C/W). The glass-passivated junction and matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD22-B102 whisker resistance Class 2 requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 188 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 180–200 V DC bus applications. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 209–231 V at IT = 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum avalanche initiation range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 328 V at IPPM = 4.6 A - Measured maximum voltage across device during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's peak stress level. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 1500 W - Energy-handling capacity under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 µA at VWM - Ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power loss and no interference with high-impedance sensing circuits. |
| TJ max. | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial enclosures without forced cooling. |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - Standardized surface-mount outline with 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad requirement; compatible with reflow and wave soldering per J-STD-020 MSL Level 1. |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package: a molded, low-profile, surface-mount case with two coplanar terminals. No polarity marking is present on bidirectional variants; both terminals are functionally symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on instantaneous polarity; no fixed polarity - enables placement without orientation check. |
| Terminal 2 | Anode / Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically identical to Terminal 1; symmetrical construction eliminates need for directional routing or silkscreen alignment. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC performance in both directions - simplifies PCB layout for AC lines, differential buses, and floating sensors without polarity concerns. |
| 1500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (1.2/50 µs voltage, 8/20 µs current) up to Level 4 (4 kV/2 kA) when properly mounted on 8 mm × 8 mm copper pads. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Enhances long-term reliability and stability of breakdown voltage under thermal cycling and humidity exposure - critical for automotive and outdoor equipment. |
| RoHS-compliant, matte tin plating | Meets J-STD-002 solderability and JESD22-B102 whisker resistance Class 2 - ensures consistent reflow yield and interconnect integrity in high-volume manufacturing. |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Unlimited floor life at ≤30 °C/60% RH - eliminates bake requirements prior to assembly, reducing production cost and handling risk. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V and 48 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules from load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed at power entry point, shunting surge current away from downstream regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Clamps 120 V load dump spikes to ≤328 V within nanoseconds, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 36 V-rated DC/DC converters. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor bridging input terminals, limiting voltage excursion during ESD or induced line surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by holding differential voltage below 328 V while adding <1 pF capacitance - no bandwidth degradation in 100 kHz analog channels. |
| Telecom DC Feeder Protection | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding remote radio head power feeds in 48 V telecom base stations from lightning-induced longitudinal surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense on DC input, coordinated with upstream gas discharge tubes for staged surge suppression. Use Value: Absorbs up to 1500 W of surge energy without degradation, enabling compliance with ITU-T K.20/21 immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protecting photovoltaic string combiner box inputs from grid-switching transients and nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across PV+ and PV− terminals to clamp fast-rising common-mode overvoltages. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 µs surges up to 328 V clamping level, preserving insulation integrity of MPPT controllers rated for 1000 V DC systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ188CA | Same VWM (188 V), slightly lower PPPM (400 W), smaller SMA package (DO-214AC), higher RθJA (110 °C/W). | Lower energy handling limits use to sub-1 kV surge environments; unsuitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. | Select only where board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to IEC Level 2. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE188CA | Through-hole TO-218 package, same VWM/VC specs, but larger footprint and manual assembly requirement. | Not compatible with automated SMT lines; requires wave soldering or hand-soldering - increases labor cost and reduces throughput. | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs or prototyping where reflow compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ188CA and 1.5KE188CA, SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT delivers 3.75× higher peak pulse power in an SMT-optimized package with superior thermal performance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), making it the preferred choice for high-reliability, high-volume automotive and industrial surge protection where energy handling and manufacturability are jointly critical.
Availability
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial PLC analog input protection, telecom DC feeder protection, and renewable energy inverter DC link protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SMCJ188CA-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, precision, and ruggedness.
The SMCJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments including automotive, industrial automation, and telecommunications - delivering consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT at its rated peak pulse current?
The SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 328 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 4.6 A under the standard 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 - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT maintains this clamping performance bidirectionally.
Is SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is RoHS-compliant and qualified to AEC-Q101 when ordered with the HE3 suffix (e.g., SMCJ188CAHE3_A/I). While the -E3/9AT variant itself is commercial-grade, its construction - including glass-passivated junction, MSL Level 1 rating, and 150 °C TJ max - meets core automotive reliability requirements. For certified automotive use, specify the HE3 version; the SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT remains ideal for non-certified but harsh-environment industrial applications.
How does the bidirectional design of SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT affect PCB layout?
The bidirectional nature of SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT eliminates polarity sensitivity: both terminals are functionally identical, so no cathode band marking exists and orientation during placement is irrelevant. This allows unrestricted routing on differential pairs, AC-coupled lines, or floating sensor interfaces - reducing design rule checks, eliminating silkscreen polarity indicators, and cutting assembly error rates. The SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT's DO-214AB outline further supports automated optical recognition during pick-and-place.
What is the thermal resistance of SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT, and how does it impact power dissipation?
The SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W when mounted on the recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal. This enables 6.5 W steady-state power dissipation at TA = 50 °C, but more critically governs surge recovery: after a 1500 W transient, junction temperature rise is limited and decays predictably per its transient thermal impedance curve (Fig. 5). Proper pad layout is essential - undersized pads increase RθJA and risk thermal runaway during repetitive surges.
Can SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is not recommended for parallel connection due to inherent parameter variation (e.g., VBR tolerance ±5 %) that causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway in one device. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated part (e.g., SMCJ220CA) or implement staged protection with upstream GDTs. The SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is characterized and guaranteed only for standalone operation per Vishay's test conditions and mounting guidelines.
SMCJ188CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 188V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 209V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 328V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 4.6A
- 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)
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ188CA-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 SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ188CA-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 SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT?
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ188CA-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 SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT?
For technical support, including SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ188CA-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 SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT?
All SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ188CA-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 SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ188CA-E3/9AT 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
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 …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

