Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ18CA-M3/57T
- Part No.:
- SMCJ18CA-M3/57T
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AB, SMC
- Datasheet:
-
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO214AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in SMC (DO-214AB) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 29.2 V at 51.4 A, and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C - used in automotive sensor signal lines, industrial I/O ports, and DC power rail protection.
For engineers reviewing the SMCJ18CA-M3/57T datasheet, SMCJ18CA-M3/57T pinout, SMCJ18CA-M3/57T application, or SMCJ18CA-M3/57T equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, 1500 W surge rating, halogen-free RoHS-compliant construction (M3 suffix), SMC package thermal performance, and AEC-Q101 qualification eligibility via HM3 variant.
Technical Context
The SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is a silicon avalanche diode operating in reverse-biased breakdown mode for both polarities, enabling symmetrical clamping without polarity dependency. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for fast transient suppression on data and power lines.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for surge protector characterization and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 (260 °C reflow peak), supporting automated SMT assembly. Thermal resistance is 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 15 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling reliable operation under repeated surge stress when mounted per recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - tight breakdown window ensures predictable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 51.4 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 1500 W surge events |
| PPPM | 1500 W (10/1000 µs waveform) - high-energy surge handling for automotive load-dump and ESD immunity |
| TJ range | −55 °C to +150 °C - supports under-hood and industrial environments without derating loss |
| Package | SMC (DO-214AB) - surface-mount footprint with 7.75 mm × 6.22 mm body and 2.06 mm height for thermal mass and PCB space efficiency |
| Compliance | Halogen-free, RoHS-compliant (M3 suffix); UL 94 V-0 molding compound; JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
Pinout & Package
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T uses the SMC (DO-214AB) package - a surface-mount, bidirectional device with no polarity marking. The two terminals are symmetrically configured for AC-coupled or floating-line protection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Common terminal pair | No functional distinction; either terminal accepts positive or negative transient surges equally |
| Case | Non-electrical mechanical body | DO-214AB molded plastic housing with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses, or ungrounded power rails without polarity concerns |
| 1500 W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave surges in automotive ECUs |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes let-through voltage to preserve margin for 24 V system ICs rated to 30–36 V absolute max |
| MSL Level 1 rating | Supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C without preconditioning, simplifying high-volume manufacturing |
| Halogen-free construction (M3) | Meets automotive OEM environmental requirements while maintaining flame-retardant UL 94 V-0 performance |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed at connector interface to clamp transients before they reach signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers and analog front-ends during ISO 16750-2 and ISO 7637-2 compliant testing. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input/output channels on programmable logic controllers against field-induced surges from motor drives, solenoids, and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS across each I/O line to ground or common rail, absorbing repetitive 1 kV/500 A transients. Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) by eliminating false triggering and component degradation in harsh factory environments. |
| DC Power Rail Protection | Telecom Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 18–24 V DC power distribution networks in network switches, PoE injectors, and base station power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on main supply rail to shunt surge energy away from DC-DC converters and PMICs. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by preventing brownouts and overvoltage shutdowns during lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. | Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485, RS-232, and Ethernet PHY interfaces in telecom access equipment exposed to induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS across signal pairs and common-mode TVS from signal to chassis ground. Use Value: Ensures compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.21 immunity standards without adding complex multi-stage protection 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA-M3 | Lower PPPM (600 W), same VWM/VBR, SMB package (smaller thermal mass) | Limited to lower-energy transients; unsuitable for automotive load dump | Select when board space is constrained and surge threat level is ≤ IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 |
| SMCJ18A-M3/57T | Unidirectional version; cathode band marking; identical VWM/VBR/PPPM but asymmetric conduction | Requires correct polarity placement; not usable on AC or floating lines | Choose only if protecting DC-only lines with known polarity and no reverse-voltage risk |
Compared with SMBJ18CA-M3 and SMCJ18A-M3/57T, the SMCJ18CA-M3/57T uniquely delivers bidirectional 1500 W surge protection in the SMC package - essential for automotive and industrial applications where polarity-agnostic, high-energy clamping is mandatory without redesigning layout or adding discrete polarity management.
Availability
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T 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, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The SMCJ series is engineered for high-energy transient suppression in demanding environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness against ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-5, and AEC-Q101 stress profiles is non-negotiable.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ18CA-M3/57T?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the SMCJ18CA-M3/57T provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients without polarity sensitivity. This differs from unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ18A-M3/57T) that require correct cathode/anode orientation and only suppress one polarity. The CA version is ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, and floating-ground systems where voltage polarity cannot be guaranteed.
Is SMCJ18CA-M3/57T qualified to AEC-Q101?
The SMCJ18CA-M3/57T itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified - it carries the commercial-grade M3 suffix (halogen-free, RoHS-compliant). However, Vishay offers the AEC-Q101-qualified variant as SMCJ18CAHM3_X (where "_X" is revision code A, B, etc.). For automotive production, designers must specify the HM3_X suffix and verify qualification status per batch documentation; the M3/57T is intended for industrial and commercial applications with equivalent electrical specs but without automotive stress testing certification.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ18CA-M3/57T and how is it measured?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is 29.2 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 51.4 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the highest voltage the device allows to pass through to protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. It is specified at TA = 25 °C and assumes mounting on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads per terminal - deviations in layout or ambient temperature will affect actual clamping performance.
Can SMCJ18CA-M3/57T replace SMCJ18A-M3/57T in an existing design?
No direct replacement is possible without layout review: SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is bidirectional and unmarked, while SMCJ18A-M3/57T is unidirectional with a cathode band. Swapping them requires verifying that the protected circuit has no polarity-dependent biasing and that the absence of polarity marking won't cause misassembly. Additionally, the clamping behavior differs - the unidirectional part conducts forward current during negative transients, whereas the CA version clamps both polarities identically. System-level surge testing is required after substitution.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact SMCJ18CA-M3/57T's surge handling?
The SMCJ18CA-M3/57T has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W and junction-to-lead (RθJL) of 15 °C/W. These values define how efficiently heat from surge dissipation transfers out of the die. Lower RθJL enables higher single-pulse energy absorption, while RθJA governs steady-state power handling (6.5 W at TA = 50 °C). To maintain reliability during repetitive surges, PCB layout must follow Vishay's recommended 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pad per terminal - reducing thermal impedance and preventing localized overheating that could degrade VBR stability or accelerate wear-out.
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 51.4A
- 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)
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ18CA-M3/57T reliable?
The price and inventory of SMCJ18CA-M3/57T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T?
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SMCJ18CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ18CA-M3/57T?
For technical support, including SMCJ18CA-M3/57T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SMCJ18CA-M3/57T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SMCJ18CA-M3/57T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SMCJ18CA-M3/57T 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 SMCJ18CA-M3/57T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SMCJ18CA-M3/57T?
All SMCJ18CA-M3/57T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SMCJ18CA-M3/57T, 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 SMCJ18CA-M3/57T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SMCJ18CA-M3/57T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SMCJ18CA-M3/57T Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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