Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H

Overview

SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H 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 a 26 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 42.1 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 35.6 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), and 1500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform), commonly deployed on automotive sensor signal lines and industrial I/O interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H datasheet, SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H pinout, SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H application, or SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, halogen-free RoHS compliance (HM3 suffix), and thermal resistance (R_θJA = 75 °C/W) under standard PCB pad layout.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transients exceeding its breakdown voltage (V_BR = 28.9–31.9 V), it rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction, diverting surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM) and fast response time (<1 ns).

Designed for bidirectional operation, SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H exhibits identical electrical characteristics in both polarities-no polarity marking on the case-and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020 with 260 °C lead-free reflow compatibility. It is rated for continuous operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SMC (DO-214AB), surface-mount, bidirectional configuration with no polarity marking. Case dimensions: 7.11 mm × 6.22 mm × 2.62 mm (L × W × H); matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ26CAHE3_A/H and SMCJ26AHE3_A/H, SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H uniquely combines 1500 W surge rating, AEC-Q101 qualification, halogen-free construction, and bidirectional symmetry-making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial systems demanding high-reliability, high-energy transient suppression.

Availability

SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial I/O interface hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SMCJ series is engineered for high-power transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where robustness against ISO 7637, IEC 61000-4-5, and ESD events is critical.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H?

The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration: SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities, with identical V_BR, V_C, and I_PPM characteristics regardless of voltage polarity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SMCJ26A), it has no cathode band marking and is used where AC-coupled or floating signal lines require protection without polarity constraints. This makes SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H ideal for differential buses like CAN or Ethernet.

Is SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's ordering code structure (HM3 suffix denotes halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and AEC-Q101 qualified). It undergoes rigorous stress testing-including temperature cycling, humidity, and surge endurance-to meet automotive reliability standards. This qualification validates its use in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and body electronics where failure is not acceptable.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H and how is it measured?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H is 42.1 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 35.6 A using a standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value represents the highest voltage that will appear across the device-and thus across the protected circuit-during a worst-case transient event. It is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number 88394, Rev. 09-Jan-2024) and verified under specified test conditions (T_A = 25 °C, mounted on 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm copper pads).

How does the HM3 suffix differ from M3 or HE3 in SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H?

The HM3 suffix in SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction *and* AEC-Q101 qualification-distinguishing it from M3 (halogen-free/RoHS but not AEC-Q101) and HE3 (RoHS-compliant/AEC-Q101 but not halogen-free). This triple qualification ensures compliance with automotive environmental and reliability standards simultaneously. The "_A/H" denotes packaging: 7-inch tape-and-reel, 850 units per reel, with H as the preferred package code per Vishay's ordering guide.

Can SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SMCJ26AHE3_A/H?

No-SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H is not a drop-in replacement for unidirectional types such as SMCJ26AHE3_A/H. While both share the same package and basic ratings (V_WM, V_C, P_PPM), their conduction behavior differs fundamentally: SMCJ26CAHM3_A/H conducts equally in both directions, whereas SMCJ26AHE3_A/H blocks reverse current until breakdown and requires correct polarity orientation. Substitution would compromise protection in DC-biased circuits and invalidate design validation unless the application is truly AC or floating.