STMicroelectronics SMP100LC-160

Overview

SMP100LC-160 from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional thyristor surge suppressor (TSS) designed for fail-safe overvoltage protection on telecom and data lines. It features a 160 V breakover voltage (V_BO), 100 A repetitive peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), 65 pF capacitance at 2 V, ≤2 μA leakage current, and 30 mA minimum holding current (I_H). It is used in xDSL line cards and Ethernet interfaces requiring low-signal-distortion transient suppression.

For engineers reviewing the SMP100LC-160 datasheet, SMP100LC-160 pinout, SMP100LC-160 application, or SMP100LC-160 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional crowbar behavior, IEC 61000-4-5 compliance, low capacitance for high-speed data integrity, fail-safe short-circuit mode under fault, and SMB (DO-214AA) package compatibility with telecom PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The SMP100LC-160 operates as a voltage-triggered bidirectional thyristor that latches into low-impedance conduction upon exceeding its dynamic breakover voltage (205 V max), sustaining conduction until current falls below 30 mA holding threshold. Its fail-safe short-circuit mode ensures equipment remains protected even after multiple surges.

It meets GR-1089 Core (first level: 2500 V, 100 A), ITU-T K20/K21 (6000 V, 150 A), and IEC 61000-4-5 (4000 V, 100 A) surge standards without external coordination components. Thermal resistance is 100 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) with recommended footprint.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The SMP100LC-160 is housed in an SMB (DO-214AA) package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The device is symmetrical and bidirectional; either terminal may serve as anode or cathode depending on polarity of applied surge.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar thyristor surge suppressor applications.

Compared with SMCJ160A and P6SMB160A, the SMP100LC-160 provides true bidirectional latching, lower capacitance for high-speed data, and intrinsic fail-safe short-circuit behavior-making it uniquely suited for telecom line card and Ethernet PHY protection where reliability and signal fidelity are co-constrained.

Availability

SMP100LC-160 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL line card protection, Ethernet PHY interface hardening, and industrial switch port surge suppression requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SMP100LC-160 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, power, and analog/mixed-signal technologies with broad manufacturing and R&D infrastructure.

The SMP100LC series belongs to ST's Telecom Circuit Protector product line, engineered specifically for fail-safe, low-capacitance surge suppression in high-data-rate wired communication systems compliant with GR-1089, ITU-T K20/K21, and IEC 61000-4-5.

FAQ

What is the fail-safe behavior of SMP100LC-160 during sustained overvoltage?

When triggered, the SMP100LC-160 latches into a low-impedance short-circuit state and remains conductive until current falls below its 30 mA holding threshold. This fail-safe mode ensures continuous protection even after multiple surges, unlike TVS diodes that degrade or open-circuit. It requires system-level current limiting (e.g., fuse or PTC) to prevent damage during sustained fault conditions.

Can SMP100LC-160 be used on differential Ethernet pairs without skew or imbalance?

Yes-the SMP100LC-160 is electrically symmetrical and bidirectional, with matched dynamic V_BO and I_H characteristics across both polarities. When placed across a differential pair (e.g., TX+/TX−), it clamps common-mode surges equally without introducing timing skew or DC imbalance, preserving signal integrity up to 1000BASE-T bandwidth.

How does SMP100LC-160 differ from standard TVS diodes in surge coordination?

Unlike TVS diodes that clamp and reset, the SMP100LC-160 acts as a crowbar: once triggered, it sustains conduction until current drops below 30 mA. This enables robust coordination with upstream GDTs or fuses-where the TSS initiates fast clamping and the GDT handles high-energy follow current-without risk of re-strike or thermal runaway.

Is the SMB package of SMP100LC-160 compatible with automated optical inspection (AOI) after reflow?

Yes-the SMB (DO-214AA) package features standardized solder pad geometry, visible terminations, and consistent marking (L16) per ST's DS1916 Rev 15. Its UL94 V0 epoxy and lead-free plating meet IPC-A-610 Class 2/3 visual acceptability criteria, enabling reliable AOI detection of solder bridging, tombstoning, and coplanarity defects in high-volume telecom assembly lines.