SMBJ160 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMBJ160 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. The device features a 160V reverse standoff voltage with a maximum clamping voltage of 271.95V at peak pulse current. The SMBJ160 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across voltage ratings, current handling, and thermal operating ranges while conforming to the DO-214AA (SMB) package standard.

Substiute Parts

SMBJ160

LittelfuseIn Stock: 2370SMBJ160 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMBJ160A

MeritekIn Stock: 9072SMBJ160A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMBJ160A

MeritekIn Stock: 9072SMBJ160A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMBJ160A

MeritekIn Stock: 9072SMBJ160A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMBJ160A-13-F

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 4042SMBJ160A-13-F Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMBJ160A-E3/52

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 45507SMBJ160A-E3/52 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SMBJ160 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 160V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Must not exceed 271.95V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Minimum 2.3A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Package / Case: DO-214AA (SMB)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional (1 channel)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

All identified substitute parts maintain the 160V reverse standoff voltage and DO-214AA package specification. Clamping voltage variations among substitutes (259V to 271.95V) remain within acceptable operational margins for general-purpose transient suppression. Peak pulse current ratings of 2.3A to 2.32A satisfy the minimum current handling requirement. All substitutes are RoHS3 compliant and rated for surface-mount assembly.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three substitute parts (SMBJ160A from Meritek, SMBJ160A-13-F from Diodes Incorporated, and SMBJ160A-E3/52 from Vishay) are classified as active products with full RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. These parts are suitable for direct replacement in new designs and production continuity applications.

The SMBJ160A-E3/52 from Vishay offers the highest inventory availability (45,400 units) and is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, supporting automated assembly processes. The SMBJ160A-13-F from Diodes Incorporated is designated as manufacturer-recommended and provides 3,981 units in stock with SMB packaging. The Meritek SMBJ160A variant maintains 9,035 units in inventory.

All substitutes exhibit lower maximum clamping voltage (259V) compared to the original SMBJ160 (271.95V), resulting in improved transient suppression performance. Operating temperature ranges for substitutes (-55 to 150°C) are narrower than the original (-65 to 150°C), which is acceptable for most general-purpose applications operating within standard industrial temperature bands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMBJ160A parts directly replace SMBJ160 in existing designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the critical 160V reverse standoff voltage, 600W peak pulse power rating, and DO-214AA (SMB) package specification. The lower clamping voltage of substitute parts (259V vs. 271.95V) provides equivalent or improved transient protection. Verify that your application does not require operation below -55°C, as substitute parts have a minimum operating temperature of -55°C compared to the original -65°C specification.

Q: What is the difference between SMBJ160A from different manufacturers?

A: All SMBJ160A variants meet the same electrical specifications for reverse standoff voltage (160V), peak pulse current (2.3–2.32A), and clamping voltage (259V). Differences exist in packaging options, inventory availability, and supply chain positioning. Meritek supplies standard packaging, Diodes Incorporated provides Tape & Reel (TR) format, and Vishay offers Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® options.

Q: Are there packaging considerations when selecting a substitute?

A: Yes. The SMBJ160A-13-F is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, optimized for high-volume automated assembly. The SMBJ160A-E3/52 from Vishay is available in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. The Meritek SMBJ160A does not specify packaging format in the provided data. Confirm packaging compatibility with your assembly process before procurement.

Q: Do all substitutes meet RoHS and REACH compliance requirements?

A: Yes. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards for electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

Q: What is the impact of the narrower operating temperature range on substitute parts?

A: Substitute parts operate from -55°C to 150°C, compared to the original SMBJ160 range of -65°C to 150°C. For applications requiring operation below -55°C, the original SMBJ160 specification must be maintained. For standard industrial and commercial applications operating within -55°C to 150°C, substitutes are fully compatible.