SMBJ188A-M3/5B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMBJ188A-M3/5B is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, part of the TransZorb® series. This surface mount component in DO-214AA (SMB) package is designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. The part is active and in production, with 1037 units currently in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical characteristics and mechanical compatibility within the SMBJ series TVS diode category.

Substiute Parts

SMBJ188A-M3/5B

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1090SMBJ188A-M3/5B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMBJ188A-E3/52

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1854SMBJ188A-E3/52 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMBJ188D-M3/I

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 11914SMBJ188D-M3/I Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMBJ188A-E3/5B

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 6388SMBJ188A-E3/5B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMBJ160A

MeritekIn Stock: 9072SMBJ160A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMBJ160A

MeritekIn Stock: 9072SMBJ160A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMBJ170A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 17321SMBJ170A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMBJ170A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 17321SMBJ170A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SMBJ188A-M3/5B are classified based on the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 188V or adjacent voltage rating
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Within acceptable range for transient suppression
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 2A or higher
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Package / Case: DO-214AA (SMB) surface mount
• Operating Temperature: -55°C to 150°C
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Grouping Logic:

Group 1 - Direct Electrical Equivalents (188V Standoff): Parts with identical 188V reverse standoff voltage and matching clamping voltage specifications. These provide direct functional replacement with no circuit redesign required.

Group 2 - Adjacent Voltage Ratings (160V-170V Standoff): Parts with lower reverse standoff voltages (160V or 170V) that maintain compatible clamping voltage performance. These are suitable for applications where the lower standoff voltage is acceptable within system design margins.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Group 1): SMBJ188A-E3/52 and SMBJ188A-E3/5B are direct electrical equivalents to SMBJ188A-M3/5B, all manufactured by Vishay with identical electrical specifications. These parts are interchangeable without circuit modification. SMBJ188A-E3/5B is manufacturer-recommended and carries higher inventory availability (6300 units). SMBJ188D-M3/I maintains the 188V standoff voltage with slightly lower clamping voltage (301V vs 328V) and marginally higher peak pulse current (2.03A vs 2A), suitable for applications where reduced clamping voltage is acceptable.

Adjacent Voltage Ratings (Group 2): SMBJ170A (Fairchild Semiconductor) and SMBJ160A (Meritek) provide lower reverse standoff voltages (170V and 160V respectively) with correspondingly lower clamping voltages. These parts are suitable only for applications where the reduced standoff voltage meets system protection requirements. Both maintain 600W peak pulse power and surface mount DO-214AA packaging. SMBJ170A offers the highest inventory availability (17300 units) among all substitutes.

Compliance Considerations: All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original part's environmental specifications. Operating temperature range remains consistent at -55°C to 150°C across all options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMBJ188A-E3/5B be used as a direct replacement for SMBJ188A-M3/5B?

A: Yes. Both parts are manufactured by Vishay with identical electrical specifications: 188V reverse standoff, 328V clamping voltage, 2A peak pulse current, and 600W peak pulse power. The difference lies in packaging designation (E3/5B vs M3/5B), which represents different tape and reel configurations. Electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are identical.

Q: What is the difference between SMBJ188D-M3/I and SMBJ188A-M3/5B?

A: Both maintain 188V reverse standoff voltage and 600W peak pulse power in DO-214AA packaging. The SMBJ188D-M3/I has a lower clamping voltage (301V vs 328V) and slightly higher peak pulse current (2.03A vs 2A). This variant is suitable for applications where lower clamping voltage is acceptable or beneficial for circuit protection margins.

Q: Can lower voltage-rated parts like SMBJ170A or SMBJ160A replace the SMBJ188A-M3/5B?

A: Substitution with lower voltage ratings requires circuit design verification. SMBJ170A has 170V standoff (18V lower) and SMBJ160A has 160V standoff (28V lower) compared to the original 188V. These parts will trigger protection at lower transient voltages. Use only if your application's maximum transient voltage specification is compatible with the lower standoff voltage.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SMBJ188A-E3/52, SMBJ188A-E3/5B, SMBJ188D-M3/I, and SMBJ160A are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. SMBJ170A (Fairchild Semiconductor) does not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify RoHS compliance requirements for your application before selection.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: SMBJ188A-E3/5B has 6300 units in stock (highest among direct equivalents). SMBJ188D-M3/I has 11847 units. SMBJ170A has the highest overall availability at 17300 units. SMBJ160A has 9035 units. SMBJ188A-E3/52 has 1766 units.

Q: Do all substitute parts use the same DO-214AA (SMB) package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use DO-214AA (SMB) surface mount packaging, ensuring mechanical compatibility with PCB layouts designed for SMBJ188A-M3/5B.