SMCJ12C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ12C is a 12V Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. in DO-214AB (SMC) surface mount package. This bidirectional zener diode is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression with a 20.9V maximum clamping voltage and 75.4A peak pulse current capability. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing design support and production requirements.

Substiute Parts

SMCJ12C
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 817SMCJ12C Datasheet
SMCJ12C
Current Part
SMCJ12CA
MeritekIn Stock: 39221SMCJ12CA Datasheet
SMCJ12CA
MFR Recommended
SMCJ12CA
MeritekIn Stock: 39221SMCJ12CA Datasheet
SMCJ12CA
MFR Recommended
SMCJ12CA
MeritekIn Stock: 39221SMCJ12CA Datasheet
SMCJ12CA
MFR Recommended
SMCJ12CA-13-F
Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 3471SMCJ12CA-13-F Datasheet
SMCJ12CA-13-F
MFR Recommended
SMCJ12CAE3/TR13
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 930SMCJ12CAE3/TR13 Datasheet
SMCJ12CAE3/TR13
MFR Recommended
SMCJ12CE3/TR13
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 868SMCJ12CE3/TR13 Datasheet
SMCJ12CE3/TR13
MFR Recommended
SMLJ12CA
Bourns Inc.In Stock: 6132SMLJ12CA Datasheet
SMLJ12CA
MFR Recommended
SMLJ12CA-TP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 950SMLJ12CA-TP Datasheet
SMLJ12CA-TP
MFR Recommended
TV15C120JB-G
Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1156TV15C120JB-G Datasheet
TV15C120JB-G
MFR Recommended
TV30C120JB-G
Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1069TV30C120JB-G Datasheet
TV30C120JB-G
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number SMCJ12C
Manufacturer Littelfuse Inc.
Category Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)
Type Zener
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 12V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 12.6V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 20.9V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 75.4A
Power - Peak Pulse 1500W
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case DO-214AB, SMC
Operating Temperature -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)
Product Status Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SMCJ12C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

  • Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 12V
  • Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 19.9V to 22V (acceptable range for 12V protection circuits)
  • Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 75.3A to 150.75A (equal or greater capacity)
  • Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W to 3000W (equal or greater capacity)
  • Bidirectional Channels: 1
  • Type: Zener

Mechanical & Environmental Compatibility:

  • Mounting Type: Surface Mount
  • Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC
  • Operating Temperature: -55°C to 150°C minimum
  • RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
  • Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): 1

Product Status Consideration: Active status substitutes are preferred over obsolete parts for long-term availability and production continuity.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) Power - Peak Pulse Operating Temperature Product Status RoHS Status
SMCJ12C Littelfuse Inc. 12V 20.9V 75.4A 1500W -55°C ~ 150°C Obsolete ROHS3 Compliant
SMCJ12CA Meritek 12V 19.9V 75.38A 1500W -55°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
SMCJ12CA-13-F Diodes Incorporated 12V 19.9V 75.3A 1500W -55°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
SMCJ12CAE3/TR13 Microchip Technology 12V 19.9V 75.3A 1500W -65°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
SMCJ12CE3/TR13 Microchip Technology 12V 22V 68.2A 1500W -65°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
SMLJ12CA Bourns Inc. 12V 19.9V 150.6A 3000W -55°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
SMLJ12CA-TP Micro Commercial Co 12V 19.9V 150.6A 3000W -55°C ~ 175°C Active Not specified
TV15C120JB-G Comchip Technology 12V 19.9V 75.38A 1500W -55°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant
TV30C120JB-G Comchip Technology 12V 19.9V 150.75A 3000W -55°C ~ 150°C Active ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Equivalent Performance):

SMCJ12CA (Meritek), SMCJ12CA-13-F (Diodes Incorporated), and TV15C120JB-G (Comchip Technology) provide direct electrical and mechanical equivalence to the SMCJ12C. All three maintain 12V reverse standoff voltage, 19.9V clamping voltage, approximately 75.3A peak pulse current, and 1500W peak pulse power in DO-214AB SMC package. All are ROHS3 compliant with active product status.

Extended Temperature Range Alternative:

SMCJ12CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) offers the same electrical performance as primary substitutes with an extended lower operating temperature limit of -65°C, suitable for applications requiring enhanced cold-temperature performance.

Higher Current Capacity Alternatives:

SMLJ12CA (Bourns Inc.), SMLJ12CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co), and TV30C120JB-G (Comchip Technology) provide doubled peak pulse current (150.6A to 150.75A) and doubled peak pulse power (3000W) while maintaining 12V reverse standoff and 19.9V clamping voltage. These are suitable for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption in the same package footprint.

Clamping Voltage Variant:

SMCJ12CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) offers 22V maximum clamping voltage with reduced peak pulse current (68.2A) and extended lower operating temperature (-65°C). This variant is applicable where higher clamping voltage tolerance is acceptable.

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and surface mount DO-214AB SMC package compatibility with the original SMCJ12C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMLJ12CA replace SMCJ12C directly?

A: Yes, electrically and mechanically. SMLJ12CA maintains identical 12V reverse standoff and 19.9V clamping voltage in the same DO-214AB SMC package. The higher peak pulse current (150.6A vs 75.4A) and power rating (3000W vs 1500W) provide enhanced transient suppression capability without compatibility issues.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ12CA and TV15C120JB-G?

A: Both provide equivalent electrical performance: 12V reverse standoff, 19.9V clamping, 75.3A to 75.38A peak pulse current, and 1500W peak pulse power in DO-214AB SMC package. The primary difference is manufacturer (Meritek vs Comchip Technology). Selection depends on supply chain availability and procurement preferences.

Q: Why does SMCJ12CE3/TR13 have different current and voltage specifications?

A: SMCJ12CE3/TR13 is a variant within the SMCJ12 series with 22V maximum clamping voltage instead of 19.9V, resulting in reduced peak pulse current (68.2A vs 75.3A) due to different internal design. This variant is suitable only when higher clamping voltage tolerance is required by the application.

Q: Is SMLJ12CA-TP suitable for high-temperature applications?

A: SMLJ12CA-TP supports operating temperature up to 175°C, exceeding the standard -55°C to 150°C range. However, RoHS status is not specified in available documentation. Verify compliance requirements before selection for regulated applications.

Q: Can I use TV30C120JB-G in place of SMCJ12C?

A: Yes. TV30C120JB-G provides superior performance with doubled peak pulse current (150.75A vs 75.4A) and doubled power rating (3000W vs 1500W) while maintaining identical 12V reverse standoff and 19.9V clamping voltage in the same DO-214AB SMC package. This substitution is backward-compatible.

Q: What is the minimum acceptable clamping voltage for SMCJ12C substitution?

A: The SMCJ12C specifies 20.9V maximum clamping voltage. Substitutes with 19.9V clamping voltage (SMCJ12CA, SMCJ12CA-13-F, SMLJ12CA, TV15C120JB-G, TV30C120JB-G) are acceptable as they remain within the 12V protection circuit design envelope. SMCJ12CE3/TR13 with 22V clamping is also acceptable but represents a higher threshold.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: All primary and higher-current substitutes are ROHS3 compliant. SMLJ12CA-TP does not specify RoHS status in available data. Verify compliance documentation for regulated applications.

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