SMCJ160 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ160 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. The device features a 160V reverse standoff voltage rating with a 271.95V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The original SMCJ160 from Littelfuse is classified as obsolete; therefore, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is essential for design continuity and procurement flexibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	160	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	271.95	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	5.8	A
Power - Peak Pulse	1500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Package / Case	DO-214AB, SMC	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Type	Zener	—
Unidirectional Channels	1	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SMCJ160 are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 160V (exact match required)
Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC (mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (assembly compatibility)
Type: Zener, Unidirectional (functional equivalence)

Acceptable Parameter Variations:

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 259V to 287V (within transient suppression tolerance)
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 5.2A to 11.6A (higher current ratings provide enhanced protection margin)
Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W to 3000W (higher power ratings acceptable for same voltage class)
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C (extended upper limit acceptable)

Substitutes are classified into two groups: standard 1500W devices (5.8A peak pulse current) and enhanced 3000W devices (11.6A peak pulse current). Both groups maintain the critical 160V standoff voltage and DO-214AB package specification.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (V)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp (V)	Current - Peak Pulse (A)	Power - Peak Pulse (W)	Operating Temperature (°C)	Product Status	Package
SMCJ160	Littelfuse Inc.	160	271.95	5.8	1500	-55 to 150	Obsolete	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ160A	Fairchild Semiconductor	160	259	5.8	1500	-55 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ160A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	160	259	5.8	1500	-55 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ160A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	160	259	5.8	1500	-55 to 175	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ160AE3/TR13	Microchip Technology	160	259	5.8	1500	-65 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ160E3/TR13	Microchip Technology	160	287	5.2	1500	-65 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMLJ160A	Bourns Inc.	160	259	11.6	3000	-55 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
SMLJ160A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	160	259	11.6	3000	-55 to 175	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
TV15C161J-G	Comchip Technology	160	259	5.79	1500	-55 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC
TV30C161J-G	Comchip Technology	160	259	11.58	3000	-55 to 150	Active	DO-214AB, SMC

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Active Product Status Priority: All substitute parts listed are in active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. The original SMCJ160 (Littelfuse) is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs.

Compliance & Certification: All substitute parts comply with ROHS3 requirements and carry EAR99 ECCN classification. Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is rated 1 (Unlimited) across all options, indicating no special moisture handling requirements during assembly.

Standard 1500W Devices (5.8A Peak Pulse): SMCJ160A (Fairchild Semiconductor), SMCJ160A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated), SMCJ160A-TP (Micro Commercial Co), SMCJ160AE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology), and TV15C161J-G (Comchip Technology) provide direct electrical equivalence to the original SMCJ160. These devices maintain identical power dissipation and peak pulse current ratings. Selection among these options depends on packaging preference (Bulk vs. Tape & Reel) and temperature range requirements.

Enhanced 3000W Devices (11.6A Peak Pulse): SMLJ160A (Bourns Inc.), SMLJ160A-TP (Micro Commercial Co), and TV30C161J-G (Comchip Technology) offer doubled power dissipation capacity while maintaining the 160V standoff voltage and DO-214AB package. These devices provide additional transient protection margin and are suitable for applications requiring higher surge current handling.

Temperature Range Considerations: SMCJ160A-TP and SMLJ160A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) support extended operating temperature to 175°C, compared to 150°C for most alternatives. SMCJ160AE3/TR13 and SMCJ160E3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) support extended lower temperature to -65°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMCJ160A substitute for the obsolete SMCJ160? A: Yes. SMCJ160A from Fairchild Semiconductor, Diodes Incorporated, Micro Commercial Co, and Microchip Technology all provide electrical equivalence with identical 160V standoff voltage, 259V clamping voltage, 5.8A peak pulse current, and 1500W power rating in the same DO-214AB package.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ160A and SMLJ160A? A: Both maintain 160V standoff voltage and DO-214AB package compatibility. SMLJ160A provides doubled peak pulse current (11.6A vs. 5.8A) and doubled power dissipation (3000W vs. 1500W), offering enhanced transient protection capability. Clamping voltage remains 259V for both.

Q: Are there temperature range differences among substitutes? A: Yes. Most substitutes operate from -55°C to 150°C. SMCJ160A-TP and SMLJ160A-TP extend the upper limit to 175°C. SMCJ160AE3/TR13 and SMCJ160E3/TR13 extend the lower limit to -65°C. Select based on application temperature requirements.

Q: Does clamping voltage variation affect substitutability? A: Clamping voltage variations (259V to 287V) are within acceptable transient suppression tolerance for the 160V standoff class. SMCJ160E3/TR13 exhibits 287V clamping with slightly reduced peak pulse current (5.2A), maintaining equivalent protection performance.

Q: What packaging options are available? A: Substitutes are available in Bulk and Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. Selection depends on assembly process requirements. All devices use the same DO-214AB (SMC) physical package for surface-mount assembly.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts comply with ROHS3 requirements and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, requiring no special handling during storage or assembly.

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