SMCJ170 Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ170 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. The device features a 170V reverse standoff voltage rating and is housed in a DO-214AB (SMC) package. The original SMCJ170 from Littelfuse is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts from alternative manufacturers that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for continued circuit protection functionality.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	170	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	179.1	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	288.75	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	5.5	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

Substitution of the SMCJ170 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 170V
Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Unidirectional Channels: 1
Type: Zener

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Range 275V to 304V (substitute parts show 275V or 304V clamping voltages, both acceptable for general-purpose protection)
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Range 4.9A to 11A (higher current ratings provide enhanced transient suppression capability)
Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W to 3000W (higher power ratings accommodate increased pulse energy dissipation)
Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C, maximum 150°C to 175°C (all substitutes meet or exceed the original specification)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on peak pulse current capability: standard 5.5A devices and enhanced 11A devices. Both categories maintain the core 170V standoff voltage and DO-214AB package requirement.

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)	Package	Product Status
SMCJ170	Littelfuse Inc.	170	288.75	5.5	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Obsolete
SMCJ170A	Fairchild Semiconductor	170	275	5.5	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMCJ170A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	170	275	5.5	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMCJ170A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	170	275	5.5	1500	-55 to 175	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMCJ170AE3/TR13	Microchip Technology	170	275	5.5	1500	-65 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMCJ170E3/TR13	Microchip Technology	170	304	4.9	1500	-65 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMLJ170A	Bourns Inc.	170	275	11	3000	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
SMLJ170A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	170	275	11	3000	-55 to 175	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
TV15C171J-G	Comchip Technology	170	275	5.45	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active
TV30C171J-G	Comchip Technology	170	275	10.91	3000	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed are active products with ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification, matching the original SMCJ170 regulatory status. Selection between substitute options depends on application-specific transient current requirements:

Standard Current Rating (5.5A nominal): SMCJ170A, SMCJ170A-13-F, SMCJ170A-TP, SMCJ170AE3/TR13, TV15C171J-G. These devices maintain the original 1500W peak pulse power rating and are suitable for applications with transient currents up to 5.5A.

Enhanced Current Rating (10.91A to 11A nominal): SMLJ170A, SMLJ170A-TP, TV30C171J-G. These devices provide 3000W peak pulse power rating and accommodate higher transient current events, offering increased protection margin for demanding applications.

Clamping Voltage Consideration: SMCJ170E3/TR13 exhibits 304V maximum clamping voltage compared to 275V in most alternatives. This higher clamping voltage may be selected where circuit topology permits slightly elevated transient voltage peaks.

Temperature Range Extension: SMCJ170A-TP and SMLJ170A-TP support -55°C to 175°C operating range, exceeding the original -55°C to 150°C specification. SMCJ170AE3/TR13 extends the lower temperature limit to -65°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMLJ170A or SMLJ170A-TP be used as direct replacements for SMCJ170?

A: Yes. Both devices maintain the 170V reverse standoff voltage and DO-214AB package. The higher 11A peak pulse current and 3000W power rating provide enhanced transient suppression capability without compromising circuit compatibility. Current-limiting circuit elements must accommodate the increased current handling.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ170A and SMCJ170E3/TR13?

A: Both maintain 170V standoff voltage and 5.5A peak pulse current. SMCJ170E3/TR13 specifies 304V maximum clamping voltage versus 275V for SMCJ170A. The higher clamping voltage in SMCJ170E3/TR13 may result in slightly elevated transient voltage peaks at the protected node.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in tape and reel packaging?

A: Packaging varies by manufacturer and part number. SMCJ170A is available in bulk. SMCJ170A-13-F, SMCJ170A-TP, SMCJ170AE3/TR13, SMCJ170E3/TR13, SMLJ170A, TV15C171J-G, and TV30C171J-G are supplied in tape and reel format. SMLJ170A-TP is available in bulk. Verify packaging requirements with supplier documentation.

Q: Do substitute parts meet the same compliance standards as the original SMCJ170?

A: All listed substitutes are ROHS3 compliant with EAR99 export classification, matching the original part. Moisture sensitivity level is 1 (Unlimited) for all parts. REACH status varies; verify specific REACH applicability for your application region.

Q: Can TV15C171J-G and TV30C171J-G from Comchip Technology be used interchangeably?

A: Both maintain 170V standoff voltage and DO-214AB package. TV15C171J-G provides 5.45A peak pulse current and 1500W power rating. TV30C171J-G provides 10.91A peak pulse current and 3000W power rating. Selection depends on transient current magnitude in the protected circuit.

Q: What is the operating temperature range consideration for substitute selection?

A: The original SMCJ170 specifies -55°C to 150°C. Most substitutes match this range. SMCJ170A-TP and SMLJ170A-TP extend to 175°C. SMCJ170AE3/TR13 extends the lower limit to -65°C. Select based on application thermal environment requirements.

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