SMCJ54C Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ54C is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. This component features a 54V reverse standoff voltage with a maximum clamping voltage of 91.46V at peak pulse current of 17.3A, housed in a DO-214AB (SMC) package. The SMCJ54C is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

SMCJ54C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 958SMCJ54C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMCJ54CA

MeritekIn Stock: 20479SMCJ54CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CA

MeritekIn Stock: 20479SMCJ54CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CA

MeritekIn Stock: 20479SMCJ54CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CA-13-F

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 1731SMCJ54CA-13-F Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 3761SMCJ54CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CAE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 787SMCJ54CAE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMCJ54CE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 760SMCJ54CE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMLJ54CA

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 9335SMLJ54CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMLJ54CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1005SMLJ54CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMLJ54CAE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1050SMLJ54CAE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TV15C540JB-HF

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 877TV15C540JB-HF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SMCJ54C is determined by strict alignment of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 54V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 87.1V to 96.3V (acceptable range for SMCJ54 series)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 17.2A to 17.3A (standard SMCJ rating)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W (standard SMCJ rating)
• Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Operating Temperature: -55°C minimum to 150°C minimum
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Secondary Considerations:

• Product Status: Active (preferred for new designs)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on peak pulse current rating: standard SMCJ series (17.2–17.3A) and higher-current SMLJ series (34.4A). The SMLJ series provides double the current handling capacity while maintaining identical voltage parameters and package form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (SMCJ Series - Standard Current Rating):

Select SMCJ54CA, SMCJ54CA-13-F, SMCJ54CA-TP, or SMCJ54CAE3/TR13 when the circuit design requires 17.2–17.3A peak pulse current handling with 1500W peak pulse power dissipation. All four parts maintain the 54V reverse standoff voltage and 87.1V clamping voltage specification. These parts are all active products with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating.

SMCJ54CA-TP and SMCJ54CA-13-F offer extended operating temperature ranges (-55 to 175°C and -55 to 150°C respectively), providing flexibility for thermal margin in high-temperature applications. SMCJ54CAE3/TR13 extends the lower temperature limit to -65°C, suitable for military or aerospace environments.

For Higher Current Applications (SMLJ Series - Double Current Rating):

Select SMLJ54CA, SMLJ54CA-TP, or SMLJ54CAE3/TR13 when the circuit requires 34.4A peak pulse current handling with 3000W peak pulse power dissipation. These parts maintain identical voltage parameters (54V standoff, 87.1V clamping) and package form factor (DO-214AB, SMC) but provide double the current capacity. SMLJ54CA-TP supports -55 to 175°C operation.

Voltage Variant:

SMCJ54CE3/TR13 provides a higher clamping voltage of 96.3V at reduced peak pulse current of 15.6A. This variant is suitable only when circuit protection requires the higher clamping threshold and lower current rating is acceptable.

Compliance and Procurement:

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity) ratings, matching the original SMCJ54C specification. Active product status ensures long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the obsolete original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMCJ54CA directly replace SMCJ54C in existing designs?

A: Yes. SMCJ54CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (54V), clamping voltage (87.1V), peak pulse current (17.22A), and package form factor (DO-214AB, SMC). The primary difference is product status: SMCJ54C is obsolete while SMCJ54CA is active. Electrical performance is equivalent for standard overvoltage protection applications.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ54CA and SMLJ54CA?

A: Both maintain the same voltage ratings (54V standoff, 87.1V clamping) and package (DO-214AB, SMC). The key difference is peak pulse current capacity: SMCJ54CA handles 17.3A with 1500W power dissipation, while SMLJ54CA handles 34.4A with 3000W power dissipation. Select SMLJ54CA for circuits requiring higher transient current protection.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the original SMCJ54C specification. All parts also maintain MSL 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity level.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: Substitute parts are available in multiple packaging formats: Tape & Reel (TR) for automated assembly, Cut Tape (CT) for semi-automated processes, and Bulk for manual assembly. Select based on production volume and assembly equipment capability. All maintain the same DO-214AB (SMC) component package.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution compatibility?

A: Operating temperature range does not prevent substitution but may provide additional design margin. SMCJ54CA-TP and SMLJ54CA-TP support -55 to 175°C, while SMCJ54CAE3/TR13 and SMLJ54CAE3/TR13 support -65°C minimum. Select extended-range variants only if circuit thermal requirements exceed standard -55 to 150°C specification.

Q: Why does SMCJ54CE3/TR13 show different current and clamping voltage?

A: SMCJ54CE3/TR13 is a voltage variant within the SMCJ54 series. It provides 96.3V clamping voltage at 15.6A peak pulse current, compared to 87.1V at 17.2A for standard SMCJ54CA variants. This variant is suitable only for applications requiring higher clamping voltage threshold with reduced current capacity.

Q: Can I use SMLJ54CAE3/TR13 as a direct replacement?

A: SMLJ54CAE3/TR13 is electrically compatible but note the power specification differs: it lists 300W peak pulse power versus 3000W for other SMLJ variants. Verify this specification against circuit requirements before selection. Voltage and current ratings remain compatible with SMCJ54C protection requirements.