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SMCJ8.5C Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The SMCJ8.5C is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. Housed in the DO-214AB (SMC) package, this component provides 1500W peak pulse power handling with an 8.5V reverse standoff voltage and 15.12V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current.
The SMCJ8.5C is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (Typ) | 8.5 | V |
| Breakdown Voltage (Min) | 8.93 | V |
| Clamping Voltage (Max) @ Ipp | 15.12 | V |
| Peak Pulse Current (10/1000µs) | 104.2 | A |
| Peak Pulse Power | 1500 | W |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55 to 150 | °C (TJ) |
| Package Type | DO-214AB (SMC) | — |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | — |
| Bidirectional Channels | 1 | — |
| Type | Zener | — |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the SMCJ8.5C is determined by the following critical parameters:
- Reverse Standoff Voltage: Must be 8.5V (±tolerance)
- Clamping Voltage Range: Must fall within 13.6V to 15.12V at peak pulse current
- Peak Pulse Current: Must be within 100A to 110.3A
- Peak Pulse Power: Must be 1500W or greater
- Package Type: Must be DO-214AB or SMC equivalent
- Mounting Type: Must be surface mount
- Bidirectional Channels: Must be 1
- Type: Must be Zener diode
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:
Category A - Direct Equivalents (Clamping Voltage 14.4V ±0.8V): Parts with clamping voltages between 13.6V and 14.4V, representing the tightest tolerance band. These include SMCJ8.5CA, SMCJ8.5CA-13-F, SMCJ8.5CA-TP, and SMCJ8.5CAE3/TR13.
Category B - Extended Range Equivalents (Clamping Voltage 15V): Parts with clamping voltages at or near 15V, suitable for applications tolerating the upper voltage range. This includes SMCJ8.5CE3/TR13.
Category C - Higher Power Alternative (3kW Rating): SMLJ8.5CA offers double the peak pulse power (3000W) while maintaining compatible voltage and current parameters, suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient energy absorption.
Category D - Voltage Variant (11V Standoff): SMCJ11CA-13-F operates at a higher 11V standoff voltage and is not a direct substitute; it is listed for reference only.
Category E - Unverified Variant: 1.5SMC10CA-E3/57T operates at 8.55V standoff voltage with slightly different electrical characteristics and represents a marginal substitute.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Standoff Voltage (V) | Breakdown Min (V) | Clamp Voltage Max (V) | Peak Pulse Current (A) | Peak Pulse Power (W) | Temp Range (°C) | Package | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMCJ8.5C | Littelfuse Inc. | 8.5 | 8.93 | 15.12 | 104.2 | 1500 | -55 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Obsolete |
| SMCJ8.5CA | Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation | 8.5 | 9.44 | 14.4 | 109 | 1500 | -55 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ8.5CA-13-F | Diodes Incorporated | 8.5 | 9.44 | 14.4 | 104.2 | 1500 | -55 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ8.5CA-TP | Micro Commercial Co | 8.5 | 9.4 | 14.4 | 104.2 | 1500 | -55 to 175 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ8.5CAE3/TR13 | Microchip Technology | 8.5 | 8.89 | 13.6 | 110.3 | 1500 | -65 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ8.5CE3/TR13 | Microchip Technology | 8.5 | 8.89 | 15 | 100 | 1500 | -65 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ8V5CA | Fairchild Semiconductor | 8.5 | 9.44 | 14.4 | 104.2 | 1500 | — | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMLJ8.5CA | Bourns Inc. | 8.5 | 9.44 | 14.4 | 208.4 | 3000 | -55 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| 1.5SMC10CA-E3/57T | Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division | 8.55 | 9.5 | 14.5 | 103 | 1500 | -65 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
| SMCJ11CA-13-F | Diodes Incorporated | 11 | 12.2 | 18.2 | 82.4 | 1500 | -55 to 150 | DO-214AB (SMC) | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Primary Substitutes (Recommended for Direct Replacement)
SMCJ8.5CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) and SMCJ8.5CA-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) are the preferred substitutes. Both maintain the 8.5V standoff voltage, deliver clamping voltages of 14.4V within acceptable tolerance of the original 15.12V specification, and are classified as active products with full RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Peak pulse current ratings of 109A and 104.2A respectively exceed the original 104.2A specification, ensuring equivalent or superior transient suppression performance.
Secondary Substitutes (Application-Dependent)
SMCJ8.5CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) offers an extended operating temperature range to 175°C, suitable for high-temperature environments. SMCJ8.5CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) provides the lowest clamping voltage at 13.6V with the highest peak pulse current at 110.3A, and extends the lower operating temperature to -65°C. SMCJ8.5CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) matches the original clamping voltage at 15V and supports the extended lower temperature range.
Higher Power Alternative
SMLJ8.5CA (Bourns Inc.) doubles the peak pulse power rating to 3000W while maintaining compatible voltage parameters. This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient energy absorption beyond the original 1500W specification.
Not Recommended
SMCJ11CA-13-F operates at 11V standoff voltage, exceeding the 8.5V specification by 2.5V, and is not suitable as a direct substitute. 1.5SMC10CA-E3/57T operates at 8.55V standoff voltage, representing a marginal deviation from the 8.5V specification, and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
All recommended substitutes are RoHS3 compliant and carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can SMCJ8.5CA be used as a direct replacement for SMCJ8.5C?
A: Yes. SMCJ8.5CA maintains the critical 8.5V standoff voltage and delivers a clamping voltage of 14.4V, which falls within the acceptable operating range relative to the original 15.12V specification. Peak pulse current of 109A meets or exceeds the original 104.2A requirement. Both parts use the DO-214AB (SMC) package and are surface-mount compatible.
Q: What is the difference between SMCJ8.5CA and SMCJ8.5CA-13-F?
A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications: 8.5V standoff voltage, 14.4V clamping voltage, and 104.2A peak pulse current. The primary difference is manufacturer (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation versus Diodes Incorporated) and packaging format (bulk versus tape & reel). Selection depends on procurement requirements and volume needs.
Q: Why is SMLJ8.5CA listed as an alternative if it has different power rating?
A: SMLJ8.5CA maintains all critical voltage and current parameters while offering 3000W peak pulse power, double the original 1500W specification. This part is suitable for applications where enhanced transient energy absorption is beneficial or required. The higher power rating does not compromise compatibility; it extends capability.
Q: Can SMCJ11CA-13-F replace SMCJ8.5C?
A: No. SMCJ11CA-13-F operates at 11V standoff voltage, which is 2.5V higher than the required 8.5V specification. This voltage mismatch makes it unsuitable as a direct substitute and may result in inadequate protection or circuit malfunction.
Q: What does "clamping voltage" mean in the context of TVS diode selection?
A: Clamping voltage is the maximum voltage across the diode when conducting peak pulse current. It represents the upper voltage limit during transient suppression. Lower clamping voltages provide tighter protection; higher clamping voltages allow greater voltage excursions. Selection depends on the protected circuit's voltage tolerance.
Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?
A: All recommended active substitutes (SMCJ8.5CA, SMCJ8.5CA-13-F, SMCJ8.5CA-TP, SMCJ8.5CAE3/TR13, SMCJ8.5CE3/TR13, SMLJ8.5CA) are RoHS3 compliant. SMCJ8V5CA and 1.5SMC10CA-E3/57T carry REACH unaffected status. Compliance documentation should be verified with the specific manufacturer for regulatory submissions.
Q: What is the significance of the DO-214AB package designation?
A: DO-214AB is the industry-standard surface-mount package for TVS diodes in the 1500W power class. All listed substitutes use this package or its SMC equivalent, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and assembly processes. No redesign is required for package-compatible substitutes.
Q: Can operating temperature range differences affect substitution decisions?
A: Yes. SMCJ8.5CA-TP extends the upper operating temperature to 175°C, suitable for high-temperature applications. SMCJ8.5CAE3/TR13 and SMCJ8.5CE3/TR13 extend the lower operating temperature to -65°C, suitable for extreme cold environments. The original SMCJ8.5C operates from -55°C to 150°C. Select substitutes based on the application's thermal requirements.
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