SMCJ90 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ90 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 90V reverse standoff voltage with 153.3V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current, housed in a DO-214AB (SMC) package. The SMCJ90 is classified as obsolete; therefore, identifying active equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production and field replacements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	90	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	94.95	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	153.3	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	10.3	A
Power - Peak Pulse	1500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Package / Case	DO-214AB, SMC	—
Type	Zener	—
Unidirectional Channels	1	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SMCJ90 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): Must be 90V to maintain circuit protection threshold
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Acceptable range 146V to 160V; clamping voltage determines transient suppression effectiveness
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Acceptable range 9.4A to 20.6A; higher current ratings provide enhanced surge handling capability
Power - Peak Pulse: Acceptable range 1500W to 3000W; higher power ratings indicate improved thermal dissipation
Package / Case: Must be DO-214AB or SMC equivalent for mechanical and thermal compatibility
Mounting Type: Must be Surface Mount
Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C; maximum 150°C or higher
Type: Must be Zener unidirectional TVS diode
Unidirectional Channels: Must be 1

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on peak pulse current and power dissipation:

Category A (Standard Power): SMCJ90A variants with 10.3A peak pulse current and 1500W power rating Category B (Enhanced Power): SMLJ90A variants with 20.6A peak pulse current and 3000W power rating

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Reverse Standoff (V)	Breakdown Min (V)	Clamping Max @ Ipp (V)	Peak Pulse Current (A)	Peak Pulse Power (W)	Temp Range (°C)	Package
SMCJ90	Littelfuse Inc.	Obsolete	90	94.95	153.3	10.3	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ90A	Fairchild Semiconductor	Active	90	100	146	10.3	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ90A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	Active	90	100	146	10.3	1500	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ90AE3/TR13	Microchip Technology	Active	90	100	146	10.3	1500	-65 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMCJ90E3/TR13	Microchip Technology	Active	90	100	160	9.4	1500	-65 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMLJ90A	Bourns Inc.	Active	90	100	146	20.6	3000	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC
SMLJ90A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	90	100	146	20.6	3000	-55 to 175	DO-214AB, SMC
SMLJ90AE3/TR13	Microchip Technology	Active	90	100	146	20.6	300	-55 to 150	DO-214AB, SMC

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Electrical Equivalents (Category A - Standard Power)

SMCJ90A (Fairchild Semiconductor), SMCJ90A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated), and SMCJ90AE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) are direct electrical equivalents with identical reverse standoff voltage (90V), peak pulse current (10.3A), and power dissipation (1500W). All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1). SMCJ90AE3/TR13 offers extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) compared to the original specification (-55°C to 150°C). SMCJ90A-13-F is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging, suitable for automated assembly.

Higher Clamping Voltage Alternative (Category A)

SMCJ90E3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) maintains the 90V reverse standoff and 1500W power rating but features 160V maximum clamping voltage and 9.4A peak pulse current. This variant is suitable for applications requiring higher transient voltage suppression with slightly reduced current handling. Extended temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) is provided.

Enhanced Power Alternatives (Category B - Higher Current Rating)

SMLJ90A (Bourns Inc.), SMLJ90A-TP (Micro Commercial Co), and SMLJ90AE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) provide doubled peak pulse current (20.6A) and doubled power dissipation (3000W) while maintaining 90V reverse standoff and 146V clamping voltage. These parts are suitable for applications requiring enhanced surge protection capability. SMLJ90A-TP offers extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). All Category B parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Compliance and Certification

All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification. Moisture sensitivity level is MSL 1 (unlimited) for all parts except SMLJ90AE3/TR13, which does not specify MSL rating in the provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMCJ90A directly replace SMCJ90 in existing designs?

A: Yes. SMCJ90A maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (90V), peak pulse current (10.3A), and power dissipation (1500W). Clamping voltage is 146V versus the original 153.3V, which is within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression. All mechanical and thermal characteristics are compatible with the DO-214AB package.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ90A and SMLJ90A?

A: Both maintain 90V reverse standoff voltage and 146V clamping voltage. SMLJ90A provides doubled peak pulse current (20.6A versus 10.3A) and doubled power dissipation (3000W versus 1500W). SMLJ90A is suitable for applications requiring enhanced surge handling capability. Both are housed in DO-214AB packages and are mechanically interchangeable.

Q: Why does SMCJ90E3/TR13 have different electrical characteristics?

A: SMCJ90E3/TR13 features 160V maximum clamping voltage and 9.4A peak pulse current, compared to 146V and 10.3A in SMCJ90A variants. This variant is optimized for applications requiring higher transient voltage suppression. The 90V reverse standoff voltage and 1500W power rating remain consistent with the original SMCJ90 specification.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging options?

A: All substitute parts are housed in DO-214AB (SMC) packages. Packaging format varies by manufacturer: SMCJ90A is supplied in Bulk; SMCJ90A-13-F, SMCJ90AE3/TR13, SMLJ90A, and SMLJ90AE3/TR13 are supplied in Tape & Reel (TR); SMLJ90A-TP is supplied in Bulk. Tape & Reel packaging is recommended for automated assembly processes.

Q: Which substitute part offers the widest operating temperature range?

A: SMLJ90A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) offers the widest operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C, compared to -55°C to 150°C for most alternatives. SMCJ90AE3/TR13 and SMCJ90E3/TR13 extend the lower temperature limit to -65°C.

Q: Can SMLJ90A be used as a drop-in replacement for SMCJ90?

A: Yes, with design consideration. SMLJ90A is mechanically and thermally compatible (DO-214AB package). Electrically, it maintains the 90V reverse standoff and 146V clamping voltage. The doubled peak pulse current (20.6A) and power dissipation (3000W) provide enhanced protection without degrading circuit performance. This substitution is suitable for applications where improved surge handling is beneficial or required.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification. Moisture sensitivity level is MSL 1 (unlimited) for most parts, indicating no special moisture control requirements during storage and handling.

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