SMCJ90A-13 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SMCJ90A-13 is a unidirectional Zener TVS diode manufactured by Diodes Incorporated in the DO-214AB (SMC) surface mount package. This component is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression with a reverse standoff voltage of 90V and peak pulse power rating of 1500W. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives from active product lines.

Substiute Parts

SMCJ90A-13

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 756SMCJ90A-13 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SMCJ90A-13-F

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 15445SMCJ90A-13-F Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMCJ90A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 30254SMCJ90A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMCJ90A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 30254SMCJ90A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SMCJ90A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 30254SMCJ90A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5.0SMDJ90A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 34725.0SMDJ90A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5.0SMDJ90A-T7

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 17055.0SMDJ90A-T7 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMDJ90A

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Inc.In Stock: 15156SMDJ90A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMLJ90A

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 15145SMLJ90A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SMCJ90A-13 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 90V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 100V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 146V
• Unidirectional Channels: 1
• Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Type: Zener

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Electrical Equivalents (1500W Power Rating) Parts with identical electrical specifications and 1500W peak pulse power rating. These provide one-to-one functional replacement with no circuit redesign required.

Category 2: Higher Power Alternatives (3000W–5000W Power Rating) Parts with identical voltage specifications but elevated peak pulse power ratings (3000W or 5000W). These provide enhanced transient suppression capability and are suitable for applications requiring greater energy dissipation margin. Higher power ratings do not compromise compatibility with circuits designed for the 1500W baseline.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: SMCJ90A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated)

SMCJ90A-13-F is the direct equivalent of the discontinued SMCJ90A-13. It maintains identical electrical specifications, operating temperature range, and package configuration. This part is currently active in production with 15,400 units in stock. SMCJ90A-13-F is RoHS3 compliant, whereas the original SMCJ90A-13 is RoHS non-compliant. The only difference is packaging format: SMCJ90A-13-F is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, while the original was supplied in bulk. This substitution requires no circuit modifications.

Secondary Recommendation: SMCJ90A (Fairchild Semiconductor)

SMCJ90A from Fairchild Semiconductor provides identical electrical and thermal specifications with 30,200 units in stock. This part is supplied in bulk packaging. It is suitable for direct replacement in applications where the original part specifications are sufficient.

Higher Power Alternatives: SMDJ90A, SMLJ90A, 5.0SMDJ90A, 5.0SMDJ90A-T7

These parts maintain the same voltage specifications (90V reverse standoff, 100V breakdown, 146V clamping) and package format (DO-214AB, SMC) but provide elevated peak pulse power ratings:

• SMDJ90A and SMLJ90A: 3000W (2× the original rating)
• 5.0SMDJ90A and 5.0SMDJ90A-T7: 5000W (3.3× the original rating)

These alternatives are suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability or where circuit redesign permits utilization of higher power dissipation margins. All higher power alternatives are RoHS3 compliant and currently active in production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SMCJ90A-13-F be used as a direct replacement for SMCJ90A-13?

A: Yes. SMCJ90A-13-F is electrically and mechanically identical to SMCJ90A-13. The only difference is packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. bulk). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the 1500W and 3000W/5000W alternatives?

A: All parts share identical voltage specifications (90V reverse standoff, 100V breakdown, 146V clamping). The difference is peak pulse power rating. Higher power ratings indicate greater energy dissipation capability during transient events. Selection depends on circuit transient energy requirements. If the original 1500W rating was adequate, direct equivalents (SMCJ90A-13-F or SMCJ90A) are appropriate. If higher transient energy is anticipated, 3000W or 5000W alternatives provide additional margin.

Q: Are all substitute parts in the same package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the DO-214AB (SMC) surface mount package. PCB footprints are compatible across all listed alternatives.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance differences?

A: The original SMCJ90A-13 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitute parts (SMCJ90A-13-F, SMCJ90A, SMDJ90A, SMLJ90A, 5.0SMDJ90A, 5.0SMDJ90A-T7) are RoHS3 compliant. RoHS3 compliance is required for products sold into regulated markets. If your application or supply chain requires RoHS compliance, select from the active alternatives.

Q: Can I use a 5000W part in a circuit designed for 1500W?

A: Yes. Higher power rating parts are backward compatible. They provide the same voltage clamping characteristics and can be used in any circuit designed for the 1500W baseline. The higher power rating simply indicates greater transient energy handling capability.

Q: What is the difference between SMCJ90A-13-F and SMCJ90A?

A: Both are electrically identical. SMCJ90A-13-F is from Diodes Incorporated (original manufacturer) in Tape & Reel packaging. SMCJ90A is from Fairchild Semiconductor in bulk packaging. Both are active and suitable for direct replacement.