600W bidirectional TVS — the 17V rail clamp for automotive ECUs
The SMBJ17CAQ-13-F is a 600W bidirectional Zener TVS diode from Diodes Incorporated, clamping a 17V nominal rail at 27.6V with a peak pulse current of 21.7A (10/1000µs waveform). It is the automotive-grade variant of the SMBJ17 family, qualified to AEC-Q101 — the key difference from the commercial SMBJ17CA is the added reliability screening and temperature range certification for under-hood and chassis-mounted electronics. The 17V reverse standoff voltage means it protects 12V and 15V rails without conducting during normal operation; the 18.9V minimum breakdown ensures it starts clamping before the downstream IC's absolute maximum rating is reached. Bidirectional — one device covers both positive and negative transients, saving a diode on the BOM for signal lines where polarity reversal is possible.
AEC-Q101 qualification certifies the TVS for automotive stress profiles — temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and solder heat resistance per the AEC component technical committee.