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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 5KP12A-E3/51

Name: 5KP12A-E3/51
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: 5KP12A-E3/51
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 5KP12A-E3/51

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: P600, Axial

Datasheet:: 5KP12A-E3/51.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC P600

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Product details

Overview

5KP12A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12.0 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 5.0 mA, 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 251 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), and clamps to ≤19.9 V at rated surge. It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the 5KP12A-E3/51 datasheet, 5KP12A-E3/51 pinout, 5KP12A-E3/51 application, or 5KP12A-E3/51 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, P600 package thermal performance, clamping voltage margin relative to protected device V_DS/V_CC, I_PPM derating above 25 °C, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive use.

Technical Context

This TVS diode employs a glass-passivated P600 chip junction optimized for high-energy transient suppression. Its low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns) enable effective clamping of inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges on 12 V DC systems.

The device operates within -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range and supports 8.0 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. It meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	12.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 5.0 µA; sets upper limit for protected circuit's nominal rail voltage.
V_BR @ I_T	13.3–14.7 V at 5.0 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold; ensures reliable turn-on before downstream component overvoltage damage.
V_C @ I_PPM	≤19.9 V at 251 A - Clamping voltage under full 5000 W surge; defines worst-case stress seen by protected IC or MOSFET.
P_PPM	5000 W (10/1000 µs) - Peak pulse power rating; determines survivability against standardized lightning and EFT transients.
I_FSM	600 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - Non-repetitive forward surge capability; supports crowbar-style fault clearing without fuse blow delay.
T_J max.	+175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments with minimal derating.
Polarity	Unidirectional - Cathode marked by band; suitable for DC rail protection only (not AC or bidirectional signal lines).

Pinout & Package

5KP12A-E3/51 is housed in the P600 axial-lead package: molded epoxy body over passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads. Polarity is indicated by a cathode band; leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward conduction terminal	Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased higher.
Cathode	Reverse-biased clamping terminal	Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); initiates avalanche breakdown when transient exceeds V_WM.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per JESD47.
5000 W peak pulse power	Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surges without degradation when properly mounted on thermally adequate PCB copper.
Low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.41)	Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping-critical for protecting 16 V-rated automotive gate drivers and logic ICs.
RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix)	Meets Directive 2011/65/EU; lead-free matte tin plating compatible with standard reflow and wave soldering profiles.
Fast response time (<1 ns)	Activates before most microsecond-scale transients fully develop-essential for safeguarding fast-switching MOSFETs in SMPS outputs.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial SMPS Output Clamping
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients up to 35 V and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed between B+ and chassis ground; absorbs energy while allowing fuse coordination. Use Value: Enables compliance with OEM requirements for >100,000 cycles of 35 V/100 ms load dump without parameter shift or failure.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding secondary-side rectifiers and output capacitors in 12 V/50 A switch-mode power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Crowbar replacement across DC output; clamps overvoltage during MOSFET short-circuit or controller failure. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic capacitor rupture and secondary-side MOSFET avalanche failure during sustained overvoltage events.
Telecom DC Feeder Protection	Sensor Interface Surge Suppression
Use Scenario: Shielding -48 V telecom power feeds from induced lightning surges on outdoor cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed at power entry point; coordinates with upstream GDTs for staged protection. Use Value: Limits let-through voltage to <200 V under 10/1000 µs 10 kA surge-within safe operating area of downstream DC-DC converters.	Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to vehicle harnesses exposed to ESD and inductive coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS at connector interface; placed before EMI filter and op-amp input stage. Use Value: Maintains sensor accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset error to <1 LSB and preventing op-amp latch-up.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial SMPS Output Clamping

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients up to 35 V and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed between B+ and chassis ground; absorbs energy while allowing fuse coordination.

Use Value: Enables compliance with OEM requirements for >100,000 cycles of 35 V/100 ms load dump without parameter shift or failure.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding secondary-side rectifiers and output capacitors in 12 V/50 A switch-mode power supplies.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Crowbar replacement across DC output; clamps overvoltage during MOSFET short-circuit or controller failure.

Use Value: Prevents catastrophic capacitor rupture and secondary-side MOSFET avalanche failure during sustained overvoltage events.

Telecom DC Feeder Protection

Sensor Interface Surge Suppression

Use Scenario: Shielding -48 V telecom power feeds from induced lightning surges on outdoor cable runs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed at power entry point; coordinates with upstream GDTs for staged protection.

Use Value: Limits let-through voltage to <200 V under 10/1000 µs 10 kA surge-within safe operating area of downstream DC-DC converters.

Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to vehicle harnesses exposed to ESD and inductive coupling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS at connector interface; placed before EMI filter and op-amp input stage.

Use Value: Maintains sensor accuracy by limiting transient-induced offset error to <1 LSB and preventing op-amp latch-up.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
Littelfuse SMAJ12A	Lower peak power (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), 12.2–13.5 V V_BR, 19.9 V V_C at 20.1 A.	Targeted at board-level secondary protection; insufficient for primary load-dump duty.	Select when space-constrained PCB layout requires SMT and surge energy is limited to IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 levels.
ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12A	Same P600 package, 12 V V_WM, but lower PPPM (1500 W), 13.3–14.7 V V_BR, 19.9 V V_C at 75.8 A.	Rated for lower-energy transients; not AEC-Q101 qualified.	Choose for cost-sensitive industrial controls where automotive qualification is unnecessary and surge threat level is moderate.

Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5KE12A, the 5KP12A-E3/51 delivers 3.3× higher peak pulse power than the 1.5KE12A and 12.5× more than the SMAJ12A-making it uniquely suited for primary-level protection in harsh automotive and telecom feeder environments where full load-dump energy must be absorbed.

Availability

5KP12A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial switch-mode power supplies, telecom DC feeder systems, and sensor interface modules requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 5KP12A-E3/51 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.

The 5KP series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems-delivering robust clamping performance in the P600 through-hole package with AEC-Q101 validation.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the 5KP12A-E3/51 under full-rated surge current?

The 5KP12A-E3/51 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated 251 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is guaranteed per JEDEC test conditions and represents the worst-case overvoltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full 5000 W transient event. Designers must ensure downstream components have sufficient voltage margin above this clamping level.

Is the 5KP12A-E3/51 suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?

No, the 5KP12A-E3/51 is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional or AC applications. Its electrical characteristics-including breakdown voltage, leakage, and clamping-are specified only for reverse-bias operation. For bidirectional protection, a dedicated symmetric TVS such as the 5KP12CA-E3/51 would be required.

Does the 5KP12A-E3/51 meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?

Yes, the 5KP12A-E3/51 carries the HE3 suffix variant for AEC-Q101 qualification; however, the E3/51 variant is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade. The datasheet confirms AEC-Q101 qualification applies to the HE3 version-not the E3/51. For automotive applications requiring formal qualification, the 5KP12AHE3/51 must be selected instead.

What is the thermal derating behavior of the 5KP12A-E3/51 above 25 °C ambient?

The 5KP12A-E3/51 follows a linear derating curve for peak pulse power: at 75 °C case temperature, its 5000 W rating drops to approximately 75 % (3750 W), and at 125 °C it falls to ~50 %. This derating is defined in Figure 2 of the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88308) and must be applied when mounting on thermally constrained PCBs or enclosures without forced airflow.

Can the 5KP12A-E3/51 replace a 1.5KE12A in an existing design?

The 5KP12A-E3/51 is physically compatible with the 1.5KE12A (same P600 package and pinout), but it is not a direct drop-in replacement due to significantly higher surge capability (5000 W vs. 1500 W) and different thermal mass. Layout changes may be needed to manage increased heat dissipation, and system-level surge testing must be repeated to confirm coordinated protection behavior.

5KP12A-E3/51 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: P600, Axial

Series:: TransZorb®

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 12V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 13.3V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 19.9V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 251A

Power - Peak Pulse:: 5000W (5kW)

Power Line Protection:: No

Applications:: General Purpose

Capacitance @ Frequency:: -

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: P600

5KP12A-E3/51 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 5KP12A-E3/51 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 5KP12A-E3/51 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for 5KP12A-E3/51 reliable?

The price and inventory of 5KP12A-E3/51 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 5KP12A-E3/51 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 5KP12A-E3/51?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 5KP12A-E3/51 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 5KP12A-E3/51?

5KP12A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 5KP12A-E3/51 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 5KP12A-E3/51?

For technical support, including 5KP12A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 5KP12A-E3/51 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 5KP12A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 5KP12A-E3/51 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 5KP12A-E3/51 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 5KP12A-E3/51?

All 5KP12A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 5KP12A-E3/51, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The 5KP12A-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 5KP12A-E3/51:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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