Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 5KP12A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- 5KP12A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- P600, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
5KP12A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC P600
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:478
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Product details
Overview
5KP12A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in P600 package, designed for high-energy surge protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 5 mA, 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 251 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤19.9 V at rated surge. It is used in automotive power supply inputs and industrial sensor interfaces to prevent damage from lightning-induced transients and inductive switching spikes.
For engineers reviewing the 5KP12A-E3/54 datasheet, 5KP12A-E3/54 pinout, 5KP12A-E3/54 application, or 5KP12A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, P600 through-hole package compatibility, 12 V stand-off rating, 5000 W surge capability, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The 5KP12A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated P600 junction, optimized for fast clamping response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional structure provides reverse-biased transient suppression only - forward conduction is not intended for continuous operation but supports surge energy absorption during overvoltage events.
It is rated for 5000 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at TA = 25 °C, derated linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and supports 500 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine). The device meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets DC rail protection threshold. |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at IT = 5 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on under surge conditions. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤19.9 V at 251 A - clamped voltage during full-rated surge; defines worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 5000 W (10/1000 μs) - peak transient energy handling capacity; enables robust protection against lightning and load dump. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| IFSM | 500 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current withstand without failure; allows coordination with upstream fuses or breakers. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - cathode marked by band; suitable for DC-biased lines where reverse transients dominate. |
Pinout & Package
Package: P600 molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix); UL 94 V-0 rated; lead length ≥9.1 mm; body dimensions 9.5 mm × 9.1 mm × 3.6 mm (L × W × H).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line (e.g., ground or negative rail); completes clamping loop during reverse surge. |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal / surge sink | Marked by color band; connected to higher-potential side (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts surge current into anode when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring high-reliability surge immunity. |
| 5000 W peak pulse power | Enables single-device protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges without cascaded stages. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs - e.g., clamps 12 V rail to ≤19.9 V while maintaining margin below 24 V absolute max ratings. |
| P600 glass-passivated junction | Provides stable VBR over lifetime and temperature; resists moisture ingress and mechanical stress in harsh PCB environments. |
| 10/1000 μs waveform compliance | Matches industry-standard lightning surge test profile; ensures interoperability with system-level EMC validation protocols. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients up to 60 V and 200 ms duration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed across input rail to clamp overvoltage before it reaches LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 5000 W surges and clamps to ≤19.9 V, preserving 24 V-tolerant interface ICs and avoiding crowbar circuit complexity. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure sensors in factory automation systems from ESD and relay-switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-mode protector on 4–20 mA current loop output, absorbing fast transients without affecting loop accuracy. Use Value: Low leakage (<5 μA at 12 V) prevents signal offset; fast response (<1 ns) avoids data corruption during 2 kV ESD events. |
| Switching Power Supply Output Clamping | Telecom DC Feeder Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in 12 V/5 A AC-DC adapters exposed to line transients and capacitor discharge spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across output capacitor to limit transient overshoot during regulation fault conditions. Use Value: 5000 W rating handles stored energy from 1000 μF output caps; thermal design supports 8 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C. |
Use Scenario: Protecting -48 V DC power feeds in telecom base stations from induced surges on long outdoor cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS on negative rail, referenced to chassis ground, to shunt common-mode lightning energy. Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature ensures reliability in sealed outdoor cabinets; P600 package withstands vibration and thermal cycling. |
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 V VWM, 13.3 V VBR min, 19.9 V VC @ 21.2 A | Targeted at board-level ESD/surge on low-power signal lines; insufficient for automotive load dump or high-current power rails. | Select 5KP12A-E3/54 for >1 kW surge handling and through-hole mounting; choose SMAJ12A only for space-constrained, low-energy signal protection. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12A | Same P600 package, 12 V VWM, but lower PPPM (1500 W), 13.3 V VBR min, 19.9 V VC @ 75.8 A | Rated for general-purpose industrial use; not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to lower-energy transients like relay bounce or EFT. | Use 5KP12A-E3/54 where AEC-Q101 compliance and 5000 W capability are mandatory; 1.5KE12A suits cost-sensitive non-automotive designs with modest surge exposure. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5KE12A, the 5KP12A-E3/54 delivers 3.3× higher peak power than 1.5KE12A and over 12× more than SMAJ12A, while providing automotive-grade qualification and proven performance in high-energy load-dump scenarios - making it the sole choice for demanding 12 V power rail protection.
Availability
5KP12A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom DC feeder systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable AEC-Q101 qualified parts.
Supply support for 5KP12A-E3/54 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components 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, targeting replacement of crowbar circuits and enabling fuse/breaker coordination in 12 V–48 V DC distribution networks.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 5KP12A-E3/54 under full-rated surge conditions?
The 5KP12A-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated 251 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full-energy transient event. The clamping voltage remains stable across temperature due to the device's low temperature coefficient of VBR (0.088 %/°C).
Is the 5KP12A-E3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the 5KP12A-E3/54 is unidirectional only - it protects against reverse-biased transients only and must be installed with the cathode toward the positive rail. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or floating signals), a separate bidirectional variant such as 5KP12CA or a back-to-back diode configuration is required. The datasheet explicitly states "Available in unidirectional polarity only" for the 5KP8.5A–5KP188A family.
Does the 5KP12A-E3/54 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, the 5KP12A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 16-Mar-2023 (Document Number: 88308), footnote (1) under Mechanical Data and Ratings sections. This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and ESD, validating suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis applications.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the 5KP12A-E3/54 junction?
The 5KP12A-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175 °C, as specified in the Primary Characteristics table. This rating enables reliable operation in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or enclosed industrial enclosures. Derating curves (Fig. 2) define allowable pulse power reduction above 25 °C ambient to maintain safe TJ limits.
How does the 5KP12A-E3/54 differ from the 1.5KE12A in terms of surge capability?
The 5KP12A-E3/54 delivers 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), whereas the 1.5KE12A is rated for only 1500 W - a 3.3× difference. Correspondingly, IPPM is 251 A vs. 75.8 A, and the 5KP12A-E3/54 sustains higher surge repetition tolerance (0.01 % duty cycle) and AEC-Q101 qualification, unlike the 1.5KE12A which targets general industrial use only.
5KP12A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- P600, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 5KP12A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 5KP12A-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of 5KP12A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 5KP12A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 5KP12A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 5KP12A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 5KP12A-E3/54?
5KP12A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 5KP12A-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including 5KP12A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 5KP12A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 5KP12A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 5KP12A-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 5KP12A-E3/54?
All 5KP12A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 5KP12A-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 5KP12A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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