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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 5KP18A-E3/51

Name: 5KP18A-E3/51
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: 5KP18A-E3/51
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 5KP18A-E3/51

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: P600, Axial

Datasheet:: 5KP18A-E3/51.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC P600

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Product details

Overview

5KP18A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 5.0 mA, 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps transients to ≤29.2 V at 171 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive power supplies, industrial motor drives, and telecom DC inputs.

For engineers reviewing the 5KP18A-E3/51 datasheet, 5KP18A-E3/51 pinout, 5KP18A-E3/51 application, or 5KP18A-E3/51 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, P600 package thermal performance, clamping voltage vs. I_PPM, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and derating behavior above 25 °C ambient.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated P600 chip junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges. Its unidirectional configuration provides forward conduction capability up to 100 A (V_F = 3.5 V), supporting crowbar-style overvoltage shutdown in regulated DC outputs.

The device operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, with power dissipation derated linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 5, and supports soldering at 275 °C for 10 s (JESD 22-B106). It meets UL 94 V-0 flammability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance (E3 suffix).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	18.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets minimum system DC rail margin.
V_BR @ I_T	20.0–22.1 V at 5.0 mA - Breakdown threshold tolerance defines clamping onset precision under low-current stress.
V_C @ I_PPM	≤29.2 V at 171 A - Clamped voltage during 5000 W transient; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage exposure.
P_PPM	5000 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak surge energy handling capacity; enables single-event protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges.
I_FSM	600 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - Forward surge rating allows use in crowbar circuits without fuse interruption delay.
T_J max.	+175 °C - High-temperature operation supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments without thermal shutdown.
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard.

Pinout & Package

5KP18A-E3/51 is housed in the axial-lead P600 package: molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, cathode indicated by color band. Leads meet J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. Package outline conforms to Vishay P600 mechanical drawing (L = 9.5 mm, DIA. = 25.4 mm min).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / surge return path	Connected to system ground or low-side reference; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased above anode.
Cathode	Clamping node / high-side connection	Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); initiates avalanche breakdown when voltage exceeds V_BR.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs)	Enables single-event suppression of severe surges (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without degradation in automotive 12 V systems.
Clamping voltage ≤29.2 V at 171 A	Keeps downstream MOSFET gate drivers and microcontroller I/O within safe absolute maximum ratings during surge events.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive under-hood applications including temperature cycling, high-temp reverse bias, and mechanical shock.
P600 glass-passivated junction	Provides stable V_BR and low leakage (<2.0 μA at V_WM) across lifetime, critical for battery-backed or always-on systems.
UL 94 V-0 molding compound	Ensures flame retardancy in enclosed enclosures where arc tracking or ignition risk exists during catastrophic failure.

Applications

Automotive Power Supply Protection	Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and regulator input to clamp spikes before LDO or DC/DC converter. Use Value: Withstands 5000 W surges while limiting voltage to ≤29.2 V, preserving downstream PMICs and CAN transceivers rated for 36 V abs max.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate driver supply rails in variable-frequency drives exposed to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across +15 V auxiliary supply to absorb turn-off spikes from relay coils and snubber networks. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response ensures clamping occurs before gate oxide damage thresholds are exceeded in sensitive SiC/MOSFET drivers.
Telecom DC Input Protection	Consumer Power Adapter Output
Use Scenario: Securing -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabinet feeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected cathode-to-rail to protect upstream DC/DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature enables reliable operation in sealed, high-ambient telecom cabinets without forced cooling.	Use Scenario: Preventing overvoltage damage to USB-C PD controllers during adapter output short-circuit recovery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at secondary-side output to clamp overshoot during transformer ring-down and regulation loop instability. Use Value: 600 A I_FSM rating allows temporary crowbar action, giving time for primary-side OCP to activate and reset.

Automotive Power Supply Protection

Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and regulator input to clamp spikes before LDO or DC/DC converter.

Use Value: Withstands 5000 W surges while limiting voltage to ≤29.2 V, preserving downstream PMICs and CAN transceivers rated for 36 V abs max.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate driver supply rails in variable-frequency drives exposed to inductive kickback.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across +15 V auxiliary supply to absorb turn-off spikes from relay coils and snubber networks.

Use Value: Fast <1 ns response ensures clamping occurs before gate oxide damage thresholds are exceeded in sensitive SiC/MOSFET drivers.

Telecom DC Input Protection

Consumer Power Adapter Output

Use Scenario: Securing -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabinet feeds.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected cathode-to-rail to protect upstream DC/DC converters and hot-swap controllers.

Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature enables reliable operation in sealed, high-ambient telecom cabinets without forced cooling.

Use Scenario: Preventing overvoltage damage to USB-C PD controllers during adapter output short-circuit recovery.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at secondary-side output to clamp overshoot during transformer ring-down and regulation loop instability.

Use Value: 600 A I_FSM rating allows temporary crowbar action, giving time for primary-side OCP to activate and reset.

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 SMAJ18A	Lower peak power (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), V_C = 29.2 V at 13.1 A - not scalable to 5KP-level surges.	Suitable only for board-level ESD/surge on low-energy signal lines; cannot replace 5KP18A-E3/51 in DC power rail protection.	Select only for space-constrained PCBs where surge energy is limited to IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 levels.
ON Semiconductor 1.5KE18A	Same P600 package, 1500 W rating (10/1000 μs), V_C = 27.7 V at 54.3 A - lower energy capacity and higher I_PPM derating.	Applicable in legacy designs with moderate surge requirements; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and UL 94 V-0 compliance.	Use where cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and 5 kV/5000 W surge immunity needs.

Compared with SMAJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the 5KP18A-E3/51 delivers 3.3× higher peak power handling and automotive-grade reliability, making it the sole choice for ISO 7637-2-compliant 12 V systems requiring sustained 5000 W transient absorption without replacement or layout change.

Availability

5KP18A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial motor control, telecom infrastructure, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 5KP18A-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 DC power systems, targeting replacement of bulky crowbar circuits with robust, standardized, AEC-Q101-qualified components.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the 5KP18A-E3/51 under full-rated surge conditions?

The 5KP18A-E3/51 clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated 171 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees protected circuitry remains below critical overvoltage thresholds during worst-case transients.

Is the 5KP18A-E3/51 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes - the 5KP18A-E3/51 carries AEC-Q101 qualification and is explicitly rated for automotive under-hood use. Its –55 °C to +175 °C operating range, P600 thermal robustness, and ISO 7637-2 surge compatibility make it appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies.

Does the 5KP18A-E3/51 have bidirectional polarity?

No - the 5KP18A-E3/51 is unidirectional only, with cathode marked by a color band. It conducts in forward bias (anode negative relative to cathode) and clamps in reverse bias above V_BR. For AC or bipolar protection, a separate bidirectional variant (e.g., 5KP18CA) must be selected.

What is the maximum allowable lead temperature during soldering for the 5KP18A-E3/51?

The 5KP18A-E3/51 supports solder dip at 275 °C maximum for 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106. Reflow profiles must comply with Vishay's P600 thermal limits; exceeding this temperature or duration risks epoxy cracking or junction degradation.

How does the 5KP18A-E3/51 compare to the 1.5KE18A in terms of surge handling?

The 5KP18A-E3/51 delivers 5000 W peak pulse power versus 1500 W for the 1.5KE18A - over 3× higher energy absorption. At identical V_WM, the 5KP18A-E3/51 sustains 171 A vs. 54.3 A, enabling protection against severe load-dump and lightning surges where the 1.5KE18A would fail catastrophically.

5KP18A-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):: 18V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 20V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 29.2V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 171A

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

5KP18A-E3/51 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 5KP18A-E3/51 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 5KP18A-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 5KP18A-E3/51 reliable?

The price and inventory of 5KP18A-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 5KP18A-E3/51 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 5KP18A-E3/51?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 5KP18A-E3/51 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 5KP18A-E3/51?

5KP18A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 5KP18A-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 5KP18A-E3/51?

For technical support, including 5KP18A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 5KP18A-E3/51 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 5KP18A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 5KP18A-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 5KP18A-E3/51 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 5KP18A-E3/51?

All 5KP18A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 5KP18A-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 5KP18A-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 5KP18A-E3/51:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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