Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 5KP18A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- 5KP18A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- P600, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
5KP18A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC P600
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,484
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Product details
Overview
5KP18A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in P600 package, designed for high-energy surge protection of DC power lines and signal paths. It features 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 18.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 171 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the 5KP18A-E3/73 datasheet, 5KP18A-E3/73 pinout, 5KP18A-E3/73 application, or 5KP18A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs transients, thermal derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity confirmation via cathode band, and compatibility with J-STD-002 solderability requirements.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping overvoltage protector, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to limit transient voltages before they damage downstream ICs or MOSFETs. Its P600 glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges.
The device is rated for continuous power dissipation of 8.0 W on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature, with junction temperature range from –55 °C to +175 °C. It supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 % and withstands 600 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), making it suitable for crowbar-replacement applications in industrial power supplies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 5.0 mA - Breakdown voltage tolerance ensures predictable turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 171 A - Clamping voltage defines worst-case stress on protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 5000 W - Peak pulse power handling capability per JEDEC standard waveform |
| IFSM | 600 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating supports fuse/breaker coordination in overcurrent events |
| TJ max | +175 °C - High junction temperature rating enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Cathode-banded configuration protects against positive-going transients only |
Pinout & Package
5KP18A-E3/73 uses the P600 axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and cathode indicated by a color band. Leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, with 275 °C/10 s max solder dip tolerance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path; carries full surge current during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Marked by color band; connected to protected line; avalanche conduction occurs from cathode to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 5000 W peak pulse power | Enables robust protection against severe transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and chassis applications requiring extended temperature and life-cycle reliability |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected MOSFETs or controllers during surge events |
| Fast response time (<1 ns) | Clamps before transient energy couples into sensitive analog or digital circuitry |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, ensuring long-term solder joint integrity in vibration-prone systems |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial DC Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-clamping TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤29.2 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge gate drivers from inductive kickback when stopping brushed DC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp across motor supply rail to absorb flyback energy. Use Value: Withstands 600 A surge (8.3 ms) while maintaining clamping below MOSFET drain-source breakdown limits. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY power rails and RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on 3.3 V/5 V auxiliary rails upstream of LDOs. Use Value: 29.2 V clamping prevents latch-up in communication ICs while supporting 0.01 % duty cycle repetition. | Use Scenario: Protecting photovoltaic string inverters' DC bus from grid-switching transients and arc-fault events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on 600–1000 V DC link to suppress dV/dt spikes. Use Value: High 175 °C junction rating allows mounting near heat-generating IGBT modules without thermal derating penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | Lower peak pulse power (600 W), SMC package, same VWM (18 V), higher VC (29.2 V → 33.2 V) | Not suitable for 5000 W surge events; limited to board-level ESD and lower-energy transients | Select SMBJ18A only when space-constrained layouts preclude P600 and surge energy remains below 600 W |
| 1.5KE18A | Same P600 package, 1500 W peak power, identical VWM/VBR, lower VC (27.7 V), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Lacks automotive qualification and thermal robustness for under-hood use; lower surge margin | Choose 1.5KE18A for cost-sensitive industrial controls where AEC-Q101 is not required and 1500 W suffices |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the 5KP18A-E3/73 delivers 3.3× higher surge power handling and certified automotive reliability-critical for protecting high-value power electronics in harsh environments where single-event failure is unacceptable.
Availability
5KP18A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial motor drive development, and telecom infrastructure projects requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 5KP18A-E3/73 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 high-reliability, high-power, and automotive-qualified components.
The 5KP series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in switching power supplies and automotive electrical systems, targeting replacement of crowbar circuits with solid-state, resettable protection.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 5KP18A-E3/73 under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The 5KP18A-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 171 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events, directly impacting system-level overvoltage margin.
Is the 5KP18A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the 5KP18A-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +175 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and powertrain applications. Its P600 package, RoHS-compliant E3 plating, and validated surge performance align with automotive EMC and reliability requirements per ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2.
How does the unidirectional polarity of the 5KP18A-E3/73 affect circuit placement?
The 5KP18A-E3/73 is unidirectional and must be installed with the cathode (marked by color band) toward the protected line and anode to ground. It only suppresses positive-going transients; reverse-biased operation blocks normal DC voltage but offers no negative transient protection-bipolar protection requires pairing with another diode or selecting a bidirectional variant.
What is the maximum continuous power dissipation for the 5KP18A-E3/73?
The 5KP18A-E3/73 has a maximum continuous power dissipation (PD) of 8.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at a lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient, per Figure 5 in the Vishay datasheet 88308, with zero power capability at 175 °C junction temperature.
Can the 5KP18A-E3/73 replace a 1.5KE18A in an existing design?
The 5KP18A-E3/73 shares the same P600 package and VWM/VBR ratings as the 1.5KE18A but delivers 3.3× higher peak pulse power (5000 W vs. 1500 W). PCB layout is compatible, but thermal management and surge test plans must be revalidated due to significantly higher energy absorption and associated heat generation during clamping events.
5KP18A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- P600, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 5KP18A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 5KP18A-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of 5KP18A-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 5KP18A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 5KP18A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 5KP18A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 5KP18A-E3/73?
5KP18A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 5KP18A-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including 5KP18A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 5KP18A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 5KP18A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 5KP18A-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 5KP18A-E3/73?
All 5KP18A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 5KP18A-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 5KP18A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
5KP18A-E3/73 Tags

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