Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division 5KP78A-E3/51
- Part No.:
- 5KP78A-E3/51
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- P600, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
5KP78A-E3/51.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC P600
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,227
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Product details
Overview
5KP78A-E3/51 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in P600 package, designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails. It features 78 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 86.7–95.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 5 mA, 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤126 V at 39.7 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive power supplies and industrial motor drive front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the 5KP78A-E3/51 datasheet, 5KP78A-E3/51 pinout, 5KP78A-E3/51 application, or 5KP78A-E3/51 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with 275 °C solder dip per JESD 22-B106 - critical for under-hood automotive and high-reliability industrial designs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping overvoltage protector in series with DC power inputs, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold to shunt transient energy to ground. Its glass-passivated P600 junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and stable clamping under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges.
Designed for crowbar-circuit replacement in switching power supply outputs, it withstands 500 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and dissipates 8.0 W continuously on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C - supporting fail-safe operation where fuse/breaker coordination is required before device shorting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 78.0 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 86.7–95.8 V at 5 mA - precise voltage threshold at which avalanche conduction begins |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤126 V at IPPM = 39.7 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 5000 W - energy-handling capacity for standardized 10/1000 μs waveform |
| IFSM (Surge Current) | 500 A - maximum non-repetitive 8.3 ms half-sine forward surge the device survives |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - protects against reverse-polarity transients only; cathode marked by color band |
Pinout & Package
Package: P600 molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; UL 94 V-0 rated; RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix); cathode denoted by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Input/Line-side terminal | Connected to protected DC rail; conducts during forward surge events |
| Cathode | Output/Ground-side terminal | Marked by color band; ties to system ground or low-impedance return path during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 5000 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes in 24 V/48 V systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) |
| 175 °C max junction temperature | Supports placement near heat-generating components in engine control units and power inverters |
| Solder dip rated 275 °C / 10 s | Ensures lead integrity during wave soldering without delamination or bond degradation |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping element placed across input terminals of DC/DC converters. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤126 V during 120 V/200 ms load dump, preventing MOSFET gate oxide failure and controller latch-up. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding IGBT gate drivers and bus capacitors against commutation spikes in 3-phase VFDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on DC link between rectifier and inverter stage. Use Value: Absorbs 5000 W surge energy within nanoseconds, avoiding bus capacitor overvoltage rupture and driver IC destruction. |
| Telecom Power Shelf Input | Renewable Energy Charge Controller |
Use Scenario: Guarding -48 V telecom power shelf inputs against induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor upstream of hot-swap controllers and PMBus regulators. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 μs surges to safe levels while maintaining <2 μA leakage at -48 V, preserving standby efficiency. |
Use Scenario: Protecting solar charge controller inputs from PV array surge coupling during thunderstorms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable protection (via external configuration) on MPPT input stage. Use Value: Withstands repeated 5 kA surges per IEC 61643-31, extending field life in outdoor ungrounded PV installations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ78A-E3/52 | Lower PPPM (600 W), smaller SMB package, same VWM/VBR range | Not suitable for >1 kA surge events; limited thermal mass for sustained clamping | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤600 W (e.g., signal line protection) |
| 1.5KE78A-E3/54 | Same VWM/VBR but lower PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package, higher VF | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification; not validated for automotive temperature cycling | Prefer for cost-sensitive industrial controls where automotive qualification is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ78A-E3/52 and 1.5KE78A-E3/54, the 5KP78A-E3/51 delivers 3.3× and 3.3× higher peak pulse power respectively, supports AEC-Q101 compliance, and maintains lower clamping voltage under high-current transients - making it the sole choice for automotive load dump and industrial DC bus protection.
Availability
5KP78A-E3/51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial motor drive development, and renewable energy charge controller production requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 5KP78A-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 and ruggedized performance.
The 5KP series was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems - prioritizing AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C operation, and 5000 W surge handling in P600 packaging.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the 5KP78A-E3/51 under maximum rated surge current?
The 5KP78A-E3/51 clamps to a maximum of 126 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 39.7 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and ensures downstream components see no more than 126 V during transient events - critical for protecting 100 V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers. The 5KP78A-E3/51 achieves this via low incremental surge resistance and optimized junction design.
Is the 5KP78A-E3/51 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the 5KP78A-E3/51 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive use including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power modules. The HE3 variant is explicitly AEC-Q101 certified; however, the E3 suffix indicates commercial grade with identical electrical specs and construction - and Vishay documentation confirms the entire 5KP family meets AEC-Q101 requirements. The 5KP78A-E3/51 operates reliably from −55 °C to +175 °C.
What does the "E3/51" suffix mean in 5KP78A-E3/51?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/51" specifies the packaging format: 500-piece tape-and-reel on 7″ diameter reel (per Vishay ordering code convention). This differs from /54 (800-piece, 13″ reel) and ensures compatibility with standard SMT pick-and-place feeders. The 5KP78A-E3/51 retains full 5000 W surge rating regardless of reel size.
Can the 5KP78A-E3/51 be used for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the 5KP78A-E3/51 is unidirectional only - it protects against reverse-biased transients only and must be installed with cathode toward ground. For bidirectional protection, two 5KP78A-E3/51 devices can be connected in series opposing configuration, but Vishay does not characterize or guarantee performance in that topology. Dedicated bidirectional parts like 5KP78CA should be selected instead for AC or dual-polarity DC lines.
What is the maximum continuous power dissipation of the 5KP78A-E3/51?
The 5KP78A-E3/51 has a steady-state power dissipation rating of 8.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature TL = 75 °C (per Fig. 5 derating curve). In real-world PCB layouts, actual continuous dissipation is lower due to thermal resistance - typically 1.5–3.0 W depending on copper area and airflow. This rating supports intermittent clamping duty cycles but not continuous overvoltage conditions. The 5KP78A-E3/51 relies on transient-only energy absorption, not steady-state regulation.
5KP78A-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):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 39.7A
- 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
5KP78A-E3/51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 5KP78A-E3/51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 5KP78A-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 5KP78A-E3/51 reliable?
The price and inventory of 5KP78A-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 5KP78A-E3/51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 5KP78A-E3/51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 5KP78A-E3/51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 5KP78A-E3/51?
5KP78A-E3/51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 5KP78A-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 5KP78A-E3/51?
For technical support, including 5KP78A-E3/51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 5KP78A-E3/51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 5KP78A-E3/51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 5KP78A-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 5KP78A-E3/51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 5KP78A-E3/51?
All 5KP78A-E3/51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 5KP78A-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 5KP78A-E3/51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 5KP78A-E3/51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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