Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA12AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KA12AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA12AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,045
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Product details
Overview
P4KA12AHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, featuring 11.4 V to 12.6 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 16.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 24.0 A peak pulse current, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for under-hood electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA12AHE3/73 datasheet, P4KA12AHE3/73 pinout, P4KA12AHE3/73 application, or P4KA12AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs transients, junction temperature capability up to +185 °C, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and automotive reliability validation per JESD201 Class 2 whisker test.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses patented PAR® construction to deliver low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of inductive switching spikes and ESD events in automotive power rails and sensor signal lines. Its unidirectional polarity and DO-204AL (DO-41) package support through-hole mounting in high-reliability control modules.
Designed for operation across –65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature range, the P4KA12AHE3/73 maintains stable VBR with 0.078 %/°C temperature coefficient and exhibits only 1.0 µA maximum reverse leakage at 10.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM) - critical for low-power sensor interface protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 11.4 V min / 12.6 V max at 1 mA - defines precise overvoltage triggering threshold for 12 V automotive systems |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 16.7 V at 24.0 A IPPM - limits downstream IC voltage during 400 W transient, staying below typical 18 V MOSFET gate oxide rating |
| Peak Pulse Power PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 µs waveform) - sustains standard ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a surge levels without degradation |
| Operating Temperature Range | –65 °C to +185 °C - supports engine compartment placement without derating in AEC-Q101 qualified designs |
| Reverse Stand-off Voltage VWM | 10.2 V - ensures reliable blocking during normal 12 V nominal rail operation with 1.8 V margin to VBR min |
| Leakage Current ID | ≤1.0 µA at VWM and TJ = 150 °C - preserves battery life in always-on vehicle modules |
| Surge Current IPPM | 24.0 A (10/1000 µs) - withstands repetitive load dump surges per SAE J1128 when used with appropriate series impedance |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, epoxy molded case with cathode band marking. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal during forward conduction | Connected to ground or low-side return path; enables unidirectional clamping to GND |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal during reverse-biased clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor output); absorbs transient energy into ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables consistent 400 W surge handling with <0.1 Ω incremental surge resistance for minimal VC overshoot |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock per stress test plan |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth on matte tin leads under thermal/humidity stress, eliminating latent short-circuit risk |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Self-extinguishing epoxy housing meets flammability requirements for enclosed engine control units |
| 185 °C max junction temperature | Supports direct mounting near heat sources (e.g., power relays) without external heatsinking or derating |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Rail Protection | Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) on 12 V supply inputs to microcontrollers and power management ICs within ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between VIN and GND to clamp surges above 16.7 V before reaching downstream regulators. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V logic supplies by limiting peak rail voltage to safe levels during 400 W transients. |
Use Scenario: Protects analog outputs of pressure, temperature, and position sensors connected to body control modules against ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamps transient voltages on sensor output lines (e.g., 0–5 V ratiometric signals) to prevent ADC input saturation or op-amp damage. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with ≤1.0 µA leakage at 10.2 V, avoiding DC offset errors in precision sensor interfaces. |
| Body Electronics Module (BEM) Relay Drive Circuits | Infotainment System USB/UART Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shields MOSFET gate drivers and flyback diodes in window lift, seat motor, and mirror control circuits from inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across relay coil or MOSFET drain-source to absorb stored inductive energy during turn-off. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response and 16.7 V clamping ensure gate oxide safety margins are preserved even during rapid 100 V/µs edge rates. |
Use Scenario: Guards UART TX/RX and USB D+/D− lines in head unit and telematics control units against ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional TVS (typ. <100 pF at VWM) placed inline with data lines to shunt ESD current to chassis ground. Use Value: Enables robust communication without signal distortion due to tight 10.2 V VWM margin and minimal parasitic capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5AT | Lower PPPM (400 W same), but SMA package (SMD); VC = 19.9 V at 21.6 A; TJ max = 150 °C | Surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; lacks AEC-Q101 and JESD201 Class 2 qualification | Select when automated assembly and board density outweigh automotive qualification requirements |
| 1.5KE12A | Same DO-41 package; higher VC = 19.2 V at 20.9 A; no AEC-Q101 or JESD201 Class 2; TJ max = 175 °C | Industrial-grade replacement with reduced thermal margin and no automotive reliability validation | Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where 185 °C operation and whisker resistance are not required |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5AT and 1.5KE12A, the P4KA12AHE3/73 delivers superior automotive readiness via AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C junction rating, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - making it the only choice for production ECU and BEM designs requiring zero field failures under thermal cycling and long-term vibration.
Availability
P4KA12AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body electronics modules, sensor interface protection, and infotainment system transient suppression requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and automotive lifecycle commitments.
Supply support for P4KA12AHE3/73 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 high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The P4KA12AHE3/73 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for AEC-Q101 compliance, high-temperature stability, and robust transient immunity in engine bay and chassis-mounted electronic control units.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA12AHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA12AHE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V at 24.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 16.7 V during a 400 W transient event, preserving safe operating margins for 12 V system ICs.
Is the P4KA12AHE3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KA12AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and designated as an automotive-grade part (HE3 suffix). It undergoes full stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and mechanical shock per the AEC-Q101 standard, and also passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing - confirming suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted ECU designs.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in P4KA12AHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix in P4KA12AHE3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant, high-reliability automotive grade construction: matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade versions and confirms full AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay document 88364.
Can the P4KA12AHE3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4KA12AHE3/73 is unidirectional only, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet. Its cathode band marking and internal structure support clamping only from anode to cathode (i.e., positive transients to ground). For bidirectional protection, separate devices or dedicated bidirectional TVS diodes such as SMBJ12CA must be used.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the P4KA12AHE3/73?
The P4KA12AHE3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +185 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 stress testing. This allows direct placement near heat-generating components like power relays or motor drivers in engine control units without thermal derating - a key differentiator versus standard TVS diodes rated at 150 °C or 175 °C.
P4KA12AHE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KA12AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA12AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA12AHE3/73 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 P4KA12AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA12AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA12AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA12AHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA12AHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA12AHE3/73?
P4KA12AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA12AHE3/73 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 P4KA12AHE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KA12AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA12AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA12AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA12AHE3/73 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 P4KA12AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA12AHE3/73?
All P4KA12AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA12AHE3/73, 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 P4KA12AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA12AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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