Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA12HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KA12HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA12HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,512
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Product details
Overview
P4KA12HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 10.8–13.2 V breakdown voltage, and 17.3 V clamping voltage at 23.1 A surge current. It operates from −65 °C to +185 °C and is AEC-Q101 qualified for engine control units and powertrain electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA12HE3/54 datasheet, P4KA12HE3/54 pinout, P4KA12HE3/54 application, or P4KA12HE3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, automotive reliability validation, thermal derating curves, JEDEC-compliant soldering data, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection in high-temperature embedded systems.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under repetitive transients and features low incremental surge resistance (typ. <0.3 Ω) and fast response time (<1.0 ns). Its unidirectional polarity and 1.0 VWM/VBR ratio enable precise overvoltage thresholding in DC power rails.
Designed for automotive environments, it sustains 185 °C junction temperature, passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing, and meets RoHS/WEEE compliance with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 10.8–13.2 V at 1 mA - defines precise clamping initiation threshold for 12 V automotive systems |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 17.3 V at 23.1 A - limits downstream IC voltage during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - withstands high-energy load dump transients without degradation |
| Operating Temperature Range | −65 °C to +185 °C - supports under-hood placement in engine control modules |
| Surge Current (IPPM) | 23.1 A (10/1000 µs) - handles typical alternator load dump energy per SAE J1113-11 |
| Leakage Current (ID) | ≤1.0 µA at 9.72 V - ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on vehicle networks |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - industry-standard through-hole footprint compatible with legacy PCB layouts |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) molded epoxy package with axial leads; cathode indicated by color band. Matte tin-plated terminals meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | DC return path for transient current | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane to shunt surge energy away from protected circuitry |
| Cathode | Protected line connection point | Placed in series with 12 V supply rail upstream of sensitive loads; color band identifies polarity for correct orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables consistent VBR stability across 1000+ transient cycles at 185 °C junction temperature |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test conditions including HTOL, TCT, and HAST |
| 40 s solder dip at 260 °C | Supports wave soldering in high-volume automotive PCB assembly without parameter shift or delamination |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in enclosed engine bay enclosures meeting ISO 26262 hardware safety requirements |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR = 1.60) | Minimizes overvoltage margin needed for protected MOSFET gate drivers and CAN transceivers |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit Protection | Automotive Lighting Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load dump transients on 12 V supply rail feeding microcontroller and injector driver circuits in gasoline/diesel ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at main power input to clamp ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) to ≤17.3 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic and 40 V N-channel MOSFETs during alternator field decay events. |
Use Scenario: Protects LED driver ICs and current-sense amplifiers in adaptive front lighting systems exposed to relay switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across driver output to absorb inductive kickback from HID/Xenon ballasts and LED arrays. Use Value: Limits voltage overshoot to <20 V during 100 ns switching edges, preserving ±1% current regulation accuracy. |
| Body Control Module Input | Infotainment Power Supply |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN bus transceivers and window motor drivers from battery reverse-polarity and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed on VBAT input before LDO regulators to prevent dropout during 24 V jump-start conditions. Use Value: Maintains regulated 5 V output during 60 V/50 ms transients, avoiding MCU brownout resets in door modules. |
Use Scenario: Guards USB-C PD controllers and audio codecs against ignition noise coupled into infotainment head unit power rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at DC-DC converter input to suppress broadband noise above 1 MHz generated by ignition coils. Use Value: Reduces conducted EMI by >20 dB in 1–100 MHz range, enabling CISPR 25 Class 4 compliance without added ferrites. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A | Lower PPPM (400 W same), but higher VC (20.1 V at 22.5 A); SMA package (SMT) | Requires PCB rework for surface-mount layout; less robust thermal cycling in under-hood locations | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly mandates SMT; verify thermal relief pad design for 185 °C operation |
| 1.5KE12A | Same DO-41 package, but lower temperature rating (175 °C max), no AEC-Q101 qualification, higher VC (20.1 V) | Not validated for automotive powertrain use; limited to industrial/commercial grade applications | Acceptable for non-safety-critical cabin modules where AEC-Q101 is not mandated; avoid in engine compartment designs |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and 1.5KE12A, P4KA12HE3/54 delivers superior high-temperature reliability, tighter clamping, and automotive qualification-making it the only choice for ASIL-B compliant power rail protection where junction temperature exceeds 150 °C.
Availability
P4KA12HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, automotive lighting systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KA12HE3/54 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The P4KA12HE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for ISO 7637-2 and SAE J1113-11 compliance in 12 V power distribution networks, with emphasis on AEC-Q101 stress validation and under-hood thermal resilience.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KA12HE3/54 under standard test conditions?
The P4KA12HE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.3 V at 23.1 A peak pulse current using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that protected downstream components see no more than 17.3 V during specified surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across its full operating temperature range up to +185 °C junction temperature.
Is the P4KA12HE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KA12HE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and designated as high-reliability/automotive grade (HE3 suffix). It undergoes rigorous stress testing including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing (UHAST) to ensure suitability for engine control units, lighting modules, and other safety-critical automotive subsystems.
What does the HE3/54 suffix indicate in P4KA12HE3/54?
The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, high-reliability/automotive grade construction meeting JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, while the /54 indicates the preferred packaging code: 5500-piece 13-inch paper tape and reel. This packaging format supports automated pick-and-place insertion and is optimized for high-volume automotive manufacturing lines.
Can the P4KA12HE3/54 be used in place of the P4KA12A variant?
No-the P4KA12HE3/54 and P4KA12A are distinct variants: P4KA12HE3/54 has VBR = 10.8–13.2 V and is AEC-Q101 qualified, whereas P4KA12A has tighter VBR = 11.4–12.6 V but lacks the HE3 automotive reliability enhancements. Substitution requires validation of clamping behavior, thermal derating, and qualification status for the target application.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the P4KA12HE3/54 above 25 °C ambient?
The P4KA12HE3/54 follows linear derating per Figure 2 in Vishay document 88364: peak pulse power decreases by 0.5 %/°C above 25 °C ambient, reaching 50 % of rated 400 W at approximately 125 °C case temperature. Full derating curves for both pulse power and surge current are provided in the official datasheet to support thermal design in confined engine bay environments.
P4KA12HE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23.1A
- 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)
P4KA12HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA12HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA12HE3/54 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 P4KA12HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA12HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA12HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA12HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA12HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA12HE3/54?
P4KA12HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA12HE3/54 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 P4KA12HE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KA12HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA12HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA12HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA12HE3/54 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 P4KA12HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA12HE3/54?
All P4KA12HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA12HE3/54, 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 P4KA12HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA12HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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