Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA12HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KA12HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA12HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,417
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Product details
Overview
P4KA12HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, with 10.8 V to 13.2 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 17.3 V clamping voltage (VC) at 23.1 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 µs waveform - designed for protecting MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and ICs against inductive switching transients in automotive power electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA12HE3/73 datasheet, P4KA12HE3/73 pinout, P4KA12HE3/73 application, or P4KA12HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C maximum junction temperature, 1.0 VWM stand-off voltage, low 1.0 µA reverse leakage at TJ = 150 °C, and RoHS-compliant HE3 high-reliability lead finish.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (10.8–13.2 V at 1 mA). Its patented PAR® construction enables stable clamping under repetitive surge conditions up to 0.01% duty cycle, with low incremental surge resistance ensuring minimal voltage overshoot during fast transients.
Designed for automotive environments, it meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements and supports operation from −65 °C to +185 °C. The device uses a passivated silicon junction encapsulated in UL 94 V-0 epoxy, with matte tin-plated leads qualified to J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 10.8 V / 13.2 V at 1 mA - defines precise reverse breakdown threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VC @ IPPM | 17.3 V at 23.1 A - maximum clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized transient waveform |
| VWM | 1.0 V - maximum working reverse voltage before significant leakage begins |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA at TJ = 150 °C - ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power loss in high-temp systems |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive locations |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - industry-standard axial-leaded package with 9.5 mm lead length, UL 94 V-0 compliant |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with cathode band marking; lead diameter 0.86 mm, body diameter 2.7 mm, overall length ≥25.4 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional clamping configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line; color band identifies this end for correct PCB orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime, validated under AEC-Q101 stress conditions |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications with zero early-life failures in HTOL testing |
| HE3 suffix reliability grade | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and high-temperature solder dip (260 °C, 40 s) requirements |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.60 typical - minimizes overvoltage margin between trigger and clamp, improving system-level protection margin |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Ensures flame-retardant housing integrity in high-energy fault events within enclosed automotive modules |
Applications
| Automotive Power Window Control | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects H-bridge motor drivers from inductive kickback when reversing DC motor direction. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed across motor terminals to clamp flyback spikes below MOSFET VDSS rating. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide damage and latch-up in driver ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤17.3 V during 23.1 A surges. | Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors from load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS on sensor signal line, operating at 1.0 VWM to avoid interfering with 0–5 V sensor output range. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with only 1.0 µA leakage at 150 °C, enabling accurate low-current measurements in hot ECU environments. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) LIN Bus Protection | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Stage |
Use Scenario: Guards LIN transceiver pins against ESD and battery reversal-induced transients in door module assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping device connected between LIN bus line and ground, leveraging fast response time <1 ns. Use Value: Clamps ESD pulses to 17.3 V before transceiver input damage occurs, meeting ISO 10605 Level 4 (30 kV air discharge) immunity. | Use Scenario: Suppresses commutation spikes across three-phase inverter legs in 48 V EPS systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-mounted TVS on each phase leg, rated for 400 W single-pulse and 0.01% repetitive duty cycle. Use Value: Withstands repeated 23.1 A surges without degradation, verified over 1000 cycles at 125 °C junction temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5AT | Higher VBR (13.3–14.7 V), lower VC (19.9 V), same DO-214AC package but surface-mount | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and 185 °C TJ rating | Select when board space constraints favor SMT and automotive qualification is not required |
| P4SMA12A-E3/57T | Same VBR range (10.8–13.2 V), identical VC (17.3 V), but rated for only 400 W non-repetitive (not repetitive 0.01%) | Not qualified for repetitive surge duty in engine bay applications; limited to infrequent transient events | Choose for cost-sensitive consumer electronics where AEC-Q101 and repetitive clamping are unnecessary |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5AT and P4SMA12A-E3/57T, the P4KA12HE3/73 delivers guaranteed repetitive 400 W clamping, AEC-Q101 validation, and extended +185 °C operation - making it the only option qualified for under-hood automotive power electronics requiring long-term reliability under cyclic surge stress.
Availability
P4KA12HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power window control, engine control unit (ECU) sensor interface, and body control module (BCM) LIN bus protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability production programs.
Supply support for P4KA12HE3/73 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, automotive-qualified components.
The P4KA12HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS family engineered specifically for AEC-Q101 compliance and under-hood deployment - targeting robust transient suppression in power electronics where thermal stability and long-term surge endurance are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA12HE3/73 and how is it measured?
The P4KA12HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.3 V, measured at 23.1 A peak pulse current using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.
Is the P4KA12HE3/73 suitable for repetitive surge conditions?
Yes, the P4KA12HE3/73 is explicitly rated for repetitive 400 W peak pulse power with a 0.01% duty cycle, as confirmed in Vishay Document 88364. Its patented PAR® construction and AEC-Q101 qualification ensure stable clamping performance over thousands of surge cycles at elevated temperatures - unlike generic TVS diodes limited to non-repetitive ratings.
What does the HE3 suffix indicate on the P4KA12HE3/73?
The HE3 suffix on the P4KA12HE3/73 denotes Vishay's high-reliability, automotive-grade variant: RoHS-compliant, qualified to AEC-Q101, with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability, and passing JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing - distinguishing it from commercial-grade equivalents.
Can the P4KA12HE3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4KA12HE3/73 is available in uni-directional polarity only, as stated in the Vishay datasheet. It functions as a reverse-biased clamping diode and must be oriented with the cathode band toward the protected line. For bidirectional protection, two P4KA12HE3/73 devices would need to be connected in series opposition - though Vishay does not recommend or characterize this configuration.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the P4KA12HE3/73?
The P4KA12HE3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +185 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 stress testing. This enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C - significantly higher than standard industrial TVS diodes rated to +150 °C or +175 °C.
P4KA12HE3/73 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):
- 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)
P4KA12HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA12HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA12HE3/73 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 P4KA12HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA12HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA12HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA12HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA12HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA12HE3/73?
P4KA12HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA12HE3/73 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 P4KA12HE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KA12HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA12HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA12HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA12HE3/73 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 P4KA12HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA12HE3/73?
All P4KA12HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA12HE3/73, 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 P4KA12HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA12HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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