Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA15AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KA15AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA15AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,623
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Product details
Overview
P4KA15AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, with 14.3 V to 15.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 21.2 V clamping voltage at 18.9 A surge current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for engine control units and sensor protection in 12 V automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA15AHE3/54 datasheet, P4KA15AHE3/54 pinout, P4KA15AHE3/54 application, or P4KA15AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage vs. protected IC VDS/VCC, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity alignment with DC rail orientation, and HE3 suffix compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance for high-reliability soldering.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses Vishay's patented PAR® construction for low incremental surge resistance and stable clamping under repetitive transients. It operates within -65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature range and maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage at 12.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM) up to 150 °C.
Designed for unidirectional DC line protection, it responds in sub-nanosecond time to ESD and load-dump events per ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5. Its 10/1000 µs waveform rating supports automotive alternator-induced surges and inductive switching transients in power distribution networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V - Ensures reliable conduction onset above normal 12 V system operating voltage while avoiding false triggering during cranking dips. |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V - Clamps induced surges below typical 24 V-rated microcontroller I/O and gate driver absolute maximum ratings. |
| IPPM | 18.9 A - Sustains single-pulse energy of 400 W without degradation when subjected to 10/1000 µs transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| VWM | 12.8 V - Provides safe margin against 13.5 V nominal battery voltage and 14.4 V alternator regulation, preventing leakage-induced power loss. |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - Enables placement near high-temperature engine bay components such as ignition modules and fuel injectors without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Standard through-hole footprint compatible with legacy automotive PCB layouts and wave-soldering processes. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode denoted by color band. Leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability requirements; HE3 suffix confirms JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | DC return path for clamped surge current | Connected to ground or low-side reference; must handle 18.9 A peak current without trace fusing. |
| Cathode | Protected line connection point | Connected to 12 V supply rail or signal line; clamping occurs when voltage exceeds VBR relative to anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Reduces incremental surge resistance to improve clamping consistency across multiple transients and temperature extremes. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive under-hood applications including thermal cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements for 12 V systems, protecting against alternator load dump events. |
| Low VF (3.5 V @ 25 A) | Minimizes forward conduction loss during bidirectional surge events and simplifies thermal design in high-current paths. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in enclosed engine compartments where flammability compliance is mandated. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V power input of engine control units against load dump transients up to 40 V during alternator field-circuit interruption. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery rail and ECU input filter capacitor to clamp overvoltage before reaching LDO regulators and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 21.2 V, staying below 24 V absolute maximum rating of common automotive MCUs and PMICs. | Use Scenario: Shields analog output lines of pressure, temperature, and position sensors from ESD and inductive switching noise in chassis harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode connected between sensor signal line and chassis ground to shunt fast transients (<1 ns rise time) before reaching ADC front-end or op-amp inputs. Use Value: Achieves <1.0 µA leakage at 12.8 V VWM, preserving sensor accuracy and minimizing offset drift in precision measurement circuits. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) LIN Bus Protection | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Driver Gate Protection |
Use Scenario: Guards LIN bus transceivers against coupling-induced transients from adjacent 12 V power lines and relay switching in door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on LIN data line referenced to local ground, sized to absorb 10/1000 µs pulses without distorting 19.2 kbps signaling integrity. Use Value: Clamps to 21.2 V while maintaining <10 pF junction capacitance at VWM, ensuring minimal signal edge degradation on LIN physical layer. | Use Scenario: Protects high-side and low-side MOSFET gate drivers in EPS motor inverters from Miller-induced voltage spikes during PWM commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS diode placed between gate and source terminals of each power MOSFET to clamp dv/dt-induced overshoot exceeding ±20 V absolute rating. Use Value: Responds in sub-nanosecond time with 21.2 V clamping level, preventing gate oxide breakdown in 40 V-rated logic-level MOSFETs used in 12 V EPS systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15AHE3/52 | Same VBR range (14.3–15.8 V) and VC (21.2 V), but SMB package (surface-mount); lower IPPM (18.5 A vs. 18.9 A) and 600 W rating (vs. 400 W). | Requires rework for SMT assembly; better suited for space-constrained ECUs with automated placement, not legacy through-hole designs. | Select when board real estate is limited and wave-solder compatibility is not required. |
| 1.5KE15A | Same DO-41 package and unidirectional polarity, but higher VC (24.4 V), lower VBR tolerance (±5 % vs. ±5.3 %), and no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable only for industrial or consumer applications where temperature and reliability demands are less stringent. | Select only for non-automotive use cases where cost is prioritized over under-hood reliability validation. |
Compared with SMBJ15AHE3/52 and 1.5KE15A, P4KA15AHE3/54 delivers AEC-Q101-compliant performance in legacy DO-41 through-hole format with optimized clamping for 12 V automotive rails-making it the preferred choice for production ECUs requiring zero-layout change and full qualification traceability.
Availability
P4KA15AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, electric power steering systems, and automotive sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KA15AHE3/54 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, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding industrial and automotive environments.
The P4KA series is part of Vishay's automotive TVS portfolio designed specifically for robust transient suppression in 12 V and 24 V vehicle electrical systems, with emphasis on AEC-Q101 qualification, high-temperature operation, and repeatable clamping performance.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range specified for P4KA15AHE3/54?
The P4KA15AHE3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 14.3 V to 15.8 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured at 25 °C ambient. This tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on behavior in 12 V automotive power rails, avoiding premature conduction during cold-cranking (as low as 6 V) while reliably activating before damaging overvoltages occur.
Is P4KA15AHE3/54 qualified for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, P4KA15AHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from -65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature. Its DO-204AL package, PAR® construction, and HE3 suffix (JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance) confirm suitability for engine control units, transmission control modules, and other under-hood electronics subject to thermal cycling and mechanical stress.
What is the clamping voltage of P4KA15AHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA15AHE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.9 A, tested with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is critical for ensuring protected downstream ICs-such as 24 V-tolerant MCUs and gate drivers-remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump events.
Does P4KA15AHE3/54 support both unidirectional and bidirectional configurations?
No, P4KA15AHE3/54 is available in uni-directional polarity only, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet. The cathode is marked by a color band, and it must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line and anode toward ground or low-side reference to function correctly in DC power or signal line protection.
What packaging and reel configuration is supplied for P4KA15AHE3/54?
P4KA15AHE3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel format, with a base quantity of 5500 units per reel. The "HE3/54" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, high-reliability automotive grade construction and confirms compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing for lead finish integrity.
P4KA15AHE3/54 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):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.9A
- 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)
P4KA15AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA15AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA15AHE3/54 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 P4KA15AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA15AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA15AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA15AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA15AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
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P4KA15AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA15AHE3/54 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 P4KA15AHE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KA15AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA15AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA15AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA15AHE3/54 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 P4KA15AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA15AHE3/54?
All P4KA15AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA15AHE3/54, 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 P4KA15AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA15AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KA15AHE3/54 Tags

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