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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA15AHE3/73

Name: P4KA15AHE3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: P4KA15AHE3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: P4KA15AHE3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial

Datasheet:: P4KA15AHE3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AL

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Product details

Overview

P4KA15AHE3/73 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 (V_BR), 21.2 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 18.9 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 P4KA15AHE3/73 datasheet, P4KA15AHE3/73 pinout, P4KA15AHE3/73 application, or P4KA15AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge, junction temperature derating up to +185 °C, RoHS-compliant matte tin leads, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance for high-reliability automotive PCBs.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses Vishay's patented PAR® construction for low incremental surge resistance and stable clamping across temperature. It operates exclusively in unidirectional polarity, with a color band denoting the cathode terminal, and is rated for repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards.

Designed for automotive environments, the P4KA15AHE3/73 supports operation from –65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature, features 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at T_L = 75 °C, and maintains <1.0 µA reverse leakage at 12.8 V stand-off voltage (V_WM) up to 150 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_BR (min/max)	14.3 V / 15.8 V - Ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage while avoiding false trips during transients.
V_C @ I_PPM	21.2 V - Clamps induced surges to safe levels for downstream 24 V automotive ICs and MOSFETs.
I_PPM	18.9 A - Sustains 10/1000 µs waveform without degradation, validated per Fig. 3 in Doc. 88364.
P_PPM	400 W - Delivers robust protection against load dump and inductive switching events in vehicle ECUs.
T_J max.	+185 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., engine control modules) without thermal derating loss.
V_WM	12.8 V - Provides margin above 12 V nominal rail while blocking normal operating leakage.
Package	DO-204AL (DO-41) - Standard through-hole footprint compatible with legacy automotive PCB assembly lines.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; cathode indicated by color band.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Current entry point during forward conduction	Connected to ground or low-side return path in unidirectional TVS configuration.
Cathode	Current exit point during clamping	Connected to protected line (e.g., CAN_H, sensor supply); color band identifies this terminal.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Patented PAR® construction	Reduces incremental surge resistance for tighter clamping and lower let-through energy during fast transients.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing.
JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance	Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability applications where long-term field operation is critical.
40 s solder dip at 260 °C	Supports standard wave-soldering processes without parameter shift or bondline degradation.
RoHS/WEEE compliant	Meets EU environmental directives with lead-free matte tin plating and halogen-free molding compound.

Applications

Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection	Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump spikes (>100 V, 400 ms) and alternator ripple on 12 V power rails feeding microcontrollers and driver ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between power input and ground, triggered only during overvoltage events. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤21.2 V during 18.9 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 24 V tolerant logic.	Use Scenario: Protects analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff device connected in parallel with signal path, conducting only when V_IN exceeds 12.8 V. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 µA leakage at 12.8 V, preserving signal integrity while clamping 10/1000 µs transients to 21.2 V.
Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input	Telecom Power Supply Surge Protection
Use Scenario: Guards 12 V input to BCMs against jump-start transients and relay coil flyback in lighting and door lock circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor mounted at board edge, before DC/DC converters and LDOs. Use Value: Withstands 40 A peak forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and delivers 400 W pulse power without failure.	Use Scenario: Shields telecom power inputs (e.g., PoE injectors) from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS used after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary suppression to refine clamping level. Use Value: Achieves 0.084 %/°C V_BR tempco, ensuring stable clamping across –40 °C to +85 °C ambient telecom enclosures.

Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Protection

Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection

Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump spikes (>100 V, 400 ms) and alternator ripple on 12 V power rails feeding microcontrollers and driver ICs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between power input and ground, triggered only during overvoltage events.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤21.2 V during 18.9 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 24 V tolerant logic.

Use Scenario: Protects analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation sensors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff device connected in parallel with signal path, conducting only when V_IN exceeds 12.8 V.

Use Value: Maintains <1.0 µA leakage at 12.8 V, preserving signal integrity while clamping 10/1000 µs transients to 21.2 V.

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input

Telecom Power Supply Surge Protection

Use Scenario: Guards 12 V input to BCMs against jump-start transients and relay coil flyback in lighting and door lock circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end surge suppressor mounted at board edge, before DC/DC converters and LDOs.

Use Value: Withstands 40 A peak forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and delivers 400 W pulse power without failure.

Use Scenario: Shields telecom power inputs (e.g., PoE injectors) from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS used after gas discharge tube (GDT) primary suppression to refine clamping level.

Use Value: Achieves 0.084 %/°C V_BR tempco, ensuring stable clamping across –40 °C to +85 °C ambient telecom enclosures.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ15A-E3/52	DO-214AA (SMB) package; 15.0 V V_BR min; 24.4 V V_C at 16.3 A; same 400 W rating	Surface-mount only; higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 24 V systems	Preferred for space-constrained SMT designs where thermal mass is lower and reflow compatibility is required.
1.5KE15CA	DO-201AD package; bidirectional; 15.0 V V_BR; 24.4 V V_C at 16.3 A; 1500 W rating	Higher power rating but larger footprint; bidirectional behavior may cause unintended conduction on AC-coupled lines	Used where bipolar transients exist (e.g., RS-485 bus), but requires layout review to avoid false triggering in unidirectional DC rails.

Compared with SMBJ15A-E3/52 and 1.5KE15CA, the P4KA15AHE3/73 offers tighter clamping (21.2 V vs. ≥24.4 V), through-hole DO-41 reliability for vibration-prone automotive mounts, and AEC-Q101 validation-making it optimal for mission-critical 12 V power rail protection where thermal stability and mechanical robustness are prioritized.

Availability

P4KA15AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power supply designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 compliance.

Supply support for P4KA15AHE3/73 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 reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.

The P4KA15AHE3/73 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for harsh-environment transient suppression-including load dump, ISO 7637-2 pulses, and ESD-targeting under-hood and body electronics where junction temperature resilience and long-term parametric stability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the P4KA15AHE3/73?

The P4KA15AHE3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 14.3 V to 15.8 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, supporting reliable protection in 12 V automotive systems where nominal rail tolerances and surge thresholds must be tightly controlled. The P4KA15AHE3/73 achieves this using Vishay's patented PAR® junction design.

Is the P4KA15AHE3/73 suitable for automotive under-hood applications?

Yes, the P4KA15AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures up to +185 °C, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and body control modules. Its DO-204AL package withstands mechanical vibration, its matte tin leads meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker requirements, and its 400 W 10/1000 µs pulse rating handles load-dump events per ISO 7637-2. The P4KA15AHE3/73 is explicitly designated "high reliability/automotive grade" in Vishay's documentation.

What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA15AHE3/73 at maximum surge current?

The P4KA15AHE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 18.9 A, using the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured and guaranteed per Vishay Document 88364, and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. Lower clamping than alternatives like SMBJ15A-E3/52 directly improves safety margin for 24 V tolerant ICs downstream of the P4KA15AHE3/73.

Does the P4KA15AHE3/73 have unidirectional or bidirectional polarity?

The P4KA15AHE3/73 is available in unidirectional polarity only, as confirmed in the "FEATURES" section of Vishay Document 88364. Its cathode is marked by a color band on the DO-204AL package, and it conducts only when the cathode is at higher potential than the anode-ideal for DC power rail protection. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4K15CA) are separate part numbers; the P4KA15AHE3/73 does not support AC or bipolar transient suppression.

What packaging and compliance certifications apply to the P4KA15AHE3/73?

The P4KA15AHE3/73 ships in 13" paper tape and reel (package code /73), with RoHS 2002/95/EC and WEEE 2002/96/EC compliance verified. Its DO-204AL molding compound meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and its matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards. The HE3 suffix confirms JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance-critical for long-life automotive deployments. All compliance data is documented in Vishay's official datasheet for the P4KA15AHE3/73.

P4KA15AHE3/73 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):: 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)

P4KA15AHE3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for P4KA15AHE3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA15AHE3/73 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 P4KA15AHE3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of P4KA15AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA15AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA15AHE3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA15AHE3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for P4KA15AHE3/73?

P4KA15AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your P4KA15AHE3/73 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 P4KA15AHE3/73?

For technical support, including P4KA15AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA15AHE3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA15AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All P4KA15AHE3/73 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 P4KA15AHE3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA15AHE3/73?

All P4KA15AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA15AHE3/73, 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 P4KA15AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for P4KA15AHE3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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