Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA15HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KA15HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA15HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.1VWM 22VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,643
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Product details
Overview
P4KA15HE3/73 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), 13.5–16.3 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 18.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM). It protects sensitive ICs and MOSFETs against inductive switching transients in automotive powertrain control units.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA15HE3/73 datasheet, P4KA15HE3/73 pinout, P4KA15HE3/73 application, or P4KA15HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C maximum junction temperature, low 22.0 V clamping voltage at IPPM, and RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix meeting JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under high-temperature operation and repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional polarity enables precise reverse-biased protection of DC power rails and signal lines without forward conduction interference.
Designed per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards, it delivers fast response time (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and robust 40 A IFSM capability-enabling reliable suppression of 8.3 ms half-sine surges common in automotive load-dump events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 13.5 V / 16.3 V - Ensures reliable triggering above system nominal voltage while avoiding false trips during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.0 V - Clamps induced surges to safe levels for 12 V automotive electronics downstream. |
| IPPM | 18.2 A - Sustains single 10/1000 µs surge events without degradation under defined test conditions. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Provides industry-standard energy absorption capacity for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a compliance. |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - Supports under-hood placement in engine control modules with extended thermal margin. |
| VWM | 12.1 V - Standoff voltage allows continuous operation across 12 V battery systems with margin to VBR. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in always-on vehicle subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry terminal in forward bias; connected to protected circuit ground or low-side reference | Enables unidirectional clamping when cathode is tied to positive rail-standard configuration for power rail protection. |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal in forward bias; marked by color band; connected to protected line or supply rail | Acts as the surge sink node-diverts transient energy to ground when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Ensures consistent VBR stability over 1000+ surge cycles and lifetime thermal cycling in automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, eliminating tin whisker risk in long-life automotive assemblies. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Provides flame-retardant encapsulation required for under-hood and cabin-mounted electronic modules. |
| Low VF (3.5 V @ 25 A) | Minimizes forward conduction loss during high-current surge events, reducing localized heating at bond wires. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) on 12 V supply lines feeding microcontrollers and analog front-ends in gasoline/diesel ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery rail and local regulator input to clamp surges before LDO or DC/DC stage. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies by limiting voltage to ≤22.0 V during 400 W transient events. |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN/CAN transceiver inputs and analog sensor outputs (e.g., oxygen, knock sensors) from ESD and coupled noise in wiring harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed at connector interface to shunt fast transients (<1 ns rise) before signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 12.1 V standoff, avoiding DC offset errors in precision sensor measurement paths. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Relay Drive Circuits | Start-Stop System Battery Management |
|
Use Scenario: Protects MOSFET gate drivers and flyback diodes from inductive kickback when controlling door locks, lighting relays, or HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across relay coil or MOSFET drain-source to absorb stored inductive energy during turn-off. Use Value: Withstands 40 A non-repetitive surge (8.3 ms half-sine), enabling reliable operation over >100,000 actuation cycles. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards battery monitoring ICs and charge control FETs during cranking and regenerative braking events in 12 V start-stop architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection not required-P4KA15HE3/73 used on positive rail to clamp negative-going transients from alternator regulation ripple. Use Value: 185 °C junction rating ensures uninterrupted function during sustained high-temperature battery compartment operation (>125 °C ambient). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A | Same VBR range (14.3–15.8 V), but lower PPPM (400 W same), higher VC (24.4 V), and no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not qualified for automotive under-hood use; suitable only for industrial/commercial board-level protection | Select SMAJ15A only for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
| 1.5KE15A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same VBR (14.3–15.8 V), but no HE3 whisker rating or AEC-Q101 validation | Used in legacy industrial power supplies; incompatible with automated DO-41 pick-and-place and high-reliability automotive assembly | Choose 1.5KE15A only when surge energy exceeds 400 W and board space permits larger package. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5KE15A, P4KA15HE3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and DO-41 form factor-making it the only drop-in solution for new automotive designs requiring zero layout change and full compliance traceability.
Availability
P4KA15HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body electronics modules, and start-stop battery management systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 documentation and lot-level traceability.
Supply support for P4KA15HE3/73 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 demanding industrial and automotive applications.
The P4KA15HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS family engineered specifically for AEC-Q101 compliance, high-temperature stability, and robust surge immunity in powertrain and chassis control systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA15HE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA15HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.0 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 18.2 A under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures downstream 12 V electronics remain within safe operating limits during surge events. The P4KA15HE3/73 achieves this with low incremental surge resistance inherent to its PAR® construction.
Is the P4KA15HE3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KA15HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and designated as high-reliability/automotive grade per its HE3 suffix. It meets all stress tests-including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge endurance-required for under-hood and chassis-mounted electronics. The P4KA15HE3/73 is explicitly listed in Vishay document 88364 as automotive-grade, with full qualification data available upon request.
What does the HE3 suffix indicate on the P4KA15HE3/73?
The HE3 suffix on the P4KA15HE3/73 denotes RoHS compliance, high-reliability construction, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance certification. It confirms the device uses matte tin-plated leads processed to prevent tin whisker growth-a critical requirement for automotive electronics with >15-year field life. The P4KA15HE3/73 HE3 variant also satisfies AEC-Q101 qualification requirements.
Can the P4KA15HE3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4KA15HE3/73 is available in uni-directional polarity only, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet. Its internal structure and cathode-band marking are designed exclusively for reverse-biased operation on positive rails. For bidirectional protection, a separate pair of P4KA15HE3/73 devices or a dedicated bi-directional TVS such as SMBJ15CA must be used-neither is functionally interchangeable with the P4KA15HE3/73.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the P4KA15HE3/73?
The P4KA15HE3/73 has a maximum operating junction temperature (TJ) of +185 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 thermal test requirements. This rating enables reliable deployment in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments and transmission control units. Derating curves in the P4KA15HE3/73 datasheet show power dissipation remains effective up to this limit when lead temperature (TL) is maintained at ≤75 °C.
P4KA15HE3/73 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):
- 12.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.5V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.2A
- 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)
P4KA15HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA15HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA15HE3/73 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 P4KA15HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA15HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA15HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA15HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA15HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA15HE3/73?
P4KA15HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA15HE3/73 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 P4KA15HE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KA15HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA15HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA15HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA15HE3/73 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 P4KA15HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA15HE3/73?
All P4KA15HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA15HE3/73, 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 P4KA15HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA15HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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