Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA18AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KA18AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA18AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,663
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Product details
Overview
P4KA18AHE3/54 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), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM). It protects MOSFETs and sensor signal lines in automotive engine control units against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA18AHE3/54 datasheet, P4KA18AHE3/54 pinout, P4KA18AHE3/54 application, or P4KA18AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C max junction temperature, low clamping voltage of 25.5 V at IPPM, and RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under high-temperature stress and repetitive surge conditions. Its unidirectional polarity and 1.0 VWM standoff voltage enable precise overvoltage protection on DC-biased signal or power rails.
Designed for automotive environments, it delivers 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation at TL = 75 °C and withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), supporting robust ESD and load-dump immunity in ECUs and body electronics.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for 12 V system protection |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.5 V at 15.9 A - limits maximum let-through voltage during 400 W transient events |
| IPPM | 15.9 A (10/1000 µs waveform) - quantifies surge current handling capability per IEEE C62.35 |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive locations without derating |
| VWM | 15.3 V - ensures reliable blocking of normal 12 V rail voltage with 20 % margin before breakdown |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA at 25 °C - minimizes standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias | Connected to protected circuit ground or low-side return path during clamping |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; marked with band | Connected to protected line (e.g., sensor supply or signal); absorbs positive transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables stable VBR and low dynamic impedance across -65 °C to +185 °C operating range |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| HE3 suffix compliance | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and RoHS 2002/95/EC requirements |
| 400 W peak pulse rating | Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, and 5a transients without degradation in production ECUs |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response time) |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump transients (up to 35 V, 100 ms) on 12 V battery-fed ECU inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between input rail and chassis ground to clamp overvoltage before LDO or MCU power stage. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V regulators and microcontrollers during alternator regulation failure. |
Use Scenario: Protects analog outputs of pressure or temperature sensors exposed to inductive kickback from nearby solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected across sensor output and ground to absorb sub-µs spikes without distorting 0–5 V signals. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and avoids false readings in closed-loop feedback systems like fuel injection or HVAC control. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) LIN Bus Protection | Automotive Lighting Driver Output Protection |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN transceiver pins from ESD and cable discharge events in door module wiring harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector interface, cathode tied to LIN bus, anode to ground, with <1.0 µA leakage at 12 V. Use Value: Ensures >8 kV contact ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-2) without disrupting 19.2 kbps data timing or increasing bus capacitance. |
Use Scenario: Clamps inductive flyback voltage when PWM-driving LED headlamps or DRLs using N-channel MOSFETs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across MOSFET drain-source to limit VDS spike during turn-off, reducing stress on gate driver IC. Use Value: Extends MOSFET lifetime by limiting peak drain voltage to 25.5 V, well below 40 V rating of common automotive logic-level FETs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/5A (Vishay) | Same VBR range (16.2–19.8 V), but 400 W rating in SMA package; lower thermal resistance (35 °C/W vs. 60 °C/W) | Suitable for surface-mount PCBs with space constraints; less suited for through-hole high-reliability automotive harness interfaces | Select SMAJ18A-E3/5A when board real estate is limited and reflow compatibility is required. |
| 1.5KE18A (ON Semiconductor) | Same DO-41 package and 18 V nominal rating, but 1.5 kW peak power (10/1000 µs); higher IPPM (83.3 A) and VC (29.2 V) | Better for high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b); less precise clamping due to higher VC | Choose 1.5KE18A where surge energy exceeds 400 W but tighter clamping is not critical. |
Compared with SMAJ18A-E3/5A and 1.5KE18A, P4KA18AHE3/54 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 reliability, low clamping voltage (25.5 V), and axial-leaded mechanical robustness for wire-to-board connections in harsh automotive environments.
Availability
P4KA18AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, automotive sensor modules, body control modules, and lighting driver designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KA18AHE3/54 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 automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
The P4KA18AHE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS family engineered specifically for AEC-Q101 compliance and under-hood transient suppression, emphasizing thermal stability, low clamping, and solder reliability.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P4KA18AHE3/54?
The P4KA18AHE3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, corresponding to ±5.5 % tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and temperature extremes up to +185 °C.
Is the P4KA18AHE3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4KA18AHE3/54 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88364. It protects against positive transients on DC-biased lines; for AC or bipolar signal lines, a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as P4SMA18AHE3/A must be selected instead.
Does the HE3/54 suffix indicate tape-and-reel packaging?
Yes - the "HE3/54" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, high-reliability construction (HE3) in 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging (54 = 5500 units per reel), per Vishay's ordering information table. This format supports automated SMT placement despite the axial DO-41 package being through-hole compatible.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KA18AHE3/54 under surge conditions?
The P4KA18AHE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 25.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 15.9 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees safe operation for downstream 28 V-rated components in automotive 12 V systems.
How does the P4KA18AHE3/54 meet automotive reliability standards?
The P4KA18AHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, verified through temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and mechanical shock testing. Its HE3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and RoHS directives, making it approved for safety-critical automotive subsystems.
P4KA18AHE3/54 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):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.9A
- 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)
P4KA18AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA18AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA18AHE3/54 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 P4KA18AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA18AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA18AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA18AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA18AHE3/54 transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for P4KA18AHE3/54?
P4KA18AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA18AHE3/54 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 P4KA18AHE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KA18AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA18AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA18AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA18AHE3/54 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 P4KA18AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA18AHE3/54?
All P4KA18AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA18AHE3/54, 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 P4KA18AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA18AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KA18AHE3/54 Tags

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