Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA18AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KA18AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA18AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,216
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Product details
Overview
P4KA18AHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, with 17.1 V to 18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 25.5 V clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for under-hood electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA18AHE3/73 datasheet, P4KA18AHE3/73 pinout, P4KA18AHE3/73 application, or P4KA18AHE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal limits, clamping behavior, RoHS-compliant packaging, and automotive reliability validation - all critical for ESD/surge protection design in sensor signal lines, power rails, and MOSFET gate drivers.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device, leveraging patented PAR® construction to deliver low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns) during transient events. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and -65 °C to +185 °C operating range support high-temperature automotive environments.
Designed per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, it handles non-repetitive 10/1000 µs surges up to 400 W with 0.01% duty cycle, and withstands 40 A peak forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine). The 0.088 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient ensures stable breakdown across temperature gradients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where clamping initiates under transient stress |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.5 V at 15.9 A - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 400 W surge |
| IPPM | 15.9 A (10/1000 µs) - peak current capability without failure; determines minimum series impedance needed |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity under standardized waveform |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables placement near hot components (e.g., engine control units) without derating loss |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; must exceed normal system rail voltage |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA at 25 °C - negligible standby current draw; avoids battery drain in always-on systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102; cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional configuration; carries surge current to reference plane |
| Cathode | Clamping output terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., sensor supply); voltage clamps to ≤25.5 V when transients exceed VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables uniform junction stress distribution and repeatable 400 W surge handling without parametric shift |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge lifetime testing |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and EU RoHS 2002/95/EC requirements |
| High-temperature stability | 0.088 %/°C VBR coefficient ensures <±5% VBR drift over full -65 °C to +185 °C range |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V power rail of engine control modules against load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between input rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.5 V during 400 W surges, preventing damage to downstream DC/DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shields analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation against ESD and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. 100 pF) clamping diode on signal path to MCU ADC input. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 15.3 V, while clamping ±25.5 V spikes before they reach sensitive front-end circuitry. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) LIN Bus Protection | Telecom Power Supply Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguards LIN transceiver I/O pins against cable discharge events (IEC 61000-4-2) and inductive coupling in vehicle body networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between LIN bus line and ground, with cathode tied to bus. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to clamp ESD pulses to ≤25.5 V, preserving LIN communication integrity without signal distortion. | Use Scenario: Suppresses AC-line coupled surges (IEC 61000-4-5) on 24 V telecom power inputs feeding base station controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on secondary-side DC output, upstream of bulk capacitance. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W transients without degradation, enabling compliance with GR-1089-CORE immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | Same VBR range (16.2–19.8 V), but SMB package (surface-mount); 600 W PPPM; higher IPPM (32.4 A) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained board-level protection | Select when automated assembly and footprint density outweigh axial-lead serviceability needs |
| 1.5KE18A | Same DO-204AL package; lower PPPM (1500 W), but larger 1.5 kW rating; VBR 15.3–17.1 V; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial/commercial only; higher clamping (27.7 V) | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the P4KA18AHE3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-41 through-hole robustness, and tightly controlled 17.1–18.9 V VBR - making it optimal for production automotive systems requiring traceable reliability and legacy-compatible assembly.
Availability
P4KA18AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom power rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P4KA18AHE3/73 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 high-temperature performance.
The P4KA18AHE3/73 belongs to Vishay's automotive-grade TVS family designed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-environment electronics - targeting engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for P4KA18AHE3/73?
The P4KA18AHE3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1 mA test current, as specified in the Vishay document 88364. This tight tolerance supports precise overvoltage protection in 12 V automotive systems where margin above nominal rail is critical. The P4KA18AHE3/73 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.
Is P4KA18AHE3/73 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4KA18AHE3/73 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the "FEATURES" section of Vishay document 88364. It protects against positive transients on the cathode side relative to anode (ground). For bidirectional protection, a separate device such as P4SMA18A or dual-diode array would be required. The P4KA18AHE3/73 polarity is marked by a cathode band.
Does P4KA18AHE3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the P4KA18AHE3/73 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per note (1) on page 3 of Vishay document 88364. This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and surge lifetime - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive applications. The HE3 suffix further denotes high-reliability, RoHS-compliant construction.
What is the clamping voltage of P4KA18AHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA18AHE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 25.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 15.9 A (10/1000 µs waveform), as listed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of Vishay document 88364. This value is measured under standardized conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events.
Can P4KA18AHE3/73 be used in high-temperature environments like engine compartments?
Yes, the P4KA18AHE3/73 supports operation from -65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature, with full 400 W pulse power capability derated linearly above 25 °C ambient (per Fig. 2 in document 88364). Its 185 °C TJmax and AEC-Q101 qualification make it suitable for direct placement in engine control units and other high-heat automotive zones. The P4KA18AHE3/73 retains stable VBR due to its 0.088 %/°C coefficient.
P4KA18AHE3/73 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):
- 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)
P4KA18AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA18AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA18AHE3/73 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 P4KA18AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA18AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA18AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA18AHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA18AHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA18AHE3/73?
P4KA18AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA18AHE3/73 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 P4KA18AHE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KA18AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA18AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA18AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA18AHE3/73 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 P4KA18AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA18AHE3/73?
All P4KA18AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA18AHE3/73, 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 P4KA18AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA18AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KA18AHE3/73 Tags

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