Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA18HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KA18HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA18HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,516
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Product details
Overview
P4KA18HE3/54 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), 16.2–19.8 V breakdown voltage, and 15.1 A peak pulse current. It protects MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in engine control units and sensor signal lines.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA18HE3/54 datasheet, P4KA18HE3/54 pinout, P4KA18HE3/54 application, or P4KA18HE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (26.5 V at 15.1 A), AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C max junction temperature, and RoHS-compliant HE3 packaging with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses Vishay's patented PAR® construction to deliver low incremental surge resistance and fast response time under high-energy transients. Its unidirectional polarity and 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation support continuous operation in automotive ambient conditions up to 125 °C.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for surge testing and is characterized with 10/1000 µs waveform per Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. Clamping performance is specified at IPPM = 15.1 A, yielding VC = 26.5 V - critical for safeguarding 24 V system logic interfaces.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 16.2–19.8 V at 1 mA - defines minimum voltage at which clamping initiates; ensures reliable turn-on before downstream IC damage |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 26.5 V at 15.1 A peak pulse - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case transient |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 400 W (10/1000 µs) - sustains high-energy surges common in automotive load-dump and inductive kick events |
| Operating Temperature Range | −65 °C to +185 °C - supports under-hood deployment and extended thermal margin in AEC-Q101 applications |
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 14.5 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage; matches 12 V nominal system rails |
| Leakage Current (ID) | ≤1.0 µA at VWM, TJ = 150 °C - ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, 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 in forward bias; connected to ground or low-side reference | Provides low-impedance path to ground during transient suppression; must be routed with minimal inductance |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; connected to protected line | Connected directly to signal/power line being protected; color band identifies this terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables consistent clamping performance across temperature and lifetime, reducing variance in surge protection margin |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive under-hood use including thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per stress test requirements |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b, and load-dump surges without degradation when properly heatsinked |
| JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability automotive electronics, eliminating latent short-circuit risk over 15+ year service life |
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 supply rail feeding microcontroller and driver ICs in gasoline/diesel ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor; clamps within nanoseconds of surge onset. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤26.5 V during 400 W transients, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3 V/5 V logic and MOSFET drivers. | Use Scenario: Protects analog output lines (e.g., throttle position, coolant temp) from inductive kickback caused by nearby solenoid actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at connector interface; shunts transient energy to chassis ground before reaching ADC input or op-amp buffer. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 14.5 V stand-off while clamping spikes to 26.5 V, preserving 12-bit measurement accuracy and avoiding ESD-induced offset drift. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) LIN Bus Protection | Start-Stop System Battery Monitoring Circuit |
Use Scenario: Shields LIN transceiver I/O pins from coupling noise and electrostatic discharge during door module actuation and window motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional TVS (CJ < 100 pF at VWM) placed inline with LIN data line, referenced to local ground. Use Value: Prevents false dominant detection and bus lock-up by limiting voltage excursions to 26.5 V without distorting 19.2 kbps signaling waveform. | Use Scenario: Safeguards voltage divider and ADC inputs monitoring 12 V battery health during repeated cranking cycles and regenerative braking events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at battery sense node; absorbs repetitive 20–40 V spikes with 0.01% duty cycle per ISO 16750-2. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted voltage reading down to −65 °C cold-cranking and up to +185 °C under-hood, enabling accurate state-of-charge estimation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A-E3/52 | Surface-mount SMB package; 18 V standoff; 26.5 V clamping at 15.1 A; same 400 W rating but lower IFSM (40 A vs. 40 A identical) | Requires PCB rework for SMT placement; better suited for space-constrained modules without axial lead routing | Select when board real estate is limited and automated assembly is preferred over through-hole insertion |
| 1.5KE18A | Through-hole DO-201AD package; identical VBR range and VC; higher thermal mass but no AEC-Q101 qualification or HE3 whisker rating | Lacks automotive reliability validation; suitable for industrial/commercial systems with less stringent lifetime requirements | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where 185 °C operation and 15-year field life are not mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ18A-E3/52 and 1.5KE18A, the P4KA18HE3/54 provides verified AEC-Q101 compliance, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and DO-41 mechanical robustness - making it the only option qualified for safety-critical automotive power and signal protection without derating or additional qualification effort.
Availability
P4KA18HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, battery monitoring circuits, and sensor interface protection requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KA18HE3/54 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 designs and manufactures discrete semiconductors for high-reliability applications, with focus on automotive, industrial, and computing markets. Founded in 1962, it emphasizes ruggedized packaging and AEC-Q101 validation.
The P4KA18HE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for under-hood transient suppression - targeting ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 compliance with extended temperature operation and long-term reliability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA18HE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA18HE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.5 V at 15.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures protected circuits remain below critical voltage thresholds during surge events. The P4KA18HE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P4KA18HE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KA18HE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating AEC-Q101 qualification and high-reliability automotive grade status. It meets requirements for thermal cycling, humidity resistance, mechanical shock, and tin whisker mitigation (JESD201 Class 2). The P4KA18HE3/54 is explicitly designed for under-hood use in ECUs, BCMs, and start-stop systems.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in P4KA18HE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, high-reliability/automotive-grade construction: matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The P4KA18HE3/54 is fully traceable and validated for automotive production use per Vishay Document Number 88364.
Can the P4KA18HE3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P4KA18HE3/54 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the "FEATURES" section of its datasheet. It conducts in reverse bias during transients and blocks forward current above ~3.5 V. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers separate part numbers such as P4SMA18CA; the P4KA18HE3/54 must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the P4KA18HE3/54?
The P4KA18HE3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +185 °C and operates from −65 °C to +185 °C. This rating enables direct placement near heat sources in automotive environments, supported by its DO-204AL package's thermal performance and derating curves in Figure 2 and Figure 5 of the datasheet. The P4KA18HE3/54 retains full specification compliance across this full range.
P4KA18HE3/54 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):
- 14.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.1A
- 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)
P4KA18HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA18HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA18HE3/54 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 P4KA18HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA18HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA18HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA18HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA18HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA18HE3/54?
P4KA18HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA18HE3/54 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 P4KA18HE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KA18HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA18HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA18HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA18HE3/54 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 P4KA18HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA18HE3/54?
All P4KA18HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA18HE3/54, 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 P4KA18HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA18HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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