Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA7.5AHE3/54

Overview

P4KA7.5AHE3/54 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), 7.13–7.88 V breakdown voltage at 10 mA, and 185 °C maximum junction temperature. It protects MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients in automotive powertrain and body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 datasheet, P4KA7.5AHE3/54 pinout, P4KA7.5AHE3/54 application, or P4KA7.5AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (≤11.3 V at 500 A), AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant HE3 packaging, and thermal stability up to +185 °C junction temperature under repetitive surge conditions.

Technical Context

The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 uses Vishay's patented PAR® construction for low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of ESD and load-dump transients per ISO 7637-2. Its unidirectional polarity and 6.40 V stand-off voltage ensure compatibility with 5 V–6 V logic and microcontroller I/O rails.

Designed for high-reliability automotive environments, it operates across –65 °C to +185 °C, with 0.061 %/°C temperature coefficient of V_BR and <1 µA reverse leakage at V_WM (T_J = 150 °C), supporting stable clamping performance under thermal stress.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AL (DO-41) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band; compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards; passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker test.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ7.5A and 1.5KE7.5A, the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 delivers automotive-grade reliability in a compact DO-41 outline, with tighter clamping, higher T_J rating, and process-controlled terminations-critical for zero-defect production in safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

Availability

P4KA7.5AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, ADAS camera power supplies, and infotainment USB protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for P4KA7.5AHE3/54 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 including diodes, rectifiers, and TVS devices, with emphasis on high-reliability, high-efficiency, and automotive-qualified components.

The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 compliance in harsh environment ECUs, offering enhanced thermal robustness and AEC-Q101 validation.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 11.3 V at 500 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standardized test conditions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures that protected circuitry remains within safe operating limits during automotive load-dump events. The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 achieves this clamping performance using Vishay's PAR® construction for low dynamic impedance.

Is the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 qualified for automotive use?

Yes, the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and designated as high-reliability/automotive grade per its HE3 suffix. It undergoes rigorous stress testing-including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock-to meet automotive electronic subsystem requirements. The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 is routinely deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensors where functional safety and long-term reliability are mandatory.

What does the "HE3" suffix indicate on the P4KA7.5AHE3/54?

The "HE3" suffix on the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 denotes Vishay's high-reliability, RoHS-compliant packaging: matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards, plus JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance certification. This ensures robust intermetallic formation during reflow and eliminates tin whisker risk in high-vibration automotive environments. The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 HE3 variant is distinct from standard commercial versions in both process control and qualification scope.

How does the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 differ from the P4KA7.5 version?

The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 features a tighter breakdown voltage range (7.13–7.88 V vs. 6.75–8.25 V for P4KA7.5), improved temperature coefficient (0.061 %/°C vs. 0.060 %/°C), and AEC-Q101 qualification with HE3 packaging. The P4KA7.5AHE3/54 also specifies lower reverse leakage at elevated temperatures and is optimized for automotive production traceability. These enhancements make the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 the preferred choice for safety-critical vehicle applications over the base P4KA7.5.

Can the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 is unidirectional only, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet. Its internal structure supports clamping only from cathode to anode; reverse polarity operation is not characterized or guaranteed. For bidirectional protection, designers must select a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as the P4SMA7.5CAHE3 or equivalent. Using the P4KA7.5AHE3/54 in reverse-biased mode may result in premature failure or undefined clamping behavior.