Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE18CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE18CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE18CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,212
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Product details
Overview
P4KE18CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 17.1–18.9 V), 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor line protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE18CAHE3/54 datasheet, P4KE18CAHE3/54 pinout, P4KE18CAHE3/54 application, or P4KE18CAHE3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-41 mechanical data, clamping performance under standardized surge waveforms, and direct alternatives with documented parameter divergence.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with no polarity marking on the DO-41 body. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins against ESD and inductive switching spikes.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it supports high-reliability automotive applications per AEC-Q101 (HE3 suffix), and its 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows effective heat dissipation without heatsinking under transient conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines reliable conduction onset threshold in both directions |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability per single 10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01% duty cycle |
| IPPM | 15.9 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without degradation |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial motor control enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; bidirectional symmetry means no anode/cathode identification - unmarked cylindrical body with axial leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | Transient current entry point (negative polarity) | Conducts during negative-going surges; forms symmetrical clamping path with cathode |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | Transient current entry point (positive polarity) | Conducts during positive-going surges; completes bidirectional clamping loop |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime, critical for ESD immunity compliance |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) on 50 Ω source impedance |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive subsystems including body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across differential or single-ended signal lines upstream of interface ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤25.2 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V-tolerant transceivers and ADC front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Shielding digital input modules from inductive kickback when controlling solenoids, relays, and contactors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected surge suppressor on 24 V DC input terminals, absorbing energy from 10/1000 μs transients. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses without degradation, enabling >100,000 surge events per IEC 61000-4-4 compliance testing. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection in AC/DC adapters for USB-C PD and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated clamp on 12–19 V DC output rails, triggered only during fault conditions like feedback loop failure. Use Value: 15.3 V VWM ensures no conduction during normal regulation; 25.2 V clamping protects downstream DC-DC converters and USB controllers. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection on Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceiver lines exposed to lightning-induced surges in outdoor base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage TVS in multi-level protection scheme, shunting >90% of surge energy before GDT or MOV stages. Use Value: Fast response and low VC preserve signal integrity on 100 Mbps+ links while meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM; VC = 29.2 V @ 20.9 A; higher surge rating but larger footprint | Better suited for PCBs with space for SMC/SMB packages and need for >400 W margin | Select SMBJ18CA when board layout permits surface-mount and higher peak power is required. |
| 1.5KE18CA | DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM; VC = 29.2 V @ 51.3 A; higher power but longer lead inductance | Preferred for high-energy AC line protection where lead inductance is less critical | Choose 1.5KE18CA for mains-input surge suppression where DO-41's 400 W is insufficient. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, P4KE18CAHE3/54 offers optimal balance of compact DO-41 through-hole fit, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 15.3 V standoff for 18 V nominal systems - making it ideal for space-constrained automotive and industrial control boards requiring proven reliability.
Availability
P4KE18CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom line interfaces requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE18CAHE3/54 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 diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P4KE series targets cost-sensitive yet mission-critical transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems - delivering AEC-Q101-compliant performance in legacy through-hole form factors.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P4KE18CAHE3/54?
The P4KE18CAHE3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5.6% tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports robust design margins in 15–18 V system rails.
Is P4KE18CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4KE18CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified (indicated by the HE3 suffix) and rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature. It is widely deployed in automotive body electronics, sensor interfaces, and infotainment power supplies where bidirectional transient suppression and long-term reliability are mandatory.
How does the clamping voltage of P4KE18CAHE3/54 compare to its standoff voltage?
P4KE18CAHE3/54 has a 15.3 V standoff voltage (VWM) and clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current. This 9.9 V differential provides a 65 % overvoltage margin above VWM, ensuring safe operation during normal conditions while limiting fault voltage to levels compatible with 24 V-tolerant interface ICs.
What is the meaning of the "CA" and "HE3" suffixes in P4KE18CAHE3/54?
The "CA" suffix denotes bidirectional configuration (symmetrical clamping in both polarities); "HE3" indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The "/54" refers to the preferred packaging code: 5500-piece 13-inch paper tape and reel.
Can P4KE18CAHE3/54 replace unidirectional P4KE18A in existing designs?
No - P4KE18CAHE3/54 is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas P4KE18A is unidirectional with cathode band. Substitution requires circuit review: bidirectional use demands symmetric placement across floating or differential lines, while unidirectional types require correct orientation relative to ground. Direct replacement may cause malfunction or reduced protection.
P4KE18CAHE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.9A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE18CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE18CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE18CAHE3/54 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 P4KE18CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE18CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE18CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE18CAHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE18CAHE3/54 transactions.
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P4KE18CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE18CAHE3/54 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 P4KE18CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE18CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE18CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE18CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE18CAHE3/54 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 P4KE18CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE18CAHE3/54?
All P4KE18CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE18CAHE3/54, 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 P4KE18CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE18CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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