Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE18C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE18C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE18C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,051
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Product details
Overview
P4KE18C-E3/73 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 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), and clamps to ≤25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE18C-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE18C-E3/73 pinout, P4KE18C-E3/73 application, or P4KE18C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and verified 175 °C junction temperature rating for under-hood automotive use.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both polarities, enabling robust suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 15.3 V), while the 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports reliable power dissipation under repetitive surge conditions.
The P4KE18C-E3/73 complies with AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via its molded epoxy DO-41 body. It delivers fast response time (<1.0 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O pins against ESD and load-dump events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range for bidirectional conduction |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤25.2 V at 15.9 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs transient, defining protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling per single 10/1000 μs waveform, duty cycle ≤0.01 % |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage, ensuring minimal standby power loss |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature, enabling operation in engine control units and powertrain modules |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to lead, supporting thermal design with PCB copper pour |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration - cathode/anode indistinguishable, terminals electrically symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as input/output for transient energy diversion in either polarity |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path to PCB ground or protected node | Leads connect directly to PCB traces; no internal differentiation - interchangeable mounting |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Self-extinguishing epoxy housing prevents flame propagation in enclosed automotive enclosures |
| 400 W 10/1000 μs rating | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and Pulse 2a (battery disconnect) waveforms |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Compatible with standard reflow and wave soldering processes without lead damage or delamination |
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 ESD events in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between signal line and chassis ground, absorbing transients before they reach sensitive interface ICs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under ISO 16750-2 load-dump (12 V system: +110 V/1 s) and IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact discharge. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across optocoupler input or microcontroller GPIO to clamp induced surges on 24 V DC field wiring. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and permanent damage during repetitive 400 V/100 ms transients per IEC 61000-4-4 electrical fast transient (EFT) testing. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side surge suppression on AC/DC adapter outputs feeding USB-C PD controllers or battery management ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed after secondary rectifier to limit output overvoltage during transformer saturation or feedback loop failure. Use Value: Clamps to ≤25.2 V within nanoseconds, preventing overvoltage shutdown or gate oxide rupture in downstream FETs and regulators. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection on Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceiver lines in network switches and base station equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protector on differential pair, shunting common-mode surges to ground before reaching isolation barrier or receiver input stage. Use Value: Handles 10/700 μs telecom lightning surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4: 4 kV) with <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V to avoid signal attenuation. |
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; lower RθJA (50 °C/W); higher VF (3.5 V) | Better suited for surface-mount boards with space constraints and higher surge repetition rates | Select SMBJ18CA when board real estate is limited and thermal vias support enhanced heat spreading. |
| 1.5KE18CA | DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM; larger footprint; higher IFSM (125 A) | Preferred for high-energy industrial motor drives where single-event energy exceeds 400 W capability | Choose 1.5KE18CA only if surge energy exceeds P4KE18C-E3/73's 400 W rating and through-hole mounting is acceptable. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the P4KE18C-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge handling in cost-sensitive automotive and industrial designs - neither drop-in nor pin-compatible due to DO-41 vs. DO-214AA/DO-201AD package mismatch.
Availability
P4KE18C-E3/73 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 P4KE18C-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P4KE18C-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P4KE18C-E3/73?
The P4KE18C-E3/73 is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics - it has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation. This enables simplified layout and eliminates polarity-checking during assembly, unlike unidirectional variants such as P4KE18A.
Is P4KE18C-E3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE18C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation, confirming its suitability for automotive use cases including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces where reliability under temperature cycling and vibration is mandatory.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE18C-E3/73 at rated surge current?
The P4KE18C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 15.9 A (10/1000 μs waveform), ensuring downstream ICs operating below this threshold remain within safe voltage limits during transient events.
Does P4KE18C-E3/73 meet RoHS and lead-free requirements?
Yes, the "E3" suffix in P4KE18C-E3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads, meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance and J-STD-002 solderability standards for lead-free assembly processes.
How does P4KE18C-E3/73 differ from P4KE18A?
The P4KE18C-E3/73 is bidirectional (denoted by "C"), while P4KE18A is unidirectional. The "C" variant provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic lines, whereas P4KE18A requires correct cathode orientation and only suppresses positive transients relative to its marked cathode.
P4KE18C-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE18C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE18C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE18C-E3/73 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 P4KE18C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE18C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE18C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE18C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE18C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE18C-E3/73?
P4KE18C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE18C-E3/73 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 P4KE18C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE18C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE18C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE18C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE18C-E3/73 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 P4KE18C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE18C-E3/73?
All P4KE18C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE18C-E3/73, 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 P4KE18C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE18C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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