Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE18-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE18-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE18-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,883
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4KE18-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. It features a 17.1 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 1.0 mA test current, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and clamps up to 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current - deployed on power rails and signal lines of automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE18-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE18-E3/73 pinout, P4KE18-E3/73 application, or P4KE18-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-41 lead-form compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This device operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified breakdown range (17.1–18.9 V at 1.0 mA). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low incremental surge resistance, enabling consistent clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs transients at 0.01% duty cycle.
Designed for primary-side overvoltage protection, it conducts surge current away from downstream components while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V - critical for low-power sensor biasing and battery-backed circuits. The matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and the E3 suffix confirms JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise turn-on threshold for transient suppression |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises |
| IPPM | 15.9 A at 10/1000 μs - peak surge current it safely shunts without failure |
| VC | 25.2 V at IPPM - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability under standardized waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to lead, critical for PCB copper pour design |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with axial leads; cathode indicated by color band on body. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker requirements. Body conforms to UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche breakdown terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or CAN_H); conducts surge current to anode during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR across temperature and lifetime, minimizing parameter drift in automotive cycling |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in 12 V systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.48) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream MOSFET gates or MCU I/O pins during clamping |
| DO-41 axial package | Enables drop-in replacement in existing through-hole designs without retooling or footprint change |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed across 12 V battery feed to engine control unit (ECU) to suppress load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps positive transients above 15.3 V while blocking normal operating voltage. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by LDO regulators and microcontrollers to ≤25.2 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. | Use Scenario: Placed on analog output line of a pressure sensor in factory automation PLC I/O module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Absorbs ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) and inductive kickback from nearby solenoid drivers. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V, avoiding DC offset errors in 4–20 mA loop conditioning circuits. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection | Telecom Power Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Mounted across relay coil or BLDC motor phase winding in smart home HVAC control board. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Diverts inductive flyback energy (L·di/dt) during switch-off into low-impedance path, protecting driving MOSFETs. Use Value: Withstands 40 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine), surviving repeated motor startup surges without degradation. | Use Scenario: Applied at AC/DC adapter input stage of VoIP phone to suppress lightning-induced surges on PoE or wall-adapter lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense against differential-mode transients entering via primary-side rectifier output. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 μs surges to 25.2 V within nanoseconds, preventing overvoltage failure of bulk capacitor and controller IC. |
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 | Surface-mount SMB package; 18 V VBR; 600 W PPPM; RθJA = 35 °C/W (vs. 100 °C/W for DO-41) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT placement; better thermal performance on dense boards but no axial lead option | Select SMBJ18A for new SMT designs needing higher surge rating and lower profile; retain P4KE18-E3/73 for legacy through-hole or high-temperature lead-soldered assemblies. |
| 1.5KE18A | Same DO-41 package; 18 V VBR; 1500 W PPPM; higher IPPM (83.3 A); larger junction capacitance | Higher surge capacity suits heavy-duty industrial motor controls; less suitable for high-speed data lines due to CJ | Choose 1.5KE18A where surge energy exceeds 400 W limits (e.g., generator excitation circuits); prefer P4KE18-E3/73 for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, or low-capacitance applications. |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the P4KE18-E3/73 offers optimal balance of proven through-hole reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge handling - making it ideal for automotive body electronics and industrial control modules where leaded assembly and thermal margin are prioritized over raw power rating or footprint size.
Availability
P4KE18-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE18-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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the P4KE18-E3/73?
The P4KE18-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at a test current of 1.0 mA, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. This tight VBR tolerance ensures predictable turn-on behavior during transient events and supports reliable coordination with downstream overvoltage protection circuits in the P4KE18-E3/73 application space.
Is the P4KE18-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE18-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified (as confirmed by Vishay documentation for E3-suffix variants), making it suitable for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and infotainment systems. Its −55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range, glass-passivated junction, and validated surge endurance support deployment in under-hood and dashboard environments where the P4KE18-E3/73 must withstand thermal cycling and electrical stress.
What does the "-E3/73" suffix indicate in P4KE18-E3/73?
The "-E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/73" specifies packaging in 73 mm tape-and-reel format (5500 pcs/reel). This distinguishes it from other variants like -HE3 (AEC-Q101 qualified) or /54 (different reel diameter), ensuring correct procurement alignment with the P4KE18-E3/73's intended use case and manufacturing process.
How does the clamping voltage of P4KE18-E3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P4KE18-E3/73 clamps to 25.2 V at its rated 15.9 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR(min)) of approximately 1.48. This low ratio ensures minimal overvoltage stress on protected ICs - for example, keeping a 24 V-rated MCU I/O pin well within safe limits during surge events, a key design advantage of the P4KE18-E3/73 in system-level protection schemes.
Can P4KE18-E3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the P4KE18-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by its cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires a CA-suffixed part (e.g., P4KE18CA). Using P4KE18-E3/73 in reverse-biased AC applications would result in forward conduction and potential failure; always verify polarity alignment in the P4KE18-E3/73 circuit layout to ensure proper transient suppression directionality.
P4KE18-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:
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE18-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE18-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE18-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 P4KE18-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE18-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 P4KE18-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE18-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE18-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE18-E3/73?
P4KE18-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE18-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 P4KE18-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE18-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE18-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE18-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE18-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 P4KE18-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE18-E3/73?
All P4KE18-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE18-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 P4KE18-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE18-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE18-E3/73 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

