Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA18AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KA18AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA18AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,237
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Product details
Overview
P6KA18AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 23.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤25.2 V at rated surge - deployed in automotive power rails and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA18AHE3/54 datasheet, P6KA18AHE3/54 pinout, P6KA18AHE3/54 application, or P6KA18AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, TJ = 185 °C operation, and clamping performance under 10/1000 μs transients in high-reliability embedded systems.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable clamping across temperature. Its unidirectional architecture provides low forward voltage (VF = 3.5 V at 50 A) and fast response to ESD and switching transients while maintaining low incremental surge resistance.
Rated for TJ = –65 °C to +185 °C and qualified to AEC-Q101, the device supports automotive-grade reliability under repetitive surge stress (duty cycle ≤0.01 %) and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via molded epoxy encapsulation in the DO-204AC case.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - precise breakdown threshold ensuring predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤25.2 V at 23.8 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 10/1000 μs surges |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per standard 10/1000 μs waveform |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| IFSM | 75 A - non-repetitive forward surge rating supports inrush and fault-current handling |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - protects against positive-going transients only; cathode marked by color band |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; cathode denoted by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; defines unidirectional conduction direction |
| Cathode | Clamping node / surge sink | Connected to protected line's high-side; conducts during overvoltage to clamp voltage to VC ≤25.2 V |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Enables stable VBR and low leakage (<1 μA at VWM, TJ = 150 °C) over lifetime and temperature |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive power electronics including engine control units and body modules |
| 185 °C junction rating | Supports operation in high-ambient environments without derating in compact PCB layouts |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a) |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flame-retardancy requirements for industrial and transportation end equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 15.3 V. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.2 V during 600 W transients, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V output lines, cathode tied to supply rail. Use Value: Clamps fast transients without distorting low-bandwidth analog signals due to minimal parasitic capacitance. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feed Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters subjected to lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on +5 V/+12 V output rails to absorb residual transients passing through primary-side protection. Use Value: Maintains 15.3 V operating margin while delivering 23.8 A surge current capacity for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance. | Use Scenario: Protecting PoE-powered devices (e.g., IP cameras) from voltage spikes on 48 V DC feed lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on DC input before DC/DC converter, referenced to common ground. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 600 W pulses at 0.01 % duty cycle, enabling long-term reliability in outdoor telecom deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower PPPM (400 W); VBR = 20–22.1 V; VF = 3.5 V | Lower power handling; suited for space-constrained consumer designs with moderate surge exposure | Select when board area is critical and peak surge energy is ≤400 W; not AEC-Q101 qualified |
| 1.5KE18A | DO-201AD package; same 600 W rating; VBR = 17.1–18.9 V; higher VF (4.5 V); no AEC-Q101 qualification | Larger footprint; higher forward drop increases conduction loss during sustained overvoltage | Choose for legacy industrial designs where DO-201AD is already standardized and automotive qualification is not required |
Compared with SMAJ18A and 1.5KE18A, P6KA18AHE3/54 delivers AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC form factor compatibility, and identical VBR/VWM specs - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and high-reliability industrial designs requiring validated long-term stability at TJ = 185 °C.
Availability
P6KA18AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom DC power feed circuits requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KA18AHE3/54 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and high-temperature performance.
The P6KA series belongs to Vishay's PAR® transient voltage suppressor family, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C operation, and consistent clamping under repetitive surge stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P6KA18AHE3/54 under maximum rated surge current?
The P6KA18AHE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 23.8 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures downstream components experience limited overvoltage stress during transient events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range up to TJ = 185 °C.
Is the P6KA18AHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA18AHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures up to +185 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and body-control module applications. Its DO-204AC package, matte tin-plated leads, and compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing further validate its suitability for automotive production environments.
What does the "HE3/54" suffix indicate in P6KA18AHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction and AEC-Q101 qualification; "54" specifies the preferred packaging code - 4000 units per 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel. This ordering format ensures consistent logistics handling and automated assembly compatibility for high-volume manufacturing.
How does the unidirectional configuration of P6KA18AHE3/54 affect circuit protection design?
The unidirectional configuration of P6KA18AHE3/54 means it conducts only during positive voltage excursions relative to its cathode. It must be oriented with cathode toward the protected line and anode to ground or low-side reference. This topology provides lower leakage and sharper clamping than bidirectional variants but does not protect against negative-going transients.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation of P6KA18AHE3/54?
The P6KA18AHE3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 5.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-frequency operation - not transient suppression. For reliable long-term operation, thermal design must ensure junction temperature remains within –65 °C to +185 °C under worst-case ambient and power conditions.
P6KA18AHE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 23.8A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- 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-204AC (DO-15)
P6KA18AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA18AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA18AHE3/54 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 P6KA18AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA18AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA18AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA18AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA18AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA18AHE3/54?
P6KA18AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA18AHE3/54 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 P6KA18AHE3/54?
For technical support, including P6KA18AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA18AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA18AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA18AHE3/54 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 P6KA18AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA18AHE3/54?
All P6KA18AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA18AHE3/54, 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 P6KA18AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA18AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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