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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA18AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA18AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA18AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,151
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Product details
Overview
P6KA18AHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and operates up to +185 °C junction temperature - ideal for automotive power line and sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA18AHE3/73 datasheet, P6KA18AHE3/73 pinout, P6KA18AHE3/73 application, or P6KA18AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (25.2 V at 23.8 A), unidirectional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, and high-temperature reliability in harsh environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable clamping under repetitive surge conditions. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and AEC-Q101 qualification confirm suitability for automotive under-hood applications where thermal stress and long-term reliability are critical.
The device delivers 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 23.8 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), with low incremental surge resistance and fast response time enabling effective suppression of inductive switching transients and ESD events on DC power rails and signal lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe DC bias margin. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - Tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on threshold for transient clamping. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at IPPM = 23.8 A - Limits downstream voltage during surge, protecting ICs and MOSFETs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains high-energy transients without failure; meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3. |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - Enables operation in engine control units, motor drivers, and other high-ambient-temperature locations. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Protects only against positive-going transients on cathode-grounded configurations. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronic systems per stress test requirements including HTRB, HTGB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, molded epoxy case with UL 94 V-0 rating. Cathode indicated by color band. Matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Positive terminal during forward conduction | Connected to protected line (e.g., battery rail); conducts during surge to clamp voltage. |
| Cathode | Negative terminal; marked with band | Typically grounded; establishes reference for clamping action and defines unidirectional behavior. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Ensures stable leakage and breakdown characteristics over 15+ years in automotive environments. |
| 185 °C junction capability | Supports placement near heat sources (e.g., power modules) without derating or thermal shutdown. |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a surges and load dump transients in 12 V systems. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive use with zero early-life failures across temperature cycling, humidity, and bias tests. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge, reducing stress on downstream silicon like microcontrollers and gate drivers. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load dump and alternator ripple transients on 12 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and ground to clamp positive surges above 15.3 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies and CAN transceivers during ISO 16750-2 events. |
Use Scenario: Shields analog front-ends of pressure, temperature, and position sensors from ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on sensor supply line (VSUPPLY) referenced to system ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting transient-induced offset shifts and preventing ADC saturation or reset faults. |
| Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection | Telecom DC Power Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Guards high-side/low-side gate driver ICs from shoot-through-induced voltage spikes in BLDC inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS on driver VDD rail to absorb Miller-induced transients during MOSFET switching. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and gate oxide stress, extending driver lifetime in 48 V e-bike and HVAC compressor drives. |
Use Scenario: Protects PoE-powered equipment inputs from lightning-induced surges on -48 V telecom distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on DC input before DC/DC converter stage in base station radios. Use Value: Meets GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge immunity with minimal footprint and no series impedance impact on steady-state operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/57T | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower PPPM (400 W); VBR 19.0–21.0 V; TJ max. = 150 °C | Limited to lower-energy transients; not AEC-Q101 qualified; unsuitable for under-hood automotive use | Select when cost-sensitive industrial designs require surface-mount and thermal budget allows <150 °C operation. |
| 1.5KE18A | DO-201AD package; same 18 V nominal VBR; higher VF (3.5 V); 1500 W PPPM but larger footprint and slower response | Higher clamping voltage (29.2 V) reduces protection margin; not AEC-Q101 qualified; legacy through-hole only | Choose only for legacy board refreshes requiring identical pin spacing and higher single-pulse energy handling. |
Compared with SMAJ18A-E3/57T and 1.5KE18A, P6KA18AHE3/73 offers superior thermal robustness (185 °C vs. ≤150 °C), tighter VBR tolerance, lower clamping voltage (25.2 V vs. ≥29.2 V), and automotive-grade qualification - making it the preferred choice for new high-reliability designs.
Availability
P6KA18AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom DC power inputs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for P6KA18AHE3/73 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The P6KA18AHE3/73 belongs to Vishay's PAR® family of high-temperature TVS diodes, engineered specifically for harsh-environment overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and transportation systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA18AHE3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KA18AHE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 23.8 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and guarantees that downstream circuitry remains below this voltage during surge events, preserving functionality of connected ICs and MOSFETs.
Is the P6KA18AHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA18AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power supplies. Its DO-204AC package and unidirectional configuration align with common automotive layout practices.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in P6KA18AHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads, compliant with J-STD-002 solderability standards and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It also confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and UL 94 V-0 mold compound - all verified per Vishay document 88368.
How does the P6KA18AHE3/73 differ from the non-"A" variant P6KA18?
The P6KA18AHE3/73 has a tighter breakdown voltage range (17.1–18.9 V) versus P6KA18 (16.2–19.8 V), resulting in more consistent clamping behavior. It also exhibits lower maximum reverse leakage (1.0 μA at VWM vs. 1.0 μA, same spec but tighter process control) and improved temperature coefficient stability (0.088 %/°C).
Can the P6KA18AHE3/73 be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No, the P6KA18AHE3/73 is unidirectional only, with cathode marked by a band. For bidirectional protection, a separate device such as the P6SMB18AHE3/A or dual-diode configuration is required. Using P6KA18AHE3/73 in reverse-biased AC or data-line applications will not provide negative-swing suppression.
P6KA18AHE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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)
P6KA18AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA18AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA18AHE3/73 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 P6KA18AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA18AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA18AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA18AHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA18AHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA18AHE3/73?
P6KA18AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA18AHE3/73 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 P6KA18AHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA18AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA18AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA18AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA18AHE3/73 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 P6KA18AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA18AHE3/73?
All P6KA18AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA18AHE3/73, 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 P6KA18AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA18AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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