Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA20AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KA20AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA20AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,297
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Product details
Overview
P6KA20AHE3/54 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 19.0–21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 21.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤27.7 V at rated surge - deployed in automotive power supply rails, industrial sensor interfaces, and MOSFET gate protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA20AHE3/54 datasheet, P6KA20AHE3/54 pinout, P6KA20AHE3/54 application, or P6KA20AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C junction rating, DO-15 package compatibility, and verified clamping performance under repetitive 10/1000 μs transients in high-reliability embedded systems.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with optimized junction passivation for stable operation up to TJ = 185 °C. Its unidirectional polarity enables integration into DC-biased lines where reverse conduction must be blocked until clamping threshold is exceeded.
The device delivers consistent clamping response with low incremental surge resistance and fast turn-on (typical response time <1 ps), validated under IEC 61000-4-5 surge conditions. It is rated for 75 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and exhibits a +0.090 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage while avoiding false trips during transients near VWM |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA, defining safe operating margin for 15–16 V DC rails |
| IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 21.7 A - peak surge current it safely shunts without degradation, supporting Level 4 IEC 61000-4-5 compliance |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤27.7 V - clamped voltage during full-rated surge, limiting stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or gate drivers |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-power industrial enclosures without derating |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 9.5 mm body length, compatible with legacy through-hole assembly |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTRB, HTGB, and temperature cycling |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking; body diameter 3.6 mm, length 9.5 mm, lead diameter 0.86 mm; RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during positive surges when used in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Clamping terminal | Marked by color band; connected to higher-potential side (e.g., VIN, signal line); initiates avalanche breakdown when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables protection against severe load dump and inductive switching events without thermal runaway |
| 185 °C junction rating | Supports uninterrupted operation in engine control units and motor drive modules exposed to ambient >125 °C |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes voltage overshoot across protected devices, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in MOSFETs |
| Matte tin leads, JESD 201 Class 2 | Prevents tin whisker growth in long-life industrial and automotive deployments, eliminating latent field failure risk |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed across battery input of engine control unit (ECU) to suppress ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp that diverts surge energy to ground before it reaches LDO regulators and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits peak rail voltage to ≤27.7 V during 12 V system load dump, preventing regulator shutdown and preserving ECU functionality. | Use Scenario: Placed on analog output line of pressure sensor in factory automation PLC module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response overvoltage clamp protecting 4–20 mA transmitter circuitry from ESD and cable coupling transients. Use Value: Clamps 8 kV contact ESD to <30 V within <1 ns, maintaining sensor accuracy and avoiding ADC saturation or op-amp latch-up. |
| MOSFET Gate Protection | Telecom DC Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Connected between gate and source of high-side N-channel MOSFET in 24 V industrial motor driver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage limiter that prevents gate oxide rupture during Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching transitions. Use Value: Clamps gate-source voltage to ≤27.7 V, staying well below typical 30 V MOSFET VGS(max), ensuring long-term gate reliability. | Use Scenario: Mounted on -48 V DC input of telecom base station power module to absorb lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression stage upstream of DC/DC converters and hot-swap controllers. Use Value: Handles 600 W surges with minimal capacitance (<100 pF), avoiding signal integrity issues on high-frequency management buses. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same VWM (17.1 V), identical DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and lower IPPM (19.5 A) | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial-grade consumer or computing applications only | Select SMAJ20A only if automotive qualification and 600 W surge headroom are not required |
| 1.5KE20A | Higher VC (32.4 V), same DO-15 package, but larger body (10.2 mm length), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Larger footprint and higher clamping voltage reduce suitability for space-constrained automotive PCBs and low-voltage ICs | Choose 1.5KE20A only when legacy 1.5 kW series design reuse is prioritized over modern reliability and compactness |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, P6KA20AHE3/54 provides superior automotive-grade reliability (AEC-Q101), tighter clamping (27.7 V vs. ≥32.4 V), and higher surge capacity (600 W) in the same DO-15 footprint - making it optimal for next-generation automotive and industrial designs demanding long-term stability under thermal stress.
Availability
P6KA20AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for P6KA20AHE3/54 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on high-reliability and automotive-grade performance.
The P6KA series is part of Vishay's PAR® (Protected Avalanche Rated) TVS platform, engineered specifically for harsh-environment overvoltage protection where sustained high-temperature operation and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA20AHE3/54 under full-rated surge conditions?
The P6KA20AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 21.7 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees protection for downstream components with voltage tolerances up to 30 V, such as logic-level MOSFET gates and automotive microcontrollers. The P6KA20AHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P6KA20AHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA20AHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, making it fully suitable for under-hood and powertrain applications. Its construction meets automotive reliability standards including high-temperature reverse bias, humidity resistance, and mechanical shock testing. The P6KA20AHE3/54 is commonly used in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor power conditioning circuits.
What does the "HE3/54" suffix indicate in P6KA20AHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements, while "/54" specifies packaging in 13-inch paper tape and reel with a base quantity of 4000 units. This packaging format supports automated SMT placement when used with axial-to-SMT adapters, and the HE3 finish ensures solderability and long-term interconnect reliability in high-reliability applications using the P6KA20AHE3/54.
How does the P6KA20AHE3/54 differ from the non-A version (P6KA20HE3/54)?
The P6KA20AHE3/54 has tighter VBR tolerance (19.0–21.0 V) versus P6KA20HE3/54 (18.0–22.0 V), resulting in more precise and predictable clamping onset. It also features lower maximum leakage current (1.0 μA at VWM) and improved temperature coefficient consistency. These enhancements make the P6KA20AHE3/54 preferable for precision-sensitive applications such as low-power sensor nodes and regulated power supply inputs where leakage and threshold stability are critical.
Can the P6KA20AHE3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P6KA20AHE3/54 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet. It conducts in reverse bias above VBR but blocks forward current beyond ~3.5 V. For bidirectional protection, two P6KA20AHE3/54 devices must be connected in series opposition, or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as SMBJ20CA should be selected. Using a single P6KA20AHE3/54 in AC-coupled or floating signal paths will not provide symmetrical clamping.
P6KA20AHE3/54 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):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 21.7A
- 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)
P6KA20AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA20AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA20AHE3/54 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 P6KA20AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA20AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA20AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA20AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA20AHE3/54 transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for P6KA20AHE3/54?
P6KA20AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA20AHE3/54 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 P6KA20AHE3/54?
For technical support, including P6KA20AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA20AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA20AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA20AHE3/54 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 P6KA20AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA20AHE3/54?
All P6KA20AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA20AHE3/54, 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 P6KA20AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA20AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KA20AHE3/54 Tags

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