Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA20AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA20AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA20AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,134
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Product details
Overview
P6KA20AHE3/73 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 17.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 19.0–21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 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 ECUs, industrial motor drives, and telecom interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA20AHE3/73 datasheet, P6KA20AHE3/73 pinout, P6KA20AHE3/73 application, or P6KA20AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-15 package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, high-temperature operation up to +185 °C, and low clamping voltage under 28 V at 21.7 A surge.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable clamping under repetitive transients. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and AEC-Q101 qualification confirm suitability for under-hood automotive environments and high-reliability industrial control systems.
The device operates exclusively in unidirectional mode, with clamping performance defined by its 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 21.7 A (10/1000 μs), low incremental surge resistance, and fast response time - enabling effective suppression of inductive switching spikes and lightning-induced surges on DC power rails and sensor lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets safe operating margin above nominal 12 V or 15 V rail. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 19.0–21.0 V at 1 mA - Confirmed reverse breakdown range ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤27.7 V at IPPM = 21.7 A - Limits downstream voltage stress during 600 W transient, protecting 30 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains standardized surge energy per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 without degradation. |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power stages) without derating in automotive and industrial designs. |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - Protects only against positive transients on cathode-biased lines; requires correct orientation in series with protected node. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band; RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; completes clamping path during positive transients. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply); color band identifies this end for correct PCB orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation optimized design | Ensures stable VBR and leakage (<1 μA at VWM) across temperature and lifetime, critical for long-term reliability in sealed enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates performance under automotive-grade stress tests (HTOL, TC, UHAST), supporting use in engine control, ADAS, and body electronics. |
| 10/1000 μs waveform capability | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and telecom equipment with minimal layout impact. |
| Low clamping voltage (27.7 V) | Provides tighter voltage margin than generic 33 V TVS devices, allowing use with 30 V tolerant components without derating. |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump and alternator ripple transients on 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery line and local regulator input to clamp surges before LDO or DC/DC stage. Use Value: Clamps to ≤27.7 V at 21.7 A, preventing damage to 30 V-rated power management ICs while meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements. | Use Scenario: Protects 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-connected TVS on each optocoupler input line to absorb inductive kickback from solenoid/valve drivers. Use Value: Withstands 600 W pulses and maintains <1 μA leakage at 17.1 V, ensuring no false triggering during normal 24 V operation. |
| Telecom Base Station DC Power Feeds | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Power Stage |
Use Scenario: Shields -48 V DC power inputs in remote radio units from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on feed line prior to DC/DC converter and hot-swap controller. Use Value: 185 °C rating allows mounting near power converters; 27.7 V clamping protects -48 V system components referenced to chassis ground. | Use Scenario: Guards gate driver supply rails in washing machine BLDC inverters against commutation spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across 15 V gate driver supply to limit transient overshoot during MOSFET switching. Use Value: Fast response and low clamping ensure gate oxide integrity; AEC-Q101 qualification supports extended thermal cycling in appliance environments. |
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 DO-214AC package; 20 V VWM, 22.2–24.5 V VBR, 30 V VC at 19.4 A - higher clamping voltage, lower surge rating (400 W). | Less suitable for 12 V systems requiring tight clamping; better for cost-sensitive consumer applications with lower surge exposure. | Select P6KA20AHE3/73 when clamping <28 V and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory. |
| 1.5KE20A | DO-201AD package; same 20 V VWM, but 22.2–24.5 V VBR, 32.4 V VC at 18.5 A - larger footprint, higher clamping, non-AEC-Q101. | Used in legacy industrial power supplies where board space permits larger packages and automotive qualification is not required. | Choose P6KA20AHE3/73 for space-constrained, high-reliability automotive or industrial designs needing verified 185 °C operation. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, P6KA20AHE3/73 delivers superior clamping (27.7 V vs. ≥30 V), higher surge robustness (600 W), and certified AEC-Q101 qualification - making it the preferred choice for next-generation automotive and harsh-environment industrial protection where voltage margin and reliability are critical.
Availability
P6KA20AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and telecom DC feed protection requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P6KA20AHE3/73 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, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The P6KAxxA series belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Protected Anisotropic Rectifier) transient voltage suppressor family, engineered specifically for high-temperature, high-reliability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA20AHE3/73 under rated surge conditions?
The P6KA20AHE3/73 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 ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures reliable protection of downstream 30 V-rated components without overstress.
Is the P6KA20AHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA20AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications including engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies where high reliability and thermal stability are required.
What does the "HE3/73" suffix indicate in P6KA20AHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, while "/73" specifies packaging in 7-inch tape-and-reel format with 4000 units per reel - confirming full compliance with automotive and industrial assembly requirements.
How does the unidirectional polarity of P6KA20AHE3/73 affect circuit implementation?
The P6KA20AHE3/73 is unidirectional and must be oriented with its cathode toward the protected line and anode to ground. It conducts only during positive transients; reverse-biased operation blocks normal DC voltage, so polarity must match the expected surge direction in the target application.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) and why is it critical for P6KA20AHE3/73 selection?
The P6KA20AHE3/73 has a standoff voltage (VWM) of 17.1 V, meaning it remains non-conductive below this DC or RMS voltage. This parameter ensures no leakage or power loss during normal operation while providing sufficient margin above common 12 V or 15 V rails - essential for avoiding false triggering in stable power systems.
P6KA20AHE3/73 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):
- 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)
P6KA20AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA20AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA20AHE3/73 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 P6KA20AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA20AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA20AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA20AHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA20AHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA20AHE3/73?
P6KA20AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA20AHE3/73 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 P6KA20AHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA20AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA20AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA20AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA20AHE3/73 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 P6KA20AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA20AHE3/73?
All P6KA20AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA20AHE3/73, 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 P6KA20AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA20AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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