Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA20HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KA20HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA20HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,681
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Product details
Overview
P6KA20HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18.0–22.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 16.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 20.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to 29.1 V at rated surge, enabling robust protection of MOSFETs and ICs in automotive power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA20HE3/54 datasheet, P6KA20HE3/54 pinout, P6KA20HE3/54 application, or P6KA20HE3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-204AC package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge, and direct alternatives for circuit-level ESD/surge hardening in high-reliability embedded systems.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a silicon avalanche diode with passivated anisotropic rectifier technology, optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity and 185 °C maximum junction temperature support operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial power converters where thermal stability is critical.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression and is rated for repetitive 10/1000 µs surges at 0.01% duty cycle. Clamping voltage is specified at IPPM = 20.6 A, and leakage remains ≤1.0 µA at VWM = 16.2 V up to 150 °C - confirming suitability for low-power sensor rail protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 18.0 V / 22.0 V - defines minimum voltage at which avalanche conduction begins reliably; ensures no false triggering below 18.0 V under normal operation |
| VWM | 16.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; sets safe operating margin below breakdown for 12 V nominal systems |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.1 V - clamping voltage during 20.6 A surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream protected ICs |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling (10/1000 µs); supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity testing |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in engine control units and power inverters without derating in high-ambient zones |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - confirms reliability for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Cathode indicated by color band. Meets 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 TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Passivated anisotropic rectifier structure | Enables stable VBR tolerance and low leakage across temperature without surface degradation |
| 185 °C junction rating | Supports uninterrupted operation in under-hood ECUs and motor drive modules without thermal shutdown |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b surges and IEC 61000-4-5 Combination Wave (1.2/50 µs + 8/20 µs) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates long-term reliability for automotive applications including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during transients, reducing stress on downstream MOSFET gate oxides and logic inputs |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power inputs against load dump and alternator transients in body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VIN and GND, clamping surges before they reach LDO input. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 29.1 V during 20.6 A transients, preventing damage to 33 V-rated input stages and ensuring system reset integrity. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA transmitter) from ESD and inductive switching noise in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting fast transients (<1 ns rise) to chassis ground. Use Value: Sub-1 µA leakage at 16.2 V preserves signal accuracy; 29.1 V clamping prevents op-amp saturation and ADC overrange errors. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Feeder Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC/DC adapter secondary-side 12 V outputs against cross-coupled surges from nearby switching circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on regulated output rail, upstream of USB-PD controller. Use Value: 600 W rating absorbs multiple repetitive 10/1000 µs events without degradation; DO-15 package allows through-hole mounting in high-vibration environments. | Use Scenario: Protecting -48 V telecom power distribution boards from lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on negative rail, referenced to system ground, absorbing positive-going transients. Use Value: 185 °C rating ensures performance in sealed outdoor cabinets; 1.0 µA leakage at 16.2 V avoids drain on backup batteries. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 20 V VWM, 33.2 V VC @ 17.1 A, same 600 W rating | Surface-mount footprint; lower thermal resistance but requires PCB rework for through-hole legacy designs | Select SMBJ20A only if board layout supports SMD and thermal management leverages copper pour |
| 1.5KE20A | DO-201AD package, 20 V VWM, 32.4 V VC @ 18.5 A, 1500 W rating (10/1000 µs), higher IFSM (100 A) | Larger case size; higher surge capacity but slower response due to higher junction capacitance (~150 pF vs. ~50 pF) | Choose 1.5KE20A for high-energy lightning protection where clamping speed is secondary to energy absorption |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, P6KA20HE3/54 offers optimal balance of compact DO-15 through-hole form factor, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low-clamp performance - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive modules requiring validated reliability without SMT conversion.
Availability
P6KA20HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom DC feeder line safeguarding requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KA20HE3/54 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, high-temperature, and automotive-grade solutions.
The P6KA series belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Protected Avalanche Rectifier) family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh-environment applications including engine control, power conversion, and industrial automation where AEC-Q101 compliance and 185 °C operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range for P6KA20HE3/54?
The P6KA20HE3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 18.0 V to 22.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This range ensures reliable avalanche initiation while maintaining sufficient margin above its 16.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM) to prevent false triggering in 12 V automotive systems. The specification is validated across temperature and production lots per AEC-Q101 requirements.
Is P6KA20HE3/54 qualified for automotive use?
Yes, P6KA20HE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTGB), high-temperature operating life (HTOL), and temperature cycling (TCT). Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and DO-204AC package with matte tin leads meet automotive under-hood reliability standards. The HE3 suffix further confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
What is the clamping voltage of P6KA20HE3/54 under surge conditions?
The P6KA20HE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 29.1 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 20.6 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This clamping voltage is measured at the device terminals under standardized surge conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry - critical for ensuring compatibility with 33 V-tolerant IC inputs and MOSFET gate oxide ratings.
Does P6KA20HE3/54 have unidirectional or bidirectional polarity?
P6KA20HE3/54 is unidirectional only, with cathode denoted by a color band on the DO-204AC package. It conducts surge current only when the anode is negative relative to the cathode - making it suitable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P6K20A) are separate part numbers and not interchangeable with P6KA20HE3/54.
What package type does P6KA20HE3/54 use, and what are its key mechanical features?
P6KA20HE3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: 0.375" (9.5 mm) body length, 0.140" (3.6 mm) diameter, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, and UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy molding compound. The HE3 suffix indicates RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, supporting high-reliability assembly in automotive and industrial manufacturing.
P6KA20HE3/54 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):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.6A
- 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)
P6KA20HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA20HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA20HE3/54 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 P6KA20HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA20HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA20HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA20HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA20HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA20HE3/54?
P6KA20HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA20HE3/54 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 P6KA20HE3/54?
For technical support, including P6KA20HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA20HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA20HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA20HE3/54 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 P6KA20HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA20HE3/54?
All P6KA20HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA20HE3/54, 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 P6KA20HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA20HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KA20HE3/54 Tags

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