Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA20HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA20HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA20HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,319
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Product details
Overview
P6KA20HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. 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 - deployed in automotive power line and industrial sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA20HE3/73 datasheet, P6KA20HE3/73 pinout, P6KA20HE3/73 application, or P6KA20HE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge, and direct alternatives for high-reliability 12 V–24 V system protection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable operation up to TJ = 185 °C. Its unidirectional polarity and low incremental surge resistance enable precise clamping during fast transients induced by inductive switching or ESD events.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and is rated for 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01 % duty cycle), with clamping voltage tightly specified at 29.1 V under 20.6 A surge - critical for safeguarding MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O lines in harsh environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 18.0 V / 22.0 V - ensures reliable triggering above normal 12 V–16 V rail operating range without false conduction |
| VWM | 16.2 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA, compatible with 12 V automotive systems |
| IPPM | 20.6 A - peak surge current it safely shunts during 10/1000 μs transient, defining minimum PCB trace width and fuse coordination |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.1 V - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit; must be below IC absolute maximum ratings (e.g., <30 V for many 3.3 V/5 V logic I/O) |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive locations and high-ambient industrial enclosures without derating |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per stress test plan |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 9.5 mm body length, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy, matte tin leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy-molded case with cathode indicated by color band. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, qualified for solder dip at 275 °C for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or low-voltage return path; defines forward conduction direction during surge |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply or signal); conducts when transient exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables single-device protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in 12 V vehicle networks |
| 185 °C junction rating | Supports placement near heat sources (e.g., power converters) without thermal derating in industrial control cabinets |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates long-term reliability for automotive applications including engine control modules and body electronics |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components compared to higher-ratio TVS devices |
| 0.090 %/°C VBR tempco | Ensures predictable breakdown shift across -40 °C to +125 °C ambient, critical for precision protection thresholds |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and inductive switching spikes in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp transients within 1 ns response time. Use Value: Clamps 20.6 A surges to ≤29.1 V, preventing damage to 30 V-rated DC-DC regulators and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loops) in factory-floor pressure/temperature sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS on signal line to absorb ESD and nearby relay-switching noise. Use Value: 16.2 V VWM avoids interference with nominal 24 V loop supply while suppressing >300 V transients. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Feeder Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters powering USB-C PD controllers or display logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional TVS on regulated 5 V/9 V/12 V outputs to prevent latch-up during hot-plug events. Use Value: 29.1 V clamping ensures safe margin below 33 V absolute max ratings of common PMICs and USB controllers. |
Use Scenario: Protecting -48 V DC feeder lines in telecom base station power distribution units from lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS on negative rail to clamp positive-going transients toward ground. Use Value: 185 °C rating allows mounting on high-temp PCB areas near DC/DC converters without thermal compromise. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A-E3/5AT | Same VWM (17.1 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Choose for space-constrained consumer designs where automotive qualification is unnecessary |
| 1.5KE20A | Higher VWM (17.1 V), same VBR range, larger DO-201 package, 1500 W rating | Over-specified power handling increases cost and board area; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Choose only if legacy DO-201 footprint reuse is mandatory and 1500 W surge margin is required |
Compared with SMAJ20A-E3/5AT and 1.5KE20A, the P6KA20HE3/73 offers AEC-Q101 qualification, tighter VBR tolerance (±10 % vs ±15 %), and optimized 600 W capability in a compact DO-15 package - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and industrial designs requiring validated reliability.
Availability
P6KA20HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom DC power feeders requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle requirements.
Supply support for P6KA20HE3/73 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 high-reliability and automotive-grade performance.
The P6KA20HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's PAR® series of transient voltage suppressors, engineered specifically for high-temperature stability and AEC-Q101-compliant operation in demanding automotive and industrial power systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA20HE3/73 under rated surge conditions?
The P6KA20HE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 29.1 V when subjected to its rated 20.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The P6KA20HE3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range due to its low VBR temperature coefficient of 0.090 %/°C.
Is the P6KA20HE3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA20HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming compliance with the stress test requirements for discrete semiconductors used in automotive electronics. This includes testing for high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and accelerated life testing. The P6KA20HE3/73 is explicitly rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, supporting under-hood and powertrain applications where thermal robustness is essential.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in P6KA20HE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads that meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, plus compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing. The "/73" indicates packaging in 73 mm tape-and-reel format (4000 pcs/reel). The P6KA20HE3/73 therefore combines environmental compliance, long-term reliability, and automated assembly compatibility.
How does the P6KA20HE3/73 differ from the P6KA20A variant?
The P6KA20HE3/73 has a VBR range of 18.0–22.0 V and VWM of 16.2 V, while the P6KA20A variant specifies 19.0–21.0 V VBR and 17.1 V VWM. The P6KA20A offers tighter breakdown tolerance (±5.5 % vs ±11 %) and slightly higher standoff voltage - making it preferable where precise threshold matching is needed. Both share identical power ratings, clamping, and qualification; the P6KA20HE3/73 remains the standard version for general-purpose 12 V system protection.
Can the P6KA20HE3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the P6KA20HE3/73 is unidirectional only, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet. Its internal structure supports conduction only from cathode to anode during reverse-bias transients. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or data buses), two P6KA20HE3/73 devices must be connected in series opposition, or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as the P6SMB20CA should be selected instead. Using a single P6KA20HE3/73 in bidirectional mode would leave one polarity unprotected.
P6KA20HE3/73 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):
- 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)
P6KA20HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA20HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA20HE3/73 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 P6KA20HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA20HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA20HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA20HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA20HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA20HE3/73?
P6KA20HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA20HE3/73 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 P6KA20HE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA20HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA20HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA20HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA20HE3/73 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 P6KA20HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA20HE3/73?
All P6KA20HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA20HE3/73, 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 P6KA20HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA20HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KA20HE3/73 Tags

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