Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE18CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,064
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 18 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at 1.0 mA), 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 23.8 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CAHE3/54 datasheet, P6KE18CAHE3/54 pinout, P6KE18CAHE3/54 application, or P6KE18CAHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, 175 °C max junction temperature, low leakage (<1.0 μA at 15.3 V), and compliance with UL 497B surge protector standards.
Technical Context
This TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with identical electrical characteristics forward and reverse - critical for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and fast response time (<1 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion during ESD or lightning-induced surges.
The device uses a unidirectional/bidirectional dual-family construction: the "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bidirectional configuration, and the "HE3" suffix confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Thermal performance is defined by RθJL = 20 °C/W and RθJA = 75 °C/W, supporting operation up to 175 °C junction temperature under derated conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional overvoltage events |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA; sets safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 23.8 A - peak clamped voltage during 600 W transient; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - surge handling capacity for repetitive transients at 0.01 % duty cycle |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.242–0.258 inch body length, UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive applications including engine control units, infotainment power rails, and sensor interfaces |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry eliminates cathode/anode orientation requirement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path terminal | Either lead serves as input/output for transient current; no polarity-dependent function - simplifies PCB layout and eliminates orientation errors |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth, 2 kV line-line) without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and board-level reliability testing |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Meets Underwriters Laboratories requirements for telecom and data line protectors - enables system-level safety certification |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping - critical for safeguarding 16–24 V logic interfaces and analog sensors |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-supplied ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across power rail and ground to limit voltage excursions to ≤25.2 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (75 V, 100 ms) events. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog modules from field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected between signal line and return, leveraging symmetrical clamping to handle ± transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 25.2 V clamping while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance - avoids loop error or oscillation. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in building automation gateways exposed to induced lightning surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair (A/B) and common-mode ground to suppress common- and differential-mode transients. Use Value: Clamps 600 W surges within nanoseconds while preserving signal edge fidelity - meets ITU-T K.21 basic protection requirements. | Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine control boards). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp flyback voltage spikes generated during PWM switching. Use Value: Limits voltage to 25.2 V during 23.8 A transients, preventing MOSFET drain-source avalanche failure and extending driver IC lifetime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | DO-214AA package (SMB), 600 W rating, same VBR range (17.1–18.9 V), but lower IPPM (32.4 A) and higher VC (29.2 V) | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB re-layout; less suitable for through-hole legacy designs | Select when space-constrained layouts demand SMT or when higher thermal mass from PCB copper is available |
| 1.5KE18CA | Same DO-15 package, 1500 W rating, VBR 17.1–18.9 V, but larger body (1.25" length), higher VC (30.0 V), and non-AEC-Q101 | Higher-power replacement for extreme surge environments; lacks automotive qualification | Choose only when 1500 W surge margin is required and AEC-Q101 compliance is not mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, P6KE18CAHE3/54 delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole compatibility, and 25.2 V clamping - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, automotive-qualified, and legacy-replacement designs where board real estate and qualification alignment are prioritized.
Availability
P6KE18CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.
Supply support for P6KE18CAHE3/54 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection for commercial and automotive applications - engineered for rapid response, stable clamping, and robust mechanical packaging in standard axial formats.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix mean in P6KE18CAHE3/54?
The "CA" suffix in P6KE18CAHE3/54 explicitly denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities, with identical VBR, VC, and leakage characteristics in forward and reverse directions. This is essential for protecting AC signals, differential buses, or ungrounded power domains where polarity cannot be assumed. The P6KE18CAHE3/54 has no cathode marking, confirming its bidirectional nature.
Is P6KE18CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE18CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, verified per the Vishay document 88369 revision 27-Sep-2021. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - making it approved for use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor power rails. The HE3 suffix specifically indicates AEC-Q101 compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE18CAHE3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE18CAHE3/54 is 25.2 V at 23.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 600 W transient event. It is derived directly from the datasheet Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" row for P6KE18CA, and defines the worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream components.
How does P6KE18CAHE3/54 differ from unidirectional P6KE18AHE3/54?
P6KE18CAHE3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no polarity marking, whereas P6KE18AHE3/54 is unidirectional with a cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias. Key differences include: VF = 3.5 V at 50 A for the unidirectional version (not applicable to P6KE18CAHE3/54), and absence of forward voltage specification for the CA variant. The P6KE18CAHE3/54 is selected when protection is needed for AC or floating nodes.
What packaging and reel configuration is used for P6KE18CAHE3/54?
P6KE18CAHE3/54 ships in 13" diameter paper tape and reel format, with a base quantity of 4000 pieces per reel (ordering code "/54"). The device uses matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and the HE3 suffix confirms JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Unit weight is 0.432 g per device.
P6KE18CAHE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE18CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CAHE3/54 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 P6KE18CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CAHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CAHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CAHE3/54?
P6KE18CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CAHE3/54 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 P6KE18CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE18CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CAHE3/54 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 P6KE18CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CAHE3/54?
All P6KE18CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CAHE3/54, 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 P6KE18CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE18CAHE3/54 Tags

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