Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE18CHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,759
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at 1.0 mA), 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 23.8 A peak pulse current, 600 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs), and DO-204AC (DO-15) package with AEC-Q101 qualification - used to safeguard automotive sensor interfaces against load dump and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CHE3/73 datasheet, P6KE18CHE3/73 pinout, P6KE18CHE3/73 application, or P6KE18CHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 15.3 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance, and compliance with UL 497B for surge protector classification - critical for robust ESD and lightning-induced transient suppression in automotive ECUs and industrial I/O modules.
Technical Context
The P6KE18CHE3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to voltage transients. Its uni-directional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits low incremental surge resistance, ensuring stable clamping under repetitive 10/1000 µs surges at 0.01% duty cycle.
Designed for operation across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range, it delivers 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C and supports 100 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), making it suitable for high-energy transient environments where thermal management and reliability are tightly coupled.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold for consistent overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA, sets safe DC rail margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 23.8 A - clamped voltage during 600 W transient, determines protected circuit's maximum stress level |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 µs) - peak surge energy handling capacity, validates suitability for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs) without derating penalties |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low thermal resistance from junction to lead supports efficient heat transfer into PCB copper pour |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - confirms reliability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | DC return path for normal operation; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased above anode | Connected to ground or low-impedance reference plane; must handle full surge current return path without trace heating |
| Cathode | Protected line input; clamps to VC during overvoltage events | Placed directly at IC power pin or connector entry point; shortest possible trace length required to minimize inductance-induced overshoot |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature, eliminating parameter drift in harsh environments |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports compliance with ISO 16750-2 and SAE J1113-11 for automotive load-dump immunity up to 12 V systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates performance under accelerated stress tests (HTOL, TC, UHAST) required for automotive Grade 2 (–40 °C to +105 °C ambient) |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream MOSFETs and microcontrollers |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Indicates AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance - essential for long-life automotive assemblies |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Input | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12 V supply rail of engine control units against load dump transients (up to 40 V, 400 ms) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between battery feed and LDO regulator input. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤25.2 V during 23.8 A surge, preventing regulator shutdown and preserving MCU operation during cranking. | Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input circuits from inductive kickback generated by solenoid and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt suppressor located at terminal block entry before optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Clamps transients within <1 ns, avoiding false triggering and extending optocoupler lifetime under repeated 100 A coil de-energization. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Sensor Interface | Telecom Remote Radio Head (RRH) DC Feed Line |
Use Scenario: Safeguards LIN bus transceivers and Hall-effect sensors connected to vehicle chassis ground. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS tied between sensor VCC and ground, referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Maintains 15.3 V operating margin while suppressing ±30 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 100 V/µs fast transients per ISO 10605. | Use Scenario: Protects 48 V DC power feed to remote radio head from lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage shunt device upstream of DC-DC converter, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) for staged protection. Use Value: Absorbs initial 600 W surge energy before GDT fires, reducing let-through voltage to <100 V and preventing converter latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18A | DO-214AA package; lower 600 W rating but tighter VBR tolerance (5% vs. 5.5%); RθJA = 40 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W | Better suited for surface-mount layouts with limited board space; less effective in high-ambient-temperature through-hole designs | Select SMBJ18A only if PCB real estate constraints prohibit axial DO-15 placement and thermal derating is verified |
| 1.5KE18A | Same DO-204AC package; identical VBR and VC; higher 1500 W PPPM rating but larger 1.5 kW footprint and 1.5× weight | Used where legacy 1.5 kW surge standards apply (e.g., MIL-STD-1275); overqualified for standard automotive ISO 7637-2 | Choose 1.5KE18A only when system-level testing requires >600 W margin or when backward compatibility with existing 1.5 kW footprints is mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ18A and 1.5KE18A, the P6KE18CHE3/73 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 manufacturability, and precise 600 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial through-hole TVS deployments where thermal performance and qualification rigor are jointly critical.
Availability
P6KE18CHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial PLC input modules, and telecom remote radio head protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for P6KE18CHE3/73 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 reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-surge-capability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be fail-safe (short-circuit) and field-proven.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P6KE18CHE3/73?
The P6KE18CHE3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing a ±5.5% tolerance around the nominal 18 V rating. This tolerance is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88369, Table "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS", row for P6KE18A. The P6KE18CHE3/73 inherits this specification as a variant with AEC-Q101 qualification and HE3 suffix.
Is the P6KE18CHE3/73 suitable for bi-directional transient suppression?
No, the P6KE18CHE3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" suffix (not "CA") and absence of bi-directional designation in its ordering code. Its cathode band marks the polarity, and it conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events. For bi-directional protection, Vishay specifies part numbers ending in "CA", such as P6KE18CA; the P6KE18CHE3/73 must be used with correct orientation in DC circuits.
What does the "HE3" suffix signify in P6KE18CHE3/73?
Per Vishay documentation, the "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes the automotive-grade version from the commercial "E3" variant (e.g., P6KE18AE3/73). The P6KE18CHE3/73 thus meets stringent automotive reliability requirements including HTOL, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock testing - critical for under-hood deployment.
How does the clamping voltage of P6KE18CHE3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P6KE18CHE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 25.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 23.8 A, yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.33. This ratio reflects low dynamic impedance during surge conduction and ensures protected circuits experience minimal overvoltage beyond the 18 V nominal rating - a key design advantage over higher-ratio suppressors that may exceed IC absolute maximum ratings.
Can the P6KE18CHE3/73 replace the P6KE18A in existing designs?
Yes, the P6KE18CHE3/73 is a direct functional and mechanical replacement for the P6KE18A, sharing identical electrical specifications, DO-204AC package dimensions, and pinout. The "HE3" suffix adds AEC-Q101 qualification and enhanced whisker resistance, making it suitable for upgraded automotive or industrial applications without layout or schematic changes - provided the original P6KE18A was used in a uni-directional configuration.
P6KE18CHE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 14.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 22.6A
- 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)
P6KE18CHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CHE3/73 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 P6KE18CHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CHE3/73?
P6KE18CHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CHE3/73 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 P6KE18CHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE18CHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CHE3/73 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 P6KE18CHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CHE3/73?
All P6KE18CHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CHE3/73, 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 P6KE18CHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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