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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE18-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE18-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14.5VWM 26.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,558
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at 1.0 mA), 15.3 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 25.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 23.8 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against ESD and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE18-E3/73 pinout, P6KE18-E3/73 application, or P6KE18-E3/73 equivalent, this device is evaluated for robust transient suppression in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O modules, and consumer power supply input stages where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4), and AEC-Q101-qualified reliability are required.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents <1.0 μA leakage at 15.3 V, then rapidly avalanches when transient voltage exceeds VBR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤25.2 V at 23.8 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance.
Thermal design relies on its DO-204AC (DO-15) package with RθJL = 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and RθJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient); derating begins above 25 °C ambient, with full power (5.0 W) only sustainable at TL ≤ 75 °C per Fig. 5. It meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable clamping onset |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 23.8 A (10/1000 μs) - limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity without failure under standardized waveform |
| IFSM | 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - withstands high-energy inrush or fault currents without bond-wire fusing |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy housing |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy body with cathode band marking. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Mechanical dimensions: 3.6 mm diameter × 7.6 mm body length, 25.4 mm minimum lead length.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; carries forward surge current during positive transients |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to higher-potential rail; conducts reverse avalanche current to clamp overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown voltage with minimal drift over temperature and lifetime |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) in single-event scenarios |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.4 | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing stress on downstream silicon (e.g., MCU I/O pins) |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive applications including body control modules and infotainment power inputs |
| Low thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W) | Enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsink, supporting repetitive surge duty cycles |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rail and LIN bus interface from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed across power rail and ground, responding within <1 ns to clamp spikes up to 100 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in microcontrollers and transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level protection element mounted at connector entry point, conducting >23 A peak current without degradation. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary protection stages, reducing BOM count while meeting IEC 61000-4-4 Level 3 immunity. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output | Automotive Sensor Signal Line |
|
Use Scenario: Clamping output overvoltage on 5 V/12 V SMPS secondary side caused by feedback loop failure or transformer saturation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting crowbar element that diverts excess energy to ground before regulated output exceeds 30 V. Use Value: Maintains compliance with UL 62368-1 secondary circuit limits and prevents downstream USB port or display IC damage. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay from ESD and ignition noise coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF at 0 V) unidirectional clamp on signal line, preserving signal integrity up to 1 MHz. Use Value: Enables direct connection to 12-bit ADC inputs without filtering-induced offset or bandwidth loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A | Same VBR range (17.1–18.9 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 400 W PPPM; higher IPPM derating above 85 °C | Requires PCB re-layout for SMD placement; better suited for high-density consumer boards than through-hole industrial assemblies | Select SMAJ18A when space-constrained layouts demand SMD integration and thermal management uses copper pour rather than lead conduction |
| 1.5KE18A | Same DO-204AC package and VBR, but 1500 W PPPM; larger die size; higher VC (27.7 V); not AEC-Q101 qualified | Used in non-automotive industrial equipment requiring higher single-pulse margin, e.g., motor drive DC bus protection | Choose 1.5KE18A for applications needing >600 W headroom where AEC-Q101 compliance is unnecessary and board space allows same footprint |
Compared with SMAJ18A and 1.5KE18A, P6KE18-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of automotive qualification, through-hole manufacturability, and 600 W surge handling - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, medium-energy protection in AEC-Q101-compliant systems where lead-based thermal conduction is leveraged.
Availability
P6KE18-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapter outputs, and sensor interface protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE18-E3/73 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, efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection in commercial and automotive environments - prioritizing fast response, stable clamping, and robust packaging for real-world ESD and load-switching threats.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE18-E3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KE18-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform peak pulse current of 23.8 A. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream components during a defined surge event - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces protected by this device.
Is P6KE18-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE18-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet revision 18-Sep-12. The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and the device is explicitly validated for use in automotive body electronics, including power distribution units and sensor interfaces exposed to ISO 7637-2 transients.
How does the standoff voltage (VWM) of P6KE18-E3/73 relate to system operating voltage?
The P6KE18-E3/73 has a maximum standoff voltage (VWM) of 15.3 V, meaning it remains non-conductive with <1.0 μA leakage up to this DC or RMS voltage. For reliable operation, system nominal voltage (e.g., 12 V automotive or 15 V industrial rail) must be ≤80–90% of VWM to accommodate ripple, tolerance, and temperature drift - confirming P6KE18-E3/73 is correctly matched to 12 V systems.
What is the thermal resistance profile of P6KE18-E3/73, and how does it affect layout?
P6KE18-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. Effective thermal design requires mounting leads directly to wide copper traces or chassis connections to exploit RθJL; relying solely on RθJA limits continuous power dissipation to <1 W at 70 °C ambient - underscoring the need for lead-based heat sinking in high-duty-cycle applications.
Can P6KE18-E3/73 be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - P6KE18-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, CAN, or AC-coupled signals), the CA-suffixed variant P6KE18CA must be used. Using P6KE18-E3/73 on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction during negative half-cycles, leading to malfunction or device failure.
P6KE18-E3/73 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE18-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18-E3/73 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 P6KE18-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18-E3/73?
P6KE18-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18-E3/73 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 P6KE18-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE18-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18-E3/73 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 P6KE18-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18-E3/73?
All P6KE18-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18-E3/73, 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 P6KE18-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE18-E3/73 Tags
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