Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TGL41-180A-E3/96

Overview

TGL41-180A-E3/96 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in GL41 (DO-213AB) MELF package, rated for 171–189 V breakdown voltage, 154 V stand-off voltage, and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), used to protect MOSFETs and sensor signal lines in industrial power supplies against inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the TGL41-180A-E3/96 datasheet, TGL41-180A-E3/96 pinout, TGL41-180A-E3/96 application, or TGL41-180A-E3/96 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (246 V at 0.81 A), unidirectional polarity with blue-band cathode marking, thermal derating above 25 °C, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads per J-STD-002.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias it presents high impedance (<5 μA leakage at 154 V), then rapidly avalanches when reverse voltage exceeds 171 V (min V_BR), clamping transient energy within 1 ns response time to limit downstream IC stress. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics across -55 °C to +150 °C operating range.

The device uses a single-junction, unidirectional avalanche structure optimized for 10/1000 μs waveform compliance per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, with 0.111 %/°C temperature coefficient of V_BR and 250 °C lead-free reflow compatibility (MSL Level 1). It is not rated for bidirectional operation or repetitive surge duty beyond 0.01 % duty cycle.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

GL41 (DO-213AB) is a plastic MELF package with axial leads; polarity is marked by a blue band indicating the cathode (positive terminal during TVS conduction). The device has two terminals only: anode and cathode - no internal connections or multi-pin configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with TGL41-180A-E3/96, P4SMA180A-E3/96 offers identical clamping performance in a more mountable SMD package but with reduced thermal dissipation margin, while SMAJ180A provides legacy compatibility at the expense of modern reliability qualifications.

Availability

TGL41-180A-E3/96 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TGL41-180A-E3/96 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 application-specific optimization.

The TGL41 series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZorb® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh industrial and automotive environments where stable clamping voltage and repeatable surge endurance are critical.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the TGL41-180A-E3/96 under peak pulse conditions?

The TGL41-180A-E3/96 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 246 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 0.81 A, measured using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88403) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The TGL41-180A-E3/96 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.

Is the TGL41-180A-E3/96 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?

No, the TGL41-180A-E3/96 is unidirectional only, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet. It features a single avalanche junction with cathode marked by a blue band and is designed for DC-biased applications where reverse conduction is not required. For bidirectional protection, a separate symmetric TVS array or dual-diode configuration would be necessary - the TGL41-180A-E3/96 does not provide that functionality.

What is the meaning of the "E3/96" suffix in TGL41-180A-E3/96?

The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads qualified to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, plus JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/96" denotes packaging in 7-inch diameter plastic tape and reel, with a base quantity of 1500 units - a standard logistics code defined in Vishay's ordering information table for the TGL41 series.

Does the TGL41-180A-E3/96 require heatsinking for continuous power dissipation?

No - the TGL41-180A-E3/96 is rated for only 1.0 W steady-state power dissipation (P_D) on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C, and its intended use is transient suppression, not continuous conduction. Under normal operation, it draws negligible current (<5 μA at V_WM). Heatsinking is unnecessary unless subjected to frequent high-duty-cycle surges, which violates its 0.01 % repetitive rating - the TGL41-180A-E3/96 is not designed for such operation.

How does the TGL41-180A-E3/96 compare to older TGL41-180A versions without the E3 suffix?

The TGL41-180A-E3/96 replaces legacy non-RoHS variants with enhanced process controls: E3 denotes full RoHS compliance, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and qualification to J-STD-002 solderability standards. Electrically identical, the TGL41-180A-E3/96 offers improved long-term reliability in lead-free assembly processes - the core TVS parameters (V_BR, V_C, P_PPM) remain unchanged from prior revisions of the TGL41-180A-E3/96.