Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TPC18AHM3/87A
- Part No.:
- TPC18AHM3/87A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- TO-277, 3-PowerDFN
- Datasheet:
-
TPC18AHM3/87A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC TO277A
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,752
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Product details
Overview
TPC18AHM3/87A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in SMPC (TO-277A) package, designed for high-reliability automotive and industrial circuit protection. It features a breakdown voltage of 17.1–18.9 V at 1.0 mA, clamping voltage of 25.2 V at 59.5 A peak pulse current, and operates up to +185 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the TPC18AHM3/87A datasheet, TPC18AHM3/87A pinout, TPC18AHM3/87A application, or TPC18AHM3/87A equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, low-profile 1.1 mm height, MSL Level 1 rating, and suitability for protecting MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and ICs against inductive switching transients.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with optimized junction passivation for stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional architecture enables precise reverse-biased overvoltage clamping without forward conduction during normal operation.
The device delivers 1500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform, with low incremental surge resistance and fast response time-critical for safeguarding sensitive electronics against ESD and load-dump events in automotive ECUs and industrial controllers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 17.1 V / 18.0 V / 18.9 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise reverse breakdown threshold for reliable triggering |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 59.5 A - clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling capability per 10/1000 µs waveform |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive environments and high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| Package | SMPC (TO-277A) - surface-mount, low-profile (1.1 mm typical height), AEC-Q101 qualified |
| MSL Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020 - no floor life limitation; suitable for standard reflow without dry pack |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMPC (TO-277A), 3-terminal surface-mount case with cathode band marking. Dimensions conform to JEDEC TO-277A standard: 4.80 × 3.70 × 1.10 mm (L × W × H), matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 3) | Current entry terminal during clamping | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground when VRM exceeded |
| Cathode 1 (Pin 1) | Common cathode connection | Internally tied to Cathode 2; provides low-inductance path to ground reference |
| Cathode 2 (Pin 2) | Common cathode connection | Electrically identical to Pin 1; dual-cathode layout improves thermal dissipation and current sharing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| Junction passivation optimized design | Reduces parameter drift and leakage increase under long-term thermal stress and humidity exposure |
| Very low profile (1.1 mm typical height) | Enables compact PCB layouts in space-constrained modules such as ADAS sensors and motor control boards |
| Meets MSL Level 1 | Eliminates moisture sensitivity concerns and pre-bake requirements during SMT assembly |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients like ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial Motor Drive Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and CAN transceiver pins from load-dump and inductive kickback in 12 V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between signal line and chassis ground to clamp transients above 15.3 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces while maintaining signal integrity below VWM. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding gate drivers and position feedback circuits in variable-frequency drives exposed to relay switching noise. IC Role / Device Role: Surge suppression on encoder signal lines and isolated gate drive return paths. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 25.2 V during 59.5 A surges, ensuring safe operation of 30 V-rated optocouplers and level shifters. |
| Automotive ADAS Camera Module | Telecom Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding MIPI CSI-2 data lines and power rails in front-facing cameras subjected to ESD and board-level transients. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance TVS mounted adjacent to connector to absorb fast transients before reaching serializer IC. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity with minimal parasitic capacitance while providing 1500 W surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 24 V telecom DC-DC converters against lightning-induced surges on input distribution lines. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping device across input bus before upstream fuse and filter inductors. Use Value: Handles 1500 W pulses without degradation, supporting EN 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance with margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/57T | DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W); VBR = 20.0–22.2 V; not AEC-Q101 qualified | General-purpose industrial use only; unsuitable for automotive under-hood deployment | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and surge rating requirements |
| TPC18AHE3/87A | Same die and specs; differs only in tape-and-reel packaging (H vs. HM3 suffix) and revision code (E vs. 87A) | No functional or application difference; identical electrical and thermal performance | Choose based on preferred reel size (1500 vs. 6500 units) and logistics compatibility |
Compared with SMAJ18A-E3/57T, TPC18AHM3/87A delivers 275 % higher surge power and automotive qualification; versus TPC18AHE3/87A, it shares identical protection characteristics but uses a different packaging variant optimized for high-volume automated placement.
Availability
TPC18AHM3/87A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial motor drives, ADAS camera modules, and telecom power supply input stages requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for TPC18AHM3/87A 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, TVS devices, and power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability and ruggedness.
The TPC18AHM3/87A belongs to Vishay's PAR® series of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient protection in harsh environments where AEC-Q101 compliance and 185 °C operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the TPC18AHM3/87A?
The TPC18AHM3/87A has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 17.1 V to 18.9 V at 1.0 mA test current, with a nominal value of 18.0 V. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports robust design margins in automotive and industrial applications where precise overvoltage thresholds are critical.
Is the TPC18AHM3/87A suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, the TPC18AHM3/87A is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, transmission control modules, and ADAS sensor housings where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C and reliability under thermal cycling is essential.
What does the "HM3/87A" suffix indicate in TPC18AHM3/87A?
The "HM3" denotes the halogen-free, RoHS-compliant SMPC (TO-277A) package with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; "87A" is the revision code indicating the specific process and qualification batch per Vishay's internal documentation (Document Number 89056, Revision 19-Apr-2022).
How does the dual-cathode configuration of the TPC18AHM3/87A improve performance?
The dual-cathode (Pins 1 and 2) configuration in the TPC18AHM3/87A reduces effective thermal resistance and improves current sharing during high-amplitude transients. This layout enhances power dissipation capability and minimizes localized heating, contributing directly to the device's ability to sustain 1500 W peak pulse power without parametric shift or failure.
Can the TPC18AHM3/87A replace SMAJ18A in existing designs?
No direct replacement: TPC18AHM3/87A uses SMPC (TO-277A) package while SMAJ18A uses DO-214AC, resulting in different footprint, thermal path, and mounting requirements. Although both target ~18 V clamping, the TPC18AHM3/87A offers higher surge rating (1500 W vs. 400 W) and AEC-Q101 qualification-requiring PCB layout and thermal validation before substitution.
TPC18AHM3/87A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- TO-277, 3-PowerDFN
- Series:
- PAR®, eSMP®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 59.5A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 1500W (1.5kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-277A (SMPC)
TPC18AHM3/87A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPC18AHM3/87A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPC18AHM3/87A 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 TPC18AHM3/87A reliable?
The price and inventory of TPC18AHM3/87A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPC18AHM3/87A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPC18AHM3/87A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPC18AHM3/87A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPC18AHM3/87A?
TPC18AHM3/87A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPC18AHM3/87A 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 TPC18AHM3/87A?
For technical support, including TPC18AHM3/87A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPC18AHM3/87A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPC18AHM3/87A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPC18AHM3/87A 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 TPC18AHM3/87A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPC18AHM3/87A?
All TPC18AHM3/87A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPC18AHM3/87A, 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 TPC18AHM3/87A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPC18AHM3/87A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TPC18AHM3/87A Tags

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