Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TPC20AHM3/86A
- Part No.:
- TPC20AHM3/86A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- TO-277, 3-PowerDFN
- Datasheet:
-
TPC20AHM3/86A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC TO277A
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,932
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Product details
Overview
TPC20AHM3/86A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 1500 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in SMPC (TO-277A) package, designed for clamping inductive switching transients and lightning-induced surges on automotive sensor signal lines and MOSFET gate drivers. It features a 20.0 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), and clamps to ≤27.7 V at 54.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM).
For engineers reviewing the TPC20AHM3/86A datasheet, TPC20AHM3/86A pinout, TPC20AHM3/86A application, or TPC20AHM3/86A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C junction temperature rating, low-profile 1.1 mm height, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on automotive PCBs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for high-reliability automotive environments. Its unidirectional architecture enables precise forward-biased surge suppression while maintaining low leakage (<1 μA at VWM) and fast response time to sub-nanosecond transients.
The device operates across -65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature range and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020. Its SMPC (TO-277A) package delivers low incremental surge resistance and excellent thermal dissipation for repeated 10/1000 μs waveform events up to 1500 W peak power.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (Nom) | 20.0 V - Ensures reliable triggering above system operating voltage without false clamping |
| VWM | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - Clamped voltage during 54.2 A surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 1500 W - Peak pulse power handling for 10/1000 μs transients per JEDEC standards |
| TJ max | +185 °C - Enables under-hood deployment without derating in automotive ECUs |
| Package | SMPC (TO-277A) - 3-terminal surface-mount package with 1.1 mm profile for space-constrained layouts |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SMPC (TO-277A) is a 3-terminal surface-mount package with cathode band marking. Dimensions conform to JEDEC TO-277A standard: 4.80 × 4.40 × 1.10 mm (L × W × H), featuring matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Cathode | Connected to protected line; conducts during overvoltage event to shunt current to ground |
| Terminal 2 | Cathode | Parallel cathode path enabling higher surge current handling than 2-pin equivalents |
| Terminal 3 | Anode | Common ground reference; ties to system GND plane for low-inductance return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature |
| Low profile | 1.1 mm typical height enables use in ultra-thin modules like ADAS camera housings |
| Automated placement compatibility | Matte tin terminals and JEDEC-compliant footprint support high-yield pick-and-place |
| MSL Level 1 | No floor life limitation; can be stored indefinitely before reflow without baking |
| Whisker resistance | HM3 suffix meets JESD 201 Class 2, eliminating tin whisker risk in long-life automotive systems |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial Motor Drive Gate Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus sensors and ABS wheel speed sensors from load dump and inductive kickback in 12 V vehicle networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping transient energy before it reaches the sensor's analog front-end or LIN transceiver. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V or 3.3 V sensor ICs by limiting voltage to ≤27.7 V during 54.2 A surges. | Use Scenario: Shielding IGBT/MOSFET gate drivers in HVAC inverters from Miller-induced spikes during high-dV/dt switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed between gate and source to clamp gate-source overvoltage below 20 V threshold. Use Value: Maintains gate oxide integrity by suppressing transients within <1 ns, avoiding unintended turn-on or dielectric failure. |
| Telecom Power Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Appliance Control Board ESD Hardening |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered Ethernet PHY interfaces against lightning-induced surges on 48 V DC input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level unidirectional clamping device on DC input rail upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: Absorbs 1500 W pulses without degradation, preserving downstream regulator functionality and meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements. | Use Scenario: Reinforcing microcontroller I/O lines in washing machine control boards exposed to user-interface ESD and relay coil transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on MCU GPIO pins connected to pushbuttons, displays, and relays. Use Value: Limits ESD voltage to <30 V during 8 kV contact discharge, preventing firmware lockup or flash corruption in 3.3 V MCUs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (2.5 mm height), non-AEC-Q101 | Suitable for consumer-grade, non-automotive designs with lower surge exposure | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification and 1500 W surge margin |
| TPC22AHM3/86A | Higher VBR (22.0 V), VWM = 18.8 V, VC = 30.6 V at 49.0 A | Better suited for 24 V systems where 20 V clamping would cause nuisance triggering | Choose for 24 V battery rail protection where tighter VWM/VBR margin is required |
Compared with SMAJ20A and TPC22AHM3/86A, the TPC20AHM3/86A provides optimal balance of 17.1 V stand-off headroom, 27.7 V clamping, and AEC-Q101 compliance for 12 V automotive signal line protection-enabling robust design without over-engineering or compromising qualification status.
Availability
TPC20AHM3/86A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for TPC20AHM3/86A 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 optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade performance.
The TPC series is part of Vishay's PAR® transient voltage suppressor family, engineered specifically for high-energy surge protection in harsh automotive and industrial environments where AEC-Q101 qualification and 185 °C operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage tolerance for TPC20AHM3/86A?
The TPC20AHM3/86A has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V (min) to 21.0 V (max) at 1.0 mA test current, with 20.0 V as the nominal value. This ±5 % tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports reliable design margining in 12 V automotive systems.
Is TPC20AHM3/86A compatible with lead-free reflow processes?
Yes, the TPC20AHM3/86A is fully compatible with lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020. Its SMPC (TO-277A) package is rated for peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C, and its matte tin-plated terminals meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements without requiring special pre-treatment or flux selection.
Does TPC20AHM3/86A support bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the TPC20AHM3/86A is strictly unidirectional. It conducts only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode, making it suitable for DC-biased lines like automotive sensor signals or gate drive rails. For AC or bipolar transients, a separate bidirectional TVS such as TPC20CA must be selected.
What is the maximum leakage current of TPC20AHM3/86A at 17.1 V and 150 °C?
At VWM = 17.1 V and TJ = 150 °C, the TPC20AHM3/86A exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 10 μA. This elevated leakage-still well below 100 μA-is verified per the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table and remains within acceptable limits for most automotive sensor bias networks.
How does the dual-cathode configuration in TPC20AHM3/86A improve surge handling?
The dual-cathode structure in the TPC20AHM3/86A distributes surge current across two parallel paths, reducing localized heating and lowering incremental surge resistance. This allows the device to sustain 54.2 A peak pulse current (IPPM) at 27.7 V clamping while maintaining thermal stability-unachievable with conventional 2-terminal SMAs at equivalent power levels.
TPC20AHM3/86A 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):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54.2A
- 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)
TPC20AHM3/86A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPC20AHM3/86A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPC20AHM3/86A 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 TPC20AHM3/86A reliable?
The price and inventory of TPC20AHM3/86A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPC20AHM3/86A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPC20AHM3/86A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPC20AHM3/86A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPC20AHM3/86A?
TPC20AHM3/86A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPC20AHM3/86A 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 TPC20AHM3/86A?
For technical support, including TPC20AHM3/86A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPC20AHM3/86A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPC20AHM3/86A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPC20AHM3/86A 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 TPC20AHM3/86A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPC20AHM3/86A?
All TPC20AHM3/86A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPC20AHM3/86A, 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 TPC20AHM3/86A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPC20AHM3/86A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TPC20AHM3/86A Tags

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