Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division TPC20HM3/87A
- Part No.:
- TPC20HM3/87A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- TO-277, 3-PowerDFN
- Datasheet:
-
TPC20HM3/87A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC TO277A
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,436
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Product details
Overview
TPC20HM3/87A 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 surge protection. It features a 20 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V), clamping voltage of 27.7 V at 54.2 A peak pulse current, and junction temperature rating up to +185 °C.
For engineers reviewing the TPC20HM3/87A datasheet, TPC20HM3/87A pinout, TPC20HM3/87A application, or TPC20HM3/87A equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, low-profile 1.1 mm height, MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity, and suitability for protecting MOSFETs, sensor signal lines, and IC power rails against inductive switching transients.
Technical Context
The TPC20HM3/87A employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology optimized for low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns). Its unidirectional architecture provides robust forward conduction capability with IFSM = 200 A (8.3 ms half-sine) and VF = 3.5 V at 100 A.
Designed for automotive-grade reliability, it meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and operates across -65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature range. The SMPC (TO-277A) package enables automated placement and supports high thermal dissipation under repetitive surge conditions per JEDEC standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 19.0 / 20.0 / 21.0 V - ensures reliable triggering above system operating voltage while accommodating manufacturing tolerance |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage compatible with 15–18 V DC supply rails |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - clamping voltage limits downstream device stress during 54.2 A 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 1500 W - peak pulse power handling for short-duration transients per IEC 61000-4-5 |
| TJ max | +185 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without derating |
| Package | SMPC (TO-277A) - surface-mount, 3-terminal, low-profile (1.1 mm height) package with matte tin-plated leads |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive electronic systems per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
TPC20HM3/87A uses the SMPC (TO-277A) package: a 3-terminal surface-mount case with cathode band marking on terminal 1, cathode on terminal 2, and anode on terminal 3. Dimensions conform to JEDEC TO-277A standard, with 0.189" × 0.134" footprint and 1.1 mm typical height.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode (marked) | Primary cathode connection; polarity reference for unidirectional clamping |
| 2 | Cathode | Second cathode terminal enabling dual-cathode parallel configuration for higher current sharing |
| 3 | Anode | Common anode node; connects to protected circuit ground or return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Junction passivation | Optimized anisotropic rectifier structure reduces leakage drift and improves long-term stability at elevated temperatures |
| Low profile | 1.1 mm typical height enables use in space-constrained modules such as ADAS ECUs and battery management systems |
| MSL Level 1 | No floor life limitation before reflow; eliminates bake requirements and simplifies SMT line integration |
| Fast response time | <1 ns turn-on ensures suppression before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high di/dt events like relay coil de-energization |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power rails feeding body control modules, lighting drivers, and window lift motors from load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power input and ground to clamp transients exceeding 17.1 V. Use Value: Withstands 200 A surge (8.3 ms) and maintains clamping at 27.7 V, preventing MOSFET gate oxide failure and microcontroller brownout. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog signal lines (e.g., CAN, LIN, or thermistor inputs) in factory automation sensors exposed to ESD and motor noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected across differential pair or single-ended line to ground. Use Value: 1.1 mm height allows placement adjacent to connectors; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures field reliability in harsh plant environments. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Feeds |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection in AC/DC adapters supplying USB-C PD or PoE-powered devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 5–20 V output rail to absorb capacitor discharge surges and hot-plug transients. Use Value: VWM = 17.1 V accommodates 15 V nominal outputs with margin; 1500 W PPPM handles worst-case energy from bulk capacitor discharge. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on -48 V DC telecom power feeds entering base station equipment cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS installed between power rail and chassis ground to divert lightning-induced common-mode surges. Use Value: TJ = 185 °C rating supports operation in sealed outdoor enclosures; TO-277A package withstands vibration and thermal cycling per GR-1089. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package, VC = 32.4 V at 12.3 A, non-AEC-Q101 | Not qualified for automotive; suitable only for consumer/industrial board-level protection where space and reliability are less critical | Select SMAJ20A only if surge energy is ≤400 W and AEC-Q101 compliance is not required. |
| TPC20H3 | Same electrical specs but HM3/87A suffix indicates halogen-free, RoHS-compliant, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker-tested version; identical pinout and footprint | No functional difference; used interchangeably where enhanced material compliance is mandated | TPC20H3 is a direct material-compliance variant-choose TPC20HM3/87A when full automotive traceability and whisker resistance are specified. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and TPC20H3, the TPC20HM3/87A delivers 3.75× higher surge power handling than SMAJ20A and adds JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance beyond baseline TPC20H3, making it the sole choice for AEC-Q101–mandated under-hood applications requiring long-term solder joint integrity.
Availability
TPC20HM3/87A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC power feed applications requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for TPC20HM3/87A 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 optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The TPC series is part of Vishay's PAR® family of high-power TVS diodes engineered specifically for automotive and industrial surge immunity-designed to replace older SMA/SMB packages with superior thermal performance and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for TPC20HM3/87A?
The TPC20HM3/87A has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V (minimum) to 21.0 V (maximum) at 1.0 mA test current, with a nominal value of 20.0 V. This specification is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 89056, Revision 19-Apr-2022. The TPC20HM3/87A maintains this VBR stability across its full operating temperature range.
Is TPC20HM3/87A pin-compatible with other TO-277A TVS diodes?
Yes, the TPC20HM3/87A uses the standard SMPC (TO-277A) footprint with terminals arranged as Cathode–Cathode–Anode (1–2–3), matching all Vishay TPCx series and compatible third-party TO-277A TVS devices. PCB layout can be reused across the TPC6.8A–TPC51A family without modification, provided thermal pad and copper area follow Vishay's recommended mounting pad layout.
Does TPC20HM3/87A meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the TPC20HM3/87A is fully AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures up to +185 °C. It also passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing and meets MSL Level 1 per J-STD-020. These qualifications are explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet for TPC20HM3/87A and verified through Vishay's certified test reports.
What is the clamping voltage of TPC20HM3/87A at its rated surge current?
The TPC20HM3/87A clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 54.2 A, tested with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured under standardized conditions and guarantees protection margin for 24 V nominal systems. The low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.385) reflects optimized silicon design for minimal overshoot.
Can TPC20HM3/87A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the TPC20HM3/87A is strictly unidirectional and must be oriented with cathodes toward the protected line and anode to ground. Bidirectional protection requires either two TPC20HM3/87A devices in series opposition or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as the SMBJ20CA. Using TPC20HM3/87A in reverse bias beyond VWM risks permanent degradation.
TPC20HM3/87A 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):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 51.5A
- 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)
TPC20HM3/87A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPC20HM3/87A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPC20HM3/87A 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 TPC20HM3/87A reliable?
The price and inventory of TPC20HM3/87A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPC20HM3/87A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TPC20HM3/87A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TPC20HM3/87A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TPC20HM3/87A?
TPC20HM3/87A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TPC20HM3/87A 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 TPC20HM3/87A?
For technical support, including TPC20HM3/87A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPC20HM3/87A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPC20HM3/87A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPC20HM3/87A 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 TPC20HM3/87A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPC20HM3/87A?
All TPC20HM3/87A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPC20HM3/87A, 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 TPC20HM3/87A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPC20HM3/87A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TPC20HM3/87A Tags

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