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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA12AHE3/73

Name: P6KA12AHE3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: P6KA12AHE3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: P6KA12AHE3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: P6KA12AHE3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

P6KA12AHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (V_BR = 11.4–12.6 V), 10.2 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 16.7 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 35.9 A, 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification - deployed in automotive engine control units to safeguard MOSFET gate drivers against load dump transients.

For engineers reviewing the P6KA12AHE3/73 datasheet, P6KA12AHE3/73 pinout, P6KA12AHE3/73 application, or P6KA12AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC's absolute maximum rating, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity compatibility with DC-biased rails, and DO-15 package thermal interface constraints in high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal bias (≤10.2 V), it exhibits ≤2.0 μA reverse leakage; when subjected to a transient exceeding its 11.4 V minimum breakdown threshold, it avalanches rapidly (<1 ns response) to clamp the line at ≤16.7 V while diverting up to 35.9 A (10/1000 μs). Its passivated anisotropic rectifier structure ensures stable V_BR temperature coefficient of +0.078 %/°C.

Rated for continuous operation from −65 °C to +185 °C junction temperature, the device sustains 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at T_L = 75 °C and withstands 75 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), making it suitable for under-hood automotive environments where thermal cycling and high-energy transients coexist.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_BR (min/max)	11.4 V / 12.6 V - defines precise avalanche initiation range; ensures reliable triggering before downstream IC damage thresholds.
V_WM	10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; must exceed system nominal rail by ≥10 % to prevent leakage-induced heating.
V_C @ I_PPM	16.7 V @ 35.9 A - clamping voltage during 600 W transient; determines residual stress on protected MOSFET or MCU I/O.
P_PPM	600 W (10/1000 μs) - peak pulse power handling; validates immunity to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a waveforms in automotive systems.
T_J max.	+185 °C - enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power converters) without derating loss; supports AEC-Q101 high-temp reliability testing.
Polarity	Unidirectional - requires correct orientation on DC rails; blocks reverse current but conducts forward surges like a rectifier during negative transients.
Package	DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package; 9.5 mm body length, 3.6 mm diameter; compatible with legacy through-hole assembly.

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability; compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode (unbanded end)	Forward current entry / transient return path	Connected to ground or low-impedance return; completes clamping loop during positive transients.
Cathode (banded end)	Protected line connection	Placed in series with supply rail or signal line; avalanches to shunt energy when voltage exceeds V_BR.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Junction passivation	Optimized anisotropic rectifier process ensures stable V_BR and low leakage across −65 °C to +185 °C operating range.
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock per stress test requirements.
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes V_C overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive switch-off), improving clamping precision.
600 W peak pulse rating	Withstands repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01 % duty cycle - sufficient for alternator load dump and relay coil flyback events.
Solder dip tolerance	Rated for 275 °C / 10 s immersion - compatible with wave soldering processes without parametric shift or delamination.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding
Use Scenario: Installed on 12 V battery feed to engine control unit (ECU) to suppress load dump transients up to ±120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode clamping transient energy away from LDO regulators and microcontroller power pins. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤16.7 V during 35.9 A surge, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 5 V/3.3 V logic supplies.	Use Scenario: Placed across analog output (4–20 mA) lines of pressure sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element protecting op-amp input stages and ADC front-ends from ESD and cable discharge events. Use Value: Clamps fast transients (<1 ns rise) to <17 V while adding <1 pF junction capacitance - preserving signal integrity up to 100 kHz bandwidth.
Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage	Telecom DC Power Feed Protection
Use Scenario: Mounted at AC/DC adapter primary-side rectifier output to absorb switching spikes and lightning-induced surges on bulk capacitor inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp limiting voltage stress on primary-side controller IC and bulk electrolytic capacitor. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation, extending capacitor lifetime by preventing dielectric overstress during repeated surge events.	Use Scenario: Applied on −48 V DC telecom power feeds entering base station equipment cabinets to mitigate induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between −48 V rail and chassis ground to clamp common-mode transients. Use Value: Withstands 75 A 8.3 ms surge (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4) while maintaining ≤16.7 V clamping - ensuring uninterrupted operation of PoE controllers and PHY ICs.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding

Use Scenario: Installed on 12 V battery feed to engine control unit (ECU) to suppress load dump transients up to ±120 V.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS diode clamping transient energy away from LDO regulators and microcontroller power pins.

Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤16.7 V during 35.9 A surge, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 5 V/3.3 V logic supplies.

Use Scenario: Placed across analog output (4–20 mA) lines of pressure sensors in factory automation PLC modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element protecting op-amp input stages and ADC front-ends from ESD and cable discharge events.

Use Value: Clamps fast transients (<1 ns rise) to <17 V while adding <1 pF junction capacitance - preserving signal integrity up to 100 kHz bandwidth.

Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage

Telecom DC Power Feed Protection

Use Scenario: Mounted at AC/DC adapter primary-side rectifier output to absorb switching spikes and lightning-induced surges on bulk capacitor inputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp limiting voltage stress on primary-side controller IC and bulk electrolytic capacitor.

Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation, extending capacitor lifetime by preventing dielectric overstress during repeated surge events.

Use Scenario: Applied on −48 V DC telecom power feeds entering base station equipment cabinets to mitigate induced surges from nearby lightning strikes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between −48 V rail and chassis ground to clamp common-mode transients.

Use Value: Withstands 75 A 8.3 ms surge (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4) while maintaining ≤16.7 V clamping - ensuring uninterrupted operation of PoE controllers and PHY ICs.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ12A	Same V_WM (10.2 V) and V_C (19.9 V), but SMC package (higher thermal mass); 600 W rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.	Surface-mount footprint; better thermal performance in automated assembly; less suitable for manual repair or high-vibration environments.	Select SMBJ12A when board space is constrained and reflow soldering is used; verify pad thermal relief for 5.0 W steady-state dissipation.
1.5KE12A	Higher V_C (20.1 V), same DO-15 package; 1500 W peak power but lower reliability margin (not AEC-Q101 qualified).	General-purpose industrial use only; lacks automotive qualification and high-temperature stability up to +185 °C.	Choose 1.5KE12A for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where 20.1 V clamping is acceptable and ambient temperatures remain <125 °C.

Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5KE12A, P6KA12AHE3/73 offers tighter V_C (16.7 V vs. ≥19.9 V), guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance, and superior high-temperature leakage stability - critical for automotive ECU longevity and fail-safe behavior under thermal stress.

Availability

P6KA12AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapters, and telecom DC power feeds requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for P6KA12AHE3/73 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.

The P6KA series belongs to Vishay's PAR® (Precision Avalanche Rated) transient voltage suppressor family, engineered specifically for high-temperature stability and AEC-Q101-compliant automotive power line protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA12AHE3/73 under standard test conditions?

The P6KA12AHE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 35.9 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry during surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings.

Is the P6KA12AHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the P6KA12AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures up to +185 °C, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. Its unidirectional polarity, stable V_BR temperature coefficient (+0.078 %/°C), and robust surge handling align with ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 requirements.

What does the "HE3/73" suffix indicate in P6KA12AHE3/73?

The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance; "/73" specifies packaging in 73-inch reel format (4000 units per reel). This configuration ensures compatibility with automated through-hole insertion and satisfies automotive supply chain traceability requirements.

How does the P6KA12AHE3/73 differ from the non-A version (P6KA12HE3/73)?

The P6KA12AHE3/73 has tighter V_BR tolerance (11.4–12.6 V) versus P6KA12HE3/73 (10.8–13.2 V), resulting in lower and more predictable clamping behavior. It also features improved high-temperature leakage performance and is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified - whereas the non-A variant lacks formal automotive qualification despite identical package and power rating.

Can the P6KA12AHE3/73 be used in bidirectional signal lines?

No, the P6KA12AHE3/73 is unidirectional only, with cathode marked by a band. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, USB, or AC-coupled signals), a dedicated bidirectional TVS like SMAJ12CA or a back-to-back diode configuration is required. Using P6KA12AHE3/73 on AC or floating lines risks forward conduction and unintended current paths.

P6KA12AHE3/73 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Series:: PAR®

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 10.2V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 11.4V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 16.7V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 35.9A

Power - Peak Pulse:: 600W

Power Line Protection:: No

Applications:: -

Capacitance @ Frequency:: -

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: DO-204AC (DO-15)

P6KA12AHE3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for P6KA12AHE3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA12AHE3/73 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 P6KA12AHE3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of P6KA12AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA12AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA12AHE3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA12AHE3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for P6KA12AHE3/73?

P6KA12AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your P6KA12AHE3/73 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 P6KA12AHE3/73?

For technical support, including P6KA12AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA12AHE3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA12AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All P6KA12AHE3/73 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 P6KA12AHE3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA12AHE3/73?

All P6KA12AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA12AHE3/73, 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 P6KA12AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for P6KA12AHE3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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