Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA12HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KA12HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA12HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,078
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Product details
Overview
P6KA12HE3/54 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 (VBR = 10.8–13.2 V), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 17.3 V maximum clamping voltage at 34.7 A, and operates up to +185 °C junction temperature - ideal for automotive engine control units protecting MOSFET gate drivers against load dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA12HE3/54 datasheet, P6KA12HE3/54 pinout, P6KA12HE3/54 application, or P6KA12HE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC VDS, unidirectional polarity compatibility with DC-biased rails, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive deployment, and DO-15 package thermal derating above 75 °C.
Technical Context
The P6KA12HE3/54 employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve low incremental surge resistance and fast response time (<1 ns), enabling effective suppression of ESD and inductive switching transients. Its TJ = 185 °C rating supports operation in under-hood automotive environments without thermal derating penalties up to 150 °C ambient.
Rated for 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01 % duty cycle), it delivers 34.7 A peak pulse current with 17.3 V clamping - ensuring MOSFETs rated ≥20 V withstand ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a without avalanche stress. The device is unidirectional only, requiring correct cathode orientation toward positive rail.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 10.8 V / 13.2 V - ensures reliable conduction onset above 12 V nominal rail while avoiding false triggering during normal 13.5 V battery operation |
| VWM | 9.72 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 2 μA, compatible with 12 V systems |
| VC @ IPPM | 17.3 V - clamps transients to safe level for 20 V-rated power MOSFETs and logic ICs |
| IPPM | 34.7 A - sustains ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (12 V system, 500 Ω source impedance) without failure |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables placement near high-temperature components (e.g., ignition coils, power converters) without thermal shutdown |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 9.5 mm body length, UL 94 V-0 molding, matte tin leads |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per JESD47 |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test. Maximum solder dip: 275 °C for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side connection point | Connected to ground or negative rail; carries full surge current during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side connection point | Marked by color band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply); defines unidirectional conduction direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands automotive load dump surges (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without degradation |
| 17.3 V clamping voltage @ 34.7 A | Protects 20 V-rated MOSFETs and 16 V-tolerant microcontrollers on 12 V rails |
| TJ = 185 °C capability | Enables direct mounting on high-temp PCB zones (e.g., near power inductors or regulators) |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback) |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V sensor supply lines from inductive kickback generated by solenoid valve switching in engine bay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 12 V rail and ground, clamping transients within 1 ns to prevent latch-up in downstream LDOs and ADC front-ends. Use Value: 17.3 V clamping ensures <3 V overvoltage margin for 20 V-input analog switches and avoids destructive gate oxide stress in protected FETs. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input optocoupler circuits from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection device mounted at connector entry point, conducting only during >24 V transients while maintaining <2 μA leakage at steady state. Use Value: 9.72 V VWM allows stable operation across 24 V ±10 % supply range; DO-15 package enables through-hole mounting on ruggedized backplane boards. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding primary-side controller ICs in AC/DC adapters against lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side TVS on DC bus (e.g., 12 V bias rail), triggered after MOV clamping to handle residual energy and ring oscillations. Use Value: 600 W rating absorbs residual 10/1000 μs tail energy missed by upstream MOVs; 185 °C rating prevents thermal runaway during repeated surge events. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards operating in humid environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp across motor terminals, shunting inductive energy back to supply rail during PWM turn-off. Use Value: Passivated junction ensures long-term reliability under thermal cycling (0–85 °C ambient) and humidity exposure per IEC 60068-2-30. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A (Vishay) | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower 400 W PPPM; 19.9 V clamping @ 21.7 A | Surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; less robust for automotive load dump | Select when board area is limited and surge severity is lower (e.g., consumer electronics vs. under-hood automotive) |
| 1.5KE12A (ON Semiconductor) | DO-201AD package; same 600 W rating; 19.9 V clamping @ 30.1 A; no AEC-Q101 qualification | General-purpose industrial use; lacks automotive reliability validation and high-temp junction rating | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where 185 °C operation and AEC-Q101 are not required |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A, P6KA12HE3/54 offers 50 % higher surge current handling and superior thermal endurance; versus 1.5KE12A, it adds AEC-Q101 qualification and extended junction temperature capability - critical for automotive and high-reliability embedded systems.
Availability
P6KA12HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLCs, telecom power supplies, and appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P6KA12HE3/54 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 high-reliability, high-temperature, and automotive-grade performance.
The P6KA series was developed specifically for demanding automotive and industrial transient suppression, combining AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C operation, and 600 W surge capability in the proven DO-15 platform.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA12HE3/54 under peak surge conditions?
The P6KA12HE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.3 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 34.7 A, measured using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures that protected downstream components - such as 20 V-rated MOSFETs or 16 V-tolerant microcontrollers - remain within safe operating limits during transient events. The P6KA12HE3/54 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining low incremental surge resistance for minimal voltage overshoot.
Is the P6KA12HE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA12HE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation up to +185 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications including engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. Its unidirectional configuration, 9.72 V stand-off voltage, and 17.3 V clamping align with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements. The P6KA12HE3/54 also meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and RoHS compliance standards.
What package type does the P6KA12HE3/54 use, and what are its mechanical highlights?
The P6KA12HE3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with a 9.5 mm body length and UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy molding. Its matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and it passes JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. The cathode is marked by a color band, and the package supports solder dip up to 275 °C for 10 seconds - critical for wave-soldered automotive assemblies. The P6KA12HE3/54's DO-15 footprint ensures compatibility with legacy high-power through-hole layouts.
How does the P6KA12HE3/54 differ from the P6KA12A variant?
The P6KA12HE3/54 has a breakdown voltage range of 10.8–13.2 V and stand-off voltage (VWM) of 9.72 V, whereas the P6KA12A variant specifies 11.4–12.6 V VBR and 10.2 V VWM. Both share identical 600 W peak pulse power, 185 °C junction rating, and DO-15 packaging. The tighter VBR tolerance of P6KA12A suits applications requiring precise clamping onset, while the P6KA12HE3/54 provides broader margin for 12 V system tolerances. The P6KA12HE3/54 also includes HE3 suffix indicating RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the P6KA12HE3/54 at maximum operating temperature?
At VWM = 9.72 V and TJ = 150 °C, the P6KA12HE3/54 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 5.0 μA. At 25 °C, leakage is ≤2.0 μA - well below typical thresholds that could affect low-power sensor bias networks. This low leakage ensures minimal impact on standby current in always-on automotive modules and maintains accuracy in precision voltage monitoring circuits. The P6KA12HE3/54's leakage behavior is fully characterized and stable across its -65 °C to +185 °C operating range.
P6KA12HE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 34.7A
- 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)
P6KA12HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA12HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA12HE3/54 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 P6KA12HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA12HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA12HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA12HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA12HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA12HE3/54?
P6KA12HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA12HE3/54 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 P6KA12HE3/54?
For technical support, including P6KA12HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA12HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA12HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA12HE3/54 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 P6KA12HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA12HE3/54?
All P6KA12HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA12HE3/54, 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 P6KA12HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA12HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KA12HE3/54 Tags

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