Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA12HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA12HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA12HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,116
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Product details
Overview
P6KA12HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 10.8 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 9.72 V maximum stand-off voltage (VWM), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 17.3 V clamping voltage at 34.7 A peak pulse current, and operates up to +185 °C junction temperature - ideal for automotive power line and sensor interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA12HE3/73 datasheet, P6KA12HE3/73 pinout, P6KA12HE3/73 application, or P6KA12HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, unidirectional polarity, low 2.0 μA reverse leakage at VWM, and high-temperature reliability in engine control units and industrial motor drives.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with junction passivation optimized for stable clamping under repetitive surge conditions. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and AEC-Q101 qualification confirm suitability for under-hood automotive environments where thermal stress and long-term reliability are critical.
The device delivers precise voltage limiting via tightly controlled breakdown (10.8–13.2 V) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of inductive switching transients and ESD events on 12 V supply rails. Clamping occurs within picoseconds, with a maximum clamping voltage of 17.3 V at 34.7 A IPPM, ensuring downstream ICs remain below absolute maximum ratings.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 10.8 V / 13.2 V - defines reliable conduction onset range; ensures activation before damage to 12 V system components |
| VWM | 9.72 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; allows safe operation across nominal 12 V rail with margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 17.3 V - clamping voltage at 34.7 A pulse; limits transient energy delivered to protected circuitry |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling (10/1000 μs); supports high-energy load dump and inductive kick events |
| IFSM | 75 A - non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine); withstands short-circuit fault currents |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - extended junction temperature rating; enables placement near heat sources in automotive ECUs |
| Leakage @ VWM | 2.0 μA at 25 °C - ultra-low standby current; avoids parasitic drain in always-on vehicle modules |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Cathode indicated by color band. Matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 solderable, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker tested.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return; completes clamping loop during overvoltage event |
| Cathode | Protected line connection / transient input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance per JEDEC standards |
| 185 °C junction rating | Enables direct mounting on high-temperature PCB areas (e.g., near power MOSFETs or ignition drivers) without derating |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and Pulse 1/2b transients in 12 V systems without failure |
| Low 2.0 μA leakage @ VWM | Minimizes quiescent current draw in battery-powered or always-on automotive modules (e.g., CAN nodes, sensors) |
| DO-204AC (DO-15) package | Industry-standard footprint compatible with legacy designs and automated axial insertion equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery rail and LDO/regulator input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤17.3 V, preventing damage to 20 V-rated regulators and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient shunt on 4–20 mA loop or 0–10 V signal line exposed to field wiring noise. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and low clamping ensure sensor signal integrity remains intact during ESD or inductive coupling events. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection | Telecom Power Supply Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals or H-bridge supply pins. Use Value: 600 W rating absorbs repetitive 10/1000 μs surges from commutation, extending MOSFET lifetime. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for AC/DC power supplies in base station remote radio units (RRUs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 48 V intermediate bus prior to DC/DC conversion. Use Value: 185 °C rating supports operation in sealed, high-ambient enclosures without thermal derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5AT | Lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), 12.2–13.5 V VBR, 19.9 V VC @ 20.1 A | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suited for space-constrained consumer PCBs, not under-hood automotive | Select for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs requiring SMT assembly and moderate surge immunity |
| 1.5KE12A | Higher VC (20.1 V @ 29.7 A), through-hole DO-201AD package, same 600 W rating, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Larger footprint and higher clamping voltage reduce protection margin for 12 V logic; lacks automotive reliability validation | Choose only for legacy industrial systems where DO-201AD mechanical fit is mandatory and AEC-Q101 is not required |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5AT and 1.5KE12A, the P6KA12HE3/73 provides superior automotive readiness via AEC-Q101 qualification, tighter VC (17.3 V), and extended 185 °C operation - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and high-reliability industrial designs where thermal resilience and standardized qualification matter.
Availability
P6KA12HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KA12HE3/73 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 high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding environments.
The P6KA12HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's PAR® series of transient voltage suppressors, engineered specifically for automotive-grade surge immunity and high-temperature stability in power line and interface protection applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KA12HE3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KA12HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.3 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 34.7 A using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and ensures protected downstream components remain within safe operating limits during transient events. The P6KA12HE3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P6KA12HE3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KA12HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming compliance with rigorous stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and surge endurance required for automotive electronics. Its 185 °C maximum junction temperature and DO-204AC construction make the P6KA12HE3/73 suitable for under-hood ECU and body control module applications.
What is the stand-off voltage (VWM) of the P6KA12HE3/73, and why does it matter?
The P6KA12HE3/73 has a maximum stand-off voltage (VWM) of 9.72 V, meaning it remains non-conductive under normal 12 V system operation with sufficient margin to avoid leakage or false triggering. This parameter ensures the P6KA12HE3/73 does not interfere with steady-state circuit behavior while still activating promptly during overvoltage events above ~10.8 V.
Does the P6KA12HE3/73 have unidirectional or bidirectional polarity?
The P6KA12HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by Vishay's datasheet and product family documentation. It protects against positive transients on the cathode side relative to anode (ground), making it appropriate for DC power line protection. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P6KxxCA) are separate part numbers and are not interchangeable with the P6KA12HE3/73.
What package type does the P6KA12HE3/73 use, and is it RoHS-compliant?
The P6KA12HE3/73 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy encapsulation, and HE3 suffix indicating RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. This package is widely supported in automated insertion and rework processes, and the P6KA12HE3/73 meets global environmental regulations without exemptions.
P6KA12HE3/73 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):
- 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)
P6KA12HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA12HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA12HE3/73 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 P6KA12HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA12HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA12HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA12HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA12HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA12HE3/73?
P6KA12HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA12HE3/73 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 P6KA12HE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA12HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA12HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA12HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA12HE3/73 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 P6KA12HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA12HE3/73?
All P6KA12HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA12HE3/73, 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 P6KA12HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA12HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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