Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA15AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA15AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA15AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,750
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Product details
Overview
P6KA15AHE3/73 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 12.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 14.3–15.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 28.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤21.2 V at rated surge - deployed in automotive power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and MOSFET gate protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA15AHE3/73 datasheet, P6KA15AHE3/73 pinout, P6KA15AHE3/73 application, or P6KA15AHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C junction temperature rating, and clamping performance under 10/1000 μs transients.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology with optimized junction passivation for stable clamping under repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional architecture provides low forward voltage (3.5 V @ 50 A) and fast response time to protect downstream ICs from inductive switching spikes and ESD-like transients.
Rated for operation from –65 °C to +185 °C, it supports high-reliability automotive and industrial environments where thermal derating and long-term stability are critical. The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before conduction begins; sets operating margin below breakdown |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 14.3–15.8 V @ 1 mA - precise avalanche initiation threshold ensuring predictable clamping onset |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤21.2 V @ 28.3 A - limits transient voltage seen by protected circuitry during 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W - energy-handling capacity for standardized lightning/surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5 |
| TJ max. | +185 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive modules and high-ambient industrial controllers |
| IFSM (Surge Current) | 75 A @ 8.3 ms half-sine - withstands high-energy inductive turn-off events without failure |
| Polarity | Unidirectional - protects against positive-going transients only; cathode marked by band |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal | Marked with color band; connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail, sensor output) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| 185 °C junction rating | Enables deployment in engine control units and powertrain modules without thermal derating penalties |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response) |
| 600 W 10/1000 μs capability | Meets Level 4 IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity for industrial equipment |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-humidity, long-life applications |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 15 V. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤21.2 V during 600 W surges, preventing damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on signal line to ground, preserving signal integrity up to 1 MHz. Use Value: Clamps 8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) within nanoseconds while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance. |
| MOSFET Gate Overvoltage Suppression | Telecom DC Power Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Preventing gate oxide rupture in high-side N-channel MOSFETs driven by inductive loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS across gate-source terminals to shunt Miller-induced voltage spikes. Use Value: Responds faster than RC snubbers, clamping gate voltage to safe levels before destructive dv/dt occurs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered devices against induced surges on 48 V DC input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on DC input before DC/DC converter stage. Use Value: Handles 10/1000 μs surges up to 600 W while maintaining 12.8 V stand-off for stable upstream regulation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | Same VWM (12.8 V), identical DO-214AA package; 600 W rating but lower IPPM (32.4 A) and higher VC (24.4 V) | Less effective clamping margin in high-current surge scenarios; better suited for space-constrained PCBs | Select when board area is limited and peak surge currents remain below 25 A |
| 1.5KE15A | Higher VC (25.1 V), larger DO-201AD package, same 600 W rating; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Lacks automotive qualification and thermal robustness; suitable for commercial/industrial use only | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where 185 °C operation is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5KE15A, P6KA15AHE3/73 delivers tighter clamping (21.2 V vs. ≥24.4 V), guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance, and superior high-temperature stability - making it the preferred choice for automotive and mission-critical industrial systems requiring validated reliability.
Availability
P6KA15AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, industrial sensor interface design, and telecom DC input protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KA15AHE3/73 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, precision, and high-temperature performance.
The P6KA series belongs to Vishay's PAR® family of high-power TVS diodes engineered specifically for automotive and industrial surge immunity - delivering AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C operation, and consistent clamping under repetitive stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KA15AHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KA15AHE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 28.3 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures downstream components see no more than this voltage during surge events, directly supporting robust system-level EMC compliance.
Is P6KA15AHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KA15AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from –65 °C to +185 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and powertrain applications. Its passivated junction, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and validated surge endurance meet stringent automotive reliability requirements.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in P6KA15AHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, and passing JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. It confirms compliance with environmental and reliability standards required for high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
How does P6KA15AHE3/73 differ from the non-"A" variant P6KA15?
P6KA15AHE3/73 has a tighter breakdown voltage range (14.3–15.8 V) versus P6KA15 (13.5–16.3 V), resulting in more consistent clamping behavior and reduced unit-to-unit variation. It also exhibits lower maximum reverse leakage (1.0 μA vs. 1.0 μA at VWM, same spec) and improved temperature coefficient stability.
Can P6KA15AHE3/73 be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No, P6KA15AHE3/73 is unidirectional only, with a single avalanche junction oriented to clamp positive transients on the cathode side. For bidirectional protection, a pair of P6KA15AHE3/73 devices in series-opposed configuration or a dedicated bidirectional TVS such as P6SMB15CA must be used.
P6KA15AHE3/73 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):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 28.3A
- 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)
P6KA15AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA15AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA15AHE3/73 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 P6KA15AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA15AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA15AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
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Once your P6KA15AHE3/73 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 P6KA15AHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA15AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA15AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA15AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA15AHE3/73 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 P6KA15AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA15AHE3/73?
All P6KA15AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA15AHE3/73, 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 P6KA15AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA15AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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