Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KA15HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KA15HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KA15HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.1VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,733
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Product details
Overview
P6KA15HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines in automotive and industrial systems. It features a 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 13.5–16.3 V), 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 22.0 V maximum clamping voltage at 27.3 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for under-hood applications.
For engineers reviewing the P6KA15HE3/73 datasheet, P6KA15HE3/73 pinout, P6KA15HE3/73 application, or P6KA15HE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-204AC package details, clamping behavior under surge conditions, and validated alternatives for automotive-grade circuit protection design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses passivated anisotropic rectifier technology to achieve stable junction performance up to TJ = 185 °C, enabling reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as engine control units and powertrain modules. Its unidirectional polarity and low incremental surge resistance ensure fast response (<1 ns) and minimal voltage overshoot during ESD or load-dump transients.
The device complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression and is rated for repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01 % duty cycle. Clamping voltage is specified at IPPM = 27.3 A, with VC ≤ 22.0 V - a critical parameter for safeguarding 12 V automotive electronics against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and Pulse 2b events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 13.5 V / 16.3 V - defines precise breakdown threshold for predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VWM | 12.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; ensures no leakage conduction during normal 12 V rail operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.0 V at 27.3 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress below safe semiconductor thresholds |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling capability for 10/1000 μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5 |
| IFSM | 75 A - surge current rating for 8.3 ms half-sine wave, supporting load-dump immunity |
| TJ max. | 185 °C - enables placement near heat sources without derating loss in protection margin |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive electronic components per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band; RoHS-compliant and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker tested.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / low-side reference | Connected to ground or lower-potential node; forms clamping path when cathode exceeds VBR |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased input / protected line connection | Connected to supply rail or signal line; conducts only during overvoltage to shunt energy to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-temperature junction capability | TJ = 185 °C enables use in engine bay and power module designs without thermal derating penalties |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ~1.45 - minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs while maintaining robust surge handling |
| Fast response time | < 1 ns - ensures suppression before transient energy couples into sensitive inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| Uni-directional architecture | Optimized for DC rail protection where reverse polarity is not expected, reducing capacitance vs. bi-directional types |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between power input and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤22.0 V at 27.3 A, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance shunt protector on differential or single-ended signal lines. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 μA leakage at 12.1 V while clamping ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Feeder Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp in AC/DC adapters subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode protector across output capacitor terminals. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation, ensuring compliance with UL 62368-1 surge withstand requirements. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage guard on -48 V telecom power feeds exposed to induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional crowbar on feed line prior to DC/DC converter input. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 27.3 A while maintaining VWM = 12.1 V compatibility with -48 V nominal systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A-E3/5BT | Same DO-214AC package; 15 V VBR, but lower PPPM = 400 W and VC = 24.4 V at 16.4 A | Less robust for automotive load dump; suitable for consumer-grade 12 V systems with lower surge severity | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for 600 W rating and AEC-Q101 qualification |
| 1.5KE15A | DO-201AD package; same VBR range but higher VC = 23.5 V at 25.5 A and non-AEC-Q101 rated | Larger footprint; lacks automotive qualification and high-temp junction rating (TJ max = 175 °C) | Use only in non-automotive industrial applications where space allows larger case and qualification is not required |
Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/5BT and 1.5KE15A, P6KA15HE3/73 delivers superior surge margin (600 W vs. 400 W/400 W), tighter clamping (22.0 V vs. 24.4 V/23.5 V), and full AEC-Q101 compliance - making it the preferred choice for mission-critical automotive and high-reliability industrial protection.
Availability
P6KA15HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power feeder lines requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P6KA15HE3/73 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, and protection devices engineered for high reliability and extended temperature operation.
The P6KA series was developed specifically for automotive and industrial transient suppression, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C junction capability, and consistent clamping performance under repetitive surge stress.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P6KA15HE3/73?
The P6KA15HE3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 13.5 V to 16.3 V at 1.0 mA test current, corresponding to a ±10 % tolerance around the nominal 15 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent turn-on behavior across production lots and supports precise system-level overvoltage threshold design in automotive applications.
Is P6KA15HE3/73 suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, P6KA15HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode and must not be used on AC or bidirectional signal paths. Its design provides clamping only for positive transients relative to ground; reverse polarity events will forward-bias the device and cause failure. For bidirectional protection, a dedicated bi-directional part such as P6SMB15CAHE3/A must be selected instead of P6KA15HE3/73.
Does P6KA15HE3/73 require a heatsink for standard operation?
No, P6KA15HE3/73 operates without a heatsink under normal conditions due to its 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation rating on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. In typical PCB layouts with 1 oz copper and moderate copper area, thermal rise remains within safe limits even during intermittent surge events - no external heatsink is needed for P6KA15HE3/73 deployment.
What is the maximum leakage current of P6KA15HE3/73 at 12.1 V?
At VWM = 12.1 V and TA = 25 °C, the maximum reverse leakage current for P6KA15HE3/73 is 1.0 μA. At elevated temperature (TJ = 150 °C), leakage increases to 5.0 μA - still well below levels that would affect system quiescent current or sensor bias stability in automotive or industrial applications using P6KA15HE3/73.
How does the clamping voltage of P6KA15HE3/73 compare to similar 15 V TVS diodes?
P6KA15HE3/73 achieves a maximum clamping voltage of 22.0 V at 27.3 A (10/1000 μs), which is 1.5–2.0 V lower than comparable 15 V TVS diodes like SMAJ15A (24.4 V) and 1.5KE15A (23.5 V). This lower VC directly improves system robustness by reducing voltage stress on downstream ICs during surge events - a key differentiator of P6KA15HE3/73 in high-reliability designs.
P6KA15HE3/73 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):
- 12.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.5V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 27.3A
- 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)
P6KA15HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KA15HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KA15HE3/73 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 P6KA15HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KA15HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KA15HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KA15HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KA15HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KA15HE3/73?
P6KA15HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KA15HE3/73 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 P6KA15HE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KA15HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KA15HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KA15HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KA15HE3/73 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 P6KA15HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KA15HE3/73?
All P6KA15HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KA15HE3/73, 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 P6KA15HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KA15HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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