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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE120A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE120A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE120A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 102VWM 165VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,266
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Product details
Overview
P6KE120A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for primary-level overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 120 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 114–126 V at 1.0 mA), 165 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 3.6 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients in industrial motor drives.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE120A-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE120A-E3/73 pinout, P6KE120A-E3/73 application, or P6KE120A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include standoff voltage (102 V), clamping ratio (1.38× VWM), thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at 102 V), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 114–126 V breakdown range. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and stable leakage performance (≤1.0 µA at VWM).
The device sustains 100 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), dissipates 5.0 W continuously on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, and maintains operation across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range - supporting ruggedized designs in automotive engine control units and industrial PLC I/O modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 114 V / 126 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise turn-on threshold for reliable overvoltage detection without false triggering |
| VWM | 102 V - maximum continuous working voltage; sets safe operating margin below breakdown |
| VC @ IPPM | 165 V at 3.6 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 µs transient; determines protected circuit's peak stress level |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling; supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 100 A - surge current withstand capability; ensures survival during repetitive load dump events |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables use in high-ambient environments like under-hood automotive |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows effective heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsink |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band at one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during reverse-biased clamping | Connected to protected line; conducts transient energy to ground when VIN > VBR |
| Cathode | Current exit point during clamping; marked with band | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return path; establishes reference for clamping action |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable long-term leakage performance under thermal cycling |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 4 kV (line-earth) without derating |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant); E3 is commercial grade | P6KE120A-E3/73 meets automotive reliability requirements for non-safety-critical ECUs when used per spec |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback) |
| UL 94 V-0 molded compound | Ensures flame-retardant housing integrity during fault-induced overheating |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Engine Control Units |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers from inductive kickback during IGBT/MOSFET switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between power rail and ground, triggered within nanoseconds of overvoltage event. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤165 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 100 V-rated MOSFETs and maintaining ADC accuracy in analog front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins against load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V battery-supplied subsystems, coordinated with fuse timing. Use Value: Withstands 100 A surge (8.3 ms) and clamps to 165 V, ensuring compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) test profiles. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | Consumer Appliance Control Boards |
Use Scenario: Input-stage protection for AC/DC adapters and PoE injectors exposed to lightning-induced surges on Ethernet or AC lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense before secondary TVS arrays or MOVs; absorbs initial fast-edge energy. Use Value: 600 W rating and 20 °C/W RθJL enable sustained operation after multiple 10/1000 µs pulses without thermal runaway. |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller reset lines and communication interfaces (UART, I²C) in washing machines and HVAC controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-cost, space-efficient clamp on 3.3 V or 5 V rails where board area limits SMD options. Use Value: DO-15 through-hole footprint allows easy manual replacement and provides mechanical robustness against vibration-induced solder fatigue. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A | Same VBR range (114–126 V), but SMC package (surface-mount); lower RθJA (40 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W), higher VF (5.0 V) | Requires PCB redesign for SMD layout; better suited for high-density automated assembly | Select SMBJ120A when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is required. |
| 1.5KE120A | Same DO-15 package and VBR, but 1.5 kW peak power (vs. 600 W); larger die size increases capacitance (≈150 pF vs. ≈50 pF) | Better for high-energy surges (e.g., AC mains input), but higher junction capacitance may distort high-speed signals | Choose 1.5KE120A only when surge energy exceeds 600 W capability and signal bandwidth <1 MHz. |
Compared with SMBJ120A and 1.5KE120A, P6KE120A-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of cost, through-hole serviceability, and moderate-energy clamping for DC-side protection - making it preferred for field-serviceable industrial controls and mid-tier automotive modules where leaded reliability and thermal margin matter.
Availability
P6KE120A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive engine control units, telecom power supplies, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE120A-E3/73 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 with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume protection applications where proven DO-15 form factor, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 600 W surge capability meet industrial and automotive system-level EMC requirements.
FAQ
What is the standoff voltage rating of the P6KE120A-E3/73?
The P6KE120A-E3/73 has a maximum standoff voltage (VWM) of 102 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this DC or RMS voltage level under normal operation. This value provides a 12 V safety margin below the minimum breakdown voltage of 114 V, ensuring stable blocking behavior in 90–100 V nominal systems such as 24 V industrial controls with ripple tolerance. The P6KE120A-E3/73 must not be operated above 102 V continuously to avoid accelerated degradation.
Is the P6KE120A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the P6KE120A-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and manufactured to commercial-grade specifications, while its base family (P6KE120AHE3) is AEC-Q101 qualified. Though P6KE120A-E3/73 itself carries the E3 suffix (commercial), its electrical and thermal specs - including 175 °C TJ max, 100 A IFSM, and UL 94 V-0 molding - align with under-hood and body-control module requirements when applied within derated conditions. System-level validation per ISO 7637-2 remains the responsibility of the end designer.
How does the clamping voltage of P6KE120A-E3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P6KE120A-E3/73 clamps to 165 V at its rated peak pulse current of 3.6 A, resulting in a clamping ratio of approximately 1.38× VWM (102 V) and 1.30× minimum VBR (114 V). This tight ratio reflects low dynamic impedance during conduction, critical for limiting stress on downstream ICs. Unlike Zener-based protectors, the P6KE120A-E3/73 achieves this via optimized silicon geometry and passivation - not external series resistance.
What is the thermal resistance profile of the P6KE120A-E3/73?
The P6KE120A-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 75 °C/W under standard mounting conditions. This means that with 5.0 W steady-state dissipation, the junction temperature rises ~100 °C above lead temperature - emphasizing the need for adequate copper pour or heatsinking on the cathode/anode traces. The low RθJL enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper, supporting reliable operation in sealed enclosures.
Can the P6KE120A-E3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the P6KE120A-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., P6KE120CA), which lacks polarity marking and exhibits symmetrical breakdown in both directions. Using P6KE120A-E3/73 in AC or floating applications without proper polarity alignment will result in unintended forward conduction and failure. Always verify suffix: "A" = unidirectional, "CA" = bidirectional.
P6KE120A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 102V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 114V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 165V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE120A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE120A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE120A-E3/73 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 P6KE120A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE120A-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE120A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE120A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE120A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE120A-E3/73?
P6KE120A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE120A-E3/73 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 P6KE120A-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE120A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE120A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE120A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE120A-E3/73 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 P6KE120A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE120A-E3/73?
All P6KE120A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE120A-E3/73, 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 P6KE120A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE120A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE120A-E3/73 Tags
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