Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE120C
- Part No.:
- P6KE120C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE120C.pdf
- Description:
- 600W, 120V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,012
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Product details
Overview
P6KE120C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 120 V, maximum clamping voltage of 173 V at 3.6 A peak surge current, and stand-off voltage of 97.2 V - enabling robust ESD and lightning surge immunity in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE120C datasheet, P6KE120C pinout, P6KE120C application, or P6KE120C equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, 175 °C junction temperature rating, low dynamic impedance, sub-nanosecond response time, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The P6KE120C operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with precise voltage clamping during transients. Its 120 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 108–132 V at 1 mA test current) ensures stable triggering above system operating voltage while maintaining low leakage (<1 µA at 97.2 V). The device uses silicon planar construction for repeatable performance and thermal stability.
It delivers 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs waveform), with clamping voltage limited to 173 V at 3.6 A IPP. Its junction capacitance is not specified in the provided documentation, and it lacks integrated bidirectional functionality - requiring separate devices for AC or bipolar protection schemes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 108 V / 132 V at 1 mA - defines reliable conduction onset range under surge conditions |
| VWM | 97.2 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| VC @ IPP | 173 V at 3.6 A - peak clamped voltage limiting downstream component stress during surge |
| PPK | 600 W - surge energy handling capability per 10/1000 µs standard waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 molding |
| Configuration | Single die, unidirectional - requires cathode-band orientation during PCB layout |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002; meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts when transient exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W surge rating (10/1000 µs) | Enables single-device protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges on 12–48 V DC systems |
| Clamping voltage ≤173 V | Keeps downstream ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) within safe absolute maximum ratings during transients |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Response time <1.0 ps (0→VBR) | Protects fast-edge digital signals and analog front-ends before damage occurs |
| Leakage <1 µA at 97.2 V | Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-power battery-operated systems |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V supply inputs in engine control modules from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to shunt surge energy away from PMICs and MCUs. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤173 V, ensuring downstream components remain below their 200 V absolute maximum rating. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive kickback from solenoids and relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on each input channel, oriented to block reverse polarity while clamping positive spikes. Use Value: Withstands 3.6 A peak surge without degradation, preserving signal integrity across thousands of switching cycles. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | RS-485 Transceiver Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Preventing catastrophic failure of constant-current LED drivers due to accidental 48 V supply misconnection or lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on driver input, positioned upstream of input capacitors and controller ICs. Use Value: 97.2 V stand-off allows normal 48 V operation while triggering reliably above 108 V to protect MOSFETs and gate drivers. | Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers (e.g., THVD1550) from EFT bursts and cable discharge events in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on A/B differential lines referenced to local ground, suppressing common-mode transients. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response prevents data corruption during 5 ns EFT pulses, maintaining >1 Mbps communication integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ120A | Same DO-214AC package; slightly higher VC (176 V @ 3.5 A); identical 600 W rating | Designed for general industrial use; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where AEC-Q101 is not required |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE120A | Higher surge rating (1500 W); larger DO-201AD package; VC = 173 V @ 8.7 A | Suitable for higher-energy threats (e.g., AC mains coupling), but requires larger PCB footprint | Choose when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements |
Compared with P6KE120C, SMAJ120A offers identical clamping performance in a smaller surface-mount package but lacks automotive qualification, while 1.5KE120A provides triple the surge energy handling at the cost of board space and thermal mass - making P6KE120C optimal for space-constrained, AEC-Q101–compliant 12–48 V DC systems.
Availability
P6KE120C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, LED lighting drivers, and RS-485 communication interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE120C 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and thyristors - with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capabilities.
The P6KE series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing robust surge handling, tight parameter tolerances, and standardized DO-204AC packaging for legacy through-hole assembly.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P6KE120C?
The P6KE120C is a unidirectional TVS diode with clearly marked cathode band. It conducts only when the cathode is biased positively relative to the anode - making it suitable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. Unlike bidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE120CA), it does not suppress negative-going transients without external circuitry. Always observe cathode orientation during PCB layout to ensure correct clamping behavior in the P6KE120C.
Is the P6KE120C AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, the P6KE120C is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Taiwan Semiconductor's ordering code suffix "H" (P6KE120CH) and documentation stating AEC-Q101 availability for P6KE series excluding low-voltage variants. This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and mechanical shock - validating its suitability for automotive under-hood and cabin applications. The P6KE120C meets these requirements in its standard DO-204AC package.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE120C and at what current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of the P6KE120C is 173 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPP) of 3.6 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge events. Engineers must verify that this clamped level remains below the absolute maximum ratings of protected ICs - for example, ensuring it stays under 200 V for most 24 V automotive microcontrollers. The P6KE120C maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range.
Can the P6KE120C be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the P6KE120C is strictly unidirectional and cannot protect against negative-going transients on AC or bidirectional lines. For such applications, the bidirectional variant P6KE120CA must be used instead - it exhibits symmetric clamping in both directions with identical VBR and VC characteristics. Using P6KE120C on a bidirectional line risks failure during reverse-polarity surges. Always match the P6KE120C to unidirectional DC rails or signals with known polarity, and select P6KE120CA only when bipolar protection is explicitly required.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the P6KE120C above 25°C ambient?
The P6KE120C follows a linear thermal derating curve for peak pulse power: its 600 W rating applies only at TA = 25°C and decreases proportionally above that temperature, per Figure 2 in the datasheet. At 75°C ambient, the device is rated for approximately 50% of its room-temperature surge capacity (~300 W). This derating directly impacts survivability during repeated surges in hot environments like engine compartments. System designers must account for this reduction when specifying protection margins - especially in applications where the P6KE120C may experience elevated ambient temperatures during operation.
P6KE120C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 97.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 108V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 173V
- 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)
P6KE120C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE120C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE120C 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 P6KE120C reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE120C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE120C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE120C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE120C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE120C?
P6KE120C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE120C 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 P6KE120C?
For technical support, including P6KE120C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE120C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE120C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE120C 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 P6KE120C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE120C?
All P6KE120C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE120C, 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 P6KE120C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE120C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE120C Tags

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