Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE120-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE120-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE120-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 97.2VWM 173VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,544
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Product details
Overview
P6KE120-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 114 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 102 V standoff voltage (VWM), 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 - deployed in automotive body control modules to safeguard microcontrollers against load-dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE120-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE120-E3/54 pinout, P6KE120-E3/54 application, or P6KE120-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), RoHS-compliant DO-15 package compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
The P6KE120-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering unidirectional clamping action where reverse-biased conduction initiates at VBR ≥ 114 V and limits transient voltage to ≤165 V at IPPM = 3.6 A. Its 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables direct PCB trace heat sinking without external heatsinks under pulsed conditions.
It complies with JEDEC JESD22-B106 solderability standards, withstands 275 °C solder dip for 10 s, and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via molded epoxy encapsulation in DO-204AC (DO-15) case. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 102 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA; sets upper limit for safe DC rail operation. |
| VBR (min) | 114 V at 1 mA test current - Minimum voltage at which avalanche breakdown begins; defines turn-on threshold under transient stress. |
| VC (max) | 165 V at 3.6 A IPPM - Maximum clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines worst-case stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 600 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) events. |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - Junction-to-lead thermal resistance; allows estimation of temperature rise under repetitive surges using lead traces as heat path. |
| IFSM | 100 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine); validates survivability during accidental polarity reversal. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments with minimal derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by color band on cathode end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration; conducts during forward surge events up to 100 A. |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); initiates reverse breakdown at ≥114 V to shunt surge current away from sensitive loads. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides immunity to high-energy transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) without degradation after repeated strikes. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected MOSFETs and MCUs. |
| RoHS-compliant & JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistant | Supports lead-free reflow assembly and eliminates tin whisker growth risk in high-reliability industrial and automotive assemblies. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Installed across 12 V battery feed in BCM modules to suppress load-dump transients up to 120 V sustained for 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed upstream of LDO regulators and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream components to ≤165 V, preventing permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces and analog front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Mounted on RS-485 bus lines in factory automation PLC I/O modules exposed to ESD and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level transient suppressor guarding differential data lines against ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Clamps fast-rising transients within <1 ns, preserving signal integrity and avoiding false triggering of receiver comparators. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom DC Power Distribution |
|
Use Scenario: Applied across AC-DC adapter secondary-side output to protect against flyback transformer ringing and rectifier reverse recovery spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated protector absorbing repetitive 600 W pulses without parameter drift over 10⁵ cycles. Use Value: Extends lifespan of output capacitors and synchronous rectifier MOSFETs by limiting peak reverse voltage stress to 165 V. |
Use Scenario: Integrated into -48 V telecom power distribution boards to guard backplane connectors against hot-swap induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy crowbar device shunting >100 A surges directly to chassis ground via low-inductance layout. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by failing short-circuit (not open) under catastrophic overload, tripping upstream fuses safely. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ110A | Lower PPPM (600 W same), but smaller SMB package (3.5 mm × 4.6 mm); VC = 177 V at 3.4 A; RθJA = 110 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W for P6KE120-E3/54. | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; less effective for high-duty-cycle surges due to higher thermal resistance. | Select when board area is critical and surge repetition rate is low (<0.1 Hz). |
| 1.5KE120A | Same DO-15 package and VBR/VC specs, but higher PPPM = 1500 W; larger die size increases capacitance (≈150 pF vs. ≈50 pF for P6KE120-E3/54). | Preferred for high-energy lightning-induced surges; not ideal for high-speed data lines due to elevated junction capacitance. | Choose when protecting AC mains inputs or motor drives requiring >1 kW surge handling. |
Compared with SMBJ110A and 1.5KE120A, the P6KE120-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of automotive qualification, thermal performance in axial packages, and low capacitance - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding 12 V rail protection where board real estate permits DO-15 mounting.
Availability
P6KE120-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapters, and telecom DC distribution systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE120-E3/54 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection in commercial and automotive environments - prioritizing robust clamping, fast response, and standardized DO-15 compatibility across voltage grades.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE120-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE120-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 165 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 3.6 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The P6KE120-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is P6KE120-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE120-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88369, Revision 18-Sep-12), confirming its suitability for automotive use cases including body control modules, lighting drivers, and infotainment power supplies. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and robust surge handling make the P6KE120-E3/54 appropriate for under-hood and cabin environments.
What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in P6KE120-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS compliance and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/54" specifies the preferred package code for 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging with a base quantity of 4000 units. This packaging format ensures automated placement compatibility and traceable lot control - critical for high-volume manufacturing of the P6KE120-E3/54.
How does P6KE120-E3/54 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like P6KE120CA?
The P6KE120-E3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, enabling asymmetric clamping only in reverse bias. In contrast, P6KE120CA is bi-directional with no polarity marking and clamps symmetrically in both directions. The P6KE120-E3/54 offers lower leakage and tighter VBR tolerance than its CA counterpart, making it preferable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed.
What is the thermal resistance of P6KE120-E3/54, and how does it affect layout design?
The P6KE120-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, meaning each watt of dissipated surge energy raises the junction temperature by ~20 °C above lead temperature. To maximize surge endurance, PCB layout should use wide copper traces (≥2 mm width) connecting both leads to internal ground/power planes - effectively turning the P6KE120-E3/54's leads into thermal conduction paths.
P6KE120-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 97.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 108V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 173V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.5A
- 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)
P6KE120-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE120-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE120-E3/54 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 P6KE120-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE120-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE120-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE120-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE120-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE120-E3/54?
P6KE120-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE120-E3/54 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 P6KE120-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE120-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE120-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE120-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE120-E3/54 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 P6KE120-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE120-E3/54?
All P6KE120-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE120-E3/54, 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 P6KE120-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE120-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE120-E3/54 Tags

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