Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE12C
- Part No.:
- P6KE12C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12C.pdf
- Description:
- 600W, 12V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,491
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-side overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 12 V, clamps transients to ≤17.3 V at 36 A peak surge current, and delivers sub-nanosecond response time (<1.0 ps) to ESD and lightning-induced surges in automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12C datasheet, P6KE12C pinout, P6KE12C application, or P6KE12C equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package, 9.72 V stand-off voltage, <1 μA reverse leakage at rated VWM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability under thermal cycling and mechanical shock.
Technical Context
The P6KE12C operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, leveraging controlled Zener/avalanche breakdown to clamp transient energy before it reaches downstream ICs. Its 10/1000 μs surge rating of 600 W and maximum clamping voltage of 17.3 V at 36 A define its robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges.
Thermal performance is governed by a 175 °C maximum junction temperature and derating curve per Fig.2; electrical behavior is stable across -55 °C to +175 °C storage and operating ranges. The device exhibits low dynamic impedance and a 0.078 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, ensuring predictable voltage clamping across ambient conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 10.8 V / 13.2 V - Ensures reliable turn-on above 9.72 V stand-off while avoiding false triggering during normal operation |
| VWM | 9.72 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage compatible with 12 V nominal systems |
| IPP | 36 A - Peak surge current capability at 10/1000 μs waveform, defining minimum PCB trace width and fuse coordination |
| VC@IPP | 17.3 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge, critical for IC absolute maximum rating margin |
| IR@VWM | <1 μA - Negligible leakage current preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules |
| TJ(max) | 175 °C - Enables use in under-hood environments without thermal derating penalties up to 75 °C ambient |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400 g mass and UL 94V-0 molding compound |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking; leads are pure tin plated and solderable per J-STD-002. Polarity is unidirectional: banded end is cathode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference node | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return path to shunt surge current safely away from protected ICs |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to the 12 V rail or signal line requiring clamping; reverse-biased during normal operation, avalanches during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing per JESD22 standards |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges (1.2/50 μs voltage, 8/20 μs current) without degradation |
| Clamping voltage ≤17.3 V | Maintains safe margin below 20 V absolute maximum ratings of common 12 V automotive microcontrollers and CAN transceivers |
| Response time <1.0 ps | Activates faster than ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2), preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in CMOS ICs |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally constrained supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial 12 V DC Power Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and door lock actuators from load dump and alternator ripple in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V supply rail upstream of LDO regulators and communication ICs. Use Value: Prevents permanent damage to 12 V-rated MCU I/O pins and LIN PHYs during ISO 16750-2 load dump events (up to 35 V for 400 ms). |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensor interfaces against induced surges from relay coil switching in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on 12 V auxiliary power rail feeding isolated RS-485 transceivers and analog front-ends. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤17.3 V, preserving 20 V absolute max rating of ADuM1201 isolators and MAX1487E transceivers. |
| LED Lighting Driver Input | Automotive Infotainment USB Port |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from buck converter MOSFETs and ESD from user-touch surfaces in automotive LED headlamp drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor on 12 V input before DC-DC controller ICs (e.g., LM5116) and gate drivers. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W surge energy without failure, enabling compliance with SAE J1113-11 ESD immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Protecting USB 2.0 data lines and VBUS input in infotainment head units exposed to hot-plug transients and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp on 5 V VBUS line (with series resistor) and bidirectional variant on D+/D− lines. Use Value: Sub-ns response prevents data corruption during 8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), maintaining USB enumeration integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ12A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 12 V nominal, 19.9 V clamping at 32.4 A; slightly higher VC and lower IPP (400 W) | Surface-mount only; requires rework of PCB layout; better suited for space-constrained consumer electronics vs. through-hole automotive harnesses | Select when board space is limited and automated assembly is preferred; verify thermal relief pad design for 175 °C TJ |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12C | Same DO-204AC (DO-15) package; 12 V nominal, 19.9 V clamping at 32.4 A; identical 600 W rating but higher VC and 0.102 %/°C tempco | Legacy industrial stock; wider VBR tolerance (10.8–13.2 V same), but less precise clamping under temperature variation | Choose for cross-supply continuity where existing 1.5KE12C BOMs exist; confirm thermal derating matches P6KE12C curves |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5KE12C, P6KE12C offers tighter clamping (17.3 V vs. ≥19.9 V), lower temperature coefficient (0.078 %/°C), and AEC-Q101 validation-making it optimal for new automotive designs demanding high surge margin and long-term reliability.
Availability
P6KE12C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial 12 V power inputs, and LED lighting driver protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE12C 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The P6KE Series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, with AEC-Q101 variants engineered specifically for under-hood and control module applications.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P6KE12C?
P6KE12C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode band marking on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. It conducts only in reverse bias during overvoltage events and blocks forward current like a standard rectifier. This configuration is ideal for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed, unlike bidirectional variants used for AC or differential signal lines.
Does P6KE12C meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, P6KE12C is AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code P6KE12CH (H-suffix denotes qualification). It has passed stress tests including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life, making it suitable for automotive body electronics, lighting, and infotainment systems per ISO/TS 16949 requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE12C at rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE12C is 17.3 V at 36 A peak pulse current (IPP) under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events.
How does P6KE12C compare to P6KE12A in terms of electrical performance?
P6KE12C has a breakdown voltage range of 10.8–13.2 V and stand-off voltage of 9.72 V, while P6KE12A tightens the VBR range to 11.4–12.6 V and raises VWM to 10.2 V. P6KE12A offers improved tolerance control for precision clamping, whereas P6KE12C provides broader margin for variable manufacturing and aging effects in high-volume automotive applications.
Can P6KE12C be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No, P6KE12C is unidirectional and unsuitable for bidirectional signal lines such as RS-485 or USB D+/D− without external circuitry. For those applications, use the bidirectional P6KE12CA variant (suffix CA), which provides symmetrical clamping in both directions and shares the same DO-204AC package and 17.3 V clamping specification.
P6KE12C 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):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 36A
- 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)
P6KE12C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12C 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 P6KE12C reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE12C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12C?
P6KE12C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12C 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 P6KE12C?
For technical support, including P6KE12C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12C 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 P6KE12C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12C?
All P6KE12C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12C, 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 P6KE12C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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