Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE12CA
- Part No.:
- P6KE12CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,488
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust 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 (10/1000 µs), and operates within a -55°C to +175°C junction temperature range - ideal for automotive power supply input protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12CA datasheet, P6KE12CA pinout, P6KE12CA application, or P6KE12CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional configuration, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, low dynamic impedance, sub-5 ns response time, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The P6KE12CA is a silicon avalanche diode optimized for unidirectional or bidirectional transient suppression using controlled reverse-biased avalanche breakdown. Its 10/1000 µs waveform rating delivers 600 W peak pulse power with clamping voltage tightly specified at ≤17.3 V under 36 A surge current.
It exhibits low leakage (<1 µA at 9.72 V stand-off voltage), fast response (≤5.0 ns for bidirectional operation), and a temperature coefficient of VBR of 0.078 %/°C - ensuring stable clamping performance across automotive thermal environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 600 W - sustains high-energy ESD/EFT transients without failure |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 10.8–13.2 V @ 1 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold |
| Stand-Off Voltage VWM | 9.72 V - maximum continuous DC voltage before leakage exceeds 1 µA |
| Clamping Voltage VC | ≤17.3 V @ 36 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during surge events |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.400 g mass and UL 94V-0 molding |
| Junction Temp Range | -55°C to +175°C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial ambient conditions |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive electronic systems per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, polarity marked by cathode band (bidirectional symmetry means both ends function identically).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Bidirectional terminals - either end serves as input/output; no fixed anode/cathode assignment |
| Leads (Tin-plated) | PCB interconnect & heat sinking | Solderable per J-STD-002; thermal dissipation supported by 9.5 mm lead length at 75°C |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional TVS architecture | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity concerns |
| ≤5.0 ns response time | Ensures clamping activation before transient energy damages sensitive downstream logic or analog circuitry |
| Low dynamic impedance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during high-di/dt surges, improving protection margin |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rating | Confirms flame-retardant epoxy encapsulation suitable for safety-critical automotive and industrial enclosures |
| Halogen-free construction | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 compliance for environmentally restricted electronics manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main power rail, absorbing >600 W surge energy before regulator ICs. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤17.3 V during 36 A transients, preventing damage to 24 V-rated LDOs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop sensors in factory automation subject to EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector across sensor output terminals, clamping ±1 kV EFT pulses. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing transients within 5 ns while adding <1 µA leakage at 9.72 V operating point. |
| LED Driver Overvoltage Clamp | USB Port ESD Protection |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in outdoor lighting subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS placed after bridge rectifier to protect switching controller ICs. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to ≤17.3 V, preserving gate oxide integrity of MOSFETs rated for 20 V max VGS. |
Use Scenario: USB 2.0 data lines in portable medical devices requiring IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional clamp across D+ and D− lines (with series resistors). Use Value: Provides 600 W surge handling while maintaining signal rise/fall times via minimal junction capacitance (typ. <100 pF @ 0 V). |
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 SMAJ12CA | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 600 W rating; VBR = 12.2–13.6 V; slightly higher VC = 19.9 V @ 30.1 A | Surface-mount alternative with lower profile; requires PCB rework for through-hole replacement | Select when board space constraints favor SMD or existing layout uses SMA footprint |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12CA | Higher 1500 W rating; same DO-204AC package; VBR = 11.4–12.6 V; VC = 18.2 V @ 82.5 A | Higher surge capacity suits infrequent but extreme transients (e.g., generator load dump) | Select when system-level testing reveals 600 W insufficient and mechanical fit allows same axial package |
Compared with P6KE12CA, SMAJ12CA offers SMD compatibility at the cost of higher clamping voltage and different thermal derating, while 1.5KE12CA trades smaller size for significantly higher surge margin - making P6KE12CA optimal for cost-sensitive, space-tolerant automotive and industrial designs needing proven 600 W protection.
Availability
P6KE12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and LED driver overvoltage suppression requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for P6KE12CA 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, and rectifiers with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capability.
The P6KE series was engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial power systems, emphasizing robustness, tight parameter distribution, and long-term stability under thermal cycling.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for P6KE12CA?
The P6KE12CA has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 10.8 V to 13.2 V at 1 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. This range ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lots and enables reliable coordination with downstream voltage tolerances in protected circuits.
Is P6KE12CA suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, P6KE12CA is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS diode - confirmed by its CA suffix, symmetric electrical characteristics in both directions, and absence of polarity marking dependency. It protects AC-coupled or floating interfaces such as RS-485, CAN bus stubs, and audio lines without orientation constraints.
Does P6KE12CA meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, P6KE12CA is AEC-Q101 qualified (per ordering code P6KE12CAH), having passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD - validating its suitability for under-hood and body-control module applications in passenger vehicles and commercial fleets.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE12CA under surge conditions?
The P6KE12CA clamps to a maximum of 17.3 V when subjected to a 36 A peak surge current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, providing a deterministic upper bound for protected circuit voltage stress during transient events.
How does the DO-204AC (DO-15) package affect thermal performance of P6KE12CA?
The DO-204AC package supports 5 W steady-state power dissipation at 75°C ambient when mounted on 5 × 5 mm copper pads per lead. Its axial leads enable vertical mounting for airflow cooling, and the 0.400 g mass contributes to thermal inertia - critical for surviving repetitive low-duty-cycle surges in industrial controls.
P6KE12CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 36A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE12CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12CA 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 P6KE12CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE12CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12CA?
P6KE12CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12CA 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 P6KE12CA?
For technical support, including P6KE12CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12CA 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 P6KE12CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12CA?
All P6KE12CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12CA, 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 P6KE12CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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