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

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,776
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for overvoltage protection in DC power lines and signal interfaces. It features a 10.2V reverse standoff voltage (VRWM), 11.4–12.6V breakdown range (VBR), 16.7V max clamping voltage (VC) at 36A peak pulse current, and DO-15 package with glass-passivated junction - used in automotive body control modules and industrial PLC I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12CA-T datasheet, P6KE12CA-T pinout, P6KE12CA-T application, or P6KE12CA-T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, clamping performance under 1.0ms 8/20μs surge, bidirectional polarity behavior, thermal derating curves, and direct replacement guidance against active alternatives.
Technical Context
The P6KE12CA-T operates as a silicon avalanche diode with bidirectional clamping action, triggered when reverse or forward voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its glass-passivated die ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low leakage (<5.0μA @ VRWM), enabling reliable protection in noisy 12V automotive and industrial bus environments.
It responds to transients within <1.0ns and sustains 600W non-repetitive peak pulse power (tP = 1.0ms, 10/1000μs waveform). Thermal resistance from junction to ambient is 75°C/W, requiring PCB copper land area (40mm²) for rated 5.0W steady-state dissipation at TL = +75°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 600W (1.0ms non-repetitive, defines maximum surge energy absorption capability) |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VRWM) | 10.2V (maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage) |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 11.4–12.6V @ IT = 1.0mA (avalanche initiation range; tight tolerance enables precise protection threshold) |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 16.7V @ IPP = 36A (voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 1.0ms surge) |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 36A (maximum surge current supported at rated clamping voltage) |
| Package | DO-15 (axial-leaded, 0.4g weight, UL 94V-0 molded plastic, J-STD-020 Level 1 moisture sensitivity) |
| Operating Temperature | −55°C to +175°C (supports under-hood automotive and high-temp industrial deployment) |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, unmarked cathode end for bidirectional devices (P6KE12CA-T has no polarity marking per datasheet).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600W peak pulse power rating | Enables robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4kV line-earth, 2kV line-line) without derating |
| Glass-passivated die construction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low parameter drift across temperature and lifetime |
| Bidirectional configuration | Protects AC-coupled signals and dual-polarity DC rails (e.g., CAN bus, RS-485, sensor excitation lines) with single device |
| Fast response time & low clamping ratio | Clamping ratio VC/VBR = 1.47 enables tighter margin between operating voltage and protection threshold |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 12V supply rail and LIN/CAN node interfaces from load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of LDOs, microcontrollers, and transceivers. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7V, preventing latch-up or damage to 16V-rated downstream ICs. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input circuits from field-wiring induced surges and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on optocoupler input side of isolated DI module. Use Value: Absorbs 36A surge current while maintaining safe voltage across series current-limiting resistor and LED. |
| Smart Meter Power Supply Protection | DC Motor Drive Control Board |
Use Scenario: Guards auxiliary 12V DC-DC converter input against grid-side surges and meter tampering pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage TVS on primary-side rectified output before bulk capacitor. Use Value: Withstands repeated 600W pulses without degradation, supporting 10-year utility meter field life. |
Use Scenario: Suppresses flyback voltage spikes generated during MOSFET turn-off in H-bridge gate drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across motor terminals or half-bridge outputs. Use Value: Clamps reverse recovery energy within 16.7V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 20V-rated driver ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA-T | 400W peak power, SMB package (surface-mount), lower thermal resistance (RθJA = 40°C/W) | Requires PCB rework for SMT assembly; better suited for space-constrained designs with automated placement | Select when board real estate is limited and thermal management via copper pour is feasible |
| 1.5KE12CA-T | 1500W peak power, DO-201AD package, higher clamping voltage (20.1V @ 75A) | Higher energy handling but looser clamping margin; requires larger board footprint and lead-forming | Select when legacy 1.5kW surge immunity (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) is mandated and 20.1V clamping is acceptable |
Compared with P6KE12CA-T, SMBJ12CA-T trades peak power for compactness and thermal efficiency, while 1.5KE12CA-T prioritizes higher surge endurance at the cost of clamping precision and board area - making P6KE12CA-T optimal for cost-sensitive, through-hole 600W-class protection where DO-15 is standardized.
Availability
P6KE12CA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, smart meter power supplies, and DC motor drive control boards requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status - with committed inventory and last-time-buy support.
Supply support for P6KE12CA-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The P6KE series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppressor portfolio, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems using axial-leaded packaging.
FAQ
Is P6KE12CA-T still in active production?
No - Diodes Incorporated has officially discontinued the P6KE12CA-T and entire P6KE series (DS21502 Rev. 20-4 states "OBSOLETE – PART DISCONTINUED"). Aetrix Electronics holds remaining authorized inventory and supports last-time-buy orders with full traceability and documentation.
What is the difference between P6KE12A-T and P6KE12CA-T?
P6KE12A-T is unidirectional (cathode-banded), clamping only in reverse bias; P6KE12CA-T is bidirectional (no band), clamping symmetrically for both polarities. Their VRWM (10.2V), VBR (11.4–12.6V), and VC (16.7V) are identical - only polarity and marking differ.
Can P6KE12CA-T be used in place of P6KE12A-T?
Only if the circuit requires bidirectional protection. Substituting P6KE12CA-T for P6KE12A-T in a unidirectional design may cause unintended conduction during normal forward operation - verify polarity requirements and clamping symmetry before replacement.
What is the recommended PCB layout for P6KE12CA-T in high-surge applications?
Use minimum 25 mil (0.64 mm) trace width, connect both leads directly to wide copper pours (≥40 mm² per lead), avoid vias in surge current path, and place as close as possible to the protected connector or IC pin - per Diodes' thermal derating guidelines for DO-15 at TL = +75°C.
P6KE12CA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE12CA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12CA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12CA-T 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-T reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12CA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE12CA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12CA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12CA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12CA-T?
P6KE12CA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12CA-T 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-T?
For technical support, including P6KE12CA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12CA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12CA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12CA-T 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-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12CA-T?
All P6KE12CA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12CA-T, 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-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12CA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE12CA-T Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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