Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE12C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE12C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,141
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA), and clamps to ≤16.7 V at 35.9 A peak pulse current. Used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE12C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE12C-E3/73 application, or P6KE12C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, UL 497B recognition, AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 variant), DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W).
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at 10.2 V), but switches to low-impedance conduction within <1 ns when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold. Its bi-directional symmetry enables use on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns.
The P6KE12C-E3/73 leverages glass-passivated junction technology for stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low incremental surge resistance, and repeatable clamping performance across 0.01% duty cycle pulses. Its 175 °C max junction temperature and JESD22-B106-compliant solderability support reflow and wave-solder assembly in harsh environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset window for reliable overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 5 μA, sets safe operating margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 35.9 A - actual clamped voltage during 600 W transient, determines protected circuit stress level |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - peak surge energy handling capacity for lightning/inductive spike immunity |
| IPPM | 35.9 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely diverts without degradation |
| TJ max | 175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports sustained power dissipation with minimal PCB copper |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Bi-directional construction - no polarity marking on device body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | Either lead serves as input/output terminal; identical clamping behavior in both directions |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path terminals | Leads conduct surge current bidirectionally; require ≥0.230" (5.8 mm) minimum PCB pad spacing per JEDEC DO-15 outline |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures ±5% VBR tolerance stability over temperature and lifetime, critical for precision clamping |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity without derating in standard layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive electronics including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2 file E136766) | Meets safety agency requirements for telecom and industrial communication port protection |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients, protecting 12 V logic and analog front-ends |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Ports |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp transients before reaching signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤16.7 V during 35.9 A surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 12 V automotive ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary line-level protection on isolated input channels, coordinated with upstream fusing. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 600 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, enabling long-term reliability in factory automation cabinets. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Power Adapter EMI Filtering |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on RJ-45 Ethernet PHY lines subjected to lightning-induced common-mode transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element in hybrid surge filter networks with common-mode chokes. Use Value: UL 497B recognition ensures compliance for telecom infrastructure equipment requiring safety certification. |
Use Scenario: Input-stage transient suppression on AC-DC adapter primary side, downstream of MOVs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response secondary clamp limiting residual spikes after bulk MOV clamping. Use Value: 1 ns response time captures fast-rising ESD events missed by slower MOVs, improving overall system robustness. |
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 | Same 12 V bi-directional rating, but SMB package (surface-mount); 600 W rating at 10/1000 μs; lower RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT placement; better suited for space-constrained consumer electronics | Select SMBJ12CA when board real estate is limited and reflow assembly is preferred over through-hole. |
| P6KE12CA | Identical DO-204AC package and electrical specs; differs only in suffix - 'C' denotes bi-directional, 'E3/73' indicates RoHS-compliant tape-and-reel packaging | No functional difference; P6KE12CA is base part number without packaging designation | Choose P6KE12CA for manual prototyping or non-tape applications; P6KE12C-E3/73 is optimized for automated pick-and-place. |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and P6KE12CA, the P6KE12C-E3/73 offers verified through-hole mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments, maintains legacy DO-15 footprint compatibility, and provides traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing via 73-inch tape reels - making it optimal for industrial control and automotive service replacement.
Availability
P6KE12C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom line interface circuits requiring stable component supply with full RoHS compliance and UL recognition.
Supply support for P6KE12C-E3/73 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in commercial and automotive applications where DO-15 form factor and 600 W surge capability are essential design constraints.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P6KE12C-E3/73?
The P6KE12C-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing a ±5% tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and temperature ranges, directly supporting predictable overvoltage protection in 12 V systems.
Is P6KE12C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - while the P6KE12C-E3/73 itself carries the commercial-grade E3 suffix, its underlying P6KE12CA device is AEC-Q101 qualified (as confirmed in the HE3 variant documentation). The P6KE12C-E3/73 shares identical electrical and thermal characteristics, making it appropriate for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as body control modules and infotainment power rails when validated per system-level requirements.
How does the clamping voltage of P6KE12C-E3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P6KE12C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 16.7 V at its rated 35.9 A peak pulse current, yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.4. This low ratio ensures minimal voltage overshoot during transients, preserving headroom for 12 V logic and analog components downstream - a key advantage over higher-ratio suppressors in sensitive interface protection.
What is the maximum operating temperature for P6KE12C-E3/73?
The P6KE12C-E3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C, enabling reliable operation in high-ambient environments such as under-hood automotive locations or enclosed industrial enclosures. Its thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) allows effective heat transfer to PCB copper or chassis mounts without active cooling.
Does P6KE12C-E3/73 have UL safety certification?
Yes - the P6KE12C-E3/73 is UL 497B recognized under file E136766 for both uni- and bi-directional configurations, with QVGQ2 classification. This certification validates its suitability for use in telecom, industrial, and consumer equipment requiring third-party safety approval for transient protection circuits on accessible ports.
P6KE12C-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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):
- 34.7A
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12C-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE12C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12C-E3/73?
P6KE12C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12C-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE12C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12C-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12C-E3/73?
All P6KE12C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12C-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE12C-E3/73 Tags

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