Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE12-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE12-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,477
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 35.9 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive infotainment power inputs and industrial sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE12-E3/54 pinout, P6KE12-E3/54 application, or P6KE12-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, 10.2 V stand-off voltage, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability under transient surge conditions.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches to divert surge current away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<5.0 µA at 10.2 V).
Designed for single-pulse and low-duty-cycle repetitive transients (0.01 %), it delivers 35.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) while maintaining clamping at ≤16.7 V - critical for protecting 12 V nominal systems against ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a surges and inductive switching spikes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable triggering in 12 V systems |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 35.9 A - clamping voltage limiting protected circuit stress during 600 W transient events |
| IPPM | 35.9 A - peak surge current handled without failure under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform |
| PPPM | 600 W - industry-standard surge power rating enabling robust protection against common ESD and load-dump events |
| TJ max | 175 °C - high junction temperature rating supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - axial-leaded, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads per J-STD-002 |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking on unidirectional variants. Dimensions: 3.6 mm diameter × 7.6 mm body length; lead spacing 25.4 mm min; lead diameter 0.86 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); conducts during forward surge or bias |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); avalanches into low-impedance state when VREV > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown voltage and low leakage across temperature and lifetime |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides immunity to high-energy transients such as automotive load dump (ISO 16750-2) and relay coil flyback |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive electronics use with extended temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock testing |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., keeps microcontroller I/O within safe absolute maximum ratings |
| Matte tin-plated leads, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested | Enables reliable soldering and long-term interconnect integrity in automated assembly and harsh environments |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamp |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V power input of vehicle infotainment head units against load dump (up to 35 V, 400 ms) and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS device placed between VIN and GND, triggered within <1 ns to clamp transients before they reach DC-DC converters and SoCs. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream components to ≤16.7 V during 35.9 A surge - preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in PMICs and processors. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected anode-to-signal, cathode-to-VCC, clamping negative transients induced by nearby motor switching. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by suppressing −1 kV EFT bursts to <20 V peak, avoiding ADC saturation or op-amp rail-to-rail clipping. |
| Consumer USB Port Surge Guard | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 host ports in set-top boxes and gaming consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode TVS placed upstream of USB power switch, activated only during abnormal overvoltage events. Use Value: Withstands 600 W surges while adding <0.5 pF capacitance - no signal integrity impact on 480 Mbps data lines. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for RS-485 transceivers in base station remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on VCC rail feeding isolated RS-485 PHY, absorbing coupled common-mode energy from antenna mast grounding faults. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to ≤16.7 V before internal LDOs drop out - preserving communication link continuity during transient events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same VBR range (11.1–12.3 V), but SMC package (surface-mount); 400 W PPPM; higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 100 °C/W) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs where reflow assembly is used; less suitable for through-hole prototyping or high-reliability wire-lead connections | Select SMAJ12A only if board layout mandates SMD footprint and thermal management allows lower surge margin. |
| 1N6267A | Legacy DO-41 package; identical VBR (11.4–12.6 V), same 600 W rating, but not AEC-Q101 qualified; higher leakage (≤10 µA at VWM) | Used in cost-sensitive consumer electronics where automotive qualification is unnecessary and legacy inventory exists | Choose 1N6267A for non-automotive applications where RoHS compliance suffices and long-term supply stability is prioritized over qualification rigor. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1N6267A, P6KE12-E3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 axial form factor for manual assembly and high-current lead termination, and verified 600 W surge capability - making it optimal for production automotive and industrial designs requiring traceable, qualified components.
Availability
P6KE12-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power inputs, industrial sensor signal lines, consumer USB VBUS protection, and telecom RS-485 interface circuits requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE12-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power and signal interfaces.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P6KE12-E3/54?
The P6KE12-E3/54 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 11.4 V to 12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5 % tolerance around the nominal 12 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent triggering behavior across production lots and temperature ranges, critical for predictable protection in 12 V nominal systems. The P6KE12-E3/54 maintains this specification per Vishay Document Number 88369, Revision 18-Sep-12.
Is P6KE12-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE12-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per its HE3 suffix variant (P6KE12AHE3/54), and the E3 suffix version meets commercial-grade requirements with identical electrical specs. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, robust surge handling, and validated reliability testing make it appropriate for under-dash and engine bay applications. The P6KE12-E3/54 datasheet explicitly cites automotive use in its Typical Applications section.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE12-E3/54 at rated surge current?
The P6KE12-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 35.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The P6KE12-E3/54 achieves this performance while maintaining low incremental surge resistance and fast response time.
Does P6KE12-E3/54 have polarity marking, and how is it identified?
Yes, P6KE12-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode with a visible cathode band (dark stripe) on the epoxy body, indicating the cathode terminal. The banded end must be connected to the line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail), while the anode connects to ground or return. This polarity is essential for proper clamping function - reverse connection would prevent avalanche triggering during overvoltage. The P6KE12-E3/54 mechanical drawing confirms this marking per DO-204AC standards.
What packaging format is supplied for P6KE12-E3/54?
P6KE12-E3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel packaging, with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel and a preferred package code of "54". Each unit weighs 0.432 g. This format supports automated pick-and-place insertion and is compatible with standard axial leaded component feeders. The P6KE12-E3/54 ordering information is documented in Vishay's datasheet on page 3 under "Ordering Information".
P6KE12-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):
- 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)
P6KE12-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12-E3/54?
P6KE12-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE12-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12-E3/54?
All P6KE12-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE12-E3/54 Tags

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