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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE12-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE12-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,385
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in 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, 600 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 µs waveform), and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package - deployed in automotive power supply inputs and industrial sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE12-E3/73 pinout, P6KE12-E3/73 application, or P6KE12-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10.2 V stand-off voltage, 5.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 175 °C junction temperature rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability - all critical for surge immunity validation in IEC 61000-4-5 compliant designs.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 GΩ at 10.2 V), then avalanches sharply at VBR to limit transient energy. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance (<0.5 Ω typical), enabling sub-nanosecond response to ESD and lightning-induced surges.
Thermally, it delivers 5.0 W steady-state dissipation on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, with RθJL = 20 °C/W and RθJA = 75 °C/W. The 100 A IFSM rating (8.3 ms half-sine) supports robust handling of repetitive inductive-switching transients in motor control and relay driver circuits.
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 clamping onset |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 5.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 35.9 A - clamping voltage during 600 W transient, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 µs) - peak surge energy absorption capacity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| TJ max | 175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - axial-leaded, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with cathode indicated by color band on one end; leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, rated for 275 °C dip soldering (10 s max).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lowest potential node; completes conduction path during reverse-biased transient |
| Cathode | High-side protected node | Connected to line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail); avalanche occurs when voltage exceeds VBR relative to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge (line-to-ground) without degradation |
| Fast response time | <1.0 ns turn-on - limits voltage overshoot before clamping engages |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | 1.47 - minimizes protected circuit overvoltage margin versus breakdown threshold |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero-failure field performance |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, up to 60 V/100 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed upstream of LDO regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits input voltage to ≤16.7 V during 35.9 A transients, preventing regulator latch-up and MCU brownout. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop interfaces in PLC analog input modules subjected to ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection on signal line referenced to local ground. Use Value: Clamps fast-rising ESD events within 1 ns while maintaining <5 µA leakage at 10.2 V operating bias. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Surge Suppression | Telecom DC Feeder Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side 12 V output of AC/DC adapters driving USB hubs and display controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS across VOUT–GND to absorb switching noise and induced surges. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without derating at ambient up to 85 °C, ensuring adapter compliance with UL 62368-1 Annex M. |
Use Scenario: -48 V DC feeder lines in telecom base station remote radio units exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on power feed line with coordinated coordination to upstream gas discharge tube. Use Value: Provides low-VC clamping (16.7 V) to protect PoE controller ICs while surviving 100 A surge currents per Telcordia GR-1089-CORE. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | Same VBR range (11.4–12.6 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 600 W rating retained | Requires PCB re-layout for SMT assembly; better thermal performance in high-density layouts | Select SMBJ12A when board space is constrained and automated assembly is required |
| 1.5KE12A | Higher 1500 W peak power rating, same DO-204AC package; VBR identical (11.4–12.6 V), but VC = 19.9 V at 75.5 A | Provides higher surge margin for infrequent extreme events (e.g., direct lightning coupling), but higher clamping voltage | Select 1.5KE12A where system-level testing requires >600 W margin and 19.9 V clamping is acceptable |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5KE12A, P6KE12-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial through-hole manufacturability, 600 W capability, and low 16.7 V clamping - making it preferred for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial replacements where legacy through-hole assembly remains in use.
Availability
P6KE12-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom power systems requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified surge protection.
Supply support for P6KE12-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The P6KE series targets cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection for DC power and signal lines in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications - prioritizing robustness, standardization, and broad voltage coverage.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P6KE12-E3/73?
The P6KE12-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 supports predictable circuit protection design. The value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and verified during 100 % production testing.
Is P6KE12-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE12-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and validation against HTOL, temperature cycling, and humidity testing confirm suitability for under-hood and cabin environments. The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
How does P6KE12-E3/73 compare to bi-directional TVS diodes like P6KE12CA?
P6KE12-E3/73 is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., +12 V rail to ground), offering lower leakage (<5 µA at 10.2 V) and tighter VBR control. In contrast, P6KE12CA is bi-directional, supporting AC or floating signal lines but with doubled leakage (≤10 µA) and no cathode marking. The P6KE12-E3/73 cannot replace P6KE12CA in AC-coupled applications without circuit redesign.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE12-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of P6KE12-E3/73 is 16.7 V at 35.9 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform), as specified in the Vishay datasheet. This value represents worst-case voltage seen by downstream components during a full-rated 600 W transient. Designers must ensure that connected ICs tolerate ≥16.7 V for the duration of the pulse (typically <1 ms) to avoid damage.
Can P6KE12-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - P6KE12-E3/73 should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors due to VBR mismatch (±5 % tolerance), which causes uneven current sharing and premature failure of the lower-VBR unit. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-power device such as 1.5KE12A (1500 W) or use coordinated staged protection (e.g., GDT + P6KE12-E3/73) rather than parallel TVS diodes.
P6KE12-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12-E3/73?
P6KE12-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE12-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12-E3/73?
All P6KE12-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12-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 P6KE12-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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