Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE12HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE12HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE12HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 9.72VWM 17.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,122
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Product details
Overview
P6KE12HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12.6 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 35.9 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE12HE3/73 datasheet, P6KE12HE3/73 pinout, P6KE12HE3/73 application, or P6KE12HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, and RoHS-compliant AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive electronics protection.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at 10.2 V), but avalanches rapidly (<1 ns response) when transient voltage exceeds its 11.4–12.6 V breakdown range. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low temperature coefficient (0.078 %/°C).
Designed for single-pulse and low-duty-cycle repetitive transients, it sustains 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and dissipates 5.0 W continuously on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. The DO-204AC package enables manual or automated through-hole assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 11.4 V / 12.6 V - defines precise avalanche initiation window for reliable clamping onset |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises above 5 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V @ 35.9 A - maximum clamped voltage during 600 W 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per JEDEC standard waveform |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - junction-to-lead thermal resistance enabling direct PCB copper pour heat sinking |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating supporting under-hood automotive use |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by color band on body; anode is unmarked end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point during forward conduction | Connected to protected line's lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) |
| Cathode | Current exit point during avalanche/clamping | Marked with band; connected to protected line's higher-potential side (e.g., VIN, signal rail) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and immunity to humidity-induced parameter drift |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a surges without degradation in automotive ECUs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood environments including -40 °C to +125 °C operation |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage margin required for protected ICs like CAN transceivers or microcontrollers |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Guarantees solderability per JESD 22-B102 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 2 (HE3 suffix) |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed between VBAT and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7 V, preventing damage to 16 V-rated regulators and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage limiter on differential or single-ended signal lines. Use Value: Clamps ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) within <1 ns, preserving signal integrity below 100 kHz bandwidth. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output protection in wall adapters supplying USB-C PD devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional clamp referenced to common ground on regulated 5–20 V rails. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W surges from capacitor discharge or hot-plug events while maintaining <10.2 V steady-state holdoff. |
Use Scenario: Primary protection for Ethernet PHY interfaces exposed to lightning-induced surges on outdoor telecom links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage shunt suppressor on isolated DC bias lines feeding PoE injectors. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 35.9 A without parametric shift, enabling robust 100BASE-TX operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Lower peak power (400 W), SMC package (surface-mount), VC = 19.9 V @ 20.1 A | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; less robust for high-energy automotive transients | Select SMAJ12A only when board area is critical and surge energy remains below 400 W. |
| 1.5KE12A | Same DO-15 package, higher peak power (1500 W), VC = 19.2 V @ 78.1 A, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Higher energy handling but lacks automotive reliability validation and tighter VBR tolerance | Choose 1.5KE12A for industrial mains input stages where AEC-Q101 is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ12A and 1.5KE12A, the P6KE12HE3/73 delivers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, 600 W surge capacity, and tight 11.4–12.6 V breakdown control-making it the preferred choice for automotive body control modules and industrial sensor nodes requiring certified reliability.
Availability
P6KE12HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE12HE3/73 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 and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive yet mission-critical overvoltage protection across automotive, industrial, and consumer markets-designed for robustness in harsh environments without sacrificing surge performance or manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE12HE3/73 under maximum surge conditions?
The P6KE12HE3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 35.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25 °C and guarantees that protected circuitry sees no more than 16.7 V during worst-case transient events, directly supporting 16 V-rated ICs.
Is P6KE12HE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE12HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and specifically designed for automotive use. Its construction includes glass-passivated junction, matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and operation up to +175 °C junction temperature-enabling deployment in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from E3 in P6KE12HE3/73?
The HE3 suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, whereas E3 indicates commercial-grade RoHS compliance only. P6KE12HE3/73 undergoes additional stress testing-including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and mechanical shock-to validate reliability for automotive under-hood environments.
What is the standoff voltage rating for P6KE12HE3/73?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of P6KE12HE3/73 is 10.2 V-the maximum DC or RMS voltage that can be continuously applied without exceeding 5 μA reverse leakage current. This allows safe operation on 9–10 V nominal rails while providing sufficient margin before avalanche onset at 11.4 V minimum breakdown.
Can P6KE12HE3/73 be used in bi-directional protection circuits?
No, P6KE12HE3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. For bi-directional applications (e.g., AC lines or differential data buses), Vishay offers the P6KE12CA variant, which has symmetrical breakdown in both polarities and no polarity marking.
P6KE12HE3/73 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE12HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE12HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE12HE3/73 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 P6KE12HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE12HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE12HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE12HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE12HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE12HE3/73?
P6KE12HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE12HE3/73 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 P6KE12HE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE12HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE12HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE12HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE12HE3/73 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 P6KE12HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE12HE3/73?
All P6KE12HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE12HE3/73, 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 P6KE12HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE12HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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