Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE150-E3/73

Overview

P6KE150-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 143 V to 158 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 128 V maximum standoff voltage (V_WM), 207 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), 2.9 µA max reverse leakage at V_WM, and clamps transients to ≤207 V at I_PPM under 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive power supply inputs and industrial sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE150-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE150-E3/73 pinout, P6KE150-E3/73 application, or P6KE150-E3/73 equivalent, this device serves as a cost-optimized, AEC-Q101-qualified transient protector with DO-15 package compatibility, fast response time (<1 ns), and 600 W peak pulse power rating - critical for ESD and load-dump surge immunity in embedded control modules.

Technical Context

The P6KE150-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling precise voltage clamping during transient events. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits low incremental surge resistance and excellent clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.31) at rated I_PPM.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJL = 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and R_θJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), supporting operation from –55 °C to +175 °C. It complies with JESD 22-B106 (solder dip at 275 °C for 10 s) and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via molded epoxy encapsulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode identified by color band.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ150A-E3/52 and 1.5KE150A, the P6KE150-E3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, axial DO-15 form factor, and lowest clamping voltage in its class - making it the preferred choice for automotive aftermarket modules and industrial field devices requiring mechanical robustness and regulatory traceability.

Availability

P6KE150-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power inputs, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapter secondary stages, and telecom DC feeder protection requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for P6KE150-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in space-constrained environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where robustness and qualification compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE150-E3/73 under peak pulse conditions?

The P6KE150-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 207 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM = 207 A) using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at T_A = 25 °C and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transient events. The P6KE150-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range, with minor derating above 25 °C per Figure 2 in the Vishay datasheet 88369.

Is the P6KE150-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the P6KE150-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly listed in Vishay's documentation as meeting automotive reliability standards. Its construction - including glass-passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 molding compound, and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - supports deployment in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The P6KE150-E3/73 is rated for junction temperatures up to +175 °C, enabling under-hood operation without thermal derating penalties in most configurations.

How does the P6KE150-E3/73 differ from the P6KE150A without the -E3/73 suffix?

The -E3/73 suffix on P6KE150-E3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade packaging with tape-and-reel delivery (73 = 13" reel, 4000 pcs). The base P6KE150A denotes the bare device type; adding -E3 confirms matte tin plating and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, while /73 specifies packaging format. The P6KE150-E3/73 is functionally identical to P6KE150A in electrical performance but differs in compliance status, plating, and logistics - critical for production traceability and environmental compliance reporting.

What is the standoff voltage rating for the P6KE150-E3/73?

The P6KE150-E3/73 has a maximum steady-state reverse standoff voltage (V_WM) of 128 V. This is the highest DC or RMS voltage that can be continuously applied without exceeding 2.9 µA reverse leakage current. It provides a 12 V safety margin below the minimum breakdown voltage (143 V), making the P6KE150-E3/73 appropriate for 120 VAC-derived DC rails and 110 V nominal automotive systems where transient headroom is essential.

Can the P6KE150-E3/73 be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, the P6KE150-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (as opposed to "CA" for bidirectional variants like P6KE150CA). It conducts only in reverse avalanche mode and blocks forward current beyond ~3.5 V. For AC-coupled or symmetrical transient protection, a bidirectional part must be selected. Using the P6KE150-E3/73 in bidirectional applications risks forward conduction failure or inadequate clamping on negative transients.