Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE15A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE15A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE15A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,505
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Product details
Overview
P6KE15A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for primary-level overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 14.3 V to 15.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1.0 mA test current, 12.8 V maximum standoff voltage (VWM), 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 21.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 28.3 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O modules.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE15A-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE15A-E3/73 pinout, P6KE15A-E3/73 application, or P6KE15A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified clamping performance under 28.3 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge energy away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the DO-15 package supports manual or wave-solder assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it delivers 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) and withstands 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine). The 0.084 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR enables predictable clamping behavior across automotive thermal ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS operating voltage before leakage rises above 1.0 µA |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 28.3 A - clamping voltage during full 600 W surge, limiting protected circuit stress |
| IPPM | 28.3 A (10/1000 µs) - peak surge current capability without degradation, validated per Fig. 3 waveform |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to lead, enabling direct PCB copper pour heat sinking |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature supporting under-hood automotive deployment |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking. Dimensions: 3.3–3.5 mm diameter × 25.4 mm min length; lead diameter 0.86–0.71 mm; conforms to UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes shunt path during avalanche conduction |
| Cathode (banded end) | High-side transient input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche initiates when voltage exceeds VBR relative to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands high-energy transients from load dump or inductive switching without failure |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during surge events, protecting 15 V-rated components |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, compatible with lead-free reflow |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends from ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping device placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to limit voltage excursion. Use Value: Clamps 28.3 A surges to ≤21.2 V, preventing damage to 15 V-tolerant transceivers and preserving signal integrity during load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on input terminal block, conducting surge current to common ground before upstream optocoupler or Schmitt trigger. Use Value: Withstands repeated 600 W pulses at 0.01 % duty cycle, enabling robust operation in factory-floor environments with frequent EMI exposure. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output | Telecom Line Card Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 12 V/5 V outputs of AC-DC adapters used in set-top boxes and network routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt limiter installed after secondary rectifier, clamping output overvoltage before downstream DC-DC converters. Use Value: 12.8 V VWM allows safe operation across 12 V ±10 % regulation window while clamping to 21.2 V during 10/1000 µs surges. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE-powered devices against lightning-induced surges on RJ45 lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamp on differential pairs, coordinated with gas discharge tubes and common-mode chokes per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. Use Value: Fast response and low VC reduce let-through energy to <100 mJ, extending lifetime of sensitive PHY ICs in outdoor telecom cabinets. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A | DO-214AC package (SMA), 15.0–16.7 V VBR, same 600 W rating but higher RθJA (110 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Surface-mount only; requires PCB redesign; better suited for high-density layouts where axial leads are impractical | Select SMAJ15A when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is preferred over through-hole. |
| P6SMB15A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 14.3–15.8 V VBR, identical electrical specs but lower IPPM (27.3 A) and 600 W rating derated above 25 °C | Same clamping performance but reduced surge margin at elevated ambient temperatures (>85 °C) | Choose P6SMB15A for cost-sensitive consumer applications where full AEC-Q101 qualification is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and P6SMB15A, P6KE15A-E3/73 offers proven through-hole mechanical robustness, superior thermal coupling via axial leads (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and AEC-Q101 validation - making it optimal for automotive and industrial systems requiring long-term reliability under thermal stress.
Availability
P6KE15A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KE15A-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability 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 lines.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the P6KE15A-E3/73?
The P6KE15A-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 14.3 V to 15.8 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This tight tolerance ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lots and supports precise protection design for 12 V systems. The P6KE15A-E3/73 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C).
Is the P6KE15A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE15A-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and sensor interfaces. Its DO-15 package provides mechanical stability under vibration, and its +175 °C maximum junction temperature supports under-hood deployment. The P6KE15A-E3/73 meets ISO 7637-2 pulse immunity requirements when applied per Vishay's recommended layout guidelines.
What is the clamping voltage of the P6KE15A-E3/73 at its rated surge current?
The P6KE15A-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 28.3 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This VC value is measured under standardized conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case transients. The P6KE15A-E3/73 achieves this with a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.39, indicating efficient voltage limiting.
Does the P6KE15A-E3/73 have a bidirectional variant?
No - the P6KE15A-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional, identified by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants use the "CA" suffix (e.g., P6KE15CA) and lack polarity marking. The P6KE15A-E3/73 must be oriented with the banded end toward the protected line and anode to ground; reverse installation will prevent proper clamping operation.
What packaging and compliance certifications apply to the P6KE15A-E3/73?
The P6KE15A-E3/73 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package with matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU, and qualified to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "E3" suffix denotes commercial-grade RoHS compliance; AEC-Q101 qualification applies to the HE3 variant (P6KE15AHE3/73), not the E3 version. The P6KE15A-E3/73 is supplied in 13" paper tape and reel (4000 pcs/reel).
P6KE15A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 28.3A
- 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)
P6KE15A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE15A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE15A-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 P6KE15A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE15A-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 P6KE15A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE15A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE15A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE15A-E3/73?
P6KE15A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE15A-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 P6KE15A-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE15A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE15A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE15A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE15A-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 P6KE15A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE15A-E3/73?
All P6KE15A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE15A-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 P6KE15A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE15A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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