Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE15CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE15CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE15CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,459
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Product details
Overview
P6KE15CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 14.3–15.8 V), 12.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 28.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE15CA-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE15CA-E3/73 pinout, P6KE15CA-E3/73 application, or P6KE15CA-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status (not applicable to E3 suffix), and verified 21.2 V clamping performance under 28.3 A transient surge.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse (or forward, in bidirectional mode) voltage exceeds VBR, it avalanches to limit transient energy. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 12.8 V), while thermal resistance RθJL = 20 °C/W enables reliable power dissipation up to 5.0 W on infinite heatsink.
The P6KE15CA-E3/73 exhibits symmetric conduction in both polarities, with identical VBR, VC, and IPPM specifications in either direction. Its response time is sub-nanosecond, and it complies with UL 497B for protector classification (QVGQ2), supporting use in safety-critical signal line protection where bidirectional surges - such as ESD or inductive switching spikes - occur unpredictably.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable clamping onset |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage rises above 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V @ 28.3 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, directly limiting downstream component stress |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient power handling capacity, enabling robust protection against lightning or load dump events |
| IPPM | 28.3 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without failure |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature range supports operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.242–0.258 inch body length, compatible with legacy through-hole assembly |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry means both terminals are functionally identical.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient shunt path | Either terminal conducts during overvoltage in either polarity; no cathode band marking required |
| Leads (both) | Thermal and electrical interface | Provide mechanical mounting, heat conduction to PCB copper, and low-inductance connection to protected line |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable breakdown voltage and low leakage across temperature and lifetime |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports high-energy transient suppression without thermal runaway in single-event scenarios |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Eliminates need for polarity-aware layout - simplifies PCB routing for AC-coupled or floating signal lines |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validates suitability for telecom and industrial surge protection per safety standard requirements |
| RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix) | Meets environmental compliance for commercial-grade electronics without halogenated flame retardants |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN or LIN bus transceivers from load dump and ESD events in vehicle cabin modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed across differential pair or supply rail to clamp transients before they reach transceiver input pins. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤21.2 V during 28.3 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V or 12 V interface ICs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element connected between input line and common, absorbing inductive kickback in both polarity directions. Use Value: Withstands 600 W surge energy and maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 12.8 V, ensuring stable high-impedance sensing during normal operation. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control Board | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers from brush motor commutation spikes in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS mounted adjacent to MCU pins to suppress nanosecond-scale switching transients. Use Value: Sub-ns response and 21.2 V clamping prevent false triggering or reset events during motor startup/stall conditions. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHY or DSL line interface ICs against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt protector on line side, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary stages per ITU-T K.20/K.21. Use Value: UL 497B recognition and 600 W rating support compliance with telecom surge immunity standards for central office equipment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | DO-214AA package, 1.5 kW peak power, lower RθJA (50 °C/W), same VBR/VC specs | Suitable for higher-density SMT layouts; not axial-compatible | Select SMBJ15CA when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is used. |
| P6KE15A-E3/73 | Unidirectional variant; includes cathode band marking; identical VBR, VC, and package | Required only where polarity-specific clamping is needed (e.g., DC supply rails) | Choose P6KE15A-E3/73 if protecting a unidirectional 12 V rail with explicit cathode orientation. |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and P6KE15A-E3/73, the P6KE15CA-E3/73 provides cost-effective, through-hole bidirectional protection in legacy DO-15 footprint - ideal for service replacement, low-volume industrial controls, or designs requiring mechanical robustness over SMT miniaturization.
Availability
P6KE15CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer appliance motor controllers, and telecom line card surge protection requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for P6KE15CA-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive commercial and industrial transient suppression, delivering high-surge robustness in standardized axial packages - optimized for ease of integration into legacy and new through-hole designs.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE15CA-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE15CA-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 28.3 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured under defined test conditions per JEDEC standards and ensures predictable voltage limiting during surge events. The P6KE15CA-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is P6KE15CA-E3/73 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No, the P6KE15CA-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and rated for commercial-grade operation; AEC-Q101 qualification applies only to variants with the HE3 suffix (e.g., P6KE15CAHE3/73). The E3 suffix indicates JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing and UL 94 V-0 molding compound, but does not include automotive stress qualification. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101, specify the HE3 version of P6KE15CA-E3/73.
What is the stand-off voltage (VWM) of P6KE15CA-E3/73, and why does it matter?
The stand-off voltage (VWM) of P6KE15CA-E3/73 is 12.8 V - the maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device can withstand without exceeding 1.0 μA reverse leakage current. This parameter ensures the P6KE15CA-E3/73 remains non-conductive during normal circuit operation while remaining ready to avalanche instantly upon transient overvoltage. Selecting VWM ≥110 % of operating voltage prevents nuisance conduction.
Can P6KE15CA-E3/73 replace P6KE15A-E3/73 in a design?
P6KE15CA-E3/73 cannot be a direct drop-in replacement for P6KE15A-E3/73 in unidirectional applications because it lacks polarity marking and conducts identically in both directions - potentially causing unintended conduction on DC rails. However, in AC-coupled, floating, or bidirectional signal paths (e.g., data lines), the P6KE15CA-E3/73 offers functional equivalence with simplified layout. Always verify circuit topology before substitution.
What package type does P6KE15CA-E3/73 use, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?
P6KE15CA-E3/73 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package with a cylindrical epoxy body measuring 0.242–0.258 inch (6.15–6.55 mm) in length and 0.130–0.138 inch (3.3–3.5 mm) in diameter. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002; the package meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. This standardized footprint ensures compatibility with existing through-hole tooling and manual repair workflows.
P6KE15CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P6KE15CA-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE15CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE15CA-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 P6KE15CA-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE15CA-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 P6KE15CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE15CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE15CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE15CA-E3/73?
P6KE15CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE15CA-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 P6KE15CA-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE15CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE15CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE15CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE15CA-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 P6KE15CA-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE15CA-E3/73?
All P6KE15CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE15CA-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 P6KE15CA-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE15CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE15CA-E3/73 Tags

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