Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE15C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE15C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE15C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.1VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P6KE15C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 28.3 A peak pulse current, and 12.8 V stand-off voltage - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE15C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE15C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE15C-E3/73 application, or P6KE15C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy package, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 transient immunity standards.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during overvoltage events exceeding its 14.3–15.8 V breakdown range (tested at 1 mA), it avalanches to limit transient energy across protected circuit nodes. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 12.8 V) and fast response (<1 ns), while low incremental surge resistance enables effective energy diversion without thermal runaway.
The bi-directional configuration eliminates polarity dependency, making it suitable for AC-coupled or differential signal paths. With a maximum operating junction temperature of +175 °C and derating curve validated per Fig. 2, it supports high-reliability deployment in under-hood automotive environments and industrial control cabinets where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 14.3–15.8 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 21.2 V at 28.3 A (10/1000 μs) - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; determines downstream component stress. |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 600 W - maximum transient energy absorption capacity; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial-leaded package with 25.4 mm minimum lead length; compatible with wave soldering (275 °C, 10 s). |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.084 %/°C - positive VBR drift with temperature; enables stable clamping performance across -55 to +175 °C junction range. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - certified for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TC, and ESD testing; required for engine control, ADAS sensor, and infotainment subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Bi-directional construction means no cathode marking - both terminals are functionally identical.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Bi-directional avalanche junction - conducts equally in either polarity when VWM is exceeded; no polarity orientation required during PCB placement. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and electrical interface | Leads serve as primary heat dissipation path (RθJL = 20 °C/W); must be mounted with ≥9.5 mm lead length for rated power derating per Fig. 5. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and <1.0 μA leakage at VWM, critical for low-power sensor front-ends. |
| 600 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity up to 1 kV open-circuit / 0.5 kA short-circuit test levels without degradation. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates robustness for automotive applications including 1000-cycle temperature cycling (-40/+125 °C) and 1000-hr HTOL at 150 °C. |
| UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding | Prevents flame propagation during catastrophic failure modes - mandatory for enclosed automotive and industrial enclosures. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs; e.g., protects 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails when placed upstream of LDOs or level shifters. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., oxygen, pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress spikes up to ±100 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs; maintains signal integrity during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a tests. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay contact bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on dry-contact or optocoupler input stage, absorbing repetitive 600 W pulses without parameter drift. Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) by eliminating transient-induced firmware resets and input-stage MOSFET failures. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 transceivers in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element across differential pair (A/B) and ground, symmetrically limiting common-mode transients. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.21 immunity requirements while maintaining <10 pF junction capacitance at 0 V bias. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Snubber-connected TVS across motor terminals or H-bridge outputs, clamping inductive kickback to ≤21.2 V. Use Value: Eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI) coupling into microcontroller clock lines and prevents reset corruption during motor startup. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | DO-214AA package (SMB), 600 W rating, 15 V VWM, 24.4 V VC at 24.4 A - higher clamping voltage, surface-mount only. | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; lacks axial-leaded mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments. | Select SMBJ15CA when board real estate is limited and wave-soldering compatibility is not required. |
| 1.5KE15CA | DO-201AD package, 1500 W rating, same VWM/VBR range, 23.2 V VC at 64.5 A - higher power, larger footprint, higher thermal mass. | Better suited for infrequent but extreme surges (e.g., AC mains input); over-specified for signal-line protection. | Choose 1.5KE15CA only when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (2 kV/12 Ω) requirements. |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, P6KE15C-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded serviceability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 21.2 V clamping - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial control designs requiring proven field reliability.
Availability
P6KE15C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE15C-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 power MOSFETs with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection in commercial and automotive applications - prioritizing robustness, standardized packaging, and broad VBR coverage from 6.8 V to 540 V.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix in P6KE15C-E3/73 indicate?
The "C" suffix denotes bi-directional functionality - meaning P6KE15C-E3/73 provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., P6KE15A-E3/73) that require correct polarity orientation. This makes P6KE15C-E3/73 ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses like RS-485, and unidirectional signal paths where polarity cannot be guaranteed during installation or maintenance.
Is P6KE15C-E3/73 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, P6KE15C-E3/73 carries the "E3" suffix, confirming full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free status per JEDEC JS709A. The molding compound meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and matte tin-plated leads satisfy J-STD-002 solderability requirements - all verified in Vishay's official documentation (Doc. #88369, Rev. 18-Sep-12).
How does P6KE15C-E3/73 perform under elevated ambient temperatures?
P6KE15C-E3/73 follows a defined derating curve (Fig. 2 in Doc. #88369): its peak pulse power drops linearly above 25 °C ambient, retaining ~50 % of 600 W capability at 100 °C case temperature. Its maximum junction temperature of +175 °C and RθJL = 20 °C/W allow reliable operation in under-hood automotive locations when mounted with ≥9.5 mm lead length per Fig. 5.
Can P6KE15C-E3/73 replace P6KE15A-E3/73 in an existing design?
No - P6KE15C-E3/73 is bi-directional while P6KE15A-E3/73 is uni-directional; substituting them requires verifying circuit polarity and transient directionality. P6KE15C-E3/73 has no cathode marking and clamps symmetrically, whereas P6KE15A-E3/73 must be oriented with the banded end toward the most positive potential. Layout changes and functional validation are mandatory before replacement.
What is the typical junction capacitance of P6KE15C-E3/73 at zero bias?
The typical junction capacitance of P6KE15C-E3/73 is 200 pF at 0 V bias and 1 MHz (per Fig. 4 in Doc. #88369). At its 12.8 V stand-off voltage, capacitance drops to ~100 pF - a critical parameter when protecting high-speed data lines (e.g., USB 2.0 or CAN FD), where excessive capacitance can distort edge rates or attenuate signal amplitude.
P6KE15C-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.5V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 27.3A
- 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)
P6KE15C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE15C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE15C-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 P6KE15C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE15C-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 P6KE15C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE15C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE15C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE15C-E3/73?
P6KE15C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE15C-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 P6KE15C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE15C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE15C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE15C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE15C-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 P6KE15C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE15C-E3/73?
All P6KE15C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE15C-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 P6KE15C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE15C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE15C-E3/73 Tags

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