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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE15-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE15-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE15-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.1VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,041
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Product details
Overview
P6KE15-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 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 14.3–15.8 V at 1.0 mA), 12.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 28.3 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE15-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE15-E3/73 pinout, P6KE15-E3/73 application, or P6KE15-E3/73 equivalent, this device is evaluated for robustness in automotive load-dump immunity, industrial I/O protection, and consumer power supply surge suppression where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4), and AEC-Q101-qualified reliability are required.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at VWM), but avalanches rapidly when reverse voltage exceeds VBR, limiting transient energy by diverting surge current to ground. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (≤1.0 µA at 12.8 V).
Thermal design relies on its DO-204AC (DO-15) package with RθJL = 20 °C/W and RθJA = 75 °C/W; derating begins above 25 °C ambient, with full power (5.0 W) only sustainable at lead temperature ≤75 °C. It sustains 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine) and meets UL 497B recognition for telecom protectors.
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 triggering without false trips |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; ensures zero conduction during normal DC operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 28.3 A (10/1000 µs) - clamping voltage seen by protected circuit under worst-case surge, enabling downstream component VDS/VCEO margining |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient power handling capacity; validates suitability for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges |
| IFSM | 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - withstands single-event inrush or fault currents without bond-wire fusing |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-temperature industrial enclosures without thermal shutdown |
| Leakage (ID) | ≤1.0 µA at VWM - negligible standby power loss and no signal integrity impact on high-impedance sensor inputs |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. E3 suffix indicates RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; forms shunt path during avalanche conduction |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased terminal / clamping node | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., +12 V rail); avalanche initiates here when VAK > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports protection against severe transients including automotive load dump (ISO 16750-2) and lightning-induced surges |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≈ 1.4 | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components while maintaining margin against VDS or VCEO ratings |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (HE3 suffix) | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain and body electronics where qualification evidence is mandatory |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Reduces VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), critical for protecting high-speed logic and analog sensors |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load-dump transients up to 40 V for 400 ms per ISO 16750-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt clamp placed between battery input and DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤21.2 V during 28.3 A surge, preventing damage to upstream LDOs and PMICs rated for 28 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current-loop transmitters in factory automation subject to cable ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection (with CA variant) or unidirectional clamp across loop supply terminals. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response prevents latch-up in op-amps and ADC front-ends; <1 µA leakage avoids current-loop accuracy degradation. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
|
Use Scenario: AC/DC adapter secondary-side 5 V/12 V outputs subjected to conducted surges via shared mains wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS before USB port or microcontroller VDD pins. Use Value: Clamps 600 W transients to 21.2 V within nanoseconds, preserving USB PHY compliance and avoiding brownout resets. |
Use Scenario: DSL or Ethernet line cards requiring UL 497B recognition for telecom safety certification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection element across tip/ring or differential pairs per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. Use Value: UL QVGQ2 recognition confirms compliance; 12.8 V VWM allows safe operation with ±15 V signaling margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | Same VBR range (14.3–15.8 V) but SMC (DO-214AB) package; 600 W rating, lower RθJA (50 °C/W) | Better thermal performance in PCB-constrained layouts; requires surface-mount reflow, not through-hole | Select SMBJ15A when board space is limited and thermal management prioritizes PCB copper area over axial lead mounting. |
| 1.5KE15A | Same DO-204AC package and VBR, but 1.5 kW peak power (10/1000 µs); higher VC (24.4 V) and larger case (DO-201AD) | Higher surge margin for infrequent extreme events; less suitable for space-constrained designs due to larger footprint | Choose 1.5KE15A where legacy 1.5 kW surge standards apply and board real estate permits larger axial package. |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5KE15A, the P6KE15-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 600 W capability, and compact DO-15 footprint - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, medium-surge industrial and automotive control modules where leaded assembly and UL recognition are required.
Availability
P6KE15-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and consistent DO-204AC form factor across production batches.
Supply support for P6KE15-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability overvoltage protection in commercial and automotive applications where fast response and repeatable clamping are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE15-E3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KE15-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 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a defined surge event. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and is integral to ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings. P6KE15-E3/73 maintains this specification with tight VBR tolerance (14.3–15.8 V) and low dynamic impedance.
Is the P6KE15-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
The P6KE15-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and rated for operation from –55 °C to +175 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and cabin automotive environments. While the base E3 suffix denotes commercial grade, Vishay offers the P6KE15AHE3/73 variant which is AEC-Q101 qualified. For production automotive systems requiring formal qualification evidence, the HE3 version must be specified; the P6KE15-E3/73 itself is commonly used in non-safety-critical aftermarket and Tier 2 modules where full AEC-Q101 documentation is not mandated. P6KE15-E3/73 supports ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and 2a immunity testing.
How does the P6KE15-E3/73 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like P6KE15CA?
The P6KE15-E3/73 is unidirectional and functions only under reverse bias - it conducts during negative transients on the cathode and blocks forward current up to 3.5 V. In contrast, P6KE15CA is bi-directional and symmetrical, clamping both positive and negative excursions above ±15 V. This makes P6KE15CA appropriate for AC lines or differential data buses, whereas P6KE15-E3/73 is optimized for DC power rails and single-polarity signal lines. The unidirectional P6KE15-E3/73 offers lower leakage (<1.0 µA) and tighter VBR tolerance than its bi-directional counterpart. Both share identical package, power rating, and thermal specs.
What is the meaning of the "E3/73" suffix in P6KE15-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix in P6KE15-E3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/73" denotes the packaging configuration: 73 = 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel, with 4000 units per reel. This format is optimized for automated pick-and-place insertion in high-volume manufacturing. The E3/73 marking confirms compliance with JEDEC and IPC standards for solderability and environmental safety, and distinguishes it from HE3 (AEC-Q101) or non-RoHS variants. P6KE15-E3/73 is fully compatible with standard wave and reflow solder processes.
Can the P6KE15-E3/73 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - the P6KE15-E3/73 should not be paralleled to increase surge current capacity. Due to inherent VBR tolerances (±5 %), mismatched avalanche turn-on causes current hogging, where one device absorbs most of the surge and fails prematurely. Vishay does not characterize or guarantee parallel operation. To handle higher surge currents, select a single higher-rated device such as 1.5KE15A (1.5 kW) or use a multi-stage protection scheme with upstream current-limiting resistors or polymer PTCs. Derating curves in the P6KE15-E3/73 datasheet assume single-device operation only.
P6KE15-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
P6KE15-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE15-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE15-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 P6KE15-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE15-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 P6KE15-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE15-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE15-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE15-E3/73?
P6KE15-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE15-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 P6KE15-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE15-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE15-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE15-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE15-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 P6KE15-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE15-E3/73?
All P6KE15-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE15-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 P6KE15-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE15-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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