Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE160C
- Part No.:
- P6KE160C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE160C.pdf
- Description:
- 600W, 160V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,505
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Product details
Overview
P6KE160C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 160V nominal standoff voltage, 230V maximum clamping voltage at 2.7A peak pulse current, 600W peak pulse power rating (10/1000μs), and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package - deployed in automotive lighting control modules to protect CAN transceiver inputs from load-dump-induced transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE160C datasheet, P6KE160C pinout, P6KE160C application, or P6KE160C equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low dynamic impedance under surge, AEC-Q101 qualification status, junction temperature derating above 25°C, and compatibility with 10/1000μs waveform immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
The P6KE160C operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional breakdown behavior - VBR min/max = 144V/176V measured at 1mA test current, enabling consistent clamping in both polarities. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid voltage limiting during fast-rising transients, while the 175°C maximum junction temperature supports operation in under-hood automotive environments.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression parameters and meets UL 94V-0 flammability requirements in its DO-204AC molding compound. The device exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR of 0.108%/°C, requiring thermal design consideration in high-ambient applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 130 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 144–176 V at 1 mA - Avalanche onset range; determines minimum transient level that triggers clamping action |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 230 V at 2.7 A IPP - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000μs surge; critical for IC voltage tolerance margining |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 600 W - Energy-handling capability per single 10/1000μs transient; defines survivability against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b events |
| Junction Temperature (TJ) | −55°C to +175°C - Operating range enabling use in engine control units and powertrain electronics without derating loss |
| Leakage Current (ID) | <1 μA at 130 V - Minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in always-on systems |
| Response Time | <5 ns - Time from 0 V to VBR in bidirectional mode; ensures protection before sensitive logic thresholds are exceeded |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; P6KE160C is bidirectional and marked without polarity band per datasheet specification.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No functional polarity - either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; enables placement without orientation constraints |
| Lead 1 (Anode side) | Terminal connection | Tin-plated copper lead compliant with J-STD-002 solderability; supports wave and reflow assembly |
| Lead 2 (Cathode side) | Terminal connection | Identical mechanical/electrical spec to Lead 1; no functional distinction in bidirectional configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Identical VBR min/max (144–176 V) and VC (230 V) in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware layout in differential or AC-coupled lines |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Qualified per stress test conditions for automotive-grade reliability - required for front-end power protection in ADAS camera modules and body control units |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables stable clamping under fast 10/1000μs surges - reduces overshoot beyond VC and prevents secondary failure of downstream regulators |
| UL 94V-0 flammability rating | Molding compound self-extinguishes within 10 seconds after flame removal - satisfies safety requirements for enclosed automotive ECUs |
| Halogen-free construction | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 - supports RoHS-compliant manufacturing and end-of-life recycling mandates |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and microcontroller GPIOs in headlamp modules subjected to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5) and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12V supply rail and LIN bus lines. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤230 V during 600W surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3V/5V logic interfaces. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog input channels (4–20 mA, 0–10 V) in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary surge limiter placed upstream of precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Clamps transients to 230 V with sub-5 ns response, preserving measurement accuracy and avoiding saturation-induced offset errors. |
| Power Supply Input Stage | ESD-Prone Communication Interfaces |
|
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for DC-DC converters in battery-powered equipment experiencing repeated 10/1000μs surges from motor commutation or relay switching. IC Role / Device Role: Bulk energy absorber parallel to input capacitor, sharing surge current with MOVs or polymer TVS. Use Value: Handles 2.7A peak current without degradation, maintaining <1 μA leakage at 130 V to avoid standby power penalty. |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for RS-485 transceivers in factory automation networks subject to human-body-model (HBM) and system-level ESD events. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF typical) bidirectional clamp on differential bus lines. Use Value: Provides robust 600W surge immunity without distorting 10 Mbps differential signaling due to symmetric clamping and minimal parasitic capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA (Bourns) | Same 160V VWM, 230V VC, but SMB package (surface-mount); 600W rating; lower thermal resistance (junction-to-ambient ≈ 50°C/W vs. DO-15's ≈ 70°C/W) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; requires reflow-compatible layout; not axial-lead drop-in replacement | Select SMBJ160CA when board real estate is limited and thermal management via copper pour is feasible. |
| 1.5KE160CA (ON Semiconductor) | Same DO-204AC package and 160V rating, but 1500W peak power (10/1000μs); higher IPP (12.3A); larger junction area; slightly higher VC (240V) | Used where higher single-event surge margin is required (e.g., alternator output lines); may require revised layout for thermal relief | Choose 1.5KE160CA only if system-level testing confirms need for >600W handling; otherwise P6KE160C offers optimal cost/performance balance. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, the P6KE160C delivers identical clamping performance in a legacy axial package optimized for through-hole assembly and high-reliability automotive harness connections - making it ideal for serviceable modules and legacy production lines where footprint and mounting method are fixed.
Availability
P6KE160C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC I/O protection, and power supply input stage applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KE160C 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs - serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The P6KE series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-environment automotive subsystems, emphasizing robustness, repeatable clamping, and long-term parametric stability under thermal cycling.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P6KE160C?
The P6KE160C is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics - it has no designated anode or cathode and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE160A), P6KE160C does not feature a cathode band marking and is intended for AC or reversible DC protection applications where polarity reversal is possible.
Is P6KE160C AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, P6KE160C is AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code suffix "C" and documentation in the P6KE series datasheet (Version P2203). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD - confirming suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE160C under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE160C is 230 V at a peak pulse current (IPP) of 2.7 A, tested with the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a worst-case surge event and must be compared against the absolute maximum ratings of downstream components.
How does P6KE160C differ from P6KE160A?
P6KE160C is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, while P6KE160A is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking. Their electrical parameters differ slightly: P6KE160A has VBR = 152–168 V and VC = 219 V at 2.8 A, whereas P6KE160C specifies VBR = 144–176 V and VC = 230 V at 2.7 A - reflecting the inherent asymmetry tolerance in unidirectional designs versus tighter symmetry in bidirectional ones.
What package type does P6KE160C use and what are its mechanical dimensions?
P6KE160C uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package, with overall dimensions of 4.3 mm diameter × 8.9 mm length and lead spacing of 5.0 mm. The leads are pure tin-plated for solderability per J-STD-002, and the epoxy body meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating - making it suitable for wave soldering and high-reliability through-hole assembly.
P6KE160C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 130V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 144V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 230V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.7A
- 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)
P6KE160C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE160C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE160C 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 P6KE160C reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE160C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE160C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE160C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE160C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE160C?
P6KE160C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE160C 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 P6KE160C?
For technical support, including P6KE160C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE160C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE160C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE160C 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 P6KE160C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE160C?
All P6KE160C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE160C, 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 P6KE160C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE160C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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