Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE160CAHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE160CAHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE160CAHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 136VWM 219VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,332
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Product details
Overview
P6KE160CAHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 136 V standoff voltage (VWM), 152–168 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 219 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 600 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE160CAHE3/73 datasheet, P6KE160CAHE3/73 pinout, P6KE160CAHE3/73 application, or P6KE160CAHE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance under surge, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection design-in.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with no polarity marking on the DO-15 body. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, it supports high-reliability automotive use via AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix), and exhibits 0.108 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - ensuring stable clamping across thermal operating ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 136 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 152–168 V at 1 mA - Confirmed minimum/maximum breakdown range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 219 V at IPPM = 2.7 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; directly limits stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W - Sustained energy absorption capability per transient event; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance designs. |
| IR (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA max at VWM - Negligible standby current; avoids loading sensitive reference or bias networks. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs, motor drivers) without thermal derating penalties. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes (HE3 suffix) - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock testing. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking - bidirectional operation confirmed per datasheet.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Leads are interchangeable; device conducts identically in either direction above VBR - eliminates orientation errors during assembly. |
| Case (body) | Non-electrical mechanical interface | DO-15 body provides mechanical anchoring and thermal path to PCB copper; no electrical connection or shielding function. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable leakage performance across temperature and lifetime - critical for fast-rising EFT/burst immunity. |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV surge events without degradation - validated up to 0.01% duty cycle. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Meets automotive stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and mechanical shock - suitable for engine control, ADAS sensors. |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding | Self-extinguishing epoxy housing prevents flame propagation in enclosed enclosures - required for industrial safety certifications. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during surge - protects 150 V-rated MOSFETs and microcontrollers without additional series impedance. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed at connector entry point, shunting transients before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Withstands 136 V continuous operation and clamps 219 V peaks at 2.7 A - preserves signal integrity while meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 0 requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC 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 each channel's input line, coordinated with series current-limiting resistor and optocoupler isolation. Use Value: 600 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 μs surges common in factory floor environments; DO-15 footprint allows dense channel layout. |
| Telecom Power Line Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary surge suppression on 48 V PoE-powered Ethernet switch ports after primary GDT or MOV stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response secondary clamp limiting residual voltage to Ethernet PHY ICs during combined lightning and switching surge events. Use Value: 219 V clamping at 2.7 A ensures PHY ICs (e.g., Marvell 88E6352) remain within absolute maximum ratings during worst-case 10/1000 μs transients. |
Use Scenario: Protecting gate drivers and MCU GPIOs in washing machine/dishwasher motor inverters from back-EMF spikes during brushless DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS across half-bridge driver supply rails and feedback sensing nodes to suppress sub-100 ns inductive kick. Use Value: Glass-passivated junction ensures consistent <1 ns response - critical for clamping fast-edge spikes that bypass slower MOVs or capacitors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ150CA | DO-214AA package, 150 V VWM, 243 V VC at 2.5 A - lower clamping but smaller footprint and higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 110 °C/W). | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; less effective in high-ambient-temperature industrial enclosures due to thermal limitations. | Select SMBJ150CA when board area is constrained and peak ambient temperature stays below 70 °C. |
| 1.5KE150CA | DO-201AD package, same 150 V VWM, 243 V VC at 2.5 A, but rated for 1500 W PPPM - larger size, higher surge margin, and higher IFSM (200 A). | Preferred for high-energy surge zones (e.g., AC mains input, outdoor telecom cabinets) where single-event energy exceeds 600 W capability. | Choose 1.5KE150CA when protecting against multi-kV lightning surges or long-line inductive transients requiring >1000 W headroom. |
Compared with P6KE160CAHE3/73, SMBJ150CA trades thermal robustness for compactness, while 1.5KE150CA offers higher surge capacity at the cost of DO-15 compatibility and board space - making P6KE160CAHE3/73 optimal for AEC-Q101-compliant, mid-energy automotive and industrial I/O protection.
Availability
P6KE160CAHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power line protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 through-hole compatibility.
Supply support for P6KE160CAHE3/73 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection applications where DO-15 form factor, 600 W surge capability, and AEC-Q101 qualification are essential - especially in automotive and industrial control systems.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in P6KE160CAHE3/73?
The 'CA' suffix in P6KE160CAHE3/73 denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities, with no cathode marking on the DO-15 body. This is confirmed in Vishay's datasheet Document Number 88369, which specifies that CA-suffix variants are intended for AC-coupled or differential signal line protection where polarity reversal may occur. The P6KE160CAHE3/73 therefore functions identically whether installed in forward or reverse orientation.
Is P6KE160CAHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE160CAHE3/73 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified (denoted by the 'HE3' suffix), having passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating range, 136 V standoff voltage, and 219 V clamping performance make it appropriate for engine bay sensors, body control modules, and infotainment power rail protection - all validated per Vishay's qualification report referenced in Document 88369.
How does the clamping voltage of P6KE160CAHE3/73 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P6KE160CAHE3/73 has a breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 152–168 V at 1 mA and a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 219 V at 2.7 A IPPM - yielding a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.37. This ratio reflects low dynamic impedance during surge conduction and is consistent with Vishay's published data for the P6KE family. That ratio ensures protected circuits experience minimal overvoltage beyond the specified VBR window during real-world transients.
What is the thermal resistance of P6KE160CAHE3/73, and how does it affect PCB layout?
P6KE160CAHE3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 75 °C/W under standard conditions. Because it uses a DO-15 package with axial leads, effective heat dissipation relies on adequate copper pour connected to both leads and sufficient lead length (≥9.5 mm recommended). Layouts should avoid narrow traces and ensure ≥250 mils of copper per lead to maintain thermal performance - especially critical in high-duty-cycle surge environments.
Can P6KE160CAHE3/73 replace unidirectional P6KE160AHE3/73 in an existing design?
No - P6KE160CAHE3/73 is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking, whereas P6KE160AHE3/73 is unidirectional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: bidirectional use is mandatory for AC signals or differential buses (e.g., RS-485), while unidirectional types are needed for DC power rails where reverse conduction must be blocked. The P6KE160CAHE3/73 will conduct in both directions above VBR, potentially disrupting DC bias if used incorrectly.
P6KE160CAHE3/73 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):
- 136V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 152V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 219V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE160CAHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE160CAHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE160CAHE3/73 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 P6KE160CAHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE160CAHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE160CAHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE160CAHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE160CAHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE160CAHE3/73?
P6KE160CAHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE160CAHE3/73 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 P6KE160CAHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE160CAHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE160CAHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE160CAHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE160CAHE3/73 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 P6KE160CAHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE160CAHE3/73?
All P6KE160CAHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE160CAHE3/73, 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 P6KE160CAHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE160CAHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE160CAHE3/73 Tags

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