Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE160C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE160C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE160C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 130VWM 230VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P6KE160C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in power and signal lines. It features a 136 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 152–168 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), and clamps transients to ≤219 V at 2.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and telecom line protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE160C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE160C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE160C-E3/73 application, or P6KE160C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bi-directional polarity, DO-204AC (DO-15) package, 600 W peak pulse power rating, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) enabling robust ESD and surge immunity without forward conduction during normal operation.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar element in parallel with protected circuitry, responding within <1 ns to transient overvoltages exceeding its VWM. Its bi-directional construction eliminates polarity dependency, making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal paths where voltage reversals occur.
Clamping performance is defined by a maximum VC of 219 V at IPPM = 2.7 A (10/1000 µs), with thermal resistance RθJL = 20 °C/W ensuring effective heat dissipation into PCB copper. The glass-passivated junction provides stable leakage (<1 µA at VWM) and repeatable breakdown characteristics across -55 °C to +175 °C operating range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 136 V - Maximum continuous reverse/forward voltage before significant leakage; sets operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 152–168 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold defining turn-on sensitivity for transient suppression. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤219 V at 2.7 A (10/1000 µs) - Actual voltage seen by downstream circuit during worst-case surge; determines protection level. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W - Sustained single-pulse energy handling capability; defines survivability against lightning or inductive spikes. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 2.7 A - Maximum transient current diverted away from protected ICs or MOSFETs under standardized surge waveform. |
| TJmax | +175 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per JESD22 standards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance (E3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (unmarked) | Bi-directional terminal pair | No polarity marking required; symmetric conduction in both directions enables placement without orientation check. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1 µA), and long-term parameter consistency across temperature and life cycles. |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) when combined with appropriate series impedance. |
| Bi-directional configuration (C suffix) | Eliminates need for polarity-aware layout; supports AC signal lines, differential buses, and ungrounded sensor outputs. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive body electronics, infotainment power rails, and ADAS sensor supply protection. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes protected circuit stress during clamping - critical for 13.5 V nominal systems where VC must stay below 24 V abs max. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and Hall-effect sensors from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS providing low-impedance shunt path during >100 V transients, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up. Use Value: Withstands 12 V system load dump (up to 120 V/400 ms) and meets ISO 16750-2 requirements due to 175 °C TJmax and AEC-Q101 validation. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers from field wiring surges and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element placed across input terminals to limit common-mode overvoltage before precision op-amp front-end. Use Value: 136 V VWM allows safe operation with 24 V DC supply rails while clamping fast transients to <220 V - preventing ADC saturation and input stage damage. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Guarding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs against induced lightning surges on outdoor cabling in security or building automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection device in multi-tier TVS architecture, absorbing bulk surge energy before secondary GDT or polymer-based devices. Use Value: 600 W rating and sub-1 ns response enable compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.44 recommendations for unprotected interfaces up to 2 km cable runs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor inverters exposed to brush-commutator noise and relay switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamp across MCU reset line and half-bridge driver supply pins to suppress repetitive 100–500 V spikes from inductive kickback. Use Value: Low incremental surge resistance and repeatable VC ensure consistent protection across 100,000+ switching cycles without parameter drift or degradation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ130CA | DO-214AA package; lower 130 V VWM; same 600 W rating but higher IPPM (4.3 A); slightly faster response. | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; requires re-layout due to SMD footprint and different thermal path. | Select when board area is limited and automated assembly is preferred; verify thermal relief pad design for 20 °C/W RθJA. |
| 1.5KE150CA | Higher 150 V VWM; same DO-204AC package; 1500 W rating (2.5× power); larger die size increases capacitance (~150 pF vs. ~50 pF). | Preferred for high-energy surges (e.g., AC mains input); excessive capacitance may distort high-speed signals (>1 MHz). | Choose for primary AC-side protection where clamping voltage margin >150 V is acceptable and signal bandwidth is low. |
Compared with SMBJ130CA and 1.5KE150CA, P6KE160C-E3/73 offers optimal balance of voltage margin (136 V VWM), compact through-hole packaging, and low parasitic capacitance - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-surge industrial and automotive signal-line protection where layout flexibility and thermal simplicity are prioritized.
Availability
P6KE160C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant sourcing, and AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for P6KE160C-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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient suppression in commercial and automotive environments - targeting space-constrained designs needing proven robustness against ESD, EFT, and lightning-induced surges.
FAQ
What does the 'C' suffix indicate in P6KE160C-E3/73?
The 'C' suffix in P6KE160C-E3/73 denotes bi-directional functionality - meaning the device conducts and clamps symmetrically in both forward and reverse bias directions. This eliminates polarity concerns during placement and makes P6KE160C-E3/73 ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or ungrounded sensor outputs where voltage polarity may reverse. Unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., P6KE160A), P6KE160C-E3/73 has no cathode band marking.
Is P6KE160C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE160C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from -55 °C to +175 °C, confirming its suitability for under-hood and body electronics applications. Its 136 V stand-off voltage aligns with 12 V automotive systems subject to load dump (ISO 16750-2), and its 219 V clamping voltage ensures downstream components remain within safe operating limits. P6KE160C-E3/73 is commonly used to protect CAN transceivers, LIN nodes, and sensor supply rails.
How does P6KE160C-E3/73 compare to P6KE160A in terms of electrical behavior?
P6KE160C-E3/73 is bi-directional with symmetrical VBR (152–168 V) and VC in both polarities, while P6KE160A is uni-directional - conducting only in reverse bias and featuring a cathode band. P6KE160C-E3/73 exhibits identical VWM (136 V), VBR, and VC specs but lacks forward voltage (VF) specification since it blocks in both directions. For AC or floating circuits, P6KE160C-E3/73 avoids orientation errors and simplifies layout versus P6KE160A.
What is the maximum allowable mounting temperature for P6KE160C-E3/73 during reflow or hand soldering?
P6KE160C-E3/73 uses matte tin-plated leads qualified per J-STD-002 and supports solder dipping at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds (JESD 22-B106). For wave or hand soldering, peak temperature should not exceed 275 °C at the lead-to-body interface. Reflow profiles must comply with JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) - though P6KE160C-E3/73 is non-MOS and not moisture-sensitive, standard lead-free reflow (peak 260 °C) is fully compatible.
Can P6KE160C-E3/73 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - P6KE160C-E3/73 should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors, as minor VBR tolerances (±5 %) cause uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. Each P6KE160C-E3/73 is characterized for 2.7 A IPPM at 219 V clamping; doubling devices does not double IPPM. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-power device like 1.5KE150CA or implement staged protection with upstream GDT and downstream P6KE160C-E3/73.
P6KE160C-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):
- 130V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 144V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 230V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.6A
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE160C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE160C-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 P6KE160C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE160C-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 P6KE160C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE160C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE160C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE160C-E3/73?
P6KE160C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE160C-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 P6KE160C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE160C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE160C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE160C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE160C-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 P6KE160C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE160C-E3/73?
All P6KE160C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE160C-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 P6KE160C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE160C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE160C-E3/73 Tags

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