Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE16CA

Overview

P6KE16CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 16V, clamps transients to ≤22.5V at 28A peak surge current, and delivers sub-5ns response time - enabling reliable ESD and EFT immunity in automotive body electronics and industrial control I/O interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE16CA datasheet, P6KE16CA pinout, P6KE16CA application, or P6KE16CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-15 package compatibility, bidirectional clamping symmetry, 175°C junction rating, low leakage (<1μA @ 13.6V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

Technical Context

The P6KE16CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional breakdown behavior, meeting ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards for transient suppression. Its VBR min/max of 15.2V–16.8V at 1mA test current ensures tight voltage tolerance, while the 22.5V maximum clamping voltage at 28A IPP defines its protective ceiling under 10/1000μs surge conditions.

Thermal performance is governed by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and derating per Fig.2; mechanical construction uses DO-204AC (DO-15) molded case with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and cathode band marking for polarity identification (bidirectional operation renders band non-functional but retained for family consistency).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with P6KE16CA, SMBJ16CA offers superior mounting density but reduced manual handling and higher assembly cost, while 1.5KE16CA provides seamless drop-in substitution with identical mechanical and electrical behavior - making it ideal for BOM continuity in legacy designs.

Availability

P6KE16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and LED driver power rails requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for P6KE16CA 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, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capabilities.

The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability transient protection in automotive and industrial systems - emphasizing robust surge handling, extended temperature operation, and regulatory compliance without premium packaging.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE16CA?

The "CA" suffix in P6KE16CA denotes bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE16A), P6KE16CA has no anode/cathode distinction in operation and is used where polarity reversal or AC-coupled signals require equal clamping on either terminal. This is confirmed in the datasheet's "Devices for Bipolar Applications" section.

Is P6KE16CA AEC-Q101 qualified?

Yes, P6KE16CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the "FEATURES" section and reinforced in the "ORDERING INFORMATION" note specifying "H" suffix for AEC-Q101 (P6KE16CA falls under the qualified range, excluding only P6KE6V8A–P6KE9V1A). This qualification covers temperature cycling, humidity testing, and mechanical shock - validating its use in automotive under-hood and cabin modules.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE16CA at rated surge current?

The maximum clamping voltage of P6KE16CA is 22.5V at 28A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value appears in the "ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS" table for P6KE16A (identical to P6KE16CA per bidirectional equivalence), and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.

Can P6KE16CA replace P6KE16A in a design?

No - P6KE16CA cannot directly replace P6KE16A without verifying circuit topology. P6KE16A is unidirectional (anode/cathode marked), while P6KE16CA is bidirectional (no functional polarity). Substitution is only valid if the application inherently requires symmetrical protection (e.g., AC lines, differential buses) or if the original design already uses bidirectional clamping. Reverse-bias stress on P6KE16A would cause failure if used in place of P6KE16CA.

What is the standoff voltage (VWM) for P6KE16CA, and why does it matter?

The standoff voltage (VWM) for P6KE16CA is 13.6V - the maximum continuous reverse voltage it can block without significant leakage. This parameter ensures the device remains non-conductive during normal operation, avoiding power loss or signal distortion. It provides a 15% margin below the minimum breakdown voltage (15.2V), aligning with IEC 61000-4-5 and automotive design guidelines for reliable long-term bias stability.