Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE16C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE16C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE16C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.9VWM 23.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,482
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P6KE16C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 16 V breakdown voltage (VBR min 15.2 V, max 16.8 V at 1.0 mA), and clamps to ≤22.5 V at 26.7 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE16C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE16C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE16C-E3/73 application, or P6KE16C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, 175 °C maximum junction temperature, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both polarities, enabling transient suppression on AC-coupled or floating signal paths. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, critical for consistent clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs surges at 0.01% duty cycle.
The P6KE16C-E3/73 exhibits a typical thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), supporting operation up to 175 °C junction temperature. Its 1.0 mA test current and 0.086 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR ensure predictable voltage drift across temperature ranges in embedded control systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 15.2 V / 16.8 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional overvoltage events |
| VWM | 13.6 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.5 V at 26.7 A - peak clamped voltage during 600 W transient, limiting downstream IC stress |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - standardized surge energy handling per industry test condition |
| TJ max | 175 °C - enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive or high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - axial-leaded through-hole package compatible with legacy PCB assembly and manual repair |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - validated for automotive electronics per stress-test requirements including HTRB, HTGB, and temperature cycling |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; no polarity marking for bi-directional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | No functional distinction between leads - either terminal serves as cathode or anode depending on transient polarity |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path for surge conduction | Both leads conduct equally during positive or negative transients; requires no orientation during placement |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge (4 kV line-earth) when properly mounted with low-inductance layout |
| Very fast response time (<1 ns) | Clamps transients before sensitive downstream logic or analog circuitry sustains damage |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, suitable for high-reliability industrial and automotive production |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump and inductive switching spikes on CAN bus or LIN sensor lines in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to divert surge energy to ground before reaching transceiver IC. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤22.5 V, protecting ISO 11898-compliant transceivers rated for 40 V absolute maximum. | Use Scenario: Guards 24 V DC digital input modules against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end protection on optocoupler input side, operating in parallel with series current-limiting resistor. Use Value: Withstands repeated 1 kV/500 A surges per IEC 61000-4-4 without degradation, extending module service life. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Clamps lightning-induced surges on AC/DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs feeding SMPS controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level transient suppressor after MOV, providing precise low-voltage clamping where MOV let-through is excessive. Use Value: Reduces clamping voltage by 35% vs. generic 18 V TVS, preventing overvoltage shutdown of PWM controller ICs. | Use Scenario: Protects RS-485 transceivers on base station backhaul links exposed to induced surges from nearby power lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional shunt clamp on differential pair, symmetrically referenced to signal ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode transients while preserving <1 pF junction capacitance at 0 V bias. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16CA | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-15); same VBR range and 600 W rating | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; lower profile suits space-constrained designs | Select when board real estate is limited and reflow compatibility is required |
| 1.5KE16CA | Higher 1500 W peak pulse power; larger DO-201AE package; identical VBR and bi-directional function | Better suited for higher-energy surges (e.g., telecom central office); not drop-in due to footprint mismatch | Select when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements |
Compared with SMBJ16CA and 1.5KE16CA, the P6KE16C-E3/73 offers proven through-hole robustness for serviceable industrial equipment, balanced surge margin for automotive Grade 3 compliance, and cost-effective qualification for volume OEM production without SMT infrastructure investment.
Availability
P6KE16C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapters, and telecom line interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE16C-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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for cost-sensitive commercial and automotive applications demanding high-surge resilience in compact axial packages.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix indicate in P6KE16C-E3/73?
The "C" in P6KE16C-E3/73 denotes bi-directional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., P6KE16A), the P6KE16C-E3/73 has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of polarity applied across its terminals, making it ideal for AC signal lines or floating bus protection where polarity is undefined.
Is P6KE16C-E3/73 AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, P6KE16C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed in Vishay's official documentation (Document Number 88369, Revision 18-Sep-12). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and highly accelerated life testing, validating P6KE16C-E3/73 for use in automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE16C-E3/73 at rated surge current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE16C-E3/73 is 22.5 V at 26.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events and is critical for ensuring downstream components - such as 3.3 V or 5 V logic ICs - remain within their absolute maximum ratings when P6KE16C-E3/73 is correctly implemented.
How does P6KE16C-E3/73 differ from P6KE16A-E3/73?
P6KE16C-E3/73 is bi-directional, while P6KE16A-E3/73 is uni-directional - meaning the latter has a defined cathode (marked with band) and only clamps reverse-polarity transients. The P6KE16C-E3/73 provides symmetrical protection for AC-coupled or differential signals, whereas P6KE16A-E3/73 is used on DC rails where polarity is fixed. Their VBR, VWM, and VC values are nearly identical, but circuit placement and grounding strategy differ significantly between the two variants.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for P6KE16C-E3/73?
P6KE16C-E3/73 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 for solderability, and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and suitability for wave and hand soldering up to 275 °C for 10 seconds (per JESD 22-B106), supporting both automated and repair-friendly assembly processes in industrial and automotive manufacturing environments.
P6KE16C-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):
- 12.9V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 25.5A
- 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)
P6KE16C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE16C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE16C-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 P6KE16C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE16C-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 P6KE16C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE16C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE16C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE16C-E3/73?
P6KE16C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE16C-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 P6KE16C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE16C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE16C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE16C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE16C-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 P6KE16C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE16C-E3/73?
All P6KE16C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE16C-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 P6KE16C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE16C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE16C-E3/73 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

