Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE16-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE16-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE16-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.9VWM 23.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P6KE16-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 13.6 V standoff voltage (VWM), 15.2–16.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 22.5 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 26.7 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer power supply input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE16-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE16-E3/73 pinout, P6KE16-E3/73 application, or P6KE16-E3/73 equivalent, this device is selected for cost-sensitive, high-surge-capability transient suppression where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.49), and DO-15 package compatibility with legacy through-hole layouts are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The P6KE16-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 3.5 V forward voltage at 50 A surge, supporting robust fail-safe short-circuit behavior under overstress.
Thermal performance is defined by 20 °C/W junction-to-lead resistance and 75 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance, with derating starting above 25 °C ambient. It meets AEC-Q101 qualification when ordered with HE3 suffix, though P6KE16-E3/73 is commercial-grade per base P/N-E3 designation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM Standoff Voltage | 13.6 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets minimum system rail margin for reliable non-activation during normal operation |
| VBR Breakdown Voltage | 15.2–16.8 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on within 10 % tolerance for consistent clamping threshold |
| VC Clamping Voltage | 22.5 V at 26.7 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge; enables safe margin below 24 V logic or MOSFET gate oxide limits |
| PPPM Peak Pulse Power | 600 W - Sustains standardized 10/1000 μs surge without degradation; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) testing |
| IPPM Peak Pulse Current | 26.7 A - Maximum transient current handled at rated clamping; supports protection of 12 V automotive loads against load-dump spikes |
| TJ Max Operating Temperature | 175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power converters) without thermal shutdown or parameter drift |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard through-hole outline with 0.300" lead spacing; compatible with legacy wave-solder and manual assembly processes |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by color band on one end; anode is unmarked lead.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked lead) | Forward current entry / Reverse bias reference | Connected to lower-potential node (e.g., GND or return path); defines directionality for unidirectional clamping |
| Cathode (banded lead) | Avalanche conduction terminal / Surge current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under humidity and thermal cycling - validated per JESD22-A101 |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports repeated surge events in industrial motor drives without parameter shift or catastrophic failure |
| Clamping ratio VC/VBR ≤ 1.49 | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs - critical for safeguarding 16 V-rated CAN transceivers or microcontroller I/O |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (P6KE16HE3) | Enables drop-in qualification upgrade path for automotive applications without layout change |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 1A whisker tested | Meets IPC-J-STD-002 solderability and long-term interconnect integrity requirements for high-reliability production |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed BCM microcontroller power rail exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between fuse and LDO input; responds within <1 ns to limit rail excursion to ≤22.5 V. Use Value: Prevents permanent damage to 5 V LDOs and MCU VDD pins during 120 V/50 ms transients - verified per ISO 16750-2. |
Use Scenario: 24 V digital input channel receiving signals from field sensors subject to inductive kickback and ESD contact discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on optocoupler input side; shunts >20 A surges before reaching series current-limiting resistor. Use Value: Maintains input logic state integrity during 4 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and sustains >100,000 surge cycles without parameter drift. |
| Consumer AC-DC Adapter Secondary Side | Telecom Line Card DC Bias Protection |
Use Scenario: Output rectifier rail of 12 V/2 A flyback adapter subjected to output short-circuit recovery spikes and capacitor inrush. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel clamp across bulk capacitor; activates only during overvoltage excursions exceeding 13.6 V. Use Value: Eliminates need for oversized output capacitors by limiting transient overshoot to 22.5 V - reducing BOM cost and board area. |
Use Scenario: -48 V DC bias feed to telecom line interface ICs vulnerable to lightning-induced common-mode surges on tip/ring pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp from bias rail to chassis ground; suppresses positive-going transients while blocking negative bias leakage. Use Value: Enables compliance with GR-1089-CORE Level 3 (10/700 μs, 10 A) without adding series impedance that degrades signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | DO-214AA package (SMB), 15 V VWM, 21.2 V VC at 28.3 A; 600 W rating same | Surface-mount footprint; higher thermal resistance (RθJA = 110 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Select SMBJ15A when PCB space is constrained and reflow assembly is used; verify trace width for 28 A surge current |
| 1.5KE15A | Same DO-15 package, 15 V VWM, but 22.5 V VC at 26.7 A; identical clamping, 1.5 kW rating (derated to 600 W at 10/1000 μs) | Higher peak power headroom allows extended surge duration handling; larger die size increases capacitance (≈200 pF vs. 120 pF) | Select 1.5KE15A if system requires margin for multi-pulse events or longer transients (>1 ms), accepting higher junction capacitance |
Compared with P6KE16-E3/73, SMBJ15A offers SMT compatibility at the cost of thermal performance, while 1.5KE15A provides identical clamping in the same package with greater surge energy capacity - making it suitable for applications with repetitive or extended transients where capacitance sensitivity is low.
Availability
P6KE16-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC inputs, and consumer power adapter protection requiring stable component supply and legacy through-hole manufacturing support.
Supply support for P6KE16-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression in commercial and industrial systems - engineered for rapid response, stable clamping, and compatibility with standard through-hole assembly infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE16-E3/73 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The P6KE16-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 26.7 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees the protected circuit will not experience more than 22.5 V during such a transient event - critical for ensuring compatibility with 24 V tolerant interfaces.
Is the P6KE16-E3/73 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the P6KE16-E3/73 is RoHS compliant and lead-free, as confirmed by the "E3" suffix per Vishay's ordering nomenclature. It meets Directive 2011/65/EU requirements and undergoes JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing, ensuring solder joint reliability in automated assembly processes without lead-based solder compatibility concerns.
How does the P6KE16-E3/73 differ from the P6KE16A part number?
The P6KE16-E3/73 is a specific tape-and-reel packaging variant of the P6KE16A base device - with "E3" indicating RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction and "/73" denoting 7-inch reel packaging (4000 units/reel). Electrically and thermally, P6KE16-E3/73 is identical to P6KE16A; the suffixes define packaging, plating, and compliance, not functional differences.
Can the P6KE16-E3/73 be used in automotive applications?
The P6KE16-E3/73 is rated for commercial temperature range (–55 °C to +175 °C) and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, Vishay specifies the P6KE16HE3 variant (HE3 suffix), which carries full AEC-Q101 qualification. While P6KE16-E3/73 may function in benign automotive environments, it lacks the stress-test validation required for safety-critical or under-hood deployment.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for the P6KE16-E3/73?
The P6KE16-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W under standard test conditions (free-air, no heatsink). This value assumes a 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length and is used to calculate allowable power dissipation at elevated ambient temperatures - for example, derating to ~3.5 W at 75 °C ambient per the published power derating curve.
P6KE16-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
P6KE16-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE16-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE16-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 P6KE16-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE16-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 P6KE16-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE16-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE16-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE16-E3/73?
P6KE16-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE16-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 P6KE16-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE16-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE16-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE16-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE16-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 P6KE16-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE16-E3/73?
All P6KE16-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE16-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 P6KE16-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE16-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE16-E3/73 Tags

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