Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE16H

Overview

P6KE16H from Taiwan Semiconductor is an AEC-Q101-qualified unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for automotive and industrial overvoltage protection. It features a 16 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 14.4–17.6 V), 12.9 V standoff voltage (VWM), 26 A peak surge current (IPP), and clamps transients to ≤23.5 V at rated surge-ideal for protecting 12 V power rails and I/O lines against ESD and load dump.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE16H datasheet, P6KE16H pinout, P6KE16H application, or P6KE16H equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 600 W 10/1000 µs surge rating, low dynamic impedance, sub-1 ps response time from 0 V to VBR, and compatibility with standard DO-15 PCB footprints and reflow profiles.

Technical Context

The P6KE16H operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, leveraging silicon PN-junction breakdown to clamp fast-rising transients before downstream circuitry sustains damage. Its junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +175 °C, supporting under-hood automotive environments, and it exhibits a VBR temperature coefficient of 0.086 %/°C-enabling predictable voltage drift across thermal extremes.

It delivers 600 W non-repetitive peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform, with steady-state power dissipation of 5 W at TA = 75 °C on 5 × 5 mm copper pads. Reverse leakage remains ≤1 µA at 12.9 V (VWM), ensuring minimal standby current impact in always-on systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈0.400 g. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the body end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with P6KE16H, SMAJ16A enables miniaturization at the cost of through-hole compatibility, while 1.5KE16A trades automotive qualification for higher single-pulse energy handling-making P6KE16H the optimal balance of qualification, form factor, and clamping performance for automotive 12 V systems.

Availability

P6KE16H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, lighting system surge suppression, and DC motor feedback line safeguarding requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.

Supply support for P6KE16H 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 automotive-qualified components since 1979.

The P6KE series was engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in 12 V and 24 V automotive subsystems-including body control, lighting, and powertrain-emphasizing reliability under thermal cycling and high-energy surge stress.

FAQ

What does the "H" suffix signify in P6KE16H?

The "H" suffix in P6KE16H indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev. P2203 documentation-covering stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life. Unlike standard P6KE16 variants, P6KE16H is certified for use in automotive powertrain and chassis applications where reliability under harsh environmental conditions is mandatory. This qualification is explicitly confirmed in the Ordering Information section of the Taiwan Semiconductor datasheet.

Is P6KE16H unidirectional or bidirectional?

P6KE16H is a unidirectional TVS diode, as confirmed by its electrical specifications table listing separate VBR (uni-directional) values and absence of bidirectional test conditions. Its cathode band marking and specified forward surge current (IFSM = 100 A) further confirm unidirectional polarity. For bidirectional protection, engineers must select the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., P6KE16CA), which is explicitly called out in the "Devices for Bipolar Applications" note.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE16H under surge conditions?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE16H is 23.5 V at 26 A peak surge current (IPP), measured using the 10/1000 µs waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a full-rated transient event-critical for verifying margin against IC absolute maximum ratings.

Can P6KE16H be used in surface-mount designs?

No-P6KE16H uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package and is intended for through-hole mounting only. It cannot be directly substituted into surface-mount layouts. For SMT equivalents, consider SMAJ16A (DO-214AC) or SMCJ16A (DO-214AB), both of which offer comparable 16 V clamping but require PCB redesign and requalification due to differing thermal and mechanical behavior.

How does P6KE16H compare to P6KE16A in terms of electrical performance?

P6KE16H shares identical electrical parameters with P6KE16A-including VBR (15.2–16.8 V), VWM (13.6 V), VC (22.5 V), and IPP (28 A)-but adds documented AEC-Q101 qualification. The "H" suffix does not alter electrical specs; it certifies conformance to automotive stress tests. Therefore, P6KE16H is electrically interchangeable with P6KE16A but carries formal automotive qualification required for Tier 1 supplier BOMs.