STMicroelectronics P6KE18A
- Part No.:
- P6KE18A
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DO15 15.3V 600W UNIDIR
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:13,036
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18A from STMicroelectronics is a unidirectional 600 W transient voltage suppression diode in DO-15 package, designed for primary-level ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V), 25.2 V clamping voltage at 24 A (10/1000 µs), 0.5 µA max reverse leakage at 15 V, and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature - deployed in industrial power supplies and automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18A datasheet, P6KE18A pinout, P6KE18A application, or P6KE18A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 compliance data, DO-15 mechanical dimensions, and direct alternative part comparisons - all grounded in ST's DS0681 Rev 9 specification.
Technical Context
The P6KE18A uses planar junction silicon technology optimized for low leakage (<0.5 µA at VRM = 15 V) and high-temperature stability (Tj up to +175 °C). Its dynamic resistance (RD = 0.263 Ω) and clamping response enable precise overvoltage limiting during fast transients like 8/20 µs surges.
It complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (30 kV air/contact discharge) and IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4 kV), delivering 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) and up to 4 kW under 8/20 µs waveform - validated per UL 497B (QVGQ2.E136224) and J-STD-020 MSL Level 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 17.1 / 18.0 / 18.9 V - defines reliable turn-on threshold across temperature and production lot |
| VCL @ IPP = 24 A | 25.2 V - maximum clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream IC stress |
| IRM @ VRM = 15 V | 0.5 µA - ultra-low leakage preserves battery life and signal integrity in always-on circuits |
| PPP (10/1000 µs) | 600 W - sustained surge energy handling capability at Tamb = 25 °C |
| Tj operating range | −55 to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial motor drive environments |
| RD (dynamic resistance) | 0.263 Ω - determines VCL rise slope under increasing surge current (VCL = VBR + RD × IPP) |
| IEC 61000-4-2 rating | 30 kV contact & air discharge - exceeds Level 4, eliminating need for external ESD staging |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (JEDEC DO-204AC) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking. Body length 26–31 mm, diameter 2.95–3.53 mm, lead diameter 0.71–0.88 mm. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 E3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry terminal during forward conduction | Connected to protected line; conducts only during reverse surge when cathode is held at higher potential |
| Cathode (banded end) | Surge current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path; defines polarity-sensitive clamping direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection of 12–24 V DC systems against lightning-induced surges and load dump events |
| 0.263 Ω dynamic resistance | Ensures predictable clamping voltage rise with surge current, enabling accurate system-level overvoltage margining |
| 0.5 µA max reverse leakage at 15 V | Minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed sensors and low-power IoT nodes |
| +175 °C max junction temperature | Validates operation in engine control units and industrial inverters without thermal derating penalties |
| UL 497B certified (QVGQ2.E136224) | Meets telecom and industrial safety standards for primary-side surge protection without additional certification effort |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Line Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24 V DC input stage of programmable logic controller (PLC) power supply exposed to field wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VIN and GND to clamp positive-going surges before they reach upstream rectifier and regulator ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤25.2 V at 24 A, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 36 V-rated input MOSFETs and controllers. |
Use Scenario: CAN_H/CAN_L differential pair in BCM subjected to ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2/3a and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two P6KE18A devices (one per line) provide common-mode surge suppression referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: With 30 kV IEC 61000-4-2 immunity and <1 ns response, protects CAN transceivers without degrading 1 Mbps signal integrity. |
| Smart Meter AC/DC Auxiliary Supply Clamp | Factory Automation Sensor Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: 12 V auxiliary rail derived from mains via flyback converter in utility smart meter, subject to conducted surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side TVS on secondary output to absorb residual transients escaping transformer isolation barrier. Use Value: 600 W rating handles repeated 10/1000 µs surges per IEC 61000-4-5, extending meter lifetime beyond 15-year field deployment. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA analog sensor loop in CNC machine tool exposed to relay coil kickback and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: P6KE18A installed across loop terminals to shunt inductive spikes before reaching ADC front-end op-amps. Use Value: 0.5 µA leakage avoids measurement offset error; 25.2 V clamping prevents saturation of rail-to-rail input amplifiers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar unidirectional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A (ON Semiconductor) | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 25.2 V VCL @ 24.7 A; 0.5 µA IR; lower 400 W PPP | Surface-mount only; requires PCB rework for through-hole replacement; better for space-constrained designs | Select when board real estate is limited and reflow assembly is available; verify thermal pad layout matches SMA footprint |
| 1.5KE18A (Littelfuse) | DO-201AD package; identical 18 V VBR, 25.2 V VCL, 600 W rating; 1.0 µA IR at 15 V | Larger body (5.6 mm Ø × 9.5 mm L); higher thermal mass but less PCB density; legacy industrial stock | Choose for drop-in replacement in existing DO-201AD footprints or where higher surge repetition tolerance is needed |
Compared with SMAJ18A and 1.5KE18A, P6KE18A offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, 0.5 µA leakage, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy industrial power supply layouts - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume through-hole surge protection.
Availability
P6KE18A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply input protection, automotive body control module (BCM) CAN line clamping, and smart meter auxiliary supply protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE18A 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and discrete protection devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
P6KE18A belongs to ST's P6KE series of planar-junction TVS diodes - engineered specifically for high-reliability, high-temperature DC rail protection in harsh environments where low leakage and repeatable clamping performance are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE18A under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The maximum clamping voltage (VCL) of P6KE18A is 25.2 V when subjected to a 24 A peak pulse current with 10/1000 µs waveform, measured at Tamb = 25 °C. This value is guaranteed across production lots and remains stable up to +175 °C junction temperature using the αT = 8.8 × 10−4/°C temperature coefficient.
Can P6KE18A be used for bidirectional signal line protection?
No - P6KE18A is unidirectional and must be used with cathode tied to the protected line and anode to ground for positive surge suppression. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, USB D+/D−), the P6KE18CA variant is required, which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities with identical VBR and VCL specifications.
What is the thermal derating behavior above 25 °C ambient?
P6KE18A's peak pulse power derates linearly from 600 W at 25 °C to 300 W at 175 °C junction temperature, as shown in Figure 3 of DS0681 Rev 9. Derating follows the curve PPP = 600 − 2.5 × (Tj − 25), ensuring predictable surge capability in high-temperature enclosures without forced airflow.
Does P6KE18A meet automotive AEC-Q200 requirements?
P6KE18A is not AEC-Q200 qualified. While it operates up to +175 °C and passes IEC 61000-4-2/4-4, ST does not list it in their AEC-Q200 stress-tested portfolio. For automotive-grade TVS, ST recommends the SMAJxxA-Q series or Automotive TVS family with full AEC-Q200 test reports and PPAP documentation.
P6KE18A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- Yes
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 1600pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE18A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18A 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 P6KE18A reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18A?
P6KE18A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18A 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 P6KE18A?
For technical support, including P6KE18A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18A 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 P6KE18A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18A?
All P6KE18A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18A, 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 P6KE18A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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