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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE18CA
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,076
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 18 V, clamps transients to ≤25.2 V at 25 A peak surge current, and delivers sub-5 ns response time. It is used in automotive lighting control modules to safeguard microcontrollers and CAN transceivers against load dump and EFT events.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CA datasheet, P6KE18CA pinout, P6KE18CA application, or P6KE18CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional configuration, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, 15.3 V standoff voltage, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability under repetitive surge stress.
Technical Context
The P6KE18CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional clamping behavior - identical electrical characteristics in both polarities. Its junction structure enables low dynamic impedance (<1 Ω typical) and stable clamping performance across temperature (±0.088 %/°C VBR drift).
It complies with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and ISO 7637-2 (automotive transients), supporting surge immunity up to 600 W at the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. The device is rated for continuous operation from −55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, with <1 μA reverse leakage above 15.3 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 600 W - sustains single 10/1000 μs surges without failure; derates linearly above 25 °C ambient |
| Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 15.3 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage; ensures no false triggering in 12 V systems |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 17.1–18.9 V @ 1 mA - tight tolerance band guarantees consistent clamping onset across production lots |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 25.2 V @ 25 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during worst-case surge; critical for 3.3 V/5 V logic protection |
| Response Time | <5 ns - detects and clamps ESD/EFT transients faster than most microcontroller I/O pin response latency |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive placement without thermal derating penalties |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive use per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and HAST |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 rating. Cathode band marking omitted due to bidirectional symmetry; polarity is non-directional.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; connects across protected line and ground (or between differential lines) |
| Leads (Tin-plated) | Mounting & thermal interface | Solderable per J-STD-002; 0.375" lead length supports 5 W steady-state dissipation on 5×5 mm copper pads |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled signals or floating buses without polarity concerns |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during surge, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected ICs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates long-term reliability in automotive environments including thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally constrained designs |
| UL Recognized (E326243) | Confirms flammability, dielectric strength, and construction safety for end-equipment certification |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and MOSFET gate drivers in headlamp modules subjected to ISO 7637-2 pulse 1 (inductive load dump) and pulse 3a/b (EFT). IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed across 12 V supply rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤25.2 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing burnout of 30 V-rated driver FETs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to field-wiring transients and relay coil kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional shunt protector between input terminal and common reference, upstream of optocoupler input. Use Value: Clamps ±1 kV EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) to safe levels, maintaining signal integrity without disrupting polling cycle timing. |
| USB-C Power Delivery Interface | Smart Meter Communication Ports |
|
Use Scenario: Transient suppression on VBUS and CC lines of USB-C receptacles handling up to 20 V/5 A PD negotiation. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level TVS after primary front-end filtering, placed adjacent to USB PD controller and port multiplexer. Use Value: Responds within 5 ns to contact-mode ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV), limiting voltage to <25 V and preserving USB PD protocol handshake. |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceivers and PLC modem interfaces in utility smart meters installed in electrically noisy substations. IC Role / Device Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground clamp on differential bus pairs, mounted at connector entry point. Use Value: Withstands repeated 400 V/2 Ω surge (IEC 61000-4-5) without parameter shift, ensuring 10+ year field reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA (Bourns) | Same DO-214AA package; 600 W rating; slightly higher clamping voltage (26.5 V @ 23.5 A) | Higher thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 110 °C/W vs. P6KE18CA's ~100 °C/W); less suitable for high-density PCBs | Select SMBJ18CA only if DO-214AA footprint is already committed; verify layout thermal relief matches higher VC margin. |
| 1.5KE18CA (ON Semiconductor) | Same DO-204AC package; identical 18 V nominal rating; lower surge rating (1500 W but 1.5 kW peak is 10/1000 μs average, not instantaneous) | Higher junction capacitance (~1000 pF @ 0 V vs. P6KE18CA's ~500 pF), limiting use in >1 MHz signal paths | Prefer 1.5KE18CA only for cost-sensitive industrial power supplies where speed and capacitance are non-critical. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the P6KE18CA offers optimal balance of low clamping voltage, DO-204AC footprint compatibility, AEC-Q101 validation, and moderate junction capacitance - making it preferred for automotive and high-speed industrial interfaces where both reliability and signal fidelity matter.
Availability
P6KE18CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC I/O protection, and USB-C power delivery interface designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for P6KE18CA 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The P6KE series belongs to TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for harsh-environment transient suppression in 12 V/24 V automotive and industrial power systems where robustness and parametric consistency are mandatory.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE18CA?
The "CA" suffix in P6KE18CA denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE18A), P6KE18CA has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, making it ideal for AC signal lines or floating bus protection where voltage polarity reverses.
Is P6KE18CA suitable for protecting USB 2.0 data lines?
No, P6KE18CA is not recommended for USB 2.0 data line protection due to its relatively high junction capacitance (~500 pF at 0 V), which would severely degrade signal integrity at 480 Mbps. For high-speed data lines, lower-capacitance TVS devices such as DFDZ18M (12 pF) or SP1003 (0.6 pF) are appropriate alternatives - the P6KE18CA is intended for power rail and low-frequency signal protection only.
How does P6KE18CA's clamping voltage compare to its breakdown voltage?
P6KE18CA has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 17.1 V and a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at 25 A surge current. This results in a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.47 - indicating efficient energy diversion with minimal voltage overshoot. That ratio ensures protected ICs experience less than 25.2 V even during full-rated 600 W surges, well below typical 30 V absolute maximum ratings.
Can P6KE18CA replace P6KE18A in an existing design?
P6KE18CA can replace P6KE18A only if the circuit requires bidirectional protection and the layout accommodates symmetrical mounting. P6KE18A is unidirectional (cathode-banded) with forward conduction capability; P6KE18CA blocks in both directions and lacks polarity marking. Swapping requires verifying that reverse voltage stress on downstream components remains within spec - the P6KE18CA itself is not a drop-in replacement for P6KE18A without schematic and layout review.
What is the maximum surge current P6KE18CA can handle at 85 °C ambient?
At 85 °C ambient, P6KE18CA's peak pulse power rating derates to approximately 420 W (70 % of 600 W), corresponding to a maximum peak surge current of ~17.5 A at 25.2 V clamping (per Fig.2 derating curve). This assumes proper PCB thermal design - e.g., 0.375" leads mounted on 5×5 mm copper pads - and limits single-pulse repetition to avoid cumulative junction heating beyond 175 °C.
P6KE18CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE18CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CA 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 P6KE18CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CA?
P6KE18CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CA 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 P6KE18CA?
For technical support, including P6KE18CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CA 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 P6KE18CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CA?
All P6KE18CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CA, 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 P6KE18CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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