Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE18CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:13,510
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 18 V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA), 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 23.8 A, and operates from −55 °C to +175 °C - used in automotive sensor line protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CA-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE18CA-E3/54 pinout, P6KE18CA-E3/54 application, or P6KE18CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at 15.3 V stand-off, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W) for board-level thermal design.
Technical Context
This device functions as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transient overvoltage events exceeding its breakdown threshold, it avalanches rapidly (<1 ns response) to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior for positive and negative transients, eliminating polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
It operates without biasing or control circuitry - relying solely on junction avalanche characteristics. The glass-passivated chip junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%), low incremental surge resistance, and robustness against repetitive surges at 0.01% duty cycle - validated per IEC 61000-4-5 and ISO 7637-2 test waveforms.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 17.1 V / 18.9 V at 1 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional transients |
| VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 25.2 V at 23.8 A - peak clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 600 W surge |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - standardized surge energy handling capacity |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - quantifies thermal path efficiency from junction to lead, critical for PCB copper pour design |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry confirmed per datasheet note.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction - either end connects to protected line; both conduct identically during ± transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term parameter drift <0.5% over 1000 hrs at 85 °C |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge protection without derating at TA ≤ 25 °C |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control modules and body electronics |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.41) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., keeps 3.3 V logic inputs below 25.2 V during worst-case surge |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and automotive enclosures |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed across differential signal pair or supply rail to clamp transients before they reach precision amplifier or MCU input pins. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V interface ICs during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (−150 V/0.5 Ω) and Pulse 3a/b (±50 V) events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analog input channels in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and ground loop transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element installed at terminal block entry point, upstream of signal conditioning op-amps and ADC drivers. Use Value: Maintains measurement integrity by limiting transient overvoltage to ≤25.2 V, preventing saturation or input-stage breakdown in rail-to-rail op-amps. |
| Consumer Power Adapter EMI Filtering | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression in AC/DC adapters and USB-C PD chargers exposed to lightning-induced surges on DC output lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage shunt protector after primary-side isolation, clamping fast-rising common-mode noise coupled onto low-voltage rails. Use Value: Enables compliance with UL 62368-1 Annex M surge immunity testing (1 kV line-earth) without additional MOV or GDT stages. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and DSL line drivers in telecom access equipment subjected to longitudinal surges per GR-1089-CORE. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS mounted directly at RJ-45 connector pins to suppress differential and common-mode transients before magnetics. Use Value: Achieves >20 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV ring-wave (IEC 61000-4-5) immunity while preserving signal integrity up to 100 MHz. |
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 | Same VBR range (17.1–18.9 V) but SMC (DO-214AB) package; 600 W rating; lower RθJA (40 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Requires PCB footprint change; better suited for high-density layouts where axial DO-15 leads are impractical | Select SMBJ18CA when board space is constrained and surface-mount assembly is preferred. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Higher peak pulse power (1500 W), same DO-15 package; VBR 17.1–18.9 V; larger junction area increases capacitance (≈150 pF vs. ≈50 pF) | Overkill for 600 W requirement; added capacitance may degrade high-speed signal integrity (e.g., USB 2.0) | Choose 1.5KE18CA only if system-level surge testing requires >600 W margin and signal bandwidth <10 MHz. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, P6KE18CA-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of proven automotive reliability (AEC-Q101), compact axial form factor, and low junction capacitance - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, medium-surge industrial and automotive sensor nodes where leaded assembly remains standard.
Availability
P6KE18CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, and telecom line card surge protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE18CA-E3/54 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 targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in commercial and automotive environments - engineered for rapid response, stable clamping, and robust thermal performance in axial-leaded form factors.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE18CA-E3/54?
The "CA" suffix in P6KE18CA-E3/54 denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE18A), P6KE18CA-E3/54 has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation, making it ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity is undefined.
Is P6KE18CA-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE18CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified - verified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) per JESD22-A114. This qualification confirms its suitability for under-hood and cabin applications such as engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces where sustained operation at 175 °C junction temperature is required.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE18CA-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE18CA-E3/54 is 25.2 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 23.8 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value represents the highest voltage that will appear across protected circuitry during a 600 W transient event - critical for ensuring downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
How does the DO-15 package of P6KE18CA-E3/54 affect thermal performance?
The DO-15 (DO-204AC) package of P6KE18CA-E3/54 delivers a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pours or heatsinks. However, its junction-to-ambient resistance (RθJA) is 75 °C/W - meaning adequate copper area (≥1 in²) and proper lead soldering are essential to maintain TJ ≤ 175 °C during repetitive surges, especially in enclosed industrial enclosures.
Can P6KE18CA-E3/54 be used in place of unidirectional P6KE18A?
No - P6KE18CA-E3/54 is not a direct replacement for unidirectional P6KE18A. While both share identical breakdown (17.1–18.9 V) and clamping (25.2 V) specifications, P6KE18A includes a cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias, whereas P6KE18CA-E3/54 is bidirectional with no polarity marking. Substituting P6KE18CA-E3/54 in a unidirectional circuit may cause unintended forward conduction or fail to suppress positive transients correctly.
P6KE18CA-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- 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):
- 23.8A
- 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)
P6KE18CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CA-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CA-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CA-E3/54?
P6KE18CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CA-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE18CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CA-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CA-E3/54?
All P6KE18CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CA-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE18CA-E3/54 Tags

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