STMicroelectronics P6KE18CARL
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CARL
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CARL.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 32.5VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,678
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CARL from STMicroelectronics is a bidirectional 600 W transient voltage suppression diode in DO-15 package, designed for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection (30 kV air/contact) and IEC 61000-4-4 surge immunity (4 kV level 4). It features a 18 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 17.1–18.9 V), 25.2 V clamping voltage at 24 A (10/1000 µs), and operates up to +175 °C junction temperature. It is used in AC/DC power input stages of industrial SMPS and telecom line interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CARL datasheet, P6KE18CARL pinout, P6KE18CARL application, or P6KE18CARL equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional vs. bidirectional polarity, 10/1000 µs vs. 8/20 µs pulse rating trade-offs, clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VCC, thermal derating above 25 °C, and DO-15 PCB footprint compatibility with high-reliability power supplies.
Technical Context
The P6KE18CARL employs planar junction technology to achieve low leakage (<0.5 µA at 15 V), stable VBR over temperature (αT = 8.8 × 10−4/°C), and robust surge handling up to 175 °C junction temperature. Its bidirectional structure enables symmetrical clamping on AC lines without polarity sensitivity.
It delivers 600 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 µs waveform and up to 4 kW under 8/20 µs surge, with dynamic resistance RD = 0.263 Ω (10/1000 µs) and 0.111 Ω (8/20 µs), ensuring fast response and minimal overshoot during transient events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/typ/max) | 17.1 / 18.0 / 18.9 V - Ensures reliable triggering above 15 V operating rail while avoiding false trips during normal transients |
| VCL @ IPP = 24 A (10/1000 µs) | 25.2 V - Clamps surges to safe levels below 28 V-rated downstream components |
| IPP (8/20 µs) | 123 A - Supports high-energy lightning-induced surges in telecom and industrial AC inputs |
| RD (dynamic resistance) | 0.263 Ω (10/1000 µs) - Limits voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients |
| Tj max | +175 °C - Enables operation in enclosed, high-ambient-temperature environments without thermal shutdown |
| ESD rating (IEC 61000-4-2) | ±30 kV contact/air - Exceeds level 4 requirements for front-panel and connector protection |
| Leakage current IRM | ≤0.5 µA at 15 V - Minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed or energy-sensitive circuits |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (JEDEC DO-204AC) axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads. Body diameter 3.24 mm (typ), length 28.5 mm (typ), lead diameter 0.80 mm (typ). RoHS-compliant ECOPACK2 grade.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (cathode band end) | Transient current sink (bidirectional) | Provides symmetrical conduction path for positive and negative surges; no polarity marking required |
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink (bidirectional) | Same electrical role as anode due to bidirectional construction; cathode band indicates physical orientation only |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC lines or differential buses without external polarity management |
| Low dynamic resistance (0.263 Ω) | Reduces clamping voltage overshoot during fast 10/1000 µs transients, improving system margin |
| High Tj rating (+175 °C) | Supports long-term reliability in thermally constrained enclosures such as sealed power adapters |
| UL 497B certified (QVGQ2.E136224) | Validates suitability for primary-side telecom surge protection per industry safety standards |
| IEC 61000-4-4 level 4 compliance | Guarantees 4 kV surge immunity in industrial control and building automation equipment |
Applications
| Industrial AC/DC Power Input | Telecom Line Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of rectifier bridge and bulk capacitor against lightning-induced surges on 230 VAC mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS clamp placed before bridge rectifier to shunt surge energy to earth/neutral. Use Value: 25.2 V clamping ensures downstream 35 V-rated electrolytic capacitors remain within 72% of rated voltage during 24 A surge. |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on POTS or xDSL line interface circuits exposed to induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device across tip/ring pair to suppress common-mode surges. Use Value: Symmetrical 25.2 V clamping prevents damage to SLIC or line driver ICs rated for ±28 V absolute maximum. |
| Medical Equipment Mains Filter | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Inputs |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side protection of isolated DC-DC converter inputs in Class II medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient suppressor on 24 VDC input rail after isolation barrier. Use Value: 0.5 µA leakage avoids compromising patient-isolation creepage/clearance requirements in low-power standby modes. |
Use Scenario: Protection of 12 V sensor inputs (e.g., door switch, ambient light) against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp device on low-voltage signal line referenced to chassis ground. Use Value: 175 °C junction rating allows placement near hot engine bay electronics without thermal derating penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | DO-214AA package; 600 W rating; VBR = 18.0–20.0 V; VCL = 29.2 V @ 20.6 A (10/1000 µs); higher RD = 0.35 Ω | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB redesign; lower surge current density due to larger clamping voltage | Select when space-constrained SMT layout is mandatory and 29.2 V clamping is acceptable for downstream 33 V-rated components |
| 1.5KE18CA | DO-201AD package; 1500 W rating; VBR = 17.1–18.9 V; VCL = 27.7 V @ 54.2 A (10/1000 µs); higher thermal mass | Higher-power through-hole option with identical VBR but 15% higher clamping voltage and 2.5× footprint area | Select when legacy DO-201AD footprint is fixed and surge energy exceeds 600 W, e.g., in outdoor power distribution units |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, P6KE18CARL offers optimal balance of DO-15 compatibility, 25.2 V clamping, and 0.263 Ω dynamic resistance-making it preferred for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding AC/DC front-end designs where 600 W surge capacity suffices.
Availability
P6KE18CARL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial AC/DC power supplies, telecom line interfaces, and medical equipment mains filters requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for P6KE18CARL 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, delivering intelligent power, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
P6KE is part of ST's high-reliability TVS diode portfolio targeting robust, high-temperature surge protection in power conversion and communication infrastructure-designed specifically for planar-junction stability and low-leakage performance in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P6KE18CARL?
P6KE18CARL is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients across its terminals. The "CA" suffix explicitly denotes bidirectional construction, and the device has no functional anode/cathode distinction-only a physical cathode band for orientation reference during manual assembly.
Can P6KE18CARL be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-P6KE18CARL is not recommended for parallel use due to mismatch in dynamic resistance and VBR tolerance (±5%), which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher current capability, select a single higher-rated device like 1.5KE18CA or P4KE18CA instead.
What is the maximum continuous reverse working voltage (VRWM) for P6KE18CARL?
The maximum continuous reverse working voltage is 15 V, derived from the VRM parameter in Table 2. This value ensures <0.5 µA leakage at 25 °C and defines the highest steady-state DC or RMS AC voltage the device can withstand without significant conduction-critical for selecting appropriate derating margins in 12 V or 24 V systems.
Does P6KE18CARL meet UL 497B for telecom surge protection?
Yes-P6KE18CARL carries UL 497B file number QVGQ2.E136224, certifying its suitability for primary-side surge protection in telecommunications equipment. This listing validates its ability to safely clamp 4 kV surges (IEC 61000-4-4 level 4) and withstand repeated 30 kV ESD events without degradation or fire hazard.
P6KE18CARL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE, TRANSIL™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 123A (8/20µs)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- 800pF @ 1MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE18CARL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CARL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CARL 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 P6KE18CARL reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CARL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CARL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CARL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CARL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CARL?
P6KE18CARL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CARL 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 P6KE18CARL?
For technical support, including P6KE18CARL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CARL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CARL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CARL 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 P6KE18CARL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CARL?
All P6KE18CARL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CARL, 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 P6KE18CARL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CARL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE18CARL Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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