Diodes Incorporated P6KE18CA-T
- Part No.:
- P6KE18CA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE18CA-T.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO15
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,343
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Product details
Overview
P6KE18CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 15.3V reverse standoff voltage (VRWM), 17.1V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 25.2V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 24A peak pulse current, and fast response time for ESD and surge suppression in industrial power supplies and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE18CA-T datasheet, P6KE18CA-T pinout, P6KE18CA-T application, or P6KE18CA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, peak pulse current capability under IEC 61000-4-5 waveform, unidirectional vs. bidirectional polarity requirements, and thermal derating behavior at elevated ambient temperatures.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<5µA at VRWM), while the DO-15 package provides robust thermal coupling to PCB copper for sustained energy absorption.
The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity standards when properly mounted. Its 1.0ms 600W peak pulse rating corresponds to an 8/20µs current waveform, and clamping performance is specified at 24A IPP - directly supporting Level 4 (4kV contact / 8kV air) system-level surge testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 600W (1.0ms non-repetitive, defines maximum transient energy absorption) |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VRWM) | 15.3V (maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage) |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 17.1–18.9V @ 1.0mA (guaranteed conduction onset range for reliable triggering) |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 25.2V @ 24A IPP (voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge) |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 24A (maximum 8/20µs surge current the device safely clamps) |
| Package | DO-15 (industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.4g mass and UL 94V-0 molding) |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJA) | 75°C/W (junction-to-ambient, determines steady-state power limit at given PCB layout) |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 package: axial-leaded, molded plastic body (UL 94V-0), 25.4mm overall length, 5.5–7.62mm body diameter, 0.686–0.889mm lead diameter, 2.6–3.6mm lead spacing. Bidirectional marking: type number only (no cathode band).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point under negative transients | One end of symmetrical PN junction; identical electrical role as Cathode in bidirectional operation |
| Cathode | Current entry point under positive transients | Other end of symmetrical PN junction; functionally interchangeable with Anode for AC protection |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 600W peak pulse rating | Enables single-device protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4kV) surges on 24V systems |
| Glass passivated die | Ensures long-term parameter stability and low leakage drift over temperature and life |
| Bidirectional configuration | Protects AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or floating DC rails without polarity biasing |
| RoHS-compliant lead finish | Supports lead-free reflow assembly and meets EU environmental compliance requirements |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24V DC input stage of programmable logic controller (PLC) power supply exposed to load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed upstream of DC-DC converter input, absorbing >95% of surge energy before it reaches downstream regulators. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤25.2V during 24A surge, preventing damage to 36V-rated input capacitors and MOSFET gate oxides. | Use Scenario: Transient suppression on CAN_H/CAN_L lines in vehicle door module subjected to ISO 7637-2 pulses and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional shunt protector placed at connector interface, clamping both positive and negative polarity transients simultaneously. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping to <26V while adding <10pF capacitance, avoiding CAN bit timing distortion at 500kbps. |
| RS-485 Data Line Protection | Smart Meter AC Mains Interface |
Use Scenario: Protection of half-duplex RS-485 transceiver (e.g., MAX13487) in utility meter communication port. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode TVS across A/B lines referenced to ground, suppressing EFT bursts and lightning-induced common-mode surges. Use Value: Clamps common-mode transients to ≤25.2V while preserving differential signal swing and meeting IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (2kV) requirements. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp on isolated 12V auxiliary supply derived from AC mains in residential smart meter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage crowbar device protecting microcontroller and RTC circuitry from transformer regulation failure or rectifier fault. Use Value: Activates within <1ns to clamp fault voltage to 25.2V, allowing fuse blow coordination before 3.3V LDO destruction. |
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 VRWM (15.3V) and VC (25.2V), but SMC package (higher thermal mass, lower RθJA = 30°C/W) | Better suited for high-repetition surge environments due to superior steady-state power handling (6.5W vs. 5.0W) | Select when board space allows SMC footprint and thermal management requires >5W continuous dissipation capability |
| 1.5KE18CA | Same electrical specs but higher peak power (1500W) and larger DO-201 package (1.2g mass) | Higher mechanical robustness for harsh environments; longer lead formability for through-hole wave solder | Select for legacy designs requiring DO-201 compatibility or where 1500W headroom is mandated by safety margin policies |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, P6KE18CA-T offers optimal cost/performance balance for medium-duty surge protection in space-constrained DO-15 layouts, with verified clamping consistency and RoHS-compliant termination suitable for modern automated assembly.
Availability
P6KE18CA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, RS-485 communication interfaces, and smart meter auxiliary power circuits requiring stable component supply and consistent surge clamping performance.
Supply support for P6KE18CA-T 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The P6KE series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume board-level surge protection in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics where reliability under repetitive transient stress is critical.
FAQ
What is the difference between P6KE18CA-T and P6KE18A-T?
P6KE18CA-T is bidirectional (symmetrical clamping for both polarities), indicated by the 'C' suffix, while P6KE18A-T is unidirectional with a cathode band marking. The bidirectional version has identical electrical specs except for reverse leakage doubling below 10V VRWM - irrelevant here since its VRWM is 15.3V. Both share DO-15 packaging and 600W rating.
Can P6KE18CA-T be used in place of a unidirectional TVS in a DC power rail?
Yes, but with caution: bidirectional TVS will conduct during normal reverse-bias conditions if the rail ever goes negative relative to ground. For pure DC rails, unidirectional devices are preferred. However, P6KE18CA-T is appropriate for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating supplies where polarity reversal may occur during transients or fault conditions.
What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for optimal thermal performance?
Per Diodes' datasheet, the specified 5.0W steady-state power dissipation assumes mounting on a 40mm² copper land area with 9.5mm lead lengths. Increasing copper area beyond this improves thermal resistance, but diminishing returns set in above ~100mm². For pulsed operation, thermal mass dominates over steady-state conduction, making lead length and board thickness more critical than pad size.
Is P6KE18CA-T qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use?
No - the standard P6KE18CA-T is not AEC-Q101 qualified. Diodes offers automotive-grade variants (e.g., P6KE18CAQ-T) with PPAP documentation, IATF 16949 manufacturing, and extended temperature screening. Engineers requiring automotive qualification must specify the 'Q' suffix part number and confirm availability with Diodes or authorized distributors.
P6KE18CA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE18CA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE18CA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE18CA-T 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-T reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE18CA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE18CA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE18CA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE18CA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE18CA-T?
P6KE18CA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE18CA-T 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-T?
For technical support, including P6KE18CA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE18CA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE18CA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE18CA-T 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-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE18CA-T?
All P6KE18CA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE18CA-T, 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-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE18CA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE18CA-T Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated
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