Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20A/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE20A/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20A/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,904
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Product details
Overview
P6KE20A/54 from Littelfuse is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 19.0–21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 27.7 V clamping voltage (VC) at 21.7 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in telecom interface protection, industrial power supplies, and automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20A/54 datasheet, P6KE20A/54 pinout, P6KE20A/54 application, or P6KE20A/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC axial package, unidirectional polarity (cathode band marked), low 5.0 µA leakage at 17.1 V stand-off, and UL 497B listing for telecom surge immunity.
Technical Context
The P6KE20A/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode that enters controlled breakdown when transient voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (19.0–21.0 V), clamping the line to ≤27.7 V within <1.0 ps response time. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable parametric performance across temperature and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
It is rated for 5.0 W steady-state dissipation at 75°C lead temperature, supports 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), and exhibits a +0.090 %/°C breakdown voltage temperature coefficient - enabling predictable behavior in ambient ranges from –55°C to +175°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - defines precise avalanche initiation window for reliable triggering without false trips |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 21.7 A - maximum clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per single pulse, critical for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; must exceed system operating voltage to prevent conduction |
| ID @ VWM | 5.0 µA - ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss and no interference in high-impedance sensing circuits |
| TJ/TSTG | –55°C to +175°C - extended thermal range supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (Axial) - industry-standard through-hole package with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length, MIL-STD-2026 solderable |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC axial package: cylindrical molded plastic body with solder-plated axial leads; cathode indicated by color band on one end. Mounting position is unrestricted; weight is 0.4 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unbanded end) | Forward current entry / low-side reference | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient voltage reference / clamping node | Connected to protected line; conducts avalanche current to anode when VLINE > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term parameter consistency under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| UL 497B listing (E136766) | Validates suitability for telecom interface protection including DSL, T1/E1, and analog voice line applications |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets Level 4 IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment and base station front-ends |
| Response time <1.0 ps | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience damaging overvoltage - critical for protecting RS-485, CAN, and microcontroller I/O |
| Flammability UL 94V-0 | Plastic housing self-extinguishes under flame exposure, satisfying safety standards for enclosed power systems |
Applications
| Telecom Line Protection | Industrial Power Supply Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting DSLAM line cards and POTS interface circuits from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair copper lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt TVS element placed between tip/ring and ground, triggered before downstream protection stages. Use Value: UL 497B certification and 600 W rating ensure compliance with GR-1089-CORE and ITU-T K.20/K.21 surge test requirements. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC input stage of PLC power modules against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping device connected between +24 V rail and chassis ground. Use Value: 27.7 V clamping voltage prevents overvoltage damage to upstream rectifiers and downstream DC-DC controllers. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | RS-485 Data Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Suppressing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients on 12 V supply lines feeding BCM microcontrollers and driver ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor mounted at PCB edge near connector, before bulk capacitance. Use Value: –55°C to +175°C operating range and 100 A surge rating support under-hood deployment without derating. | Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional TVS on each differential line (A/B) referenced to ground. Use Value: Sub-1 ps response ensures clamping occurs before transceiver input structures are stressed beyond absolute maximum ratings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Same VBR (19.0–21.0 V) and VC (32.4 V), but SMC package (surface-mount); 600 W rating retained | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lacks axial lead mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Select SMBJ20A only when board space constraints prohibit axial components and vibration is not a concern |
| 1.5KE20A | Identical electrical specs (VBR, VC, PPPM), same DO-204AC package, but legacy series with wider VBR tolerance (±10% vs ±5% for P6KE20A) | No functional difference in clamping performance; slightly higher risk of marginal triggering near VWM | 1.5KE20A remains viable where cost sensitivity outweighs tighter VBR control needs |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, P6KE20A/54 delivers tighter breakdown tolerance (±5%), UL 497B telecom qualification, and optimized thermal performance for through-hole mounting - making it preferred for certified telecom infrastructure and high-reliability industrial designs.
Availability
P6KE20A/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom line protection, industrial power supply inputs, automotive body control modules, and RS-485 data line protection requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle availability.
Supply support for P6KE20A/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
Littelfuse is a global leader in circuit protection, specializing in fuses, TVS diodes, MOVs, and gas discharge tubes for industrial, automotive, and telecom markets.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in commercial and industrial applications where DO-204AC axial mounting and UL 497B compliance are required.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of P6KE20A/54?
The P6KE20A/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This ±5% tolerance enables precise overvoltage threshold setting while maintaining margin above its 17.1 V maximum working voltage (VWM). The P6KE20A/54 achieves this stability via glass-passivated junction construction and tight process control.
Is P6KE20A/54 suitable for bidirectional surge protection?
No, P6KE20A/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode - it conducts only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode. For bidirectional protection, Littelfuse offers the P6KE20CA variant (with "C" or "CA" suffix). Using P6KE20A/54 in AC or dual-polarity applications would result in forward conduction during negative half-cycles, potentially damaging the device or circuit.
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE20A/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE20A/54 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V at its rated peak pulse current of 21.7 A, tested with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This VC value is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events. The P6KE20A/54 achieves this low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) due to low dynamic impedance and optimized junction design.
Does P6KE20A/54 have UL certification for telecom applications?
Yes, P6KE20A/54 is UL listed under file E136766 for Telecom Application Protection per UL 497B - covering both unidirectional and bidirectional variants in the P6KE family. This certification validates its performance in telecom surge immunity testing, including lightning-induced surges on metallic communication lines, and supports compliance with GR-1089-CORE and FCC Part 68 requirements.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for P6KE20A/54?
P6KE20A/54 is rated for 5.0 W steady-state power dissipation (PM(AV)) when mounted with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length at a lead temperature (TL) of 75°C, per Fig. 5 in the datasheet. This rating assumes a 1.6" × 1.6" copper pad heatsink. Derating is required above 25°C ambient, and actual usable power depends on PCB layout and airflow - the P6KE20A/54 is intended for transient, not continuous, power handling.
P6KE20A/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 21.7A
- 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)
P6KE20A/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20A/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20A/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 P6KE20A/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20A/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE20A/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20A/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20A/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20A/54?
P6KE20A/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20A/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 P6KE20A/54?
For technical support, including P6KE20A/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20A/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20A/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20A/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 P6KE20A/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20A/54?
All P6KE20A/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20A/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 P6KE20A/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20A/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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