Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE20CA
- Part No.:
- P6KE20CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DO15 17.1V 600W BIDIR
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,625
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P6KE20CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 20 V, clamps transients to ≤27.7 V at 22 A peak surge current, and delivers sub-5 ns response time with <1 μA reverse leakage above 17.1 V standoff voltage. It is widely deployed in automotive body electronics and industrial I/O interfaces requiring AEC-Q101-compliant surge immunity.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20CA datasheet, P6KE20CA pinout, P6KE20CA application, or P6KE20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, bidirectional clamping symmetry, 175°C junction temperature rating, and compliance with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 surge waveforms - critical for EFT and lightning-induced transient hardening.
Technical Context
The P6KE20CA implements a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast, symmetric clamping in both polarities. Its 20 V nominal breakdown (VBR min = 19.0 V, max = 21.0 V at 1 mA test current) ensures precise voltage thresholding, while its 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 22 A IPP guarantees safe energy diversion below downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.
Thermal design is supported by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and 5 W steady-state power dissipation at 75°C ambient on 5×5 mm copper pads. Its low dynamic impedance and <1 μA IR at 17.1 V enable minimal standby power loss and high noise immunity in always-on circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 20 V - Defines primary clamping threshold for bidirectional surge suppression |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 19.0–21.0 V @ 1 mA - Ensures consistent turn-on across production lots and temperature |
| Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 27.7 V @ 22 A IPP - Limits peak transient voltage seen by protected circuitry |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 600 W @ 10/1000 µs - Sustains high-energy surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| Response Time | <5.0 ns - Enables effective suppression of fast ESD and EFT events |
| Junction Temperature | –55 °C to +175 °C - Supports under-hood and industrial ambient operation |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry terminal in forward bias; cathode reference in reverse clamp | Bidirectional symmetry means either lead serves as reference - no polarity dependency in AC or dual-rail applications |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit terminal in forward bias; clamping node in reverse bias | Band identifies terminal used for unidirectional variants; for P6KE20CA, band denotes common reference point for symmetrical clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood use including thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per stress test requirements |
| 600 W surge capability | Withstands 10/1000 µs waveform surges up to 22 A without degradation - meets IEC 61000-4-5 Ed.3 Level 4 |
| Low dynamic impedance | Enables tight clamping window (VBR to VC spread = 8.7 V), minimizing voltage overshoot during fast transients |
| Sub-5 ns response time | Guarantees clamping activation before sensitive logic or analog circuitry sustains damage from ESD or EFT pulses |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - suitable for green manufacturing and export |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver power rails from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V battery-supplied circuits. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail transients to ≤27.7 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 3.3 V/5 V logic powered via LDOs. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input optocoupler front-end from inductive kickback and field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role: First-line transient suppressor before series current-limiting resistor and opto-LED. Use Value: Absorbs >600 W surge energy without failure, maintaining input channel integrity during solenoid switching. |
| Smart Lighting Driver (LED Streetlight) | Medical Diagnostic Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Guards constant-current LED driver ICs against lightning-induced surges on AC mains-coupled DC bus lines. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional clamp on 48 V intermediate bus between PFC stage and buck converter. Use Value: Symmetric clamping prevents reverse-bias overstress on MOSFET gates and sense resistors during line-to-ground transients. |
Use Scenario: Protects low-noise instrumentation amplifiers and ADC inputs from ESD events during probe handling. IC Role / Device Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF) TVS placed directly at connector pins before signal conditioning stage. Use Value: Sub-5 ns response limits transient propagation into µV-level analog paths, preserving signal fidelity and offset stability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ20CA | Same DO-214AC package; 20 V VBR (19.0–21.0 V), 27.7 V VC @ 22 A, but rated for 400 W only | Lower peak power limits suitability to lower-energy environments (e.g., consumer USB ports vs. automotive 12 V bus) | Select when board space constraints favor SMD and surge energy is ≤400 W |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE20CA | Same 20 V rating and DO-204AC package; identical 600 W rating but higher VC = 29.1 V @ 21 A | Higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 3.3 V/5 V downstream ICs; requires verification of protected device VDSM | Prefer when legacy BOM uses 1.5KE series and layout allows same footprint |
Compared with P6KE20CA, SMAJ20CA offers surface-mount convenience at reduced surge capacity, while 1.5KE20CA provides identical through-hole compatibility but trades tighter clamping for slightly higher VC - making P6KE20CA optimal for designs demanding lowest possible clamped voltage within 600 W capability.
Availability
P6KE20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial motor control I/O protection, and medical sensor interface circuits requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KE20CA 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 qualification capabilities.
The P6KE series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive and industrial systems, emphasizing robustness, tight parameter distribution, and long-term stability under thermal and electrical stress.
FAQ
What is the key difference between P6KE20CA and P6KE20A?
The P6KE20CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps voltage transients equally in both polarities - ideal for AC lines or floating DC buses. In contrast, P6KE20A is unidirectional and includes a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement. The P6KE20CA's symmetric VBR (19.0–21.0 V) and VC (27.7 V) apply in either direction, whereas P6KE20A's clamping is only defined for reverse bias. Both share identical DO-204AC packaging and 600 W rating, but P6KE20CA must be used where polarity cannot be guaranteed.
Does P6KE20CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, P6KE20CA is AEC-Q101 qualified per the manufacturer's ordering code suffix "H" (e.g., P6KE20CAH). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood applications. The base P6KE20CA part number without "H" is not automatically qualified; AEC-Q101 status applies only to versions explicitly marked and tested as such by Taiwan Semiconductor.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE20CA under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE20CA is 27.7 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs surge current pulse of 22 A (IPP). This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the peak voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transient events. It is guaranteed across temperature and production lot variations, enabling reliable margin analysis against the absolute maximum ratings of protected ICs like microcontrollers or transceivers.
Can P6KE20CA be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P6KE20A?
No - P6KE20CA should not replace P6KE20A without circuit review. While both share the same voltage rating and package, P6KE20A is unidirectional and conducts forward current like a standard diode, whereas P6KE20CA blocks in both directions until breakdown occurs. Using P6KE20CA in a unidirectional application may cause unintended forward conduction or fail to provide required DC blocking. Always verify polarity requirements and clamping symmetry before substitution.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) specification for P6KE20CA?
The standoff voltage (VWM) for P6KE20CA is 17.1 V - the maximum DC or RMS voltage that can be continuously applied without exceeding 1 µA reverse leakage current. This value ensures reliable operation in 12 V or 24 V systems where normal operating voltage remains safely below the clamping threshold. Exceeding VWM risks elevated leakage, thermal runaway, or premature degradation, especially at elevated temperatures.
P6KE20CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- P6KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 2
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 22A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- Power Line Protection:
- Yes
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-15
P6KE20CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20CA 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 P6KE20CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE20CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20CA?
P6KE20CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20CA 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 P6KE20CA?
For technical support, including P6KE20CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20CA 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 P6KE20CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20CA?
All P6KE20CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20CA, 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 P6KE20CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE20CA Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

