Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE20CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:224
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Product details
Overview
P6KE20CA-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), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 21.7 A peak pulse current, and 17.1 V stand-off voltage - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20CA-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE20CA-E3/54 pinout, P6KE20CA-E3/54 application, or P6KE20CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and compliance with UL 497B surge protector classification.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transient overvoltage events exceeding its breakdown threshold (19.0–21.0 V), it switches from high-impedance to low-impedance state within <1 ns, diverting surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior for positive and negative polarity surges.
It is rated for repetitive 10/1000 μs waveform pulses at 0.01 % duty cycle, with thermal derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2, and supports peak forward surge current up to 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine). The glass-passivated junction enables stable performance across -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping onset |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current - precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction initiates reliably |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 27.7 V at 21.7 A IPPM - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 600 W transient event |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPPM) | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - sustained surge energy handling capacity without degradation |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPPM) | 21.7 A - maximum transient current the device can safely shunt while maintaining specified VC |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55 °C to +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial control cabinets, and outdoor telecom enclosures |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJL) | 20 °C/W - quantifies heat transfer efficiency from junction to lead; critical for PCB trace thermal design and power derating |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. No polarity marking - bidirectional operation confirmed by CA suffix.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction terminal | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal serves as input/output for transient suppression in AC or differential signal paths |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path to PCB copper pour or heatsink | Leads conduct surge current to board-level thermal mass; RθJL = 20 °C/W assumes 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length per Fig. 5 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable breakdown voltage tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress without parameter drift |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line) surge immunity when properly mounted with low-inductance layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant); E3 meets commercial grade | P6KE20CA-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant commercial-grade; HE3 suffix required for automotive-grade qualification per AEC-Q101 stress tests |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Enables tight clamping (VC/IPPM = 1.28 Ω) - minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients like ESD or inductive switch-off |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2 file E136766) | Validates suitability for primary-side telecom and data line protection without additional system-level certification burden |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus nodes and temperature/pressure sensor outputs from load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp transients before reaching MCU analog front-end or level-shifter ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V sensor signal conditioning circuits during 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical system disturbances. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across input terminals to suppress common-mode and differential-mode transients from motor drives or solenoid switching. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity and avoids false triggering or ADC saturation during 1 kV/500 A surge events per IEC 61000-4-4. |
| Telecom Line Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Output |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side protection of Ethernet PHYs, RS-485 transceivers, and DSL line drivers exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response voltage clamp on differential pairs or supply rails to limit transient energy entering communication ICs. Use Value: Enables compliance with GR-1089-CORE and ITU-T K.21 light industrial surge requirements without adding series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Output rail protection in wall-mounted AC/DC adapters for smart home devices, preventing overvoltage damage during capacitor discharge or regulator fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode shunt protector across 5 V/9 V/12 V DC output to absorb residual energy from transformer leakage inductance or output capacitor discharge. Use Value: Eliminates need for secondary-side crowbar circuits while providing sub-30 V clamping to protect USB-PD or PMIC inputs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | DO-214AA package; 600 W rating; 27.7 V clamping at 21.3 A; lower RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Surface-mount footprint reduces board space but requires reflow-compatible layout; better thermal performance on dense PCBs | Select SMBJ20CA when automated SMT assembly, higher board density, or improved thermal dissipation on small pads is prioritized over through-hole serviceability. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Same DO-15 package; 1500 W peak power; 28.5 V clamping at 53.3 A; higher VBR (19.0–21.0 V → 19.0–22.1 V) | Higher surge margin for legacy industrial systems with uncontrolled ground bounce or longer cable runs | Choose 1.5KE20CA only when system-level testing confirms need for >600 W surge handling - otherwise P6KE20CA-E3/54 offers optimal cost/performance balance. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, P6KE20CA-E3/54 delivers the most cost-effective through-hole solution for 600 W surge protection with verified UL 497B recognition and commercial-grade AEC-Q101 alignment - ideal for mid-volume industrial and telecom designs requiring proven reliability and easy manual rework.
Availability
P6KE20CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interface, industrial PLC analog input, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE20CA-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, power efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - delivering standardized DO-15 TVS performance with UL recognition and RoHS compliance out-of-box.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE20CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE20CA-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 21.7 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in the Vishay datasheet 88369 and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is P6KE20CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
P6KE20CA-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant and meets commercial-grade specifications, but it is not AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, Vishay specifies the HE3 suffix variant (e.g., P6KE20CAHE3/54). Engineers must select the HE3 version for under-hood or safety-critical modules; the E3/54 variant is appropriate for non-automotive applications such as industrial controls or consumer power supplies where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
How does the bidirectional design of P6KE20CA-E3/54 affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional design of P6KE20CA-E3/54 eliminates polarity concerns during placement - both leads are functionally identical, and no cathode band marking is present. This allows direct placement across AC-coupled signal lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded power rails without orientation verification, reducing assembly errors and enabling symmetric PCB layout for balanced EMI suppression in noise-sensitive analog or communication paths.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for P6KE20CA-E3/54?
The P6KE20CA-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics table of Vishay document 88369. This value assumes 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length and is essential for calculating allowable power dissipation under elevated ambient temperatures using the derating curve in Figure 5 - guiding minimum copper area and trace width design for thermal relief.
Does P6KE20CA-E3/54 meet UL safety standards for surge protection?
Yes, P6KE20CA-E3/54 is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized under standard UL 497B for surge protective devices, with file number E136766. This certification applies to both unidirectional and bidirectional variants and validates its suitability for primary- and secondary-side protection in telecom, industrial, and consumer equipment - eliminating the need for additional system-level UL evaluation when used per manufacturer-recommended layout guidelines.
P6KE20CA-E3/54 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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P6KE20CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20CA-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 P6KE20CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20CA-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 P6KE20CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20CA-E3/54?
P6KE20CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20CA-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 P6KE20CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE20CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20CA-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 P6KE20CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20CA-E3/54?
All P6KE20CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20CA-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 P6KE20CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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