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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE20CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,064
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Product details
Overview
P6KE20CA-E3/73 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 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 17.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 21.7 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20CA-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE20CA-E3/73 pinout, P6KE20CA-E3/73 application, or P6KE20CA-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) under standby conditions.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: during transient overvoltage events exceeding VWM = 17.1 V, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1.0 ns), while the bidirectional configuration enables symmetrical protection on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns.
The P6KE20CA-E3/73 sustains 600 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at TA = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and supports repetitive surges at ≤0.01 % duty cycle. Its thermal design relies on lead-to-ambient conduction (RθJA = 75 °C/W) and lead-to-junction conduction (RθJL = 20 °C/W), with maximum junction temperature rated at +175 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold across production lot |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 21.7 A - clamping voltage limiting stress on protected ICs during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy handling capacity with standardized waveform, enabling robust ESD/Lightning-level protection |
| IPPM | 21.7 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device can safely clamp without degradation |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - allows operation in under-hood automotive or high-temperature industrial environments |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - quantifies thermal path efficiency from junction to PCB copper via leads, critical for sustained surge recovery |
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. Bidirectional construction means no polarity marking on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (reversible) | Transient current path | Both terminals function identically - surge current flows symmetrically regardless of voltage polarity |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and electrical interface | Leads serve dual role: conduct clamped surge current to PCB traces and dissipate heat to copper pour or heatsink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC lines, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or floating sensor outputs without external polarity management |
| 600 W peak pulse power | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV surge) requirements when properly mounted on ≥1 oz. copper with thermal relief |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test conditions including HTOL, TC, and HTRB - suitable for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensors |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1.0 μA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| DO-15 mechanical standardization | Direct drop-in replacement for legacy TVS diodes in existing through-hole layouts; compatible with standard wave-solder and hand-solder processes |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump transients up to ±120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between power rail and ground, activated within <1 ns of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by downstream LDOs and microcontrollers to ≤27.7 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output pins of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage limiter on ratiometric 0–5 V or 4–20 mA signal paths exposed to field wiring noise. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping induced spikes to <28 V while adding <0.5 pF capacitance - negligible impact on 10 kHz bandwidth. |
| Consumer Equipment AC Adapter Input | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on 5–24 V DC outputs of wall adapters subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS placed immediately before connector or USB port to absorb residual energy after primary MOV filtering. Use Value: Provides precise 17.1 V hold-off and 27.7 V clamping - avoids false triggering during normal ripple while blocking destructive 100 V+ spikes. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or xDSL line drivers from induced surges on twisted-pair telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional suppressor across differential pairs (e.g., TX+/TX−), referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Symmetric clamping prevents common-mode to differential-mode conversion; DO-15 footprint allows dense placement near RJ-45 magnetics. |
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 | Same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V) but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 600 W rating retained; lower RθJA (50 °C/W) | Requires PCB redesign for SMD layout; better thermal performance in space-constrained designs | Select SMBJ20CA when board area is limited and reflow assembly is available |
| 1.5KE20CA | Same DO-15 package and VBR, but higher 1500 W peak power rating; larger junction area increases capacitance (~150 pF vs. ~50 pF) | Higher clamping voltage (33.2 V) reduces protection margin for low-voltage ICs; suited for higher-energy surges | Select 1.5KE20CA only when system-level surge testing requires >600 W margin and capacitance sensitivity is low |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P6KE20CA-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 600 W surge handling, low clamping voltage (27.7 V), and minimal parasitic capacitance - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-energy protection where DO-15 compatibility is required.
Availability
P6KE20CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer adapter outputs, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 qualification and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for P6KE20CA-E3/73 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 automotive-grade validation.
The P6KE series targets cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection for commercial and automotive applications - optimized for DO-15 through-hole integration, rapid response, and stable clamping across temperature and life cycles.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE20CA-E3/73?
The "CA" suffix in P6KE20CA-E3/73 denotes a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE20A), this device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients - essential for protecting AC-coupled circuits, differential signaling lines, or floating sensor outputs without polarity constraints. The CA variant has no color band marking, confirming its bidirectional nature per Vishay's mechanical data.
Is P6KE20CA-E3/73 qualified for automotive use?
Yes, P6KE20CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 27-Sep-2021 (Document Number: 88369). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TC), and high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), validating its suitability for under-hood and body electronics applications such as engine control modules, lighting drivers, and ADAS sensor interfaces.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE20CA-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P6KE20CA-E3/73 is 27.7 V, measured at its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 21.7 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V logic) remain within absolute maximum ratings during surge exposure.
How does the DO-15 package of P6KE20CA-E3/73 affect thermal performance?
The DO-15 (DO-204AC) package of P6KE20CA-E3/73 provides a thermal resistance of RθJL = 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and RθJA = 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient). Effective thermal management requires mounting leads to ≥1 oz. copper pours with thermal reliefs; insufficient copper area causes junction temperature to exceed 175 °C during repeated surges. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Can P6KE20CA-E3/73 replace P6KE20A in an existing design?
No - P6KE20CA-E3/73 cannot directly replace P6KE20A without circuit review. While both share identical VBR (19.0–21.0 V) and package, P6KE20A is unidirectional (cathode-marked) and conducts only in reverse bias, whereas P6KE20CA-E3/73 is bidirectional and conducts for either polarity. Substitution may cause unintended conduction on forward-biased lines or fail to protect AC signals if the original design relied on unidirectional blocking.
P6KE20CA-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20CA-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE20CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20CA-E3/73?
P6KE20CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE20CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20CA-E3/73?
All P6KE20CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20CA-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE20CA-E3/73 Tags
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