Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE20C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,005
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P6KE20C-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min = 19.0 V, max = 21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA), and clamps to ≤27.7 V at 21.7 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20C-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE20C-E3/54 pinout, P6KE20C-E3/54 application, or P6KE20C-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, 175 °C maximum junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compatibility with 10/1000 μs surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
The P6KE20C-E3/54 operates as a voltage-clamping device using an avalanche breakdown mechanism, with symmetrical forward and reverse conduction characteristics due to its bi-directional construction. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM = 17.1 V).
It delivers 600 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform conditions, with thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) enabling effective heat dissipation during transient events. The device is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines reliable turn-on threshold for transient clamping |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous working voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤27.7 V at 21.7 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 600 W (10/1000 μs waveform) - surge energy handling capacity without failure |
| IPPM | 21.7 A - peak surge current the device safely diverts away from downstream components |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial-leaded package compatible with through-hole assembly |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking for bi-directional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | Either lead may connect to line or ground; identical clamping behavior in both directions |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche breakdown and long-term reliability under repeated surges |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump and industrial switching events |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets fire-safety requirements for enclosed industrial and consumer equipment |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, lightning-induced surges) |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and inductive kickback in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across signal lines to limit transient excursions below IC absolute maximum ratings. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V sensor interfaces while maintaining signal integrity during 10/1000 μs surges up to 21.7 A. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges from solenoid switching or motor contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element mounted at terminal block entry point, shunting surge energy to ground. Use Value: Enables robust operation in harsh factory environments where repetitive 600 W transients occur, with verified performance up to 175 °C junction temperature. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling in telecom infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage TVS on differential data lines, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary protection. Use Value: Clamps common-mode transients to ≤27.7 V within nanoseconds, preserving signal timing margins and preventing receiver saturation. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing mains-borne transients (e.g., switch-mode power supply noise, nearby appliance switching) entering AC-DC adapter inputs in white goods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge suppressor downstream of fuse and primary MOV, providing precise clamping near system rail voltage. Use Value: Complements upstream protection by limiting residual clamped voltage to safe levels for bridge rectifier and bulk capacitor, reducing stress and extending lifetime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA | Same 20 V bi-directional breakdown, but SMD SMA package (vs. axial DO-15); lower 400 W PPPM | Preferred for space-constrained PCB layouts; not suitable for through-hole or high-vibration mechanical mounting | Select when board real estate is limited and automated SMT assembly is used; verify thermal pad layout for 400 W derating. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Same DO-204AC package and 20 V rating, but higher 1500 W PPPM; larger physical size and higher cost | Better suited for severe industrial environments with frequent high-energy surges (e.g., factory floor motor drives) | Choose when legacy 1.5KE footprint compatibility is required and >600 W surge margin is mandated by system-level testing. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P6KE20C-E3/54 offers optimal balance of proven automotive-grade reliability, axial-mount mechanical robustness, and cost-effective 600 W surge handling - making it ideal for mid-tier industrial and automotive applications where DO-15 form factor and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
Availability
P6KE20C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance power supplies requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P6KE20C-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive commercial and automotive applications demanding robust, standardized surge protection in axial-leaded packages.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix indicate in P6KE20C-E3/54?
The "C" in P6KE20C-E3/54 denotes bi-directional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions - unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., P6KE20A-E3/54) that only clamp in reverse bias. This makes P6KE20C-E3/54 suitable for AC-coupled or differential signal lines where polarity is undefined or alternating.
Is P6KE20C-E3/54 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No - P6KE20C-E3/54 carries the E3 suffix indicating RoHS-compliant commercial grade; AEC-Q101 qualification requires the HE3 suffix (e.g., P6KE20CHE3/54). The datasheet explicitly states P6KE250A and above are commercial-only, and P6KE20C falls within the AEC-Q101-qualified range only when ordered with HE3 packaging.
What is the maximum clamping voltage for P6KE20C-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for P6KE20C-E3/54 is 27.7 V at 21.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can P6KE20C-E3/54 be used in place of P6KE20A-E3/54?
P6KE20C-E3/54 and P6KE20A-E3/54 share identical breakdown and clamping specifications but differ in polarity: P6KE20C-E3/54 is bi-directional, while P6KE20A-E3/54 is uni-directional. Substitution is only valid if the circuit design accommodates symmetrical clamping - e.g., replacing P6KE20A-E3/54 on a DC line requires verifying cathode orientation and reverse-bias safety margins.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for P6KE20C-E3/54?
P6KE20C-E3/54 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, supporting wave and hand soldering. It passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, with maximum solder dip temperature of 275 °C for 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106.
P6KE20C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.6A
- 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)
P6KE20C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20C-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 P6KE20C-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20C-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 P6KE20C-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20C-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20C-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20C-E3/54?
P6KE20C-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20C-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 P6KE20C-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE20C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20C-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 P6KE20C-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20C-E3/54?
All P6KE20C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20C-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 P6KE20C-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE20C-E3/54 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
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
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 …

