Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20CHE3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE20CHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20CHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,281
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Product details
Overview
P6KE20CHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 21.7 A peak pulse current, 17.1 V stand-off voltage, and AEC-Q101 qualification - deployed in automotive engine control units to safeguard microcontrollers against load-dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20CHE3/73 datasheet, P6KE20CHE3/73 pinout, P6KE20CHE3/73 application, or P6KE20CHE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance under surge conditions, RoHS-compliant manufacturing status, and validated alternatives for automotive-grade transient suppression.
Technical Context
The P6KE20CHE3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to ESD and lightning-induced surges. Its uni-directional polarity uses cathode-band marking and exhibits 3.5 V forward voltage at 50 A, with thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient).
Clamping performance is defined at 21.7 A IPPM (10/1000 μs waveform), delivering VC = 27.7 V - ensuring protected ICs remain below absolute maximum ratings during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a events. Derating follows linear reduction above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2, maintaining 5.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA; sets operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 27.7 V at 21.7 A IPPM - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 600 W surge; critical for IC survival. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 600 W (10/1000 μs) - standardized surge energy handling capacity; validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - certified for automotive electronic modules requiring stress-tested reliability across temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - axial-leaded, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case; compatible with wave soldering (275 °C, 10 s max). |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, matte tin-plated terminals, cathode indicated by color band on one end. Lead length ≥ 25.4 mm, body diameter 3.6 mm, overall length ≥ 7.6 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return); conducts during forward surge or bias conditions. |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping node | Marked end; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanches into low-impedance state when V > VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge cycles without parameter drift or degradation. |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) in 12 V automotive systems. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive ECUs, including HTSL, TC, and AC-H3TRB stress testing per JESD22 standards. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream ICs compared to competing TVS devices with higher ratios. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance; suitable for high-reliability industrial and automotive PCB assemblies. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery line in engine control unit exposed to load-dump transients up to 60 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed between battery input and LDO regulator input. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤27.7 V during 21.7 A surge, preventing LDO destruction and preserving MCU boot integrity. |
Use Scenario: 24 V analog sensor supply line in factory automation PLC I/O module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on sensor excitation rail, upstream of precision ADC front-end. Use Value: Maintains 17.1 V operating margin while clamping induced switching noise to safe levels for 24-bit SAR ADC reference stability. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output (19 V) of laptop AC/DC adapter subject to capacitor discharge transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage overvoltage limiter before USB-PD controller and battery management IC. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to clamp 19 V rail to 27.7 V, avoiding latch-up in buck converter drivers during hot-plug events. |
Use Scenario: -48 V DC feed line in telecom base station line card exposed to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional shunt protector on power input, paired with bi-directional TVS on signal pairs. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W common-mode energy without thermal runaway, preserving -48 V regulation during Telcordia GR-1089 compliance testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same VWM (17.1 V), same PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass). | Limited to 400 W surge handling; unsuitable for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a where 600 W is required. | Select only for space-constrained consumer designs with lower surge exposure (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2). |
| 1.5KE20A | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs, but TO-204AE (DO-41) package; 1.5 kW rating (derated to 600 W at 10/1000 μs). | Higher thermal inertia allows longer surge duration tolerance; larger lead pitch may complicate automated assembly. | Prefer for high-volume industrial power supplies needing legacy DO-41 compatibility and extended thermal margin. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P6KE20CHE3/73 uniquely balances AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 manufacturability, and exact 600 W/10/1000 μs compliance - making it the default choice for automotive Tier-1 power rail protection where qualification and standard surge rating are non-negotiable.
Availability
P6KE20CHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom line card development requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for P6KE20CHE3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade validation.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-surge-capability protection in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where rapid clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE20CHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE20CHE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at 21.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The P6KE20CHE3/73 achieves this with a clamping ratio (VC/VBR) of approximately 1.37, reflecting efficient avalanche conduction.
Is P6KE20CHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE20CHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation (Document Number 88369, Note on page 3). It undergoes stress testing including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - validating its use in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. The HE3 suffix further indicates compliance with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, meeting stringent automotive PCB assembly requirements.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in P6KE20CHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix in P6KE20CHE3/73 denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Per Vishay's mechanical data, HE3 devices use matte tin-plated leads tested to 1000 hours at 150 °C, exceeding Class 1A (E3) requirements. This makes the P6KE20CHE3/73 suitable for high-reliability automotive and industrial applications where lead finish integrity under thermal cycling is critical.
How does P6KE20CHE3/73 differ from P6KE20A-E3/73?
The P6KE20CHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3), whereas P6KE20A-E3/73 is commercial-grade only (E3). Both share identical electrical specs (VWM = 17.1 V, VC = 27.7 V, PPPM = 600 W) and DO-204AC packaging, but only the HE3 variant passes the full AEC-Q101 stress test suite - including HTSL, TC, and AC-H3TRB. For automotive production, P6KE20CHE3/73 is mandatory; P6KE20A-E3/73 is restricted to consumer or industrial prototypes without qualification requirements.
What is the thermal resistance of P6KE20CHE3/73, and how does it affect layout?
The P6KE20CHE3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient resistance (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. In PCB layout, this means copper pour connected to both leads significantly improves heat dissipation - especially important during repetitive surge events. For sustained 5.0 W power dissipation, lead temperature must be held ≤75 °C (per Fig. 5), requiring ≥1 cm² of 2-oz copper tied to each lead. The P6KE20CHE3/73's DO-15 package relies on lead conduction, not case surface area, for thermal management.
P6KE20CHE3/73 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:
- 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE20CHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20CHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20CHE3/73 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 P6KE20CHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20CHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P6KE20CHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20CHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20CHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20CHE3/73?
P6KE20CHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20CHE3/73 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 P6KE20CHE3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE20CHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20CHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20CHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20CHE3/73 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 P6KE20CHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20CHE3/73?
All P6KE20CHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20CHE3/73, 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 P6KE20CHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20CHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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