Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE20-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE20-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE20-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,956
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Product details
Overview
P6KE20-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at IT = 1.0 mA), 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 - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, and consumer power supply inputs.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE20-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE20-E3/73 pinout, P6KE20-E3/73 application, or P6KE20-E3/73 equivalent, this device serves as a cost-optimized, AEC-Q101-qualified transient protector where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.34), and DO-15 package compatibility with legacy board layouts are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates by avalanche breakdown to clamp transient voltages above its standoff voltage (VWM = 17.1 V) while maintaining <1.0 µA reverse leakage at rated VWM. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and robust surge handling up to 100 A IFSM (8.3 ms half-sine).
Thermal design relies on RθJL = 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead), enabling 5.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C. The device is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature and meets UL 497B recognition for telecom and industrial protectors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA, sets DC rail compatibility limit |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 21.7 A (10/1000 µs) - clamping voltage seen by protected IC during worst-case surge, determines downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure, supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance when properly routed |
| IFSM | 100 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current handling for repetitive load-switching events, enables use in motor driver power stages |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - high-temperature operation allows placement near heat sources (e.g., power MOSFETs) without derating |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.300" lead spacing, compatible with automated through-hole insertion |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return line); conducts during positive transients when used in reverse-biased configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); enters breakdown when voltage exceeds VBR, shunting surge current to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures ±5% VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling, critical for automotive under-hood applications |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports EN 61000-4-5 4 kV surge immunity testing without external series impedance in low-inductance layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and UHAST - suitable for ADAS sensor power rails |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR = 1.34) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, protecting 24 V-rated ICs (e.g., CAN transceivers, microcontrollers) from latch-up |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Meets safety agency requirements for telecom and industrial interface protection without additional certification effort |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Power Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V supply line feeding ABS wheel speed sensors exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between sensor VCC pin and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤27.7 V during 10/1000 µs surges, preventing damage to sensor ASICs rated for 30 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: 24 V digital input channel on a programmable logic controller subjected to field-wiring induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor mounted directly at terminal block entry point. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/500 A surges to safe levels within <1 ns, preserving optocoupler isolation integrity and reducing false-trigger risk. |
| Consumer AC-DC Adapter Output Protection | Telecom Line Interface Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side 5 V/12 V output of wall-mount SMPS powering USB peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage protector downstream of bulk capacitor, guarding against secondary-side coupling. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W surges without degradation, meeting IEC 62368-1 transient immunity requirements for Class I equipment. |
Use Scenario: Low-voltage analog signal pair (e.g., RS-485) entering building infrastructure from outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable protection (via CA variant) or unidirectional clamp referenced to local ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <10 pF junction capacitance at zero bias, avoiding data rate degradation up to 10 Mbps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V) but SMC package (surface-mount); 600 W rating; lower RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better thermal performance in dense layouts but lacks axial lead mechanical robustness | Select SMBJ20A when space-constrained designs demand SMT assembly and thermal management prioritizes junction-to-ambient conduction |
| 1.5KE20A | Identical DO-15 package and VBR, but 1.5 kW peak power (10/1000 µs); higher IPPM (69.4 A) and VC (32.4 V) | Higher clamping voltage increases stress on protected ICs; suited for less sensitive circuits or where higher surge margin is mandatory | Choose 1.5KE20A only when system-level surge testing requires >600 W headroom and downstream components tolerate ≥32.4 V clamping |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, P6KE20-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of proven axial-mount reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and tightly controlled 27.7 V clamping - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial control applications where DO-15 footprint reuse is required.
Availability
P6KE20-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC inputs, and consumer power adapter outputs requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P6KE20-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, 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 commercial and automotive environments where rapid transient response and UL/IEC compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE20-E3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KE20-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 21.7 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events, directly supporting design margin calculations for downstream ICs rated to 30 V absolute maximum.
Is P6KE20-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE20-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88369, Revision 18-Sep-12), confirming its suitability for automotive electronics including engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor power supplies. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating temperature range and robust surge handling align with under-hood environmental demands.
How does the E3 suffix affect the specifications of P6KE20-E3/73?
The E3 suffix on P6KE20-E3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability standards and JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance. It does not alter electrical parameters versus non-E3 variants but ensures regulatory compliance and process compatibility for modern assembly lines.
What is the standoff voltage rating for P6KE20-E3/73?
P6KE20-E3/73 has a maximum steady-state reverse standoff voltage (VWM) of 17.1 V, meaning it remains in high-impedance state with <1.0 µA leakage current up to this DC or RMS voltage level. This rating ensures compatibility with nominal 12 V and 15 V systems while providing sufficient margin below the 19.0 V minimum breakdown threshold.
Can P6KE20-E3/73 be used in bi-directional protection configurations?
No - P6KE20-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. For bi-directional transient suppression, Vishay specifies the CA-suffix variant (e.g., P6KE20CA), which lacks polarity marking and provides symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using P6KE20-E3/73 in reverse-biased AC applications risks forward conduction and failure.
P6KE20-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
P6KE20-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE20-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE20-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 P6KE20-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE20-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 P6KE20-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE20-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE20-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE20-E3/73?
P6KE20-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE20-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 P6KE20-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE20-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE20-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE20-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE20-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 P6KE20-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE20-E3/73?
All P6KE20-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE20-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 P6KE20-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE20-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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