Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE220CA

Overview

P6KE220CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 220 V, clamps transients to ≤344 V at 1.8 A peak surge current, and delivers sub-nanosecond response time (<5 ns) for ESD and EFT immunity in automotive and industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE220CA datasheet, P6KE220CA pinout, P6KE220CA application, or P6KE220CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) package, bidirectional configuration, 175 °C maximum junction temperature, and AEC-Q101 qualification - critical for automotive body electronics, power supply input stages, and I/O port protection where reliability under repetitive surge stress is mandatory.

Technical Context

The P6KE220CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional clamping behavior, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating circuits without polarity sensitivity. Its 220 V nominal breakdown voltage (V_BR = 198–242 V at 1 mA) and 344 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 1.8 A IPP define its voltage margin relative to protected circuit operating rails.

It sustains 600 W non-repetitive peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform, with thermal derating above 25 °C per Fig.2 and a maximum junction temperature of 175 °C. The device exhibits low dynamic impedance and <1 µA reverse leakage at 175 V stand-off voltage (V_WM = 175 V), ensuring minimal standby power loss.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; P6KE220CA is bidirectional and marked without polarity band. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ220CA, P6KE220CA offers 50% higher surge power handling in the same axial-leaded form factor; versus 1.5KE220CA, it trades peak power for smaller DO-15 size and lower cost - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 24/48 V industrial and automotive subsystems.

Availability

P6KE220CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, industrial PLC I/O protection, and AC/DC power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for P6KE220CA 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and power management devices.

The P6KE Series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems - engineered for robustness under repetitive surge stress and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE220CA under surge conditions?

The P6KE220CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 344 V when subjected to a 1.8 A peak pulse current (I_PP) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the highest voltage that will appear across the protected circuit during a standardized surge event. The P6KE220CA maintains this clamping performance consistently across its rated operating temperature range.

Is the P6KE220CA suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the P6KE220CA is AEC-Q101 qualified (as indicated by the "H" suffix variant P6KE220CAH), confirming its reliability for automotive use cases including body electronics, lighting modules, and infotainment power rails. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, robust surge handling, and halogen-free construction align with automotive OEM requirements. Note that standard P6KE220CA may not carry AEC-Q101 certification unless ordered with the "H" suffix.

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE220CA?

The "CA" suffix in P6KE220CA denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities, with identical breakdown and clamping characteristics regardless of voltage polarity. This distinguishes it from unidirectional "A"-suffixed variants (e.g., P6KE220A), which require correct orientation and only protect against reverse-polarity surges.

What is the standoff voltage (V_WM) of the P6KE220CA?

The standoff voltage (V_WM) of the P6KE220CA is 175 V - the maximum DC or continuous peak voltage that can be applied across the device without exceeding 1 µA of reverse leakage current. This parameter ensures the P6KE220CA remains non-conductive during normal operation while remaining ready to clamp transients exceeding this threshold.

How does the P6KE220CA compare to the 1.5KE220CA in terms of package and surge rating?

The P6KE220CA uses a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package and is rated for 600 W peak pulse power, whereas the 1.5KE220CA uses the larger DO-201AD package and is rated for 1500 W. Both share identical electrical parameters (220 V nominal V_BR, 344 V V_C), but the P6KE220CA offers a more compact, cost-efficient solution for applications where 600 W surge immunity suffices - such as secondary-stage protection in industrial power supplies.