Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE250

Overview

P6KE250 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 250V nominal breakdown voltage (225–275V min/max), 202V stand-off voltage, 1.7A peak surge current, 360V maximum clamping voltage at 1.7A, and operates within –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range - deployed in automotive power supply input stages and industrial PLC I/O protection.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE250 datasheet, P6KE250 pinout, P6KE250 application, or P6KE250 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC V_DD, surge current capability under 10/1000μs waveform, thermal derating above 25°C ambient, and DO-15 package compatibility with existing PCB footprints.

Technical Context

The P6KE250 implements a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast transient suppression with sub-nanosecond response (<1.0 ps from 0 V to V_BR). Its unidirectional configuration provides reverse-biased clamping only, requiring correct polarity alignment with the protected circuit's ground reference.

It delivers 600W non-repetitive peak pulse power per 10/1000μs waveform, with thermal derating beginning at T_A = 25°C and full derating to zero at 175°C. Junction capacitance is not specified for this variant but is typically <100 pF at 0 V for P6KE-series devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, cathode band marked on one end. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 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 P6KE250, the P6KE250A offers tighter V_BR tolerance for improved design margin predictability, while the 1.5KE250A trades package compatibility for higher surge energy capacity - neither is pin-compatible, and both require validation of clamping behavior and thermal performance in the target application.

Availability

P6KE250 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial PLC digital I/O protection, and telecom power feed applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for P6KE250 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with ISO/TS 16949 and AEC-Q200 certified production lines.

The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial and automotive protection applications where reliability, surge robustness, and DO-15 footprint compatibility are prioritized over ultra-low capacitance or surface-mount form factors.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE250 under standard test conditions?

The P6KE250 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 360 V at 1.7 A peak pulse current using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the highest voltage the device allows across its terminals during a defined surge event - critical for ensuring protected ICs remain within their absolute maximum ratings. The P6KE250 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the P6KE250 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?

No, the P6KE250 is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional operation. It clamps only in reverse bias (cathode positive relative to anode) and conducts forward current like a standard diode when polarity is reversed. For bidirectional protection, the P6KE250A variant or dedicated bipolar parts such as P6KE250CA must be used - the P6KE250 itself lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics and will not suppress positive-going transients on grounded lines.

What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) for the P6KE250 in DO-15 package?

The P6KE250 datasheet does not specify R_θJA directly; instead, it provides steady-state power dissipation (5 W at T_A = 75°C with 9.5 mm lead length) and derating curves. Thermal performance depends on PCB copper area, lead length, and airflow. For typical 5 × 5 mm copper pads per lead, R_θJA is approximately 60°C/W - meaning the P6KE250 junction rises ~60°C above ambient per watt dissipated. This must be factored into worst-case surge repetition rate analysis.

Does the P6KE250 meet AEC-Q101 qualification standards?

The base P6KE250 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P6KE250H variant - identified by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is explicitly qualified per AEC-Q101 Rev D for stress tests including HTGB, AC-H3TRB, and temperature cycling. Automotive designers must specify P6KE250H to ensure compliance with automotive electronics reliability requirements; the standard P6KE250 is intended for industrial and commercial applications only.

How does the P6KE250 compare to the 1.5KE250A in terms of physical mounting and PCB layout?

The P6KE250 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) package with 0.400 g mass and axial leads, while the 1.5KE250A uses the larger DO-201AD package with higher thermal mass and different lead spacing. They are not interchangeable without PCB redesign: P6KE250 requires ~5.5 mm lead spacing and fits standard DO-15 footprints, whereas 1.5KE250A needs ~7.5 mm spacing and greater board area. Layout changes are mandatory when substituting between these families.