Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE540A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P6KE540A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE540A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 459VWM 740VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,714
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Product details
Overview
P6KE540A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 540 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 459 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 740 V maximum clamping voltage at 0.81 A peak pulse current, 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform, and operates across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range - deployed in automotive power line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE540A-E3/54 datasheet, P6KE540A-E3/54 pinout, P6KE540A-E3/54 application, or P6KE540A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, clamping performance under standardized transients, RoHS-compliant packaging details, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for industrial and automotive design validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric clamping-forward conduction only during reverse overvoltage events-making it suitable for DC bus protection where polarity is fixed.
The device is rated for 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), with thermal resistance of 20 °C/W (junction-to-lead) and 75 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), enabling reliable operation up to 175 °C junction temperature. It meets JESD 22-B106 solderability standards and passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing (E3 suffix).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 513 V / 567 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines minimum voltage at which device enters avalanche conduction |
| VWM | 459 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 740 V at 0.81 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated transient event |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per 10/1000 μs waveform, duty cycle ≤ 0.01 % |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum allowable junction temperature, supporting under-hood automotive use |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to lead, critical for PCB trace heat sinking design |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 3.3–3.5 mm diameter × 6.15–6.55 mm body length; lead length ≥25.4 mm; conforms to UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side of protected DC line; conducts during forward surge (rare in unidirectional TVS use) |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to higher-potential side; initiates clamping when reverse voltage exceeds VWM |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-ground) with margin |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix) | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream MOSFETs or ICs during transient events |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Ensures robust lead wetting and intermetallic formation during wave or reflow assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial DC Motor Drive Inputs |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 48 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, up to 60 V/100 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and ground, clamping reverse surges above 459 V. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤740 V during 0.81 A transient, preventing gate oxide rupture in high-side N-channel MOSFETs. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PLC analog input modules from inductive kickback when controlling solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection on 24 V DC supply rail upstream of LDO regulators and signal conditioners. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W pulses without degradation, maintaining system uptime during frequent valve switching cycles. |
| Telecom DC Feeder Lines | Renewable Energy Charge Controllers |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered remote radios from lightning-induced surges on 48 V DC feed lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on DC input stage before DC/DC conversion. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response ensures clamping occurs before transient propagates into isolated DC/DC controller ICs. |
Use Scenario: Protecting solar charge controller MOSFETs from voltage spikes caused by rapid PV string disconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not used; unidirectional P6KE540A-E3/54 applied with cathode to PV+ rail. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs transients up to 600 W, extending field life in desert installations with high UV exposure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ540A | Same VBR (513–567 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) package; 600 W rating; lower RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 75 °C/W) | Better thermal performance in surface-mount layouts; requires PCB pad redesign | Select SMBJ540A when board space allows SMT placement and higher thermal efficiency is required |
| 1.5KE540A | Same VBR and DO-15 package, but 1500 W peak power; larger die; higher IPPM (1.6 A) | Higher surge margin for infrequent but extreme transients (e.g., direct lightning coupling) | Choose 1.5KE540A where legacy through-hole footprint must be retained and higher single-event energy handling is needed |
Compared with SMBJ540A and 1.5KE540A, the P6KE540A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of cost, proven automotive qualification (AEC-Q101), and compact DO-15 form factor - ideal for volume production where thermal loads remain within 600 W limits and RoHS compliance is mandatory.
Availability
P6KE540A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial motor drive inputs, telecom DC feeder lines, and renewable energy charge controllers requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.
Supply support for P6KE540A-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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive commercial and automotive applications requiring robust, standardized transient suppression in axial-leaded packages - optimized for high-volume manufacturing and thermal resilience in constrained spaces.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P6KE540A-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P6KE540A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 740 V at its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 0.81 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream components experience no more than 740 V during worst-case transient events, directly supporting design margin calculations for 48 V and 60 V automotive systems.
Is P6KE540A-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE540A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation (Document Number 88369, Revision 27-Sep-2021). The E3 suffix denotes RoHS compliance and commercial grade, while HE3 indicates AEC-Q101 qualification - however, the P6KE540A-E3/54 itself is explicitly listed in the AEC-Q101 qualified variants table in the datasheet, validating its use in engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power domains.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of P6KE540A-E3/54, and why does it matter?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of P6KE540A-E3/54 is 459 V - the maximum continuous reverse voltage the device can block without exceeding 1.0 μA leakage current. This parameter ensures the TVS remains non-conductive during normal operation, avoiding power loss or false triggering in high-voltage DC systems such as telecom power feeds or solar charge controllers where nominal rails operate near 400 V.
Can P6KE540A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, P6KE540A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (not "CA"). Bidirectional variants like P6KE440CA exist in the same family, but P6KE540A-E3/54 lacks symmetrical clamping and is intended only for DC circuits with defined polarity. Using it in AC or floating applications would result in forward conduction during half-cycles and potential failure.
What is the thermal resistance of P6KE540A-E3/54, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The P6KE540A-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W and junction-to-ambient (RθJA) of 75 °C/W. To maintain safe junction temperatures under repetitive surges, PCB traces connected to both leads should be widened (≥2 mm) and thermally relieved to copper pours - especially critical in automotive under-hood environments where ambient temperatures exceed 85 °C.
P6KE540A-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 459V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 513V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 740V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 810mA
- 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)
P6KE540A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE540A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE540A-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 P6KE540A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE540A-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 P6KE540A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE540A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE540A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE540A-E3/54?
P6KE540A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE540A-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 P6KE540A-E3/54?
For technical support, including P6KE540A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE540A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE540A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE540A-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 P6KE540A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE540A-E3/54?
All P6KE540A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE540A-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 P6KE540A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE540A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE540A-E3/54 Tags

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