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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE540-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE540-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE540-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 437VWM 772VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,413
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Product details
Overview
P6KE540-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 540 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 740 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) 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. It is used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE540-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE540-E3/73 pinout, P6KE540-E3/73 application, or P6KE540-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, 459 V stand-off voltage (VWM), <1.0 μA reverse leakage at VWM, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 GΩ at VWM), but triggers into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR (513–567 V), limiting downstream voltage to ≤740 V at rated IPPM. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and repeatable clamping performance across surge events.
The P6KE540-E3/73 is optimized for single-pulse, non-repetitive transients - not continuous overvoltage - with thermal derating above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. Its 20 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports PCB-level heat dissipation without heatsinking for short-duration surges, while its 100 A IFSM rating enables robust handling of 8.3 ms half-sine surge currents.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 513 V / 567 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 459 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA; sets safe DC rail margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 740 V at 0.81 A (10/1000 μs) - clamping voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge event |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01% duty cycle |
| IFSM | 100 A - surge current withstand for 8.3 ms half-sine wave, critical for motor drive or relay coil suppression |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low thermal resistance from junction to lead supports rapid heat transfer to PCB copper or chassis |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band on one end; anode is unmarked.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Current entry terminal during forward conduction; connected to lower-potential side of protected line | Must be tied to ground or return path in unidirectional configuration - determines direction of clamping action |
| Cathode (banded end) | Current exit terminal during avalanche conduction; connected to higher-potential side of protected line | Reverse-biased during normal operation; conducts only when line voltage exceeds VBR relative to anode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, low-drift avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature - critical for consistent clamping voltage |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) without cascading failure in compact layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive electronics per stress-test requirements including HTOL, TCT, and ESD - supports Tier-1 BOM inclusion |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), reducing risk of logic upset in microcontroller I/O lines |
| RoHS-compliant, commercial grade (E3) | Meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - suitable for lead-free reflow assembly |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and power MOSFETs against voltage spikes generated by inductive load switching in 24 V DC motor control circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed across DC bus or gate-source terminals to clamp transients within safe SOA limits. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤740 V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 600 V MOSFETs and ensuring >100,000-cycle reliability under repetitive 100 A inductive kick events. |
Use Scenario: Input line protection for LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller power rails exposed to load dump and jump-start conditions in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V supply input, triggered before internal LDO or regulator fails. Use Value: Withstands 200 V/100 ms load dump per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 13.5 V nominal, preserving sleep-mode current budget. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Surge protection on -48 V DC telecom power distribution boards subject to lightning-induced common-mode transients on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to divert differential-mode surges. Use Value: Clamps 6 kV/0.5 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 surges to <740 V within 1 ns, protecting upstream DC/DC converters and avoiding latch-up in PMICs. |
Use Scenario: Protection of analog front-end inputs (e.g., 4–20 mA loop receivers, RTD bridges) in programmable logic controllers exposed to ESD and field wiring faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage shunt suppressor on signal line input, selected for minimal impact on precision measurement accuracy. Use Value: Delivers <1.0 μA leakage at 459 V VWM, enabling sub-μV offset stability in 24-bit ADC signal chains without calibration drift. |
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 range (513–567 V) but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 600 W rating; 1.0 μA leakage at VWM | Requires PCB redesign for SMD layout; better thermal performance in high-density assemblies; no axial lead bending needed | Select SMBJ540A when board space is constrained and automated placement is preferred over through-hole assembly. |
| 1N5408G | General-purpose rectifier (3 A, 1000 V PIV); no specified clamping or surge rating; VF ≈ 1.1 V; no VC or PPPM spec | Not a TVS - lacks controlled avalanche behavior; cannot reliably clamp transients; risk of thermal runaway under surge | Avoid 1N5408G as a substitute; it provides no defined transient suppression and may fail catastrophically during surge events. |
Compared with SMBJ540A, P6KE540-E3/73 offers proven axial-leaded mechanical robustness and legacy compatibility in through-hole power supplies, while 1N5408G lacks all TVS-specific parameters and must not be used for surge protection despite voltage rating overlap.
Availability
P6KE540-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power feeds, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for P6KE540-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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P6KE series was developed for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in commercial and automotive power systems where space, surge margin, and thermal resilience are critical design constraints.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE540-E3/73 under standard test conditions?
The P6KE540-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 740 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 0.81 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a worst-case transient event. The P6KE540-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range, making it suitable for high-reliability applications where voltage margin is tightly constrained.
Is the P6KE540-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE540-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet revision 18-Sep-12, confirming compliance with stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD. Its –55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range and robust surge ratings make it appropriate for under-hood and body electronics. The P6KE540-E3/73 meets automotive transient immunity requirements such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a when applied with proper PCB layout and grounding.
How does the P6KE540-E3/73 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like P6KE440CA?
The P6KE540-E3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement, whereas P6KE440CA is bi-directional with no polarity marking and symmetric clamping in both directions. The P6KE540-E3/73 has a higher VBR (513–567 V) and VWM (459 V) than P6KE440CA (VBR = 418–462 V, VWM = 376 V), making it suited for higher-voltage DC systems. Unlike P6KE440CA, the P6KE540-E3/73 is not rated for AC line protection due to its unidirectional architecture.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the P6KE540-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
The P6KE540-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its stand-off voltage (VWM) of 459 V, measured at 25 °C ambient. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems and preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor interfaces. The P6KE540-E3/73 maintains leakage below 5.0 μA up to +125 °C, supporting stable operation in thermally demanding environments without compromising standby current budgets.
Can the P6KE540-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - the P6KE540-E3/73 should not be paralleled without external balancing components, as minor VBR tolerances (±5%) cause uneven current sharing during transients, risking thermal runaway in the lower-breakdown unit. For higher surge capacity, select a single higher-rated device such as SMAJ540A (400 W) or use a hybrid approach with upstream current-limiting resistors. The P6KE540-E3/73 is characterized and tested as a standalone protection element; parallel operation voids its specified clamping and reliability guarantees.
P6KE540-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):
- 437V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 486V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 772V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 780mA
- 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)
P6KE540-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE540-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE540-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 P6KE540-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE540-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 P6KE540-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE540-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE540-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE540-E3/73?
P6KE540-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE540-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 P6KE540-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE540-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE540-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE540-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE540-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 P6KE540-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE540-E3/73?
All P6KE540-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE540-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 P6KE540-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE540-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE540-E3/73 Tags
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