Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE56A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE56A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE56A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 47.8VWM 77VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P6KE56A-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 56 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 53.2–58.8 V), 47.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 77.0 V maximum clamping voltage at 7.8 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and AC/DC adapter input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE56A-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE56A-E3/73 pinout, P6KE56A-E3/73 application, or P6KE56A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 7.8 A surge, thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), DO-15 package compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression: it responds in <1 ps to ESD or lightning-induced surges and clamps voltages before downstream ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, or MOSFET gate drivers) experience overstress. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM.
The P6KE56A-E3/73 is rated for 100 A non-repetitive forward surge (8.3 ms half-sine), supports -55 °C to +175 °C junction operation, and delivers stable clamping across temperature due to a +0.103 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient - critical for high-ambient environments like engine control units or solar inverters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 53.2 V / 58.8 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold for overvoltage detection |
| VWM | 47.8 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without significant leakage |
| VC @ IPPM | 77.0 V at 7.8 A - peak clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on protected circuitry |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient power handling capability, enabling robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges |
| IFSM | 100 A - surge current rating for 8.3 ms half-sine wave, supporting fuse coordination in power supply inputs |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance, allowing efficient heat transfer to PCB copper in compact layouts |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive or high-power industrial enclosures |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode identified by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); conducts during reverse-transient clamping when cathode is positive |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 48 V rail or LIN bus); initiates avalanche breakdown above VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 4th-level surge immunity without derating in standard PCB layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive applications including body control modules and infotainment power supplies |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving system-level EMI margin |
| UL 94 V-0 molded compound | Meets flammability requirements for enclosed industrial and medical equipment housings |
Applications
| Automotive Body Electronics | Industrial Sensor Interfaces |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of LIN bus nodes and door module power inputs against load dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed directly at connector entry point to limit voltage to ≤77 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V LDOs and LIN transceivers while maintaining signal integrity under ISO 16750-2 conditions. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop transmitters from induced surges in factory floor wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on loop supply rail (24 V DC), activated only during >47.8 V transients to avoid interference with normal analog signaling. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (electrical fast transients) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) without adding series impedance or signal distortion. |
| AC/DC Adapter Inputs | Solar Inverter DC Link |
Use Scenario: Input-stage surge suppression for offline SMPS in consumer adapters subjected to mains-borne transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense parallel to bridge rectifier output, clamping switching spikes and lightning-induced surges before bulk capacitor. Use Value: Reduces need for oversized X/Y capacitors and extends electrolytic capacitor lifetime by limiting peak voltage stress to 77 V. |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage clamp on PV string inputs of string inverters exposed to lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS tied between PV+ and chassis ground, triggered only during positive surges exceeding 47.8 V. Use Value: Complements MOV-based protection by providing faster response (<1 ps vs. ~25 ns) and tighter clamping tolerance (±5.3 V VBR window). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ58A | DO-214AA package, 58 V VBR, 600 W rating, but lower IPPM (6.8 A) and higher VC (93.6 V) | Surface-mount layout; less effective clamping on high-current surges due to 16.6 V higher VC | Select SMBJ58A only when board space constraints prohibit axial DO-15 placement and clamping voltage margin permits. |
| 1.5KE56A | Same DO-15 package, identical VBR/VWM/VC, but 1500 W rating and 100 A IPPM; larger die size increases capacitance (≈150 pF vs. ≈50 pF) | Higher-energy surge environments (e.g., telecom central office); unsuitable for high-speed data lines due to elevated junction capacitance | Choose 1.5KE56A where surge energy exceeds 600 W limits but signal bandwidth is not critical (e.g., power rail only). |
Compared with SMBJ58A and 1.5KE56A, the P6KE56A-E3/73 offers optimal balance of clamping precision (77.0 V), compact axial form factor, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive and industrial power rail protection where fast response and thermal efficiency are prioritized over ultra-high energy handling.
Availability
P6KE56A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and AC/DC adapter inputs requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for P6KE56A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient protection for commercial and automotive power and signal lines - engineered for rapid response, stable clamping, and robust thermal performance in compact DO-15 packages.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P6KE56A-E3/73 under maximum surge conditions?
The P6KE56A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.0 V at 7.8 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events - critical for ensuring downstream components like 75 V-rated MOSFETs remain within safe operating area. The P6KE56A-E3/73 achieves this with minimal overshoot due to its low incremental surge resistance.
Is the P6KE56A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P6KE56A-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified (confirmed by HE3 suffix variants and documentation in Vishay's 88369 datasheet), making it suitable for automotive body electronics, infotainment power supplies, and LIN bus protection. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating range, glass-passivated junction, and validated surge performance under ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 conditions ensure reliability in under-hood and cabin environments. The P6KE56A-E3/73 meets these requirements without derating in standard mounting configurations.
How does the P6KE56A-E3/73 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like P6KE56CA?
The P6KE56A-E3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, enabling use in DC circuits where reverse conduction must be blocked. In contrast, P6KE56CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and symmetrical clamping in both directions - suited for AC lines or differential signal pairs. The P6KE56A-E3/73 exhibits 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 47.8 V, whereas P6KE56CA shows matched leakage in both polarities. Selection depends strictly on circuit topology: use P6KE56A-E3/73 for DC rails, P6KE56CA for AC or balanced signals.
What is the thermal resistance of the P6KE56A-E3/73, and why does it matter?
The P6KE56A-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, measured under standard DO-15 mounting conditions. This low value enables efficient heat dissipation from the silicon die to PCB copper via the leads, preventing thermal runaway during repetitive surge events. In practice, it allows the P6KE56A-E3/73 to sustain higher duty-cycle transients in confined spaces - such as densely packed automotive ECUs - where ambient temperatures exceed 105 °C and airflow is limited.
Can the P6KE56A-E3/73 replace the older P6KE56A without design changes?
Yes, the P6KE56A-E3/73 is a direct replacement for P6KE56A, sharing identical electrical specifications (VBR, VWM, VC, PPPM), DO-15 package dimensions, and pinout. The "E3/73" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant matte tin plating and packaging in 73 mm tape-and-reel format - fully compatible with existing pick-and-place and soldering processes. No PCB layout, firmware, or schematic modifications are required when migrating to P6KE56A-E3/73, preserving design validation effort and time-to-market.
P6KE56A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 47.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 53.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 77V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 7.8A
- 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)
P6KE56A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE56A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE56A-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 P6KE56A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE56A-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 P6KE56A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE56A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE56A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE56A-E3/73?
P6KE56A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE56A-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 P6KE56A-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE56A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE56A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE56A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE56A-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 P6KE56A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE56A-E3/73?
All P6KE56A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE56A-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 P6KE56A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE56A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE56A-E3/73 Tags

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