Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE56CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE56CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE56CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 47.8VWM 77VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,663
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Product details
Overview
P6KE56CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 53.2 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 47.8 V standoff voltage (VWM), 77.0 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 7.8 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE56CA-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE56CA-E3/73 pinout, P6KE56CA-E3/73 application, or P6KE56CA-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75 °C/W), and compliance with UL 497B surge protector classification.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for transient suppression in both polarities, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology for stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance. Its bidirectional symmetry ensures identical clamping performance regardless of transient polarity, with no polarity marking on the package.
Designed for unclamped inductive switching events and lightning-induced surges, it delivers sub-nanosecond response time and maintains clamping voltage below 77.0 V up to 7.8 A (10/1000 μs), while supporting continuous power dissipation of 5.0 W on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM Standoff Voltage | 47.8 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR Breakdown Voltage | 53.2–58.8 V at 1.0 mA - Avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering during overvoltage events |
| VC Clamping Voltage | 77.0 V at 7.8 A (10/1000 μs) - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case surge |
| PPPM Peak Pulse Power | 600 W - Sustains high-energy transients without failure under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform |
| IPPM Peak Pulse Current | 7.8 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device can safely clamp |
| TJ Max Operating Temp | 175 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| RθJA Thermal Resistance | 75 °C/W - Determines junction-to-ambient temperature rise under steady-state power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. No polarity marking - bidirectional operation confirmed per datasheet.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical electrical behavior in both directions; no cathode band - device functions identically regardless of orientation in PCB layout |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and mechanical interface | Leads serve as primary heat path to PCB copper; RθJL = 20 °C/W enables effective thermal coupling to board traces |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant); E3 suffix RoHS-compliant | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTRB, HTGB, and temperature cycling |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2 file E136766) | Meets safety standard for telecom and industrial surge protection devices - supports system-level certification |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust immunity against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surges when properly laid out with low-inductance paths |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream components compared to higher-ratio TVS devices |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Suppresses load-dump and alternator ripple transients on 12 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between power rail and ground, triggered within <1 ns to limit voltage excursions. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers and CAN transceivers by holding rail voltage ≤77.0 V during 100 ms load-dump events. | Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end inputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules from ESD and field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF typical) shunt protector across differential signal pairs or single-ended sensor outputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity while diverting >5 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV ring-wave (IEC 61000-4-12) energy away from precision ADC inputs. |
| Telecom Line Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Installed on telephone line interface cards to absorb lightning-induced surges entering via tip/ring lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp in series with gas discharge tube (GDT) in hybrid protection circuits. Use Value: Provides fast-response secondary clamping after GDT fires, limiting let-through voltage to <77.0 V and protecting SLIC and codec ICs. | Use Scenario: Protects AC-DC adapter input rectifier stage from mains-borne surges (e.g., switching transients, nearby lightning). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across bridge rectifier output or across bulk capacitor terminals. Use Value: Absorbs 600 W surge energy without degradation, enabling compliance with UL 62368-1 transient immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ58CA | DO-214AA package; lower RθJA (50 °C/W); same VWM/VC specs but 600 W rating at 10/1000 μs | Suitable for surface-mount layouts with tighter space constraints; requires rework of footprint and thermal pad design | Select when board real estate is limited and SMT assembly is preferred over through-hole. |
| 1.5KE56CA | Same DO-15 package; higher 1500 W peak power rating; VC = 93.6 V at 16.6 A - less tight clamping | Better for high-energy surges where voltage margin allows; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Choose only if system-level testing confirms 93.6 V clamping is acceptable and automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
Compared with SMBJ58CA and 1.5KE56CA, P6KE56CA-E3/73 offers AEC-Q101 qualification in a cost-effective through-hole DO-15 package with tighter clamping (77.0 V), making it optimal for automotive and industrial designs requiring proven reliability and legacy-compatible mounting.
Availability
P6KE56CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line cards, and consumer power adapters requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE56CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient suppression needs in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - delivering AEC-Q101-qualified robustness in standard DO-15 packaging.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P6KE56CA-E3/73?
The "CA" suffix denotes that P6KE56CA-E3/73 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE56A), this device provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities without cathode marking - essential for AC-coupled or floating signal line protection where voltage transients may occur in either direction.
Is P6KE56CA-E3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, P6KE56CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified when ordered with the HE3 suffix (e.g., P6KE56CAHE3/73). The E3 suffix indicates RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification; for automotive use, confirm ordering the HE3 variant and verify qualification status via Vishay's official documentation or authorized distributor records for P6KE56CA-E3/73.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE56CA-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of P6KE56CA-E3/73 is 77.0 V, measured at 7.8 A peak pulse current using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case transient events and is critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
How does P6KE56CA-E3/73 differ from P6KE56A?
P6KE56CA-E3/73 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping characteristics and no polarity marking, whereas P6KE56A is unidirectional and features a cathode band. The forward voltage drop (VF) specification applies only to P6KE56A (5.0 V at 50 A); P6KE56CA-E3/73 has no defined VF due to its bidirectional nature, and its leakage current is specified at both polarities.
Can P6KE56CA-E3/73 be used in UL 497B-compliant designs?
Yes, P6KE56CA-E3/73 is UL 497B recognized under file number E136766 for both unidirectional and bidirectional devices. This certification validates its suitability as a primary or secondary surge protector in telecom and industrial equipment requiring compliance with UL's standard for protectors - no additional system-level testing is needed solely for this device's inclusion.
P6KE56CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P6KE56CA-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE56CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE56CA-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 P6KE56CA-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE56CA-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 P6KE56CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE56CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE56CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE56CA-E3/73?
P6KE56CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE56CA-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 P6KE56CA-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE56CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE56CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE56CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE56CA-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 P6KE56CA-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE56CA-E3/73?
All P6KE56CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE56CA-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 P6KE56CA-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE56CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE56CA-E3/73 Tags

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