Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE56C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE56C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE56C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 45.4VWM 80.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,776
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Product details
Overview
P6KE56C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics against ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive switching transients. It features a 56 V breakdown voltage (VBR min = 53.2 V, max = 58.8 V), 77.0 V maximum clamping voltage at 7.8 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs), 600 W peak pulse power rating, and DO-204AC (DO-15) package. It is used in automotive sensor signal lines, industrial I/O ports, and telecom interface protection.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE56C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE56C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE56C-E3/73 application, or P6KE56C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, low thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compliance with UL 497B for surge protectors - all confirmed for this specific variant.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at VWM = 47.8 V), then rapidly avalanches into low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR. Its bi-directional symmetry ensures identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating polarity sensitivity in AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
It delivers 600 W peak pulse power handling per the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform, with thermal derating above 25 °C ambient (derates to zero at TL = 175 °C). The glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns), while the DO-204AC package supports manual or automated through-hole assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 53.2 V / 58.8 V at IT = 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for reliable clamping initiation |
| VWM | 47.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage; ensures no leakage conduction during normal operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 77.0 V at 7.8 A (10/1000 µs) - actual worst-case voltage seen by protected circuit during surge event |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity without failure under standardized surge test condition |
| IPPM | 7.8 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without degradation |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports effective heat dissipation into PCB copper |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant exists but P6KE56C-E3/73 is commercial-grade E3).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (bi-directional) | Surge current path terminal | No polarity marking; symmetrical structure allows connection in either orientation across protected line |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables sub-nanosecond response time and stable long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 50 Ω source impedance lines |
| Bi-directional configuration (C suffix) | Eliminates need for polarity-aware layout; suitable for AC signals, differential buses, and floating grounds |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | Confirms suitability for automotive applications requiring validated reliability (though P6KE56C-E3/73 is E3 commercial grade) |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Validates compliance for use in telecom and industrial surge protection systems requiring safety agency approval |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Signal Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed directly at connector entry point to clamp surges before reaching IC pins. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤77.0 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 5 V/12 V interface ICs while maintaining signal integrity below 47.8 V operating range. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field wiring surges and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end protection element mounted on input terminal block or PCB edge connector. Use Value: Withstands 600 W surges without degradation, ensuring system uptime in factory-floor environments where cable routing induces repetitive transients. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer USB/AV Port Surge Guard |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY magnetics, DSL line drivers, and telephone line interface ICs from lightning-induced longitudinal surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS connected across differential pairs (e.g., tip/ring) to suppress common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures balanced suppression on both conductors, preserving signal skew and minimizing EMI radiation during clamping events. |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge immunity to USB 2.0 data lines, HDMI hot-plug detection circuits, and audio jack inserts in set-top boxes and smart displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF typical at 0 V) shunt protector placed immediately after ESD filter ferrites. Use Value: Clamps transients to 77.0 V within <1 ns while adding negligible signal distortion - critical for high-speed digital interfaces up to 480 Mbps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ58CA | Same bi-directional function, higher VBR (58–64.4 V), lower VC (93.6 V @ 6.4 A), SMB package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained designs with automated assembly | Select when board real estate is limited and SMT process is established; verify thermal pad design for 600 W pulse handling |
| 1.5KE56C | Same VBR/VC specs, identical DO-204AC package, but rated for 1500 W peak power (10/1000 µs) | Over-specified for most 600 W applications; higher cost and larger physical footprint than needed | Choose only if legacy design requires backward compatibility or future-proofing against higher-energy threat models |
Compared with P6KE56C-E3/73, SMBJ58CA offers surface-mount convenience at the expense of through-hole mechanical robustness and higher clamping voltage, while 1.5KE56C provides excess surge margin in the same package but with unnecessary cost and size overhead for standard 600 W requirements.
Availability
P6KE56C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O modules, telecom line cards, and consumer port protection requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P6KE56C-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, power efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The P6KE series targets cost-sensitive, high-volume transient protection needs in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - delivering standardized 600 W surge capability in a mature, widely qualified DO-15 platform.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix in P6KE56C-E3/73 indicate?
The "C" suffix denotes bi-directional functionality: P6KE56C-E3/73 provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions, making it suitable for AC-coupled signals, differential lines, and floating-ground applications. Unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., P6KE56A), it has no cathode marking and behaves identically regardless of polarity - a key distinction confirmed in Vishay's datasheet section "Devices for Bi-Direction Applications".
Is P6KE56C-E3/73 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No, P6KE56C-E3/73 is the commercial-grade E3 variant and is not AEC-Q101 qualified. Vishay offers the HE3 suffix (e.g., P6KE56C-HE3/73) for AEC-Q101 qualification. The datasheet explicitly states "Base P/N-E3 – RoHS compliant, commercial grade" and "Base P/NHE3 – RoHS compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified", confirming P6KE56C-E3/73 meets commercial reliability standards but not automotive stress-test requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE56C-E3/73 and under what test condition?
The maximum clamping voltage of P6KE56C-E3/73 is 77.0 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 7.8 A using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform. This value is specified in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88369) and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated surge event.
Can P6KE56C-E3/73 be used in place of a uni-directional TVS like P6KE56A?
P6KE56C-E3/73 can replace P6KE56A in most applications, but only if polarity insensitivity is acceptable and the circuit does not rely on DC blocking in one direction. Since P6KE56C-E3/73 conducts in both directions above VBR, it must not be used where reverse-biased DC blocking is required - e.g., in DC power rail protection with single-polarity biasing. Always verify signal path topology before substitution.
What is the thermal resistance specification for P6KE56C-E3/73 and why does it matter?
P6KE56C-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, per Vishay's "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon junction to the PCB copper via the leads during surge events, preventing thermal runaway. It directly impacts safe repetition rate and sustained power handling - critical for applications with frequent transient exposure such as industrial motor controls.
P6KE56C-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 45.4V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 50.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 80.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 7.5A
- 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)
P6KE56C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE56C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE56C-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 P6KE56C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE56C-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 P6KE56C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE56C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE56C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE56C-E3/73?
P6KE56C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE56C-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 P6KE56C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE56C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE56C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE56C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE56C-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 P6KE56C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE56C-E3/73?
All P6KE56C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE56C-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 P6KE56C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE56C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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