Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE56H

Overview

P6KE56H from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 56 V, clamps transients to ≤80.5 V at 7.8 A peak surge current, and delivers fast response (<1.0 ps from 0 V to V_BR), with <1 μA reverse leakage above 47.8 V stand-off voltage. It is widely deployed in automotive body control modules to protect CAN transceivers against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE56H datasheet, P6KE56H pinout, P6KE56H application, or P6KE56H equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, 80.5 V clamping performance at 10/1000 µs surge, and suitability for 12 V/24 V automotive subsystems requiring robust EFT and ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Technical Context

The P6KE56H operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, leveraging controlled avalanche breakdown to shunt high-energy transients away from sensitive downstream circuitry. Its junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +175 °C, and it sustains non-repetitive 600 W surges under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.

It exhibits low dynamic impedance and a temperature coefficient of V_BR of 0.103 %/°C, ensuring stable clamping across ambient conditions. The device is rated for 100 A peak forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and maintains <1 μA reverse leakage at 47.8 V - critical for low-power standby circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded plastic case with cathode band marking; leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈ 0.400 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ58A and 1.5KE56A, the P6KE56H uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC mechanical compatibility with legacy automotive harness interfaces, and guaranteed 80.5 V clamping - making it the preferred choice for Tier 1 automotive power rail protection where reliability and compliance are non-negotiable.

Availability

P6KE56H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor systems, and LED lighting control requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for P6KE56H 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, and rectifiers since 1979.

The P6KE series was engineered specifically for automotive-grade transient suppression, targeting ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-x compliance in harsh environment applications such as body electronics and powertrain subsystems.

FAQ

What does the "H" suffix in P6KE56H signify?

The "H" suffix in P6KE56H indicates full AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev D, covering stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and ESD-HBM/MM. This distinguishes it from standard P6KE56 or P6KE56A variants and confirms suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis applications. The P6KE56H meets all requirements defined in the AEC-Q101 standard, unlike non-H variants which lack formal qualification documentation.

Is P6KE56H unidirectional or bidirectional?

P6KE56H is a unidirectional TVS diode, with a cathode band marking indicating polarity. It conducts only when the cathode is positive relative to the anode - ideal for protecting positive DC rails like 12 V or 24 V supplies. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE56CA) exist in the same series but are explicitly marked with "C" or "CA"; the P6KE56H part number itself denotes unidirectional configuration.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P6KE56H and at what current is it specified?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of P6KE56H is 80.5 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PP) of 7.8 A under the 10/1000 µs standard surge waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and represents the highest voltage that will appear across the protected line during a worst-case transient event, directly determining whether downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.

Can P6KE56H be used in place of P6KE56A?

Yes, P6KE56H can replace P6KE56A in most designs, but with critical distinctions: both share identical electrical specs (V_BR, V_C, P_PK), yet only P6KE56H carries AEC-Q101 qualification. If the application requires automotive compliance, P6KE56H is mandatory; for industrial use where qualification isn't mandated, P6KE56A remains a lower-cost option. No PCB changes are needed due to identical DO-204AC packaging and pinout.

What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of P6KE56H?

The P6KE56H does not specify R_θJA in its datasheet because thermal performance is characterized via derating curves (Fig.2) rather than fixed θ values. At T_A = 75 °C, its steady-state power dissipation (P_D) is rated at 5 W with 9.5 mm lead length; derating is linear to zero at 175 °C. For layout design, mounting on 5 × 5 mm copper pads per terminal achieves the published 600 W surge rating - no separate R_θJA value is provided or required for transient analysis.