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Unidirectional transient suppressor

P6KE12A Specifications

Review P6KE12A electrical specifications, operating conditions and package details.

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Key specifications

Stand-off, breakdown and clamping voltage must be checked separately.

Axial stand-off10.2 V
Axial breakdown11.4–12.6 V · at 1 mA
Axial maximum clamp16.7 V · at 35.9 A pulse
Peak pulse power600 W · specified pulse

Operating profile

Supply, signals and operating conditions

P6KE12A operating profile
ParameterValueConditions / notes
Selected packageDO-15P6KE12A-E3
Cathode bandK1Positive rail; A2 to ground
Nominal example rail9 VProtection concept, not a qualified design
Use these values with the stated grade and test conditions.

Package details

P6KE12A-E3 · DO-15

Selected package
Selected P6KE12A physical package
PropertyDetails
ManufacturerVishay General Semiconductor
Part numberP6KE12A-E3
PackageDO-15
Connections2 pins
MountingThrough-hole
Lead pitch12.7 mm · formed lead pitch
Package codeDO-204AC
Thermal reference175°C junction maximum; pulse and lead cooling conditions apply

Selected TVS device

Two separately specified references

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
AxialP6KE12A-E3DO-15; band = cathode
SMD alternativeSMBJ12A-E3SMB; LE marking
Pad conventionK1 / A2Positive node / return

SMD is an alternative, not the same silicon in a different body.

Axial voltage thresholds

Vishay P6KE12A at 25°C

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Stand-off10.2 VReverse working voltage
Breakdown11.4–12.6 V1 mA; pulse ≤50 ms
Leakage5 µA maximumAt stand-off
Clamping16.7 V maximum35.9 A pulse
Temperature coefficient0.078%/°C maximumBreakdown voltage

A nominal 12 V supply exceeds this stand-off voltage.

Axial pulse and temperature limits

Waveform and cooling dependent

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Peak pulse power600 W10/1000 µs; derate above 25°C
Junction / storage−55 to +175°CAbsolute limits
Forward surge100 A8.3 ms half sine; max 4 pulses/minute
Power dissipation5 WInfinite heatsink; lead temperature 75°C

Continuous and pulse limits are different.

SMBJ12A alternative

Vishay 88392 selected row

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Stand-off12 VDifferent from axial 10.2 V
Breakdown13.3–14.7 V1 mA
Leakage5 µA maximumAt stand-off
Maximum clamp19.9 V30.2 A pulse
Pulse power600 W10/1000 µs; mounting and derating apply
Junction / storage−55 to +150°CDifferent from axial limit
Package / markingSMB / LESeparate PDF in SMD view

Confirm that the protected circuit tolerates the higher clamp.

Package and mounting

Two distinct footprints

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Axial body6.15–6.55 × Ø3.3–3.5 mmDO-15
Axial lead diameter0.71–0.86 mmRound silver-plated leads
Formed pitch / hole12.7 / 1.1 mm2 mm copper pads
SMD lands1.7155 × 2.18 mm3.8745 mm centers
SMD inner gap2.159 mmCathode left

Verify assembly tolerance and thermal paths.

9 V input protection

Conceptual design checks

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Axial nominal headroom1.2 V10.2 V stand-off minus 9 V input
Axial clamp point16.7 V at 35.9 AAbout 600 W pulse arithmetic
SMD clamp point19.9 V at 30.2 ADifferent load-voltage requirement
Fuse and source impedanceCoordinate from actual sourceDo not assume unlimited surge energy
Ground returnShort and wideReduce inductive overshoot

Values explain the datasheet; this is not a qualified surge-protection design.

Connections by function

Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.

Protected positive rail1 pin

Ground return1 pin

Read the conditions with every value

Typical values describe stated test conditions. Absolute maximum ratings are stress limits, not operating targets.

Official PDF datasheet

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