P6KE12A-B Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE12A-B is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates across a wide temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) and is RoHS3 compliant. The part is currently active in production with 1122 units in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical characteristics and mechanical compatibility within the P6KE series.

Substiute Parts

P6KE12A-B

LittelfuseIn Stock: 1141P6KE12A-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE12A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 3416P6KE12A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE12A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 3416P6KE12A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE12A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4740P6KE12A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P6KE12A-B are qualified based on the following criteria:

Electrical Parameters (Critical for Substitution):

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 10.2V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 11.4V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 16.7V
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Type: Zener
• Unidirectional Channels: 1

Mechanical Parameters (Required for Compatibility):

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Operational Parameters:

• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C (or compatible subset)
• Applications: General Purpose

All identified substitutes maintain these core parameters within acceptable tolerances for the P6KE series, ensuring functional equivalence in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P6KE12A (Fairchild Semiconductor): This direct equivalent maintains all critical electrical parameters with peak pulse current of 37A, marginally higher than the main part. The operating temperature range is -50°C to 175°C, which covers most industrial applications but does not extend to the full -55°C lower limit of the P6KE12A-B. Selection is appropriate for applications where the minimum operating temperature requirement does not exceed -50°C. Product status is active.

P6KE12A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): This manufacturer-recommended substitute is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging and maintains full electrical equivalence with peak pulse current of 36A. The operating temperature range matches the main part (-55°C to 175°C), and RoHS3 compliance is confirmed. This part is suitable for applications requiring the extended lower temperature specification and is available in higher inventory (4688 units).

Both substitutes are active products with confirmed compliance certifications and equivalent electrical performance for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE12A (Fairchild) be used as a direct replacement for P6KE12A-B?

A: Yes, for applications operating above -50°C. The electrical parameters are identical, and both use DO-15 (DO-204AC) through-hole packaging. The Fairchild part has a minimum operating temperature of -50°C versus -55°C for the Littelfuse part.

Q: What is the difference between P6KE12A-B and P6KE12A-TP?

A: The primary difference is packaging format. P6KE12A-B is supplied in bulk, while P6KE12A-TP is supplied in cut tape (CT). Electrically and mechanically, both are equivalent with identical voltage ratings, clamping characteristics, and operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 175°C).

Q: Are all three parts compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: Yes. All three parts use the same through-hole DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package, ensuring mechanical and footprint compatibility.

Q: Which substitute should I select for high-volume production?

A: Selection depends on packaging requirements and temperature specifications. P6KE12A-TP in cut tape format is suitable for automated assembly and offers the full -55°C to 175°C temperature range. P6KE12A (Fairchild) is appropriate if the application minimum temperature is -50°C or higher.

Q: Are all parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: P6KE12A-B and P6KE12A-TP are confirmed RoHS3 compliant. RoHS status for P6KE12A (Fairchild) is not specified in the provided data.

Q: What is the significance of the peak pulse current variation (36A to 37A)?

A: The peak pulse current values (36A to 37A) represent the maximum current the diode can handle during a 10/1000µs transient pulse. All three parts maintain the same 600W peak pulse power rating and 16.7V clamping voltage, ensuring functional equivalence in overvoltage protection circuits.