600 W bidirectional Zener TVS — DO-15 axial
The P6KE24CA-T from Diodes Incorporated is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) in the standard DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-lead package.
Clamping voltage and breakdown tolerance
The minimum breakdown voltage is 22.8 V, and the maximum clamping voltage at the 18 A peak pulse current is 33.2 V. This 10.4 V window between the onset of conduction and full clamping defines the protection margin for a 20.5 V nominal rail — the TVS begins to avalanche at 22.8 V and holds the transient below 33.2 V regardless of the surge current up to the 600 W rating. The bidirectional configuration (single channel) means the same clamping characteristic applies for positive and negative transients, which is typical for AC signal lines or DC rails where reverse polarity protection is not separately provided.
Temperature range and package fit
The operating junction temperature range spans -55°C to +175°C, covering the full military temperature grade. This makes the part suitable for environments with wide thermal cycling, such as avionics or industrial control cabinets, where the TVS must remain within specification across the entire range. The DO-15 axial package (DO-204AC) is a through-hole form factor with 0.032-inch diameter leads.
Sourcing an obsolete TVS
Diodes Incorporated lists the P6KE24CA-T as obsolete. No official successor order code is recorded in the lifecycle data. For a BOM line that requires this exact clamping voltage and package, the only sourcing path is existing inventory. A design-in for new production should consider an active alternative from the same P6KE family or a functionally equivalent TVS from another manufacturer with a similar standoff and clamping specification.