The STMicroelectronics P6KE250CARL is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode from the P6KE, TRANSIL™ series, designed to clamp voltage transients on general-purpose power and signal lines. It offers a reverse standoff voltage of 213V, a minimum breakdown voltage of 237V, and a maximum clamping voltage of 442V at the peak pulse current. Rated for 600W peak pulse power (10/1000µs waveform), it handles a peak pulse current of 9A (8/20µs). The through-hole DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package suits traditional PCB layouts where leaded components are preferred for their mechanical robustness and ease of rework.
The 213V reverse standoff voltage defines the maximum DC or peak AC voltage the protected line can carry without the diode conducting appreciable leakage. The 237V minimum breakdown voltage is the threshold where the device starts to avalanche; a 24V margin above standoff ensures the diode stays off during normal operation. The 442V clamping voltage is the worst-case voltage seen by the protected circuit during a surge — design your downstream components to survive at least this level. The 600W peak pulse power rating (10/1000µs) gives the energy-handling capability for a standard lightning or inductive-load transient; the 9A peak pulse current (8/20µs) is the corresponding current for a shorter, higher-energy pulse shape.
Package and mounting — DO-15 axial leaded
The P6KE250CARL comes in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-lead package, mounted through-hole. The axial leads allow insertion into plated through-holes on a PCB or point-to-point wiring in a terminal block. No exposed thermal pad — heat dissipates through the leads and solder joints, so adequate copper pad area on the board helps keep junction temperature in check during repetitive surges.
Lifecycle reality — obsolete, sourced to order
The P6KE250CARL carries an Obsolete lifecycle status from the manufacturer. For BOM lines that still specify this exact order code, supply is through independent distribution — parts are sourced from surplus stock, overstock, or last-time-buy inventory.