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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA6.8HE3/54

Name: P4KA6.8HE3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: P4KA6.8HE3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: P4KA6.8HE3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial

Datasheet:: P4KA6.8HE3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 5.5VWM 10.8VC DO204AL

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

P4KA6.8HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 6.12–7.48 V breakdown voltage at 10 mA, and 10.8 V clamping voltage at 37 A peak pulse current. It operates from –65 °C to +185 °C and is AEC-Q101 qualified for engine control units and sensor protection.

For engineers reviewing the P4KA6.8HE3/54 datasheet, P4KA6.8HE3/54 pinout, P4KA6.8HE3/54 application, or P4KA6.8HE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (10.8 V), junction temperature rating (185 °C), RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, and unidirectional polarity for DC rail protection in automotive electronics.

Technical Context

The P4KA6.8HE3/54 uses patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under repetitive surge conditions and exhibits low incremental surge resistance (typ. <0.3 Ω) to minimize voltage overshoot during fast transients. Its 10/1000 µs waveform response supports ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 automotive surge immunity requirements.

Designed for high-temperature reliability, it maintains specified V_BR and I_PPM performance up to T_J = 185 °C and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2. The device features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Breakdown Voltage V_BR	6.12–7.48 V at 10 mA - defines minimum voltage at which TVS begins conducting significantly to protect downstream circuitry
Clamping Voltage V_C	10.8 V at 37 A IPPM - maximum voltage seen by protected IC/MOSFET during worst-case surge
Peak Pulse Power PPPM	400 W (10/1000 µs) - sustains automotive load-dump and inductive-switching surges without failure
Operating Temperature Range	–65 °C to +185 °C - enables placement near engines, transmissions, and under-hood ECUs
Surge Current I_PPM	37 A (10/1000 µs) - handles typical ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 and Pulse 3a/b events
AEC-Q101 Qualified	Yes - validated for automotive applications requiring zero defects and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity
RoHS & Whisker Rating	RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix; JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance - ensures solder joint integrity in high-reliability assemblies

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by color band on body.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Low-side connection in unidirectional TVS configuration	Connected to ground or low-impedance return path; conducts surge current to reference plane
Cathode	High-side connection; marked by color band	Connected to protected line (e.g., 5 V supply rail); blocks normal operation voltage but clamps surges to V_C

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Patented PAR® construction	Enables consistent V_BR tolerance and low dynamic impedance across temperature and lifetime
400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) energy requirements for 12 V systems
185 °C max junction temperature	Supports direct mounting on hot PCB areas near power stages without derating penalties
Matte tin-plated leads	Guarantees solder wetting >95% per J-STD-002, eliminating voiding risk in reflow profiles
Unidirectional polarity only	Simplifies layout for DC-biased rails (e.g., CAN, LIN, sensor supplies) with no reverse conduction path

Applications

Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU)	Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller I/O and power rails from load-dump transients during alternator regulation faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 5 V supply and ground, clamping surges before they reach MCU VDD pins. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤10.8 V during 400 W pulses, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3/5 V logic.	Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end amplifiers and ADC inputs from ESD and switching noise in factory-floor pressure/temperature sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at signal entry point to suppress ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Clamps transients within 1 ns, preserving signal integrity of mV-level sensor outputs without adding capacitance-induced phase shift.
Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)	Telecom Power Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Guards LIN bus transceivers and LED driver FETs against battery reversal and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-LIN line; absorbs negative transients and clamps positive spikes to safe levels. Use Value: Withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), enabling robust operation during 24 V jump-start events.	Use Scenario: Protects PoE-powered Ethernet PHYs and DC-DC converters from lightning-induced surges on 48 V input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Used as primary clamp on secondary-side 48 V rail, upstream of buck converter, to limit stress on MOSFETs and controllers. Use Value: Delivers 400 W pulse handling at 10.8 V clamping, reducing required heatsinking and enabling compact 12 mm × 5 mm board area allocation.

Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU)

Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller I/O and power rails from load-dump transients during alternator regulation faults.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 5 V supply and ground, clamping surges before they reach MCU VDD pins.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤10.8 V during 400 W pulses, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3/5 V logic.

Use Scenario: Shields analog front-end amplifiers and ADC inputs from ESD and switching noise in factory-floor pressure/temperature sensors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at signal entry point to suppress ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers.

Use Value: Clamps transients within 1 ns, preserving signal integrity of mV-level sensor outputs without adding capacitance-induced phase shift.

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)

Telecom Power Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Guards LIN bus transceivers and LED driver FETs against battery reversal and jump-start surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-LIN line; absorbs negative transients and clamps positive spikes to safe levels.

Use Value: Withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), enabling robust operation during 24 V jump-start events.

Use Scenario: Protects PoE-powered Ethernet PHYs and DC-DC converters from lightning-induced surges on 48 V input lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Used as primary clamp on secondary-side 48 V rail, upstream of buck converter, to limit stress on MOSFETs and controllers.

Use Value: Delivers 400 W pulse handling at 10.8 V clamping, reducing required heatsinking and enabling compact 12 mm × 5 mm board area allocation.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ6.8A-E3/5AT	Lower PPPM (400 W same), but lower I_PPM (34.2 A vs. 37 A); V_C = 11.3 V vs. 10.8 V; SMA package (surface-mount)	Not AEC-Q101 qualified; intended for commercial/industrial use only	Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where surface-mount assembly and JEDEC-standard footprint are prioritized
1.5KE6.8A	Same DO-41 package and unidirectional polarity; higher V_C (11.5 V), lower T_Jmax (175 °C), no AEC-Q101 qualification	Lacks automotive reliability validation and high-temp stability; not rated for under-hood deployment	Choose for legacy industrial equipment where qualification documentation is not required and 10 °C lower junction temp margin is acceptable

Compared with SMAJ6.8A-E3/5AT and 1.5KE6.8A, the P4KA6.8HE3/54 delivers tighter clamping (10.8 V), higher temperature capability (+185 °C), and certified AEC-Q101 compliance-making it the only option qualified for safety-critical automotive zones without design revalidation.

Availability

P4KA6.8HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom power rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for P4KA6.8HE3/54 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

Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in high-reliability diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices for demanding environments.

The P4KA6.8HE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive-grade TVS diode family engineered specifically for under-hood and chassis-mounted electronics subject to extreme thermal cycling, humidity, and repetitive surge stress.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA6.8HE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

The P4KA6.8HE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 10.8 V at 37 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures protected circuits remain below critical overvoltage thresholds during standardized surge events. The P4KA6.8HE3/54 achieves this with low dynamic impedance inherent to its PAR® construction.

Is the P4KA6.8HE3/54 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the P4KA6.8HE3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in Vishay document 88364 revision 21-Oct-08. Its HE3 suffix denotes high-reliability, automotive-grade construction-including JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and extended temperature operation up to +185 °C. The P4KA6.8HE3/54 is approved for use in engine control, body electronics, and ADAS modules where zero-defect reliability is mandated.

What does the 'HE3/54' suffix indicate in P4KA6.8HE3/54?

The 'HE3' suffix identifies RoHS-compliant, high-reliability construction with matte tin-plated leads passing JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing, while '/54' specifies the preferred packaging code: 13-inch paper tape and reel containing 5500 units. This packaging format ensures compatibility with high-speed SMT pick-and-place equipment and supports automated manufacturing of the P4KA6.8HE3/54 in automotive-tier production lines.

How does the P4KA6.8HE3/54 differ from the P4KA6.8A variant?

The P4KA6.8HE3/54 has a breakdown voltage range of 6.12–7.48 V, while the P4KA6.8A variant tightens this to 6.45–7.14 V. Both share identical package, power rating, and qualification status, but the P4KA6.8A offers tighter V_BR tolerance for applications requiring precise clamping onset. The P4KA6.8HE3/54 remains the standard offering for general-purpose automotive surge protection where broader V_BR spread is acceptable.

Can the P4KA6.8HE3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, the P4KA6.8HE3/54 is available in uni-directional polarity only, as stated in the Vishay datasheet. It must be installed with cathode toward the protected line and anode to ground. For bidirectional AC or differential-line protection, a separate device such as the P4SMA6.8CA or dual-diode array would be required. The P4KA6.8HE3/54 is not internally configured for symmetrical clamping.

P4KA6.8HE3/54 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial

Series:: PAR®

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 5.5V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 6.12V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 10.8V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 37A

Power - Peak Pulse:: 400W

Power Line Protection:: No

Applications:: -

Capacitance @ Frequency:: -

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: DO-204AL (DO-41)

P4KA6.8HE3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for P4KA6.8HE3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA6.8HE3/54 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for P4KA6.8HE3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of P4KA6.8HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA6.8HE3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA6.8HE3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA6.8HE3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for P4KA6.8HE3/54?

P4KA6.8HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your P4KA6.8HE3/54 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for P4KA6.8HE3/54?

For technical support, including P4KA6.8HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA6.8HE3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA6.8HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All P4KA6.8HE3/54 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that P4KA6.8HE3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA6.8HE3/54?

All P4KA6.8HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA6.8HE3/54, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The P4KA6.8HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for P4KA6.8HE3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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