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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE6.8A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE6.8A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE6.8A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.8VWM 10.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,908
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Product details
Overview
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 6.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR min 6.45 V, max 7.14 V), 5.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 10.5 V clamping voltage at 38.1 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to safeguard ICs and MOSFETs against inductive switching transients in automotive and industrial power rails.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE6.8A-E3/73 pinout, P4KE6.8A-E3/73 application, or P4KE6.8A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, glass-passivated junction, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HE3 variant), 175 °C max junction temperature, and DO-41 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 operates as a clamping-type TVS diode with avalanche breakdown behavior, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 6.45–7.14 V VBR range at 10 mA test current. Its low 10.5 V clamping voltage at 38.1 A IPPM ensures effective suppression of fast transients while limiting stress on downstream components.
It exhibits 1000 μA maximum reverse leakage at 5.8 V VWM, 0.057 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, and thermal resistance of 100 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, lead length 10 mm), making it suitable for ambient-temperature-stable transient protection without active cooling in space-constrained designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V at 10 mA - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPPM | 10.5 V at 38.1 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, limiting stress on protected circuitry |
| IPPM | 38.1 A with 10/1000 μs waveform - peak surge current handling capacity under standardized surge test |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power dissipation capability, enabling robust protection against common ESD and load-dump events |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high-temperature operation support for under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-41 (DO-204AL) - industry-standard axial-leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy body |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction in molded epoxy case; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 5 V rail); conducts during overvoltage to clamp to ≤10.5 V |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges in automotive ECUs |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant) | Validated for automotive-grade deployment including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time), improving clamping fidelity |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Ensures flame-retardant behavior in safety-critical enclosures and high-reliability industrial assemblies |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 5 V microcontroller supply lines in vehicle body control modules exposed to load-dump and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping device placed between VCC and GND, activated within <1 ns upon exceeding 5.8 V reverse bias. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤10.5 V during 38.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to MCU and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA transmitter) in factory automation PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-mode protector across signal and return paths, absorbing inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients before they propagate into precision DACs or op-amps, with <1000 μA leakage at 5.8 V. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC bus protection in wall adapters powering USB-C PD devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on +5 V or +9 V output rail, placed upstream of LDO regulators. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surges without degradation, preserving regulator input ratings and avoiding thermal runaway in compact enclosures. | Use Scenario: Front-end transient suppression on Ethernet PHY power pins (e.g., +3.3 V AVDD) in network switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt protector tied between supply and chassis ground, triggered by ESD or lightning-induced coupling. Use Value: Clamps sub-100 ns transients to safe levels using 0.057 %/°C VBR stability, ensuring consistent performance across operating temperature range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ6.8A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same 6.8 V VBR, 11.2 V VC @ 35.7 A; 600 W PPPM | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; better suited for high-density consumer boards | Select SMBJ6.8A when automated assembly, smaller footprint, or higher pulse power margin is required. |
| 1.5KE6.8A | Same DO-41 package but higher 1500 W PPPM; VBR 6.45–7.14 V, VC 10.5 V @ 143 A; larger junction area | Higher surge robustness for infrequent but severe events (e.g., utility grid coupling) | Choose 1.5KE6.8A where sustained surge energy exceeds 400 W limits, accepting larger thermal mass and cost. |
Compared with SMBJ6.8A and 1.5KE6.8A, the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 offers optimal balance of proven through-hole reliability, AEC-Q101 readiness (via HE3), and cost-effective 400 W protection for mid-tier automotive and industrial designs where layout flexibility and legacy compatibility matter.
Availability
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4KE6.8A-E3/73 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 diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, cost-efficient overvoltage protection in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where failure modes must be tightly controlled.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 6.45 V to 7.14 V at 10 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 6.8 V rating. This tight distribution ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable design margining in 5 V system protection schemes. The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 maintains this specification under standard test conditions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
Is the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and offered in an AEC-Q101-qualified variant (P4KE6.8AHE3/73). While the E3 suffix denotes commercial-grade qualification, the HE3 version meets full AEC-Q101 stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge robustness. For automotive use, specify the HE3 variant; the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 itself is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operation and widely deployed in non-safety-critical body electronics.
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 38.1 A, measured with the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This clamping voltage directly determines the maximum stress imposed on downstream components during transient events and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range. The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 achieves this with low dynamic impedance, minimizing overshoot beyond 10.5 V.
How does the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE6.8CA?
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement, conducting only in reverse breakdown to protect positive rails. In contrast, P4KE6.8CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no polarity marking. The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 delivers lower forward voltage drop (3.5 V at 25 A) and is preferred for DC supply line protection, whereas the CA version suits AC-coupled or differential signal lines where polarity reversal occurs.
What is the thermal resistance of the P4KE6.8A-E3/73, and how does it affect layout?
The P4KE6.8A-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W with 10 mm lead length, and 66 °C/W junction-to-lead (RθJL). This means board-level copper pour and lead length significantly impact power derating - for example, at 75 °C ambient, its 1.5 W steady-state power rating drops to ~0.75 W. Layout best practice for the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is to minimize lead length and use thermal relief pads only where necessary to maintain surge-handling capability.
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 5.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6.45V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 10.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 38.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE6.8A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE6.8A-E3/73 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 P4KE6.8A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE6.8A-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE6.8A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE6.8A-E3/73 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 P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE6.8A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE6.8A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE6.8A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE6.8A-E3/73 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 P4KE6.8A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
All P4KE6.8A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE6.8A-E3/73, 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 P4KE6.8A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE6.8A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE6.8A-E3/73 Tags
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