Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE68C
- Part No.:
- P4KE68C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE68C.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 68V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,246
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Product details
Overview
P4KE68C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 68V, clamps transients to ≤98V at 4.2A peak pulse current, and maintains low leakage (<1μA at 55.1V working stand-off), making it suitable for automotive body electronics and industrial control I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE68C datasheet, P4KE68C pinout, P4KE68C application, or P4KE68C equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-41 package compatibility, 10/1000μs surge rating, unidirectional polarity marking, and AEC-Q101 qualification option - all critical for ESD and load-dump immunity design validation.
Technical Context
The P4KE68C operates as a silicon avalanche diode with sharp reverse-breakdown characteristics, triggered when transient voltage exceeds its 61.2–74.8V VBR range at 1mA test current. Its clamping action limits downstream voltage to 98V under 4.2A 10/1000μs pulses, delivering predictable protection without crowbar behavior.
It exhibits a temperature coefficient of +0.104%/°C for VBR, enabling stable performance across –55°C to +175°C junction temperatures. The device uses pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and meets UL 94V-0 flammability requirements in its DO-204AL molded package.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 61.2–74.8V - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for reliable triggering |
| VWM | 55.1V - maximum continuous DC operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| IPPM | 4.2A - peak pulse current it safely shunts during 10/1000μs transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 98V - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit under full-rated surge |
| PPK | 400W - peak surge power handling capability per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standard |
| Junction Temp Range | –55°C to +175°C - supports under-hood automotive and industrial ambient conditions |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1μA - ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Meets UL 94V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes conduction path during clamping |
| Cathode | High-side transient input terminal | Connected to protected line; avalanche conduction initiates here when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400W 10/1000μs surge rating | Enables robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Load Dump and IEC 61000-4-5 surges in 12V/24V systems |
| Fast response time <1.0ps | Clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience damaging overvoltage stress |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option (P4KE68CH) | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control and lighting modules |
| Low dynamic impedance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2) |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and global environmental manufacturing requirements |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs and CAN transceiver power rails from load dump and jump-start transients in vehicle BCMs. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp on 12V supply rail and sensor interface lines. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤98V during 100V/40ms load dump events, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 5V/3.3V logic. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and relays. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage suppression element on field-side input terminals. Use Value: Absorbs 400W surge energy without degradation, maintaining <1μA leakage to preserve input threshold accuracy. |
| LED Driver Power Supply Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding constant-current LED driver ICs from voltage spikes induced by nearby AC mains switching or lightning-induced coupling. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff protection on DC bus feeding buck/boost controller ICs. Use Value: Clamps 68V nominal rail to 98V max during 10/1000μs surges, avoiding overvoltage shutdown or MOSFET gate oxide failure. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for RS-485 transceivers in building automation systems subjected to EFT and surge events per IEC 61000-4-4/5. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary-level TVS on isolated 5V/3.3V bias rails powering communication ICs. Use Value: Provides sub-nanosecond response to fast transients while adding negligible capacitance (<100pF at 0V) to maintain signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ68A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 68V bidirectional; 400W rating; VC = 110V @ 3.6A | Bidirectional configuration requires no polarity awareness but offers higher clamping voltage | Select when board layout lacks polarity marking space or system tolerates higher clamping |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE68A | DO-201AD package; same 68V unidirectional rating; 1500W peak power; VC = 118V @ 12.7A | Higher surge capacity suits infrequent high-energy events but larger footprint increases PCB area | Choose for legacy designs using DO-201AD or where 1500W margin is required over 400W |
Compared with P4KE68C, SMAJ68A trades lower clamping for bidirectional flexibility in compact SMA packages, while 1.5KE68A delivers higher surge headroom in a larger DO-201AD outline - both require layout review due to differing footprints and clamping profiles.
Availability
P4KE68C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial PLCs, LED lighting drivers, and telecom interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for P4KE68C 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
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in power management, protection, and signal conditioning devices.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P4KE68C?
P4KE68C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode band marking indicating the high-side terminal. It conducts only when anode-to-cathode voltage exceeds its 61.2–74.8V breakdown range, making it ideal for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. Unlike bidirectional variants such as P4KE68CA, P4KE68C does not conduct symmetrically in reverse bias.
Does P4KE68C meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base P4KE68C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the variant P4KE68CH is explicitly qualified per AEC-Q101 Rev D for automotive applications. This qualification includes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - essential for under-hood deployment where P4KE68C may be used.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE68C under rated surge conditions?
P4KE68C clamps to a maximum of 98V when subjected to its rated 4.2A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, ensuring protected circuits remain below critical voltage thresholds during transient events.
How does P4KE68C compare to P4KE68A in terms of electrical performance?
P4KE68A has tighter VBR tolerance (64.6–71.4V vs. 61.2–74.8V for P4KE68C), lower clamping voltage (92V vs. 98V), and slightly higher VWM (58.1V vs. 55.1V). Both share identical package, surge rating, and thermal specs. P4KE68A is preferred where tighter voltage control and lower clamping are critical, while P4KE68C offers broader tolerance for cost-sensitive designs.
Can P4KE68C be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - P4KE68C is strictly unidirectional and will not provide symmetrical clamping on AC or bidirectional data lines. For such applications, use the bidirectional variant P4KE68CA, which features matched breakdown characteristics in both directions and identical 68V nominal rating, clamping at 98V in either polarity.
P4KE68C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- P4KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 55.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 61.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 98V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 4.2A
- 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)
P4KE68C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE68C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE68C 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 P4KE68C reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE68C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE68C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE68C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE68C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE68C?
P4KE68C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE68C 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 P4KE68C?
For technical support, including P4KE68C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE68C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE68C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE68C 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 P4KE68C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE68C?
All P4KE68C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE68C, 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 P4KE68C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE68C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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