Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE6.8CA

Overview

P4KE6.8CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 6.8V nominal standoff voltage, 6.12–7.48V breakdown range at 10mA test current, 5.5V working voltage, 10.8V clamping voltage at 38A peak pulse current, and 400W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform - deployed in automotive lighting control modules and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE6.8CA datasheet, P4KE6.8CA pinout, P4KE6.8CA application, or P4KE6.8CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low leakage (<1000μA at 5.5V), DO-41 package compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability under fast transients and inductive switching events.

Technical Context

The P4KE6.8CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional conduction, enabling clamping in both polarities without external polarity management. Its junction exhibits <1.0ps response time from 0V to V_BR in unidirectional mode and 5.0ns in bidirectional configuration, ensuring sub-nanosecond suppression of EFT and lightning-induced surges.

Thermal performance is defined by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and 1W steady-state power dissipation at 75°C lead temperature on 5×5 mm copper pads. The device meets UL 94V-0 flammability standards and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, supporting reflow and wave soldering per J-STD-002.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, glass-passivated case with pure tin-plated leads. Polarity marked by cathode band for unidirectional variants; P4KE6.8CA is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking - terminals are functionally symmetric.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ6.8CA and 1.5KE6.8CA, the P4KE6.8CA delivers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 400W surge handling - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability automotive and industrial applications where DO-41 mounting is standard.

Availability

P4KE6.8CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial sensor interface, USB port ESD protection, and power supply input stage applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for P4KE6.8CA 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs - headquartered in Hsinchu Science Park with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capabilities.

The P4KE series was developed specifically for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in automotive and industrial power rails - emphasizing DO-41 compatibility, tight V_BR tolerance, and validated surge endurance per ISO 7637 and IEC 61000-4-5 standards.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of P4KE6.8CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The P4KE6.8CA has a maximum clamping voltage of 10.8V at 38A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform. This value ensures downstream components see no more than 10.8V during a full 400W surge event, protecting 5V logic and analog circuitry from overvoltage damage. The P4KE6.8CA maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range of −55°C to +175°C.

Is P4KE6.8CA suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the P4KE6.8CA is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its 175°C maximum junction temperature, DO-41 mechanical robustness, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a make it appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and lighting systems. The P4KE6.8CA also meets UL 94V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements mandated for automotive electronics.

How does the bidirectional design of P4KE6.8CA affect PCB layout?

The P4KE6.8CA has symmetrical terminals with no polarity marking, eliminating orientation constraints during placement. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, it clamps transients of either polarity without requiring careful anode/cathode alignment - simplifying layout and reducing assembly errors. This symmetry allows direct replacement of failed units without verifying orientation, and supports compact two-terminal placement across supply rails or data lines in the P4KE6.8CA's DO-41 footprint.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for P4KE6.8CA at its working voltage?

The P4KE6.8CA exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current of 1000μA at its working standoff voltage of 5.5V, measured at 25°C. This leakage remains stable across temperature and ensures minimal impact on low-power circuits such as battery-backed sensors or USB suspend modes. The P4KE6.8CA's leakage specification is verified per JEDEC test conditions and aligns with industry benchmarks for 6.8V bidirectional TVS diodes in the DO-41 package.

Can P4KE6.8CA be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4KE6.8A?

No - the P4KE6.8CA is bidirectional and cannot substitute for the unidirectional P4KE6.8A in circuits requiring polarity-specific clamping, such as DC power rails with ground-referenced protection only. The P4KE6.8CA conducts in both directions above V_BR, whereas P4KE6.8A blocks in one direction and clamps only in reverse. Using P4KE6.8CA where unidirectional behavior is required may cause unintended conduction or increased system leakage.