Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE6.8-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE6.8-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE6.8-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.5VWM 10.8VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,202
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Product details
Overview
P4KE6.8-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping inductive switching surges and ESD events on low-voltage DC lines. It features 6.45 V to 7.14 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 5.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 1000 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 38.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 10.5 V max clamping voltage (VC) under 10/1000 µs surge.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE6.8-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE6.8-E3/73 pinout, P4KE6.8-E3/73 application, or P4KE6.8-E3/73 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection of 5 V logic rails, USB power inputs, and microcontroller I/O lines where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.5), and AEC-Q101–qualified reliability are required.
Technical Context
The P4KE6.8-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, optimized for unidirectional clamping in DC circuits. Its 10.5 V clamping voltage at 38.1 A ensures safe voltage limiting during 400 W peak pulse transients (10/1000 µs waveform), while its 5.8 V stand-off allows compatibility with 5 V nominal systems without leakage-induced power loss.
Thermal design is supported by 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance and 175 °C maximum junction temperature. The device meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, confirming suitability for commercial and automotive-grade reflow assembly.
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 triggering before system damage |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage; compatible with 5 V supply rails |
| IPPM | 38.1 A at 10/1000 µs - peak surge current handling capacity for industrial load-switching transients |
| VC | 10.5 V at IPPM - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit; limits stress on downstream 5 V ICs |
| PPPM | 400 W - standardized surge power rating enabling direct comparison across TVS families |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high-temperature operation support for under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial environments |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - enables thermal modeling for PCB copper pour and lead length optimization |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with axial leads; cathode indicated by color band on body. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes clamping path during reverse surge |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 5 V rail); avalanche conduction begins here when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge events without parameter drift |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surge immunity without derating in standard layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL and TC |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response), critical for protecting CMOS inputs |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Ensures flame-retardant enclosure integrity in safety-critical consumer and industrial enclosures |
Applications
| USB Power Input Protection | Microcontroller I/O Line Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 5 V VBUS line from hot-plug insertion spikes and ESD events in USB 2.0 peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VBUS and GND to clamp surges before reaching USB controller IC. Use Value: 10.5 V clamping voltage ensures USB PHY tolerances (max 6.8 V abs max) are never exceeded when combined with series impedance. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding GPIO pins of ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers against ESD and board-level coupling noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected anode-to-GND, cathode-to-I/O to suppress ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in sub-40 nm MCU I/O structures. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) 5 V Rail | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning Input |
Use Scenario: Protecting 5 V supply rail in BCM modules exposed to load-dump and inductive kickback from relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on main 5 V distribution net, upstream of LDO regulators. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C TJ max ensure uninterrupted operation in under-dash environments up to +105 °C ambient. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog front-end inputs of 24 V industrial sensors from field wiring transients induced by motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after series resistor, shunting surge energy away from precision op-amps and ADC inputs. Use Value: 5.8 V VWM allows full 0–5 V signal swing while blocking false triggering during normal operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ5.0A | DO-214AA package; 5.0 V VWM, 6.4 V VBR min, 9.2 V VC; 600 W PPPM | Higher power rating but larger footprint; lower clamping voltage improves margin for 3.3 V systems | Select SMBJ5.0A when PCB layout allows SMC/SMB footprint and 3.3 V rail protection is prioritized |
| 1.5KE6.8A | DO-201AD package; identical VBR/VC specs but 1500 W PPPM; higher IFSM (100 A vs. 40 A) | Designed for higher-energy transients (e.g., 10/1000 µs 100 A pulses); requires larger thermal relief | Choose 1.5KE6.8A for industrial motor control boards where surge energy exceeds 400 W capability |
Compared with SMBJ5.0A and 1.5KE6.8A, the P4KE6.8-E3/73 offers optimal balance of compact DO-41 form factor, 5.8 V stand-off compatibility with legacy 5 V designs, and verified AEC-Q101 compliance-making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and consumer electronics where cost and footprint are critical.
Availability
P4KE6.8-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB power input protection, microcontroller I/O clamping, and automotive BCM 5 V rail protection requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE6.8-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and AEC-Q qualification.
The P4KE6.8-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power and signal lines.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of the P4KE6.8-E3/73?
The P4KE6.8-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 6.45 V to 7.14 V measured at 10 mA test current. This tight tolerance ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports reliable overvoltage detection in 5 V systems without premature conduction during normal operation.
Is the P4KE6.8-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE6.8-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and rated for commercial grade; however, its HE3-suffix variant (P4KE6.8AHE3/73) is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, confirm the HE3 version is specified-P4KE6.8-E3/73 itself meets mechanical and solderability requirements but lacks formal AEC-Q101 certification documentation.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE6.8-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE6.8-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 10.5 V when subjected to its rated 38.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the highest voltage imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case surge events.
Does the P4KE6.8-E3/73 have bidirectional capability?
No, the P4KE6.8-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode. Its cathode is marked with a color band, and it conducts only during reverse-bias surges. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the P4KE6.8CA variant (with CA suffix), which provides symmetrical clamping for AC or floating signal lines.
What package type does the P4KE6.8-E3/73 use, and what are its key mechanical features?
The P4KE6.8-E3/73 uses the DO-41 (DO-204AL) axial-leaded package with molded epoxy body meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Key features include matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, 275 °C solder dip tolerance (10 s), and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance-ensuring long-term reliability in automated assembly processes.
P4KE6.8-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:
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE6.8-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE6.8-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE6.8-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 P4KE6.8-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE6.8-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 P4KE6.8-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE6.8-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE6.8-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE6.8-E3/73?
P4KE6.8-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE6.8-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 P4KE6.8-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE6.8-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE6.8-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE6.8-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE6.8-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 P4KE6.8-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE6.8-E3/73?
All P4KE6.8-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE6.8-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 P4KE6.8-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE6.8-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE6.8-E3/73 Tags

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