Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE6.8HE3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE6.8HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE6.8HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5.5VWM 10.8VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,948
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Product details
Overview
P4KE6.8HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-41 package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. 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, and clamps transients to 10.5 V at 38.1 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor signal lines and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE6.8HE3/73 datasheet, P4KE6.8HE3/73 pinout, P4KE6.8HE3/73 application, or P4KE6.8HE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 400 W 10/1000 µs peak pulse power rating, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, and verified clamping performance under inductive switching surges.
Technical Context
This device operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its 10.5 V clamping voltage at 38.1 A ensures MOSFET gate and microcontroller I/O pins remain below absolute maximum ratings during 10/1000 µs surge events.
The P4KE6.8HE3/73 is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), and exhibits 0.057 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - enabling stable protection across automotive under-hood thermal environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 6.45 V / 7.14 V at 10 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold for consistent clamping onset |
| VWM | 5.8 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; sets usable DC operating margin |
| IPPM | 38.1 A (10/1000 µs) - peak surge current it safely shunts without failure |
| VC | 10.5 V at IPPM - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit; must be below downstream IC absolute max rating |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power dissipation capability under standardized surge waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body. Lead length 9.5 mm minimum; case meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to ground or low-side reference | Provides low-impedance path to sink surge current when cathode is held above anode by transient |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; connected to protected line | Reverse-biased during normal operation; avalanches when line voltage exceeds VBR, diverting surge to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles typical ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in 12 V automotive systems without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for downstream ICs |
| Matte tin plated leads, J-STD-002 compliant | Ensures robust solderability and intermetallic formation control in automated PCB assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay modules exposed to load dump and inductive kick. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between sensor output and ground to clamp transients before they reach ADC input or signal conditioner. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting voltage excursion to ≤10.5 V during 38.1 A surges, preventing ADC saturation or latch-up. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection device mounted at connector entry point, shunting energy before optocoupler or Schmitt trigger input stage. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 400 W surges per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3, extending system uptime in factory automation environments. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier and controller ICs against lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor across bridge rectifier output, absorbing energy before bulk capacitor and PWM controller. Use Value: Clamps 10/1000 µs surges to 10.5 V while dissipating 400 W, preventing overvoltage damage to 650 V MOSFETs and feedback optocouplers. | Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceiver data lines in base station backhaul equipment from induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on each differential line referenced to local ground, suppressing common-mode transients. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.20/21 immunity requirements by limiting clamped voltage to safe levels for ±12 V transceiver rails. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ6.8A | DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM; 6.45–7.14 V VBR; higher surge current rating (64.5 A) | Better suited for higher-energy surges; requires larger PCB footprint than DO-41 | Select SMBJ6.8A when surge energy exceeds 400 W or board layout allows SMC/SMB package |
| 1.5KE6.8A | DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM; same VBR range; higher IPPM (216 A) | Designed for heavy-duty industrial mains protection; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Choose 1.5KE6.8A for non-automotive applications requiring higher single-pulse energy handling |
Compared with SMBJ6.8A and 1.5KE6.8A, the P4KE6.8HE3/73 offers AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-41 compatibility for space-constrained automotive PCBs, while delivering sufficient 400 W clamping for ISO 7637-2-compliant protection without over-engineering.
Availability
P4KE6.8HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 traceability.
Supply support for P4KE6.8HE3/73 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 automotive-grade validation.
The P4KE6.8HE3/73 belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in harsh environments where voltage spikes threaten IC integrity.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of the P4KE6.8HE3/73?
The P4KE6.8HE3/73 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 tolerance ensures predictable clamping behavior across production lots and supports accurate system-level overvoltage margin analysis in designs using the P4KE6.8HE3/73.
Is the P4KE6.8HE3/73 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4KE6.8HE3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identified by the "A" suffix and cathode band marking. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the P4KE6.8CA variant. Using the P4KE6.8HE3/73 in bidirectional applications would result in forward conduction during negative transients, potentially damaging the device or failing to protect the circuit - always verify polarity alignment when deploying the P4KE6.8HE3/73.
Does the P4KE6.8HE3/73 meet automotive reliability standards?
Yes, the P4KE6.8HE3/73 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88365, Revision 16-Sep-2021). This includes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD, making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics where the P4KE6.8HE3/73 provides certified transient protection.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE6.8HE3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE6.8HE3/73 clamps to a maximum of 10.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 38.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This clamping voltage is measured at the device terminals under standardized surge conditions and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a worst-case transient - a critical parameter when verifying compatibility with downstream ICs' absolute maximum ratings in designs using the P4KE6.8HE3/73.
How does the P4KE6.8HE3/73 differ from the commercial-grade P4KE6.8A-E3/73?
The P4KE6.8HE3/73 differs from the P4KE6.8A-E3/73 solely in qualification level: the "HE3" suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, while "E3" indicates commercial-grade RoHS compliance only. Both share identical electrical specs, DO-41 packaging, and thermal ratings; the P4KE6.8HE3/73 is selected when automotive or high-reliability industrial use requires certified process and reliability validation beyond standard commercial grade.
P4KE6.8HE3/73 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE6.8HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE6.8HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE6.8HE3/73 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 P4KE6.8HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE6.8HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE6.8HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE6.8HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE6.8HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE6.8HE3/73?
P4KE6.8HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE6.8HE3/73 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 P4KE6.8HE3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE6.8HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE6.8HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE6.8HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE6.8HE3/73 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 P4KE6.8HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE6.8HE3/73?
All P4KE6.8HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE6.8HE3/73, 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 P4KE6.8HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE6.8HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE6.8HE3/73 Tags

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