Diodes Incorporated P6KE6.8A-T-F

Overview

P6KE6.8A-T-F from Diodes Incorporated is a unidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 6.8V reverse standoff voltage (VRWM), 6.45V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 10.5V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 57A peak pulse current, and DO-15 glass-passivated package-used in industrial power supplies, automotive body control modules, and USB port ESD protection.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE6.8A-T-F datasheet, P6KE6.8A-T-F pinout, P6KE6.8A-T-F application, or P6KE6.8A-T-F equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, 100A surge current capability under 8.3ms half-sine wave, thermal resistance (RθJA = 75°C/W), and RoHS-compliant lead-free plating for reflow compatibility.

Technical Context

This TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (6.45–7.14V), it avalanches into low-impedance conduction within <1ps, diverting surge energy away from downstream circuitry. Its unidirectional configuration provides asymmetric protection-blocking reverse voltage while clamping positive transients only.

Designed for non-repetitive 1.0ms exponential pulses per IEC 61000-4-5, it delivers 600W peak pulse power with derating above +25°C ambient (100% at 25°C, ~50% at 125°C). The DO-15 package enables through-hole mounting on 40mm² copper land for 5.0W steady-state dissipation at TL = +75°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-15 package: axial-leaded, molded plastic body (UL 94V-0), cathode band marking on unidirectional variant. Lead length 9.5mm, weight ≈0.4g. Moisture sensitivity level 1 (J-STD-020).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ6.8A and 1.5KE6.8A, P6KE6.8A-T-F offers optimal balance of cost, through-hole manufacturability, and validated 600W surge handling-making it preferred for mid-volume industrial controls where serviceability and wave-solder compatibility are essential.

Availability

P6KE6.8A-T-F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body control modules, and USB interface protection requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation support.

Supply support for P6KE6.8A-T-F 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.

The P6KE series belongs to Diodes' transient voltage suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems where reliability under harsh electrical environments is mandatory.

FAQ

What does the "-T-F" suffix indicate in P6KE6.8A-T-F?

The "-T" denotes tape-and-reel packaging (4,000 units per reel), and "-F" indicates Diodes Incorporated's standard RoHS-compliant, lead-free, halogen-free finish. This suffix confirms compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU and suitability for Pb-free reflow soldering processes up to 260°C peak temperature.

Is P6KE6.8A-T-F suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?

No-P6KE6.8A-T-F is unidirectional and must be connected with cathode toward the protected line. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, CAN), the P6KE6.8CA variant is required. Using the unidirectional part on AC-coupled or differential lines risks forward conduction during negative excursions and invalidates clamping performance.

How does P6KE6.8A-T-F perform under repeated surge stress?

It is rated for non-repetitive 1.0ms pulses per IEC 61000-4-5. Repeated surges require derating: at 125°C ambient, peak power drops to ~300W. For applications expecting >100 surges/year, thermal modeling using RθJA = 75°C/W and junction temperature limits (TJ ≤ +175°C) is essential to avoid cumulative degradation.

Why is the clamping voltage (10.5V) higher than the breakdown voltage (6.45V)?

Clamping voltage reflects the dynamic voltage across the device at its rated peak pulse current (57A); it includes series resistance and avalanche impedance effects. The 10.5V value ensures protected circuits see no more than this voltage during worst-case surge-providing a defined safety margin above the 6.8V standoff and below typical 12V rail tolerance limits.