Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P6KE68CA

Overview

P6KE68CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 600W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a nominal breakdown voltage of 68V, clamps transients to ≤92.0V at 6.8A peak surge current, and delivers sub-nanosecond response time (<5.0ns) - deployed in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and PoE-powered Ethernet interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the P6KE68CA datasheet, P6KE68CA pinout, P6KE68CA application, or P6KE68CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements.

Technical Context

The P6KE68CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional breakdown behavior, enabling protection against both positive and negative polarity transients without external polarity management. Its 600W peak pulse power rating is defined per 10/1000μs waveform, and it maintains low dynamic impedance to ensure stable clamping under fast-rising EFT and lightning-induced surges.

Designed for surface-mount-compatible through-hole assembly, the device uses a single-die DO-204AC (DO-15) package with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Junction temperature range spans −55°C to +175°C, supporting operation in under-hood automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, molded epoxy case rated UL 94V-0, cathode band not applicable (bidirectional).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ68CA and 1.5KE68CA, the P6KE68CA uniquely balances 600W surge handling, DO-204AC compactness, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial edge nodes where reliability and form factor are co-prioritized.

Availability

P6KE68CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and PoE-powered network infrastructure requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for P6KE68CA 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, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The P6KE Series belongs to TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust transient immunity in harsh-environment electronics - emphasizing low clamping voltage, repeatable surge endurance, and long-term parametric stability.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of P6KE68CA at its rated peak surge current?

The P6KE68CA clamps to a maximum of 92.0V at 6.8A peak surge current (IPP), measured under the standardized 10/1000μs waveform. This value is critical for verifying that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of −55°C to +175°C, and the P6KE68CA datasheet specifies this parameter with no derating required at TA = 25°C.

Is P6KE68CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit placement?

P6KE68CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix per industry convention and confirmed in the electrical specifications table where VBR min/max apply identically in both polarities. This allows placement across any two points needing symmetrical overvoltage protection - such as AC signal lines, differential buses, or floating DC rails - without regard to anode/cathode orientation. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P6KE68A), the P6KE68CA has no cathode band marking.

Does P6KE68CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and which version carries that certification?

Yes, the P6KE68CA is available in an AEC-Q101-qualified version denoted by the "H" suffix (i.e., P6KE68CAH). Per the ordering information section, "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification for all P6KE parts except P6KE6V8A through P6KE9V1A. The P6KE68CAH undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and mechanical shock per AEC-Q101 Rev D, making it suitable for automotive powertrain and chassis applications.

What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for P6KE68CA at elevated ambient temperatures?

The P6KE68CA has a steady-state power dissipation (PD) rating of 5W at TA = 75°C, measured with 9.5mm lead lengths mounted on 5 × 5 mm copper pads per terminal. This value derates linearly above 75°C, reaching zero at TJ = 175°C. For continuous DC blocking applications, designers must ensure that average power (VWM × IR) remains well below PD - e.g., at 58.1V stand-off and <1μA leakage, power is negligible (<60μW), confirming suitability for always-on protection schemes.

How does the junction capacitance of P6KE68CA impact high-speed signal line protection?

The P6KE68CA exhibits typical junction capacitance of <100pF at VR = 0V (per Fig.5), and significantly lower values (<5pF) near its 58.1V stand-off voltage. This enables use on moderate-speed interfaces like CAN FD (up to 5 Mbps) and RS-485 without signal distortion, though it is not recommended for >100MHz RF paths. For Ethernet PHY protection, pairing with low-capacitance ESD arrays (e.g., TPD4E05U06) is advised - the P6KE68CA handles bulk energy while secondary devices manage high-frequency ESD.