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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE68C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE68C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE68C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 55.1VWM 98VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,496
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Product details
Overview
P6KE68C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection on signal and power lines. It features a 68 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 64.6–71.4 V), 92 V maximum clamping voltage at 6.5 A peak pulse current, 600 W peak pulse power rating (10/1000 μs), and DO-204AC (DO-15) package - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE68C-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE68C-E3/73 pinout, P6KE68C-E3/73 application, or P6KE68C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, low thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification, and compatibility with 100 A surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) in harsh environments.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 MΩ at VWM = 58.1 V), then rapidly avalanches when transient voltage exceeds VBR, limiting downstream voltage to ≤92 V at 6.5 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and fast response (<1 ns).
Designed for repetitive transients up to 0.01% duty cycle, it supports bi-directional protection without polarity marking and complies with UL 497B (QVGQ2 recognition). Thermal performance is characterized by RθJA = 75 °C/W and TJ(max) = +175 °C, enabling operation in under-hood automotive and industrial control cabinets.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 64.6 V / 71.4 V - defines reliable avalanche initiation window under 10 mA test current; ensures consistent clamping onset across temperature and unit variance |
| VWM | 58.1 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage; sets safe margin below VBR to prevent leakage-induced heating in nominal circuits |
| VC @ IPPM | 92 V @ 6.5 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines worst-case stress on protected ICs like CAN transceivers or ADC inputs |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling capacity; enables survival of lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4) on 24 V bus lines |
| IPPM | 6.5 A - derived peak pulse current at VC; correlates directly with energy absorption (E ≈ VC × IPPM × tp) for transient waveform validation |
| TJ(max) | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports placement near heat sources (e.g., power MOSFETs) without derating in automotive ECUs |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy; compatible with wave soldering (275 °C, 10 s max) |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy body (Ø3.6 mm × 7.6 mm L), matte tin-plated leads per J-STD-002. Bi-directional construction means no cathode marking; terminals are non-polarized and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as input/output; clamps voltage above +VBR or below –VBR - ideal for AC-coupled data lines or floating power rails |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path to PCB copper pour or heatsink | Thermal path with RθJL = 20 °C/W; requires ≥10 mm² copper pad per lead for full 600 W pulse handling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low leakage (<1 μA at VWM) over 10-year field life in humid environments |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave testing (2 Ω/12 Ω source) on 24 V industrial control inputs without external series impedance |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control modules and battery management system voltage monitoring paths |
| Bi-directional symmetry | Eliminates polarity concerns in AC signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD differential pairs) and simplifies BOM management vs. dual uni-directional devices |
| UL 497B recognized (QVGQ2) | Meets safety requirements for telecom and industrial equipment requiring certified surge protection components without additional system-level certification burden |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial PLC Analog Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting Hall-effect and crankshaft position sensors from load dump and inductive switching transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed between sensor output and ECU input, responding within <1 ns to limit voltage to ≤92 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream op-amps and microcontroller ADC front-ends during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop receivers in programmable logic controllers against ESD and surge coupling from adjacent motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp across loop terminals, conducting only during >58.1 V excursions while remaining invisible during normal operation. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 μA leakage at 24 V supply, avoiding offset errors in precision 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion. |
| Telecom Line Card Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY magnetics and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on outdoor-facing ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on secondary side of isolation transformers, clamping common-mode transients before they reach PHY ICs. Use Value: Withstands repeated 600 W pulses per UL 497B QVGQ2 listing, reducing need for secondary protection stages and board space. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from universal motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller-based triac drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-the-line clamp on AC mains input to motor driver PCB, diverting energy away from opto-triac zero-crossing detectors. Use Value: Survives 100 A 8.3 ms surge (IFSM) without degradation, ensuring long-term reliability in high-cycle appliance applications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ64CA | DO-214AA package; lower 600 W rating but tighter VC = 103 V @ 5.8 A; higher capacitance (≈200 pF) | Better suited for high-frequency data lines (USB, HDMI) due to smaller footprint; less optimal for high-current 24 V power rail protection | Select SMBJ64CA when board space is constrained and clamping voltage margin allows; verify layout thermal relief for 600 W pulses |
| 1.5KE68CA | Same DO-204AC package; identical VBR/VC specs but rated for 1500 W (10/1000 μs); larger die size increases junction capacitance | Used where higher single-event energy tolerance is required (e.g., railway signaling), but overkill for standard automotive/industrial transients | Choose 1.5KE68CA only if system-level testing demands >600 W margin; otherwise P6KE68C-E3/73 offers better cost/performance balance |
Compared with SMBJ64CA and 1.5KE68CA, P6KE68C-E3/73 delivers optimal trade-off of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 manufacturability, and precise 600 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial control designs where standardized through-hole assembly is maintained.
Availability
P6KE68C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line card protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P6KE68C-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P6KE series was engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability transient suppression in commercial and automotive applications - prioritizing robustness, standardized packaging, and broad VBR coverage from 6.8 V to 540 V.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P6KE68C-E3/73?
P6KE68C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both forward and reverse bias. It has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation - making it ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity cannot be guaranteed. This behavior is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet section "Devices for Bi-Direction Applications" and electrical table footnote specifying "Electrical characteristics apply in both directions."
Does P6KE68C-E3/73 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, P6KE68C-E3/73 meets AEC-Q101 qualification standards for discrete semiconductors. The "HE3" suffix denotes AEC-Q101 compliance, and the "E3/73" variant is RoHS-compliant commercial grade with AEC-Q101 qualification explicitly noted in the mechanical data section and footnote (1) of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88369). This validates its use in automotive under-hood and chassis applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage for P6KE68C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for P6KE68C-E3/73 is 92 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 6.5 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table under the row for "P6KE68A" (bi-directional counterpart P6KE68CA shares identical VC). It represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a defined transient event.
Can P6KE68C-E3/73 be used in place of a uni-directional TVS like P6KE68A?
No - P6KE68C-E3/73 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, whereas P6KE68A is uni-directional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires circuit review: P6KE68C-E3/73 may be used on AC or floating nodes, but will not provide correct forward conduction behavior on DC power rails where reverse blocking is required. The datasheet explicitly separates "uni-directional" and "bi-directional" types with distinct suffixes (A vs. CA) and different VF specifications.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for P6KE68C-E3/73?
The typical thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for P6KE68C-E3/73 is 20 °C/W, as published in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" table of the Vishay datasheet. This value enables accurate thermal design when mounting the DO-204AC device to copper pours or heatsinks - critical for sustaining repetitive 600 W pulses without exceeding TJ(max) = +175 °C.
P6KE68C-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 55.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 61.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 98V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 6.1A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 600W
- 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-204AC (DO-15)
P6KE68C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE68C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE68C-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 P6KE68C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE68C-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 P6KE68C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE68C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE68C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE68C-E3/73?
P6KE68C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE68C-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 P6KE68C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE68C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE68C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE68C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE68C-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 P6KE68C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE68C-E3/73?
All P6KE68C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE68C-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 P6KE68C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE68C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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