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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P6KE68-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P6KE68-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P6KE68-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 55.1VWM 98VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,527
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Product details
Overview
P6KE68-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 68 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 64.6–71.4 V), 58.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 92.0 V clamping voltage (VC) at 6.5 A peak pulse current, and 600 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and telecom power supply front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the P6KE68-E3/73 datasheet, P6KE68-E3/73 pinout, P6KE68-E3/73 application, or P6KE68-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, DO-204AC (DO-15) package thermal resistance (RθJL = 20 °C/W), and compliance with AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The P6KE68-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering sub-nanosecond response to transient overvoltages. Its unidirectional configuration enables integration into DC-biased circuits where reverse conduction must be blocked until clamping threshold is exceeded.
It sustains 100 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and exhibits low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective energy diversion without thermal runaway. The device's 0.057 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR ensures stable breakdown across –55 °C to +175 °C operating junction range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 64.6 V / 71.4 V at 1.0 mA test current - defines precise avalanche onset window for predictable clamping initiation |
| VWM | 58.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 µA, ensuring no false triggering in nominal 48 V systems |
| VC @ IPPM | 92.0 V at 6.5 A - clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during 600 W transient events |
| PPPM | 600 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 µs waveform supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity |
| IFSM | 100 A - withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge without failure, critical for motor drive and relay coil suppression |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive environments without derating |
| RθJL | 20 °C/W - low junction-to-lead thermal resistance allows efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsinked leads |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased above anode |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 48 V rail); enters avalanche breakdown when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 600 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching spikes in industrial controls |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive applications including body electronics and infotainment power inputs |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed power supply and telecom equipment |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk to downstream MOSFET gate drivers and microcontrollers |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V sensor interface lines in BCMs from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on LIN bus or switch input lines, absorbing up to 600 W surges within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to MCU GPIOs and level translators while maintaining <58.1 V standby bias integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers exposed to relay contact bounce and field wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between input terminal and ground to shunt induced spikes before reaching optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Ensures >100,000-cycle reliability under repetitive 1 kV/500 A surge testing per IEC 61000-4-4, eliminating field returns due to input-stage failures. |
| Telecom Power Supply Front-End | DC Motor Drive Power Rail Clamp |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage protection on +48 V telecom rectifier outputs subjected to hot-swap and backup battery switchover transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp parallel to bulk capacitor, limiting rail excursions to ≤92.0 V during 10/1000 µs surges. Use Value: Complements upstream MOVs by providing lower clamping voltage and faster response, protecting DC-DC controller ICs and FET drivers. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in factory automation actuators operating at 24–48 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or H-bridge supply rail to clamp flyback voltage during PWM turn-off. Use Value: Withstands 100 A single-pulse surge (8.3 ms), preventing MOSFET avalanche failure and extending drive circuit lifetime beyond 10⁶ cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ64A | DO-214AA package; lower 64 V VBR, 100 W lower PPPM (500 W), higher RθJA (110 °C/W) | Better suited for space-constrained PCB layouts but requires larger copper area for thermal management | Select SMBJ64A only if board real estate is critical and surge duty cycle remains below 0.001 % |
| 1.5KE68A | Same DO-204AC package; identical VBR and VC, but rated for 1.5 kW PPPM (10/1000 µs) and higher IFSM (200 A) | Targeted at high-energy industrial motor drives and railway signaling where single-event energy exceeds 600 W | Choose 1.5KE68A when protecting against multi-kA lightning surges where P6KE68-E3/73 may reach thermal limit after repeated events |
Compared with SMBJ64A and 1.5KE68A, the P6KE68-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of cost, proven AEC-Q101 qualification, and 600 W capability in legacy-compatible DO-15 through-hole packaging - making it ideal for high-volume automotive and industrial replacements where layout change is not feasible.
Availability
P6KE68-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power supply designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P6KE68-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The P6KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for cost-effective, high-surge-capability overvoltage protection in commercial and automotive environments where fast response and repeatable clamping are essential.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P6KE68-E3/73?
The P6KE68-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, with the cathode clearly marked by a color band on the DO-204AC package. This configuration blocks reverse current until the breakdown voltage is exceeded, making it suitable for DC-biased protection applications such as 48 V power rails and sensor signal lines where reverse conduction must be prevented during normal operation. The P6KE68-E3/73 does not conduct in reverse until VBR is reached.
Does the P6KE68-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the P6KE68-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the E3 suffix variant. This qualification validates its reliability under automotive temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge stress conditions - supporting use in body control modules, lighting drivers, and infotainment power supplies. The P6KE68-E3/73 meets all required test conditions including operating junction temperature up to +175 °C.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P6KE68-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P6KE68-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 92.0 V at 6.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value represents the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case transient events and is critical for ensuring downstream components like microcontrollers and gate drivers remain within safe operating voltage margins. The P6KE68-E3/73 achieves this clamping performance with minimal overshoot due to its low dynamic impedance.
Can the P6KE68-E3/73 be used in bi-directional protection applications?
No, the P6KE68-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional and not rated for bi-directional operation. For AC or dual-polarity signal line protection, Vishay specifies CA-suffix variants (e.g., P6KE68CA) which are explicitly designed for symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using the P6KE68-E3/73 in bi-directional configurations risks failure during negative transients, as it lacks reverse breakdown capability. Always verify polarity designation before selecting the P6KE68-E3/73.
What is the thermal resistance specification for the P6KE68-E3/73?
The P6KE68-E3/73 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 20 °C/W, measured under standard test conditions. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper or external heatsink via the axial leads, supporting reliable operation at elevated ambient temperatures. When mounted with ≥10 mm² of 2 oz copper on each lead, the P6KE68-E3/73 maintains safe junction temperatures even under repetitive 600 W surge duty cycles.
P6KE68-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
P6KE68-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P6KE68-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P6KE68-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 P6KE68-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P6KE68-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 P6KE68-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P6KE68-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P6KE68-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P6KE68-E3/73?
P6KE68-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P6KE68-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 P6KE68-E3/73?
For technical support, including P6KE68-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P6KE68-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P6KE68-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P6KE68-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 P6KE68-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P6KE68-E3/73?
All P6KE68-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P6KE68-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 P6KE68-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P6KE68-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P6KE68-E3/73 Tags
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