P6KE6.8A

P6KE6.8A has a peak pulse current (IPP) rating of 57A at 10/1000μs waveform, which corresponds to the 600W peak pulse power rating. At shorter pulse widths (e.g., 10/1000μs vs 8/20μs), the device can handle higher currents. For 8/20μs surge waveforms typical of lightning protection, the peak power capability increases to approximately 1500W. The actual clamping performance depends on the surge source impedance and the protected circuit characteristics. CR Micro provides detailed surge capability curves in the datasheet.

Contact our FAE team for surge capability analysis and protection level verification.

P6KE6.8A responds to voltage transients in less than 1 picosecond (1ps) from 0V to breakdown voltage. This extremely fast response time ensures protection before the transient can damage sensitive semiconductor devices. The TVS diode operates in avalanche mode, clamping the voltage to a safe level within nanoseconds. For ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2), the response is essentially instantaneous, limiting the peak voltage seen by the protected circuit. The fast response is critical for protecting modern low-voltage ICs with thin gate oxides.

Contact our FAE team for transient response analysis and protection verification.

P6KE6.8A is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it protects against positive transients only (for DC circuits with positive voltage). Bidirectional TVS diodes protect against both positive and negative transients. Selection depends on the application: (1) Unidirectional: Use for DC power lines where only positive overvoltage is a concern. Lower clamping voltage for positive transients. (2) Bidirectional: Use for AC lines or differential signal pairs where both polarities need protection. CR Micro offers both types with 'A' suffix for unidirectional and 'CA' suffix for bidirectional versions.

Contact our FAE team for unidirectional vs bidirectional selection guidance.

P6KE6.8A can be used for automotive 5V circuit protection, but CR Micro also offers AEC-Q101 qualified versions specifically for automotive applications. The standard P6KE series meets industrial temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), while automotive-qualified versions are tested to AEC-Q101 Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C) or Grade 0 (-40°C to +150°C). For automotive applications, the AEC-Q101 qualified versions are recommended due to additional reliability testing including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling, and ESD testing.

Contact our FAE team for automotive-qualified TVS recommendations and PPAP documentation.

P6KE6.8A has a maximum leakage current (IR) of 5μA at the stand-off voltage of 5.8V and 25°C ambient temperature. At higher temperatures, the leakage current increases - typically doubling for every 10°C rise above 25°C. At 100°C, the leakage current can reach 50-100μA. For battery-powered applications where quiescent current is critical, this leakage should be considered in the power budget. The low leakage current ensures minimal power dissipation during normal operation.

Contact our FAE team for leakage current analysis and low-power application recommendations.

For optimal protection performance with P6KE6.8A: (1) Mount the TVS as close as possible to the protected circuit or connector to minimize lead inductance. (2) Use short, wide traces between the TVS and the protected line and ground. (3) For through-hole mounting, keep lead lengths short (<10mm) to minimize parasitic inductance. (4) Use a ground plane or low-impedance ground connection. (5) For high-speed signals, consider the TVS capacitance (typically 1000-2000pF for P6KE series) and its impact on signal integrity. (6) For bidirectional protection on differential pairs, use two unidirectional TVS back-to-back or a bidirectional TVS.

Contact our FAE team for PCB layout guidelines and mounting recommendations.