6.8V 600W Bi-Directional TVS Diode P6KE 6.8CA

Description

The P6KE6.8CA Bi-Directional TVS Diode is a high-performance Transient Voltage Suppressor engineered to protect sensitive electronic components from damaging high-voltage transients, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and induced lightning surges. Part of the robust P6KE series, this component can safely absorb up to 600 Watts of peak pulse power, clamping dangerous voltage spikes in picoseconds before they reach your delicate microcontrollers or communication ICs.

Available at Tomson Electronics, the "CA" suffix designates this as a bi-directional diode. This means it protects against voltage surges in both positive and negative directions, making it ideal for protecting AC lines, analog signals, and data buses where voltage swings below ground. With a reverse stand-off voltage of 5.8V and a breakdown voltage of 6.8V, it is the perfect heavy-duty protector for standard 5V logic power rails and high-speed data lines.

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Specifications

• Series: P6KE
• Diode Type: Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS)
• Directionality: Bi-Directional (CA)
• Peak Pulse Power (Pppm): 600W (10/1000 µs waveform)
• Reverse Stand-Off Voltage (Vrwm): 5.8V
• Breakdown Voltage (Vbr): 6.8V (Typical)
• Maximum Clamping Voltage (Vc): 10.5V at Peak Pulse Current
• Package Type: DO-15 (Axial Through-hole)

Datasheet

Download P6KE6.8CA TVS Diode Datasheet PDF

Applications

• 5V Rail Protection: Placed across standard 5V power supplies to absorb destructive surges from inductive load switching (like motors or relays).
• Data Line Protection: Safeguarding RS-232, RS-485, and CAN bus communication lines from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical fast transients (EFT).
• AC Signal Protection: Protecting analog audio or low-voltage AC sensor lines, as the bi-directional nature allows normal AC waveforms to pass without clipping.
• I/O Port Defense: Adding an essential layer of hardware security to exposed microcontroller pins that interface with the outside world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a TVS diode and a Zener diode?
A: While both clamp voltage, they are built for entirely different purposes. A Zener diode is designed to regulate a continuous, steady voltage at low power. A TVS diode is designed with a much larger P-N junction to absorb massive, instantaneous surges of power (like 600W) for a tiny fraction of a second to prevent circuit destruction.

Q: What does the "CA" mean, and how does it differ from the "A" version?
A: The "CA" suffix (e.g., P6KE6.8CA) means the diode is Bi-Directional. It has no polarity and protects against spikes in both directions. The "A" suffix (e.g., P6KE6.8A) means it is Uni-Directional; it protects against positive spikes but acts like a regular short-circuit diode to negative voltages. A bi-directional TVS does not have a cathode band printed on the body.

Q: How do I wire this TVS diode in my circuit?
A: TVS diodes are wired in parallel with the component or power rail you want to protect. You connect it directly across the power and ground lines (or signal and ground lines). Because this specific model is bi-directional, it does not matter which lead goes to power and which goes to ground.

Package Includes

• 1 × P6KE6.8CA 6.8V 600W Bi-Directional TVS Diode