P6KE68C-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE68C-B is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode operates in the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package and provides 600W peak pulse power dissipation with a 96.6V maximum clamping voltage. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

P6KE68C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 650P6KE68C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE68CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 17468P6KE68CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE68CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 908P6KE68CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the P6KE68C-B is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage (Typ): 58.1V — must match exactly
• Bidirectional Channels: 1 — single channel configuration required
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) axial — physical and electrical interface compatibility
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W — energy dissipation capability
• Mounting Type: Through Hole — PCB assembly compatibility
• Type: Zener — functional classification

Substitute parts must maintain identical reverse standoff voltage and package specifications to ensure direct functional replacement without circuit redesign. Variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current are acceptable within the same voltage class, provided the part remains rated for 600W peak pulse power dissipation and operates within the specified temperature range.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P6KE68CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) is the primary substitute for the obsolete P6KE68C-B. Both parts are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., share identical reverse standoff voltage (58.1V), package configuration (DO-204AC), and power rating (600W). The P6KE68CA-B maintains active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The clamping voltage reduction from 96.6V to 92V represents improved performance characteristics within the same voltage class.

P6KE68CA (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides an alternative substitute with equivalent electrical specifications and identical package compatibility. This part is also active and rated for 600W peak pulse power. The primary consideration is the operating temperature lower bound of -50°C versus -55°C for the Littelfuse alternatives; applications requiring operation below -50°C should prioritize P6KE68CA-B or P6KE68C-B.

Both substitute parts maintain the critical 58.1V reverse standoff voltage and DO-204AC package specification required for direct replacement. Selection between P6KE68CA-B and P6KE68CA should be based on supply chain availability, temperature range requirements, and established supplier relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE68CA-B directly replace P6KE68C-B without circuit modification?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (58.1V), bidirectional channel configuration (1), package type (DO-204AC), and power rating (600W). Direct substitution is electrically and mechanically compatible.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between P6KE68C-B (96.6V) and P6KE68CA-B (92V)?

A: The lower clamping voltage of P6KE68CA-B represents improved transient suppression performance. Both parts operate within the same voltage class and maintain the 58.1V reverse standoff specification. The reduced clamping voltage provides enhanced overvoltage protection margins.

Q: Why does P6KE68CA (Fairchild) have a lower operating temperature minimum (-50°C vs -55°C)?

A: Operating temperature range is a specified parameter that varies by manufacturer. For applications requiring operation below -50°C, P6KE68CA-B or the original P6KE68C-B should be selected. For standard industrial applications (-40°C to +85°C ambient), P6KE68CA is functionally equivalent.

Q: Are all three parts physically interchangeable in the same PCB footprint?

A: Yes. All three parts use the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with identical pin spacing and lead configuration. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to these substitute parts?

A: P6KE68C-B and P6KE68CA-B are ROHS3 compliant. All three parts carry EAR99 export classification and HTSUS code 8541.10.0080. Moisture sensitivity level is 1 (Unlimited) for Littelfuse parts.