Transient protection for a 5 V rail in harsh environments
The 1N6461 is a unidirectional Zener TVS diode from Microchip Technology, designed to clamp transients on a 5 V nominal supply rail. Its 5 V reverse standoff voltage means it sits across the rail without conducting during normal operation; the 5.6 V minimum breakdown is the threshold where it starts shunting current; and the 9 V maximum clamp is the peak voltage the protected load sees during a surge. The single unidirectional channel means polarity matters — cathode to the rail, anode to ground. The -55°C to 175°C junction temperature range puts this part in the industrial/military temperature band, suitable for outdoor telecom cabinets, engine-bay electronics, or downhole instrumentation where commercial-grade parts would derate or fail.
Clamping voltage and peak current — sizing the protection window
With a 9 V maximum clamp at the 8/20 µs waveform peak current of 315 A, the 1N6461 holds the transient below the absolute-max rating of many 5 V logic families and sensors. The 500 W peak pulse power sets the energy-handling budget for a single-event surge — derate for repetitive pulses per the datasheet impulse curve. No power line protection — this is a low-voltage signal or DC rail clamp, not for AC mains.
Active production — no lifecycle risk for BOM planning
The part is a through-hole axial device — a mature package with broad second-source availability in the TVS diode class, though no direct Microchip cross-reference is published. For an exact fit, confirm the breakdown voltage tolerance and peak pulse power against your surge requirement.
Sourcing and availability
The 1N6461 is available through our distribution channel for RFQ-based pricing and lead time. As an active Microchip part, it is sourced to order against your BOM quantity — no stock-holding claim is made here. Confirm the axial package and unidirectional polarity match your PCB footprint before committing.