Zener TVS diode for automotive surge protection
The 1.5KE6.8HE3/73: It clamps at 10.8V maximum with a 139A peak pulse current, making it suitable for protecting 5.5V nominal rails from transients in automotive environments. The -55°C to 175°C operating junction range covers the full automotive temperature envelope, including engine-bay ambient heat soak.
Clamping performance under surge
With a breakdown voltage of 6.12V minimum and a reverse standoff of 5.5V, the diode begins conducting just above the normal rail voltage. The 1500W peak pulse rating is the headline energy-handling figure, but the clamping voltage at the actual surge current is what determines whether the protected IC survives. For a 5V rail, the 10.8V clamp provides roughly 2x margin above the rail — typical for automotive transient protection per ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a.
Obsolete — sourcing through surplus channels
Vishay has marked the 1.5KE6.8HE3/73 as obsolete.