1500W peak pulse, 98V clamp — the protection envelope
The 1.5KE68CHE3/73: The reverse standoff voltage is 55.1V, and breakdown occurs between 61.2V minimum. This defines the transient protection window: it stays transparent below 55V and clamps hard at 98V, absorbing surge energy up to 1.5kW. A single bidirectional channel covers both positive and negative transients — useful on AC lines or DC rails where polarity reversal is possible. The 10/1000µs waveform is the industry-standard surge test for telecom and industrial power ports; the 15.3A Ipp figure is the peak current the device can handle at that pulse width before the junction temperature exceeds limits.
Automotive grade and temperature range
Qualified to AEC-Q101, this part is screened for automotive reliability — temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and humidity bias tests are part of the qualification flow. The operating junction temperature range spans -55°C to 175°C, covering under-hood and engine-bay environments where ambient temperatures can exceed 125°C.
Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Vishay has marked the 1.5KE68CHE3/73 as obsolete. No official successor part number is listed.