What the obsolete status means for your BOM
The 1N6268HE3/73: Independent distribution is the sourcing path: lot-specific inventory confirmed at RFQ, not a distributor shelf position.
What the TVS ratings mean for protection design
The minimum breakdown of 6.75 V gives the hysteresis window between standoff and conduction — tight enough that the protection activates promptly without wasted headroom.
Automotive grade and thermal margin
AEC-Q101 qualification places this in the automotive electronic stress tier — the -55 °C to 175 °C junction temperature range reflects the thermal headroom demanded in engine-bay and chassis-zone deployments where transients are worst. The unidirectional (single-channel) configuration handles one polarity — line-to-ground protection on a positive supply rail is the intended geometry, not a bidirectionalabus or AC rail.
Through-hole DO-201AA — field-replaceable geometry
Axial DO-201AA leads with a body length and lead spacing that make orientation unambiguous — the cathode band is visible, and the part drops into a board hole pattern without tweezers or hot-air rework.