What is the difference between P6KE6.8A and SMF5.0A — how should I choose?

The SMF5.0A is a 200W surface-mount TVS diode in the ultra-compact SOD-123FL package, while the P6KE6.8A offers 600W peak pulse power in a through-hole DO-15 package. The P6KE6.8A provides 3× higher surge current capability (58.10A vs 21.70A) and 3× higher power handling at the expense of larger physical size. Choose P6KE6.8A when through-hole assembly and maximum surge protection are required; choose SMF5.0A for compact surface-mount designs where PCB space is at a premium.