Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation BZW04-15B

Overview

BZW04-15B from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, rated for 400W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 15.3V working stand-off voltage, 17.1–18.9V breakdown voltage at 1mA, and 25.2V maximum clamping voltage at 16.0A peak impulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD and inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the BZW04-15B datasheet, BZW04-15B pinout, BZW04-15B application, or BZW04-15B equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to system rail, leakage current below 1μA at 15.3V, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (R_θJL = 60°C/W), and DO-41 lead-form compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.

Technical Context

The BZW04-15B operates as a silicon avalanche diode, leveraging controlled reverse-biased breakdown to clamp transient overvoltages before they reach downstream ICs. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid response (<1 ns) and stable clamping under 10/1000μs surge conditions.

Designed for unidirectional protection, it features a cathode band marking, pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Junction temperature range spans −55°C to +175°C, supporting under-hood automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by band marking; polarity critical for unidirectional operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with P6KE15A and 1.5KE15A, the BZW04-15B delivers AEC-Q101 qualification in the compact DO-41 form factor with best-in-class 400W/25.2V clamping performance-enabling automotive-compliant protection without footprint penalty or derating compromises.

Availability

BZW04-15B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and LED lighting systems requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 traceability and DO-41 through-hole compatibility.

Supply support for BZW04-15B includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZW04 series was designed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parameter distribution, and robust thermal performance in standard axial packages.

FAQ

What is the peak pulse power rating of the BZW04-15B and under what waveform condition is it specified?

The BZW04-15B has a peak pulse power rating of 400W, measured under the standardized 10/1000μs double-exponential current waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This rating reflects its ability to absorb transient energy without failure during single-event surges such as load dump or ESD coupling. The BZW04-15B maintains this rating up to T_A = 25°C and derates linearly above that ambient temperature per the published pulse derating curve.

Is the BZW04-15B unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified on the device?

The BZW04-15B is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC rail protection where transients occur only in one polarity. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the body end of the DO-41 package; the banded end connects to the protected line (cathode), while the unbanded end connects to ground (anode). Bidirectional variants carry "B" suffixes (e.g., BZW04-15B is unidirectional; BZW04-15BB would be bidirectional-but no such part exists in this series).

Does the BZW04-15B meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and what does that mean for automotive use?

The base BZW04-15B is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the AEC-Q101 variant is designated BZW04-15BH (with "H" suffix). AEC-Q101 qualification confirms rigorous stress testing-including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD-to ensure reliability in automotive under-hood environments. For automotive designs requiring qualification, specify BZW04-15BH-not BZW04-15B-to guarantee compliance.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the BZW04-15B, and at what current is it measured?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of the BZW04-15B is 25.2V, measured at a peak impulse current (I_PP) of 16.0A under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during surge conduction and is critical for verifying margin against downstream component absolute maximum ratings-such as MOSFET gate-source limits or MCU I/O tolerances.

Can the BZW04-15B be used in place of older P6KE-series TVS diodes, and what are the mechanical compatibility considerations?

Yes, the BZW04-15B is mechanically compatible with P6KE15A in DO-41 package-same body dimensions, lead diameter, and pitch-making it a direct footprint replacement. Electrical differences include higher 400W vs. 360W rating and slightly higher clamping (25.2V vs. 24.4V). No PCB changes are required, but designers should verify system-level surge margin and confirm AEC-Q101 needs before substitution, as P6KE15A lacks automotive qualification.