Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZW04-17-E3/54

Overview

BZW04-17-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of signal and power lines. It features a 17.1 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 19.0–21.0 V breakdown range (V_BR at 1 mA), 27.7 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 14.5 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.

For engineers reviewing the BZW04-17-E3/54 datasheet, BZW04-17-E3/54 pinout, BZW04-17-E3/54 application, or BZW04-17-E3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified transient suppressor for bidirectional DC lines where low clamping ratio, fast response (<1 ns), and stable temperature coefficient (0.090 %/°C) are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

This TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with no polarity marking on the DO-41 case - enabling direct placement across unidirectional or bidirectional signal paths without orientation concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at V_WM) and repeatable clamping performance under repetitive surge conditions.

The device delivers 400 W peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform at T_A = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and supports 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at T_L = 75 °C. Junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +175 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 stress testing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-41 (DO-204AL) axial-leaded package: hermetically sealed glass passivated chip in molded epoxy housing rated UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards; E3 suffix indicates JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ17CA and P6KE18CA, BZW04-17-E3/54 offers AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-41 through-hole reliability, and optimized thermal response for automotive under-hood use - making it the preferred choice where vibration resistance, serviceability, and automotive-grade validation are mandatory.

Availability

BZW04-17-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for BZW04-17-E3/54 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

Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturing consistency.

The BZW04 series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where AEC-Q101 compliance, stable clamping, and long-term parametric stability are essential.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of BZW04-17-E3/54?

BZW04-17-E3/54 is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical electrical characteristics in both directions. It has no polarity marking on the DO-41 package, and either lead functions as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - eliminating orientation concerns during board assembly and simplifying design-in for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.

Is BZW04-17-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, BZW04-17-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. This qualification confirms its suitability for under-hood and cabin-mounted automotive electronics such as body control modules, sensor interfaces, and infotainment power supplies.

What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in BZW04-17-E3/54?

The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction meeting JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/54" specifies the packaging format - 13-inch paper tape and reel containing 550 units. This format ensures compatibility with standard pick-and-place equipment and supports automated high-volume manufacturing of BZW04-17-E3/54.

How does BZW04-17-E3/54 perform under elevated ambient temperatures?

BZW04-17-E3/54 exhibits linear derating of peak pulse power above 25 °C, retaining ~75 % of its 400 W rating at 75 °C and ~50 % at 125 °C per Fig. 2 in the datasheet. Its +175 °C maximum junction temperature and 0.090 %/°C V_BR temperature coefficient ensure predictable clamping behavior even in sustained high-ambient environments like engine compartments.

Can BZW04-17-E3/54 be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes?

No - BZW04-17-E3/54 is strictly bidirectional and must not replace unidirectional TVS diodes in DC-biased circuits where forward conduction would cause short-circuit failure. Its symmetrical IV curve makes it appropriate only for AC lines, floating references, or bidirectional data buses; for DC power rail protection, a unidirectional variant (e.g., BZW04P-17) or alternate part must be selected.