Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation BZW04-188

Overview

BZW04-188 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge clamping in automotive and industrial power rails. It features a 188 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 209–231 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 301 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 1.4 A peak impulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating at 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed to protect CAN transceivers and microcontroller I/O against EFT and load dump.

For engineers reviewing the BZW04-188 datasheet, BZW04-188 pinout, BZW04-188 application, or BZW04-188 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-41 package compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification option (BZW04-188H), junction temperature range (−55°C to +175°C), and low leakage (<1 µA @ 188 V), critical for low-power battery-backed systems.

Technical Context

The BZW04-188 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, triggered only under reverse-biased overvoltage conditions. Its clamping action begins at VBR (209–231 V) and limits transient energy to ≤301 V at 1.4 A, delivering predictable protection without latch-up or degradation under single-pulse stress.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJL = 60°C/W and R_θJA = 100°C/W on PCB, supporting operation up to T_J = 175°C. The device meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability requirements, confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, cathode band marked on one end for unidirectional polarity identification. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ188A and P6KE188A, the BZW04-188 delivers tighter VBR tolerance (209–231 V vs. ±10% for P6KE), AEC-Q101 qualification path (H variant), and optimized thermal resistance (R_θJL = 60°C/W) for leaded high-reliability deployments.

Availability

BZW04-188 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and LED driver overvoltage clamping requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for BZW04-188 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 thyristors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BZW04 series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications, emphasizing AEC-Q101 readiness, tight parameter binning, and robust thermal performance in axial-leaded packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the BZW04-188 under standard surge conditions?

The BZW04-188 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 301 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at 1.4 A peak impulse current (IPP). This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The BZW04-188 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (−55°C to +175°C), making it suitable for under-hood automotive use.

Is the BZW04-188 available in an AEC-Q101 qualified version?

Yes, the BZW04-188H is the AEC-Q101 qualified variant of the BZW04-188. It undergoes accelerated stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life per AEC-Q101 Rev D. The "H" suffix denotes qualification, and the device retains identical electrical specifications and DO-41 packaging. BZW04-188H is recommended for automotive powertrain and body electronics where component reliability certification is mandatory.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for the BZW04-188 at its working stand-off voltage?

The BZW04-188 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1 µA when biased at its 188 V working stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at TA = 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems such as automotive telematics modules or battery-powered IoT sensors. Leakage remains below 5 µA across the full −55°C to +125°C ambient range, preserving system efficiency without compromising protection integrity.

How does the BZW04-188 differ from the P6KE188A in terms of electrical performance and packaging?

The BZW04-188 offers tighter VBR tolerance (209–231 V vs. 209–253 V for P6KE188A), lower thermal resistance (R_θJL = 60°C/W vs. ~75°C/W), and AEC-Q101 qualification path (H variant), while both use axial DO-41/DO-15 packages. The BZW04-188's 400 W PPK matches P6KE188A's 600 W rating only at lower pulse widths; however, its tighter binning and automotive qualification make it preferable for modern ECU designs where parameter consistency and reliability documentation are critical.

Can the BZW04-188 be used in bidirectional configurations?

No - the BZW04-188 is a unidirectional TVS diode. For bidirectional protection, the designated part is BZW04-188B, which features symmetrical breakdown in both polarities and identical VWM/VBR ratings. Using BZW04-188 in reverse-biased AC or floating-signal applications will result in forward conduction and failure. Always verify marking: BZW04-188 has a cathode band; BZW04-188B is marked with "B" and lacks polarity indication.