Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZW04-20B-E3/54
- Part No.:
- BZW04-20B-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZW04-20B-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20.5VWM 33.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BZW04-20B-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 20.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.8–25.2 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 33.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 12 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 BZW04-20B-E3/54 datasheet, BZW04-20B-E3/54 pinout, BZW04-20B-E3/54 application, or BZW04-20B-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-41 mechanical dimensions, clamping performance under surge conditions, and direct alternatives for ESD/transient hardening in 24 V systems.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with identical VBR, VC, and leakage characteristics across forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance, critical for repeatable clamping during repetitive transients.
The device complies with AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability and supports 175 °C maximum junction temperature operation. It is rated for 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature and withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge currents up to 40 A in unidirectional variants - though BZW04-20B-E3/54 is bidirectional and thus excludes IFSM specification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20.5 V - maximum continuous working voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.8 V / 25.2 V at 1 mA - precise breakdown threshold ensuring predictable turn-on during fast transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 33.2 V at 12 A - clamped voltage level limiting downstream component stress during 10/1000 μs surges. |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capability per single transient event, enabling protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a. |
| IPPM | 12 A - maximum non-repetitive peak pulse current supported with defined clamping, derated above 25 °C ambient. |
| Leakage (ID) | 1.0 μA max at VWM - negligible standby current preserving signal integrity and low-power circuit operation. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high-temperature junction rating supporting under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTRB, HTGB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 compliant epoxy molding, and no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional construction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical terminal behavior in both directions; either lead serves as input/output node for bidirectional clamping. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Connection interface | Leads provide mechanical mounting and thermal path; solderable per J-STD-002/JESD22-B102, rated for 275 °C/10 s dip. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust immunity to load dump and inductive switching transients in 12–24 V systems without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including body control modules, sensor hubs, and infotainment I/O. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or damage to protected ICs like CAN transceivers. |
| DO-41 mechanical compatibility | Enables drop-in replacement in legacy through-hole designs and supports automated insertion with standard tooling. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC Analog Inputs |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting Hall-effect and temperature sensors connected to 24 V supply rails in engine control units against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between signal line and ground, conducting only during overvoltage events >20.5 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤33.2 V at 12 A, preventing damage to precision ADC front-ends and maintaining sensor accuracy post-event. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in programmable logic controllers exposed to field wiring surges and ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby protector across input terminals, absorbing fast-rising transients while remaining invisible to normal analog signal range. Use Value: 1.0 μA leakage at 20.5 V avoids offset errors in high-impedance measurement circuits; DO-41 form factor fits dense PCB layouts. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS element placed differential-mode across A/B bus lines, clamping common-mode spikes via shared ground reference. Use Value: Symmetrical bidirectional response ensures equal protection regardless of surge polarity; 33.2 V clamping preserves transceiver's ±7 V common-mode range. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller GPIOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<100 pF typical) shunt device across motor terminals or driver outputs to divert inductive kickback. Use Value: Fast response time and 400 W rating handle repetitive 100 ns–1 μs spikes without degradation; RoHS-compliant E3 suffix meets global compliance mandates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | DO-214AA (SMB) package, 20 V VWM, 32.4 V VC @ 12.3 A, same 400 W rating but lower clamping voltage. | Better suited for space-constrained SMT designs; requires PCB rework due to surface-mount footprint. | Select when board real estate is limited and reflow assembly is available; verify thermal relief for 1.5 W dissipation. |
| P6KE20CA | DO-15 package, 20 V VWM, 34.6 V VC @ 11.6 A, 600 W PPPM, higher surge margin but larger body and longer leads. | Higher energy handling supports harsher industrial environments; less optimal for high-frequency transient suppression. | Prefer for legacy DO-15 socket compatibility or where 600 W headroom justifies added size and inductance. |
Compared with BZW04-20B-E3/54, SMBJ20CA offers tighter clamping and SMT integration at the cost of through-hole compatibility, while P6KE20CA provides greater surge endurance in a less compact axial package - making BZW04-20B-E3/54 the balanced choice for AEC-Q101-compliant, DO-41-based 24 V system protection.
Availability
BZW04-20B-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for BZW04-20B-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The BZW04 series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where bidirectional clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of BZW04-20B-E3/54 and how does it protect downstream components?
The BZW04-20B-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 33.2 V at 12 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a transient event. By holding the voltage across sensitive components - such as microcontrollers or CAN transceivers - below their absolute maximum ratings, the BZW04-20B-E3/54 prevents overvoltage damage while allowing normal operation at its 20.5 V stand-off voltage. Its low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) reflects efficient energy diversion without excessive overshoot.
Is BZW04-20B-E3/54 qualified for automotive use, and what does AEC-Q101 certification cover?
Yes, BZW04-20B-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the HE3 suffix variant - and the E3/54 part shares identical die and construction. AEC-Q101 certification validates performance under accelerated stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), high-temperature gate bias (HTGB), temperature cycling (TCT), and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing (uHAST). This ensures reliability in automotive under-hood and cabin environments where junction temperatures reach +175 °C and long-term stability is critical. The BZW04-20B-E3/54 meets these requirements with its glass-passivated junction and DO-41 package robustness.
How does the bidirectional nature of BZW04-20B-E3/54 affect its placement in a circuit?
The bidirectional design of BZW04-20B-E3/54 means it conducts identically in both polarities - eliminating need for orientation during placement and enabling symmetrical protection across AC-coupled or differential signal paths. In practice, it is installed between a signal line and ground (or between two lines in differential mode) without regard to anode/cathode direction. This simplifies layout, reduces assembly errors, and ensures consistent clamping whether the transient is positive-going or negative-going - essential for protecting RS-485 buses, audio lines, or sensor bridges where polarity reversal can occur.
What is the meaning of the "E3/54" suffix in BZW04-20B-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/54" denotes the preferred packaging code: 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel containing 550 units. This format supports automated pick-and-place assembly and ensures traceability per Vishay's ordering conventions. While the base part BZW04-20B is bidirectional and rated for 20.5 V stand-off, the E3/54 variant specifies both environmental compliance and logistics configuration - distinct from the HE3/54 version which adds AEC-Q101 qualification.
Can BZW04-20B-E3/54 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like BZW04-20-E3/54?
No - BZW04-20B-E3/54 is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace a unidirectional TVS in DC-biased applications requiring forward conduction blocking. Unidirectional types (e.g., BZW04-20-E3/54) include a cathode band and conduct only in reverse bias, making them suitable for DC power rail protection where forward voltage drop must be avoided. BZW04-20B-E3/54 lacks polarity marking and conducts in both directions, so substituting it into a unidirectional design risks unintended forward conduction and potential circuit malfunction. Always match polarity type to system topology: bidirectional for AC signals or floating references, unidirectional for grounded DC supplies.
BZW04-20B-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 33.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 12A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
BZW04-20B-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZW04-20B-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZW04-20B-E3/54 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BZW04-20B-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZW04-20B-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZW04-20B-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZW04-20B-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZW04-20B-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZW04-20B-E3/54?
BZW04-20B-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZW04-20B-E3/54 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BZW04-20B-E3/54?
For technical support, including BZW04-20B-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZW04-20B-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZW04-20B-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZW04-20B-E3/54 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BZW04-20B-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZW04-20B-E3/54?
All BZW04-20B-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZW04-20B-E3/54, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BZW04-20B-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZW04-20B-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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