Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division BZW04P20-E3/73
- Part No.:
- BZW04P20-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
BZW04P20-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20.5VWM 33.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,358
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Product details
Overview
BZW04P20-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional TransZorb® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust overvoltage protection in signal and power lines. It features a 20.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 33.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 12.0 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power capability with a 10/1000 µs waveform - suitable for safeguarding MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the BZW04P20-E3/73 datasheet, BZW04P20-E3/73 pinout, BZW04P20-E3/73 application, or BZW04P20-E3/73 equivalent, key selection considerations include its DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package, bi-directional polarity, AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and verified clamping performance under repetitive surge conditions.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS diode operates symmetrically in both forward and reverse directions, delivering consistent clamping behavior across voltage transients induced by inductive load switching or ESD events. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance.
The device is rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and supports 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. It meets JESD 22-B106 solder dip requirements (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 class 1A whisker testing per the E3 suffix.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20.5 V - Maximum continuous working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VC @ IPPM | 33.2 V - Clamped voltage at 12.0 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs); limits downstream voltage stress during surge events. |
| PPPM | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables protection against high-energy transients per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4. |
| IPPM | 12.0 A - Peak pulse current supported at rated waveform; validates robustness against automotive load dump surges. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood and industrial environments with thermal derating. |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Standard axial-leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy; compatible with through-hole assembly and manual repair. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance per AEC stress test standards. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical glass-passivated body with matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking - bi-directional symmetry eliminates cathode/anode orientation concerns during placement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient conduction path | Both terminals function identically; no DC polarity dependency - ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. |
| Lead 1 | Current entry/exit point | Accepts surge current from either direction; low-inductance path to PCB trace or chassis ground. |
| Lead 2 | Current entry/exit point | Completes symmetrical clamping loop; enables bidirectional energy shunting without external circuit modification. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5% min–max spread) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports repeated surge events in industrial motor drives and automotive ECUs without parameter drift or degradation. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability - required for commercial and automotive production. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62) | Minimizes protected circuit overvoltage margin; allows tighter design margins for 24 V rail protection compared to higher-ratio TVS devices. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and jump-start transients in vehicle body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground to limit transient excursions below IC absolute maximum ratings. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 12 V system surges up to ±40 V with sub-1 ns response time and no latch-up risk. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules exposed to relay coil flyback and EMI coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element that diverts inductive kickback energy away from precision ADC front-ends and op-amp buffers. Use Value: Limits voltage overshoot to ≤33.2 V at 12 A, preventing damage to 3.3 V or 5 V signal chain components without adding series impedance. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Equipment ESD Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on POTS line interfaces in VoIP gateways subjected to lightning-induced surges per ITU-T K.20. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamping stage following gas discharge tube (GDT) primary protection to handle residual fast-rising transients. Use Value: Delivers <1 ns response and 400 W pulse handling to suppress post-GDT let-through energy while maintaining low capacitance (<100 pF). |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for USB 2.0 data lines and HDMI hot-plug detect pins in set-top boxes and smart displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bi-directional clamp placed directly at connector to shunt ±8 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Provides symmetrical clamping without signal inversion or DC bias shift - critical for differential high-speed interfaces. |
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 | Same VWM (20 V), but SMC package (surface-mount); 600 W PPPM; higher IPPM (32.4 A). | Requires PCB re-layout for SMD footprint; better suited for high-density consumer boards than through-hole industrial designs. | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is preferred over manual through-hole insertion. |
| P6KE20CA | Same DO-15 package and bi-directionality; lower PPPM (600 W), but larger case size and higher VC (36.5 V). | Less precise clamping margin for 24 V systems; used where legacy DO-15 compatibility is mandatory. | Choose only if existing DO-15 footprint must be retained and 3.3 V higher clamping voltage is acceptable. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and P6KE20CA, BZW04P20-E3/73 offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and tight 33.2 V clamping - making it the preferred choice for new automotive and industrial designs requiring proven reliability and DO-41 compatibility.
Availability
BZW04P20-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for BZW04P20-E3/73 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The BZW04P series belongs to Vishay's TransZorb® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments - including automotive, industrial automation, and telecommunications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of BZW04P20-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The BZW04P20-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 33.2 V when subjected to its rated 12.0 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88316) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events.
Is BZW04P20-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, BZW04P20-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its construction - including glass-passivated junction, DO-41 mechanical robustness, and 175 °C junction rating - meets stress test requirements for engine control units, body electronics, and sensor modules in passenger and commercial vehicles.
What does the "E3/73" suffix indicate in BZW04P20-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant matte tin plating meeting JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance, while "/73" specifies the packaging option: 73 mm tape-and-reel format with 550 units per reel. This matches Vishay's preferred ordering code BZW04P20-E3/73 as listed in the official ordering information table.
How does BZW04P20-E3/73 differ from uni-directional variants like BZW04P20?
BZW04P20-E3/73 is the bi-directional version (denoted by the implicit "B" in its functional designation), meaning it clamps symmetrically in both polarities with no cathode marking. In contrast, uni-directional BZW04P20 has a color band indicating cathode and only clamps in reverse bias - making BZW04P20-E3/73 appropriate for AC or floating signal lines where polarity is undefined.
What is the maximum operating temperature for BZW04P20-E3/73?
The BZW04P20-E3/73 has a specified operating junction and storage temperature range of –55 °C to +175 °C. This wide range supports deployment in under-hood automotive locations, industrial motor controls, and outdoor telecom equipment without thermal derating penalties up to 125 °C ambient.
BZW04P20-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
BZW04P20-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BZW04P20-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BZW04P20-E3/73 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 BZW04P20-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of BZW04P20-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BZW04P20-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BZW04P20-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BZW04P20-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BZW04P20-E3/73?
BZW04P20-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BZW04P20-E3/73 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 BZW04P20-E3/73?
For technical support, including BZW04P20-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BZW04P20-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BZW04P20-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BZW04P20-E3/73 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 BZW04P20-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BZW04P20-E3/73?
All BZW04P20-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BZW04P20-E3/73, 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 BZW04P20-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BZW04P20-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BZW04P20-E3/73 Tags

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