Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KA20HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KA20HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KA20HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,590
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Product details
Overview
P4KA20HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional automotive-grade transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AL (DO-41) package, rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 18.0–22.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 13.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM). It protects sensitive ICs and MOSFETs against inductive switching transients in automotive powertrain control units.
For engineers reviewing the P4KA20HE3/54 datasheet, P4KA20HE3/54 pinout, P4KA20HE3/54 application, or P4KA20HE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 185 °C maximum junction temperature, 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation, and low clamping voltage of 29.1 V at IPPM.
Technical Context
The P4KA20HE3/54 employs Vishay's patented PAR® construction for stable clamping under high-temperature operation and repetitive surge stress. Its unidirectional polarity and 10/1000 µs waveform response enable precise overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines.
Designed per ANSI/IEEE C62.35, it delivers 29.1 V clamping at 13.7 A surge current with 0.090 %/°C VBR temperature coefficient and 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 16.2 V stand-off voltage - ensuring reliable operation across -65 °C to +185 °C junction range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 µs) | 400 W - sustains single high-energy transients without failure in automotive load-dump scenarios |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 18.0–22.0 V at 1 mA - defines precise voltage threshold for avalanche conduction onset |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 29.1 V at 13.7 A IPPM - limits downstream voltage stress during surge events |
| Stand-off Voltage VWM | 16.2 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage begins |
| Max Reverse Leakage ID | 1.0 µA at VWM, 150 °C - ensures minimal standby power loss in hot under-hood environments |
| Junction Temperature Range | -65 °C to +185 °C - supports placement near engines or inverters without derating |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode denoted by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; connected to protected circuit ground | Provides low-impedance path to ground during reverse transient clamping |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail) | Acts as voltage reference node; color band identifies this terminal for correct PCB orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Patented PAR® construction | Enables stable VBR and low dynamic impedance across temperature and lifetime |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load-dump energy without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix) | Validated for automotive under-hood use including whisker resistance (JESD201 Class 2) |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage margin required for protected ICs' absolute maximum ratings |
| 185 °C max junction temperature | Permits direct mounting on high-temperature PCB zones near power stages |
Applications
| Automotive Powertrain Control | Industrial Motor Drive Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and gate drivers in engine control modules exposed to alternator load-dump transients. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between 12 V supply rail and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤29.1 V during 400 W surges, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers and position sensor interfaces in variable-frequency drives subject to inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Line-to-ground transient suppressor on isolated communication bus lines. Use Value: Clamps fast-rising edges (<1 ns response) while maintaining <1.0 µA leakage at 16.2 V, preserving signal integrity. |
| Automotive Body Electronics | Telecom Power Supply Input |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding LIN bus transceivers and LED driver ICs in door module ECUs from battery reversal and jump-start spikes. IC Role / Device Role: Bidirectional protection implemented using two unidirectional devices (cathode-to-cathode). Use Value: Withstands 40 A IFSM surge and operates up to 185 °C, enabling compact placement near connectors. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on 24 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding base station backplane regulators. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping device upstream of bulk capacitance and DC/DC converters. Use Value: 29.1 V clamping ensures downstream 24 V-rated components remain within safe operating area during lightning-induced surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Lower peak pulse power (400 W same), but lower IPPM (13.3 A), higher VC (32.4 V), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; less suitable for through-hole automotive harness connections | Select when board space is constrained and thermal coupling to copper pour is optimized |
| 1.5KE20A | Same DO-204AL package, but 1500 W rating, higher VBR tolerance (18–22 V vs. 18–22 V), larger case (DO-201AE), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Lacks automotive reliability validation; unsuitable for safety-critical ECU designs requiring Q101 traceability | Choose only for non-automotive industrial use where higher surge margin is needed and qualification is not mandated |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KA20HE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-41 through-hole robustness, and tight 18.0–22.0 V VBR window - making it the preferred choice for production automotive electronics requiring long-term reliability and audit-ready compliance.
Availability
P4KA20HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, industrial motor drive protection, and telecom power supply input applications requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for P4KA20HE3/54 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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and passive components for demanding industrial and automotive environments.
The P4KA20HE3/54 belongs to Vishay's automotive TVS diode family engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems - emphasizing stability, low clamping, and long-life surge endurance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KA20HE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KA20HE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1 V at 13.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and ensures protected circuits experience controlled overvoltage during surge events. The P4KA20HE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range up to 185 °C junction temperature.
Is the P4KA20HE3/54 suitable for automotive applications requiring qualification?
Yes, the P4KA20HE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and designated as high-reliability automotive grade (HE3 suffix). It meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements and is validated for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and surge endurance per automotive standards. The P4KA20HE3/54 is explicitly intended for use in engine control units, body modules, and other safety-relevant vehicle systems.
What does the HE3/54 suffix indicate in P4KA20HE3/54?
The HE3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, high-reliability automotive grade construction with JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance testing. The /54 indicates the preferred packaging code: 5500-piece 13-inch paper tape and reel delivery format. This packaging enables automated pick-and-place assembly while maintaining moisture sensitivity level (MSL) compliance for the P4KA20HE3/54.
How does the P4KA20HE3/54 differ from the P4KA20A variant?
The P4KA20HE3/54 has a breakdown voltage range of 18.0–22.0 V, while the P4KA20A variant is tighter at 19.0–21.0 V. Both share identical package (DO-41), power rating (400 W), and AEC-Q101 qualification. The P4KA20HE3/54 offers broader VBR tolerance for cost-sensitive designs where tighter regulation is not required, whereas P4KA20A targets precision clamping applications. Both are drop-in replacements in the same footprint.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the P4KA20HE3/54?
The P4KA20HE3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 1.5 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet. This rating governs continuous reverse-bias leakage power handling and must be considered alongside transient surge capability when designing thermal margins for the P4KA20HE3/54.
P4KA20HE3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- PAR®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 185°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KA20HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KA20HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KA20HE3/54 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 P4KA20HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KA20HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KA20HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KA20HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KA20HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KA20HE3/54?
P4KA20HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KA20HE3/54 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 P4KA20HE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KA20HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KA20HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KA20HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KA20HE3/54 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 P4KA20HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KA20HE3/54?
All P4KA20HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KA20HE3/54, 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 P4KA20HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KA20HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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