Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE12
- Part No.:
- P4KE12
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE12.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 12V, UNIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,646
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Product details
Overview
P4KE12 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12 V nominal breakdown voltage, 9.72 V working stand-off voltage, 17.3 V maximum clamping voltage at 24 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive lighting control modules to safeguard microcontroller I/O against load-dump transients.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE12 datasheet, P4KE12 pinout, P4KE12 application, or P4KE12 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, leakage current at operating voltage, thermal derating above 25°C, and DO-41 package compatibility with existing PCB layouts for retrofit ESD hardening.
Technical Context
The P4KE12 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 10.8–13.2 V breakdown range at 1 mA test current. Its low dynamic impedance enables rapid clamping response (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR) and limits transient energy dissipation across sensitive downstream circuitry.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression, supports AEC-Q101 qualification (when ordered with "H" suffix), and maintains <1 µA reverse leakage at 9.72 V - ensuring minimal standby power impact in always-on automotive subsystems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 12 V - defines rated standoff level before avalanche conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 10.8–13.2 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable triggering within defined tolerance band under standard test conditions |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 9.72 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage; sets upper limit for safe DC rail operation |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage VC | 17.3 V @ 24 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; must stay below IC's absolute max rating |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400 W - energy-handling capacity for single non-repetitive transients per industry-standard waveform |
| Reverse Leakage ID | <1 µA @ 9.72 V - negligible current draw in normal operation, critical for low-power sensor nodes |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55 °C to +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive deployment without thermal derating penalties |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; establishes reference for clamping action |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V supply rail); conducts avalanche current to ground during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast response time | <1.0 ps rise to breakdown - prevents sub-nanosecond ESD events from propagating to IC inputs |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.6 - tight voltage margin preserves headroom for downstream logic-level interfaces |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | Available with "H" suffix - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and humidity testing |
| UL recognition | File #E-326243 - confirms flammability compliance (UL 94V-0) and safety agency acceptance |
| Halogen-free construction | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 - meets environmental requirements for RoHS-compliant manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN transceiver power pins in headlamp ECU against load-dump spikes up to 40 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching regulator and MCU. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤17.3 V, well below 20 V absolute max rating of typical 5 V LDOs and transceivers - preventing latch-up or permanent damage. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on field-side input traces, absorbing inductive kickback before optocoupler input stage. Use Value: Withstands 400 W surges and clamps at 17.3 V, enabling use of cost-effective 24 V-rated optocouplers instead of higher-voltage alternatives. |
| USB Port ESD Hardening | DC Power Rail Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 host ports in industrial gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Back-to-back placement with series resistor to absorb ±15 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 µA leakage at 5 V ensures no impact on USB suspend current budget; fast response prevents ESD coupling into PHY. | Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V auxiliary power rail in telecom base station power distribution board from lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense mounted at board edge, coordinated with upstream MOV and downstream ceramic capacitor. Use Value: 400 W rating handles high-energy transients; DO-41 package allows manual rework and field replacement without redesign. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse P4KE12A | Tighter VBR tolerance (11.4–12.6 V vs. 10.8–13.2 V); lower VC = 16.7 V at 25 A | Better suited for designs requiring tighter clamping margin near 12 V rails | Select P4KE12A if clamping headroom is constrained and tighter VBR spec is required |
| ON Semiconductor 1N6267A | Same DO-41 package; VBR = 11.4–12.6 V; VC = 16.7 V @ 25 A; AEC-Q101 qualified | Direct drop-in alternative with identical electrical envelope and automotive qualification | Choose 1N6267A when AEC-Q101 compliance is mandatory and sourcing flexibility is needed |
Compared with P4KE12, P4KE12A offers improved VBR consistency and slightly lower clamping, while 1N6267A provides guaranteed AEC-Q101 validation - making it preferable for new automotive designs where qualification traceability is required.
Availability
P4KE12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC I/O protection, USB port ESD hardening, and DC power rail surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE12 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 MOSFETs - headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-energy surge immunity in automotive, industrial, and consumer power interface applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE12 under standard 10/1000 µs surge conditions?
The P4KE12 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.3 V at 24 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a standardized surge event - critical for verifying compatibility with downstream IC voltage tolerances. The P4KE12 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating junction temperature range.
Is the P4KE12 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, the P4KE12 is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional operation. Its cathode band marking indicates polarity-sensitive installation, and electrical characteristics apply only in reverse-biased mode. For bidirectional protection, select the P4KE12CA variant (if available) or a dedicated bidirectional part such as P4KE12A - which retains the same VBR range but supports symmetrical clamping in both directions. Always verify polarity alignment during PCB layout for P4KE12.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the P4KE12 at its working stand-off voltage?
The P4KE12 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1 µA at its working stand-off voltage of 9.72 V, measured at 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems such as automotive body control modules or IoT sensor nodes. The value remains stable across the full −55 °C to +125 °C ambient range, supporting reliable operation in harsh environments without compromising battery life or signal integrity.
Does the P4KE12 meet automotive reliability standards?
The base P4KE12 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE12H variant - indicated by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is fully AEC-Q101 qualified and tested for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock. For automotive applications requiring formal qualification, specify P4KE12H. The P4KE12 itself remains suitable for non-automotive industrial or consumer use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
What package type does the P4KE12 use, and are lead finish and solderability specified?
The P4KE12 uses the DO-204AL (DO-41) axial-leaded package with pure tin-plated leads that comply with J-STD-002 for solderability. The molding compound meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating, and the device passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing. Its 0.300 g weight and standardized DO-41 footprint enable compatibility with legacy through-hole assembly processes and manual rework - making P4KE12 ideal for both high-volume production and field-service repair scenarios.
P4KE12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- P4KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 9.72V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 17.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 24A
- 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)
P4KE12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE12 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 P4KE12 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE12?
P4KE12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE12 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 P4KE12?
For technical support, including P4KE12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE12 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 P4KE12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE12?
All P4KE12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE12, 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 P4KE12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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