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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE120C

Name: P4KE120C
Brand: Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
SKU: P4KE120C
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: P4KE120C

Manufacturer:: Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial

Datasheet:: P4KE120C.pdf

Description:: 400W, 120V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:6,273

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Product details

Overview

P4KE120C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal paths. It features a 120V nominal standoff voltage, 108–132V breakdown range at 1mA test current, 97.2V working peak reverse voltage, 173V maximum clamping voltage at 2.4A peak pulse current, and 400W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform - deployed in automotive lighting control and industrial sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE120C datasheet, P4KE120C pinout, P4KE120C application, or P4KE120C equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC V_DD, leakage current below 1μA at 97.2V, bidirectional symmetry for AC-coupled lines, and DO-41 package compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The P4KE120C operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping voltage transients in both polarities without polarity dependence. Its junction structure enables sub-nanosecond response (<5ns rise time from 0V to V_BR) and low dynamic impedance during surge events, ensuring fast energy diversion before downstream components experience overvoltage stress.

It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for transient suppression testing and meets AEC-Q101 qualification when ordered with "H" suffix (e.g., P4KE120CH). The device sustains 175°C maximum junction temperature and exhibits a +0.107%/°C V_BR temperature coefficient, enabling predictable performance across automotive and industrial thermal ranges.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	97.2 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage begins; sets upper limit for safe DC bias in protected circuit.
V_BR min/max	108 V / 132 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable conduction onset above normal operating voltage but below system damage threshold.
V_C @ I_PPM	173 V at 2.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; defines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream ICs during 400W transient event.
I_PPM	2.4 A - Peak pulse current capability; determines minimum series impedance required to limit surge energy into protected node.
P_PK	400 W - Non-repetitive surge power handling per standard waveform; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity designs.
I_R @ V_WM	<1 μA - Reverse leakage at rated standoff voltage; ensures negligible standby power loss and no signal distortion in high-impedance sensing paths.
T_J max	175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and enclosed industrial enclosures without derating.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode (unmarked end)	Current entry terminal in forward bias; cathode band denotes opposite end	Bidirectional operation means either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity - no fixed polarity assignment required in layout.
Cathode (banded end)	Current exit terminal in forward bias; marking identifies polarity for unidirectional variants	Band is present for manufacturing traceability only; electrically identical to anode in P4KE120C due to symmetrical construction.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Bidirectional clamping	Identical V_BR, V_C, and I_PPM in both directions - eliminates need for polarity-aware placement in AC or differential signal lines.
Fast transient response	<5 ns rise time from 0 V to V_BR - engages before most microcontroller I/O pins can be damaged by EFT or lightning-induced surges.
Low leakage current	<1 μA at 97.2 V - preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules and avoids loading of high-impedance sensor outputs.
AEC-Q101 qualified option	Available as P4KE120CH - validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress-test requirements including temperature cycling and HTRB.
RoHS & halogen-free	Compliant with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive - supports green manufacturing and export compliance for global OEM programs.

Applications

Automotive LED Headlamp Driver Protection	Industrial CAN Bus Transceiver Interface
Use Scenario: Protects LED driver ICs from load-dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and jump-start spikes up to ±120V in 12V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input rails to clamp surges before they reach buck controller and gate drivers. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤173V during 400W transients, preventing latch-up or oxide rupture in 65V-rated MOSFETs and logic ICs.	Use Scenario: Shields CAN FD transceivers (e.g., TJA1057) from ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) on differential bus lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed line-to-line (CANH–CANL) to suppress common-mode surges while preserving signal integrity via low capacitance (~50pF). Use Value: Clamps differential transients within 5ns, maintaining <1% timing skew between CANH/CANL edges during 2Mbps communication.
Smart Building Occupancy Sensor Power Input	PLC Digital Input Module Surge Protection
Use Scenario: Guards 24V DC-powered PIR/microwave sensors against induced surges from nearby relay switching or HVAC motor noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at board edge across V_IN–GND to absorb repetitive 10/1000μs transients up to 400W without degradation. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 24V nominal, avoiding false triggers in ultra-low-power sleep modes (<10μA system current).	Use Scenario: Protects 24V digital input optocouplers in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected between input terminal and ground to shunt surge current away from series current-limiting resistor and opto-LED. Use Value: Withstands 2.4A peak pulse without parametric shift, ensuring >100,000 surge cycles before V_C drift exceeds 5%.

Automotive LED Headlamp Driver Protection

Industrial CAN Bus Transceiver Interface

Use Scenario: Protects LED driver ICs from load-dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and jump-start spikes up to ±120V in 12V vehicle systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input rails to clamp surges before they reach buck controller and gate drivers.

Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤173V during 400W transients, preventing latch-up or oxide rupture in 65V-rated MOSFETs and logic ICs.

Use Scenario: Shields CAN FD transceivers (e.g., TJA1057) from ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) on differential bus lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed line-to-line (CANH–CANL) to suppress common-mode surges while preserving signal integrity via low capacitance (~50pF).

Use Value: Clamps differential transients within 5ns, maintaining <1% timing skew between CANH/CANL edges during 2Mbps communication.

Smart Building Occupancy Sensor Power Input

PLC Digital Input Module Surge Protection

Use Scenario: Guards 24V DC-powered PIR/microwave sensors against induced surges from nearby relay switching or HVAC motor noise.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at board edge across V_IN–GND to absorb repetitive 10/1000μs transients up to 400W without degradation.

Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 24V nominal, avoiding false triggers in ultra-low-power sleep modes (<10μA system current).

Use Scenario: Protects 24V digital input optocouplers in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected between input terminal and ground to shunt surge current away from series current-limiting resistor and opto-LED.

Use Value: Withstands 2.4A peak pulse without parametric shift, ensuring >100,000 surge cycles before V_C drift exceeds 5%.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ120CA (Bourns)	Same 120V nominal, DO-214AA package, 200W rating (vs. 400W), lower V_C = 196V @ 2.05A	Suitable for space-constrained SMT layouts; lower surge rating limits use to lighter-duty industrial I/O.	Select when PCB real estate is limited and peak surge energy is ≤200W; verify layout thermal relief for SMB footprint.
1.5KE120CA (ON Semiconductor)	Same DO-41 package, 1500W rating, higher V_C = 193V @ 7.8A, larger case volume	Used where higher single-event energy tolerance is required (e.g., outdoor telecom power inputs).	Choose for applications needing >400W headroom or legacy 1.5KE footprint compatibility; expect 30% larger board area.

Compared with SMBJ120CA and 1.5KE120CA, the P4KE120C delivers optimal balance of 400W surge capacity, DO-41 through-hole compatibility, and 173V clamping - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-energy automotive and industrial protection where proven mechanical robustness matters.

Availability

P4KE120C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial CAN bus interfaces, smart building sensor power inputs, and PLC digital input modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for P4KE120C 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability surge immunity in harsh environments - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parameter distribution, and long-term parametric stability under thermal cycling.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of P4KE120C and how is it measured?

The P4KE120C has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 173 V, measured at a peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 2.4 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is guaranteed per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and reflects the highest voltage that will appear across the P4KE120C terminals during a full-power 400W transient event - critical for verifying margin against downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.

Is P4KE120C unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect circuit placement?

P4KE120C is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping for positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE120A), the P4KE120C has identical V_BR, V_C, and I_PPM in both directions - allowing placement across any two nodes (e.g., CANH–CANL or V_IN–GND) without regard to orientation. The cathode band on the DO-41 package is retained for traceability but carries no functional polarity meaning for the P4KE120C.

What is the maximum operating temperature for P4KE120C and how does it impact reliability?

The P4KE120C has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) of 175°C, verified per JEDEC JESD22-A103. This rating enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and sealed industrial enclosures where ambient temperatures exceed 105°C. At T_J = 175°C, the device maintains its specified V_BR and V_C parameters within datasheet limits, and its +0.107%/°C temperature coefficient ensures predictable voltage shift - supporting robust design margining for long-lifecycle applications.

How does P4KE120C compare to P4KE120A in terms of electrical performance?

The P4KE120C is bidirectional with symmetrical characteristics, while P4KE120A is unidirectional and optimized for DC-biased lines. Key differences: P4KE120C has V_BR = 108–132 V in both directions and V_C = 173 V @ 2.4 A; P4KE120A has identical V_BR and V_C values but conducts only in reverse bias - forward voltage drop (V_F) is 3.5 V at 25 A. Use P4KE120C for AC, differential, or polarity-agnostic protection; choose P4KE120A when forward conduction must be blocked or minimized.

Does P4KE120C meet automotive qualification standards?

The base P4KE120C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the variant P4KE120CH (with "H" suffix) is fully AEC-Q101 qualified per stress tests including HTOL, TC, and UHAST. P4KE120CH is manufactured in the same process and shares identical electrical specs with P4KE120C - differing only in extended reliability validation. For automotive powertrain or body control modules, specify P4KE120CH to ensure compliance with OEM component approval requirements.

P4KE120C 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:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 97.2V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 108V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 173V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 2.4A

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)

P4KE120C FAQ

1.How can I place an order for P4KE120C through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE120C 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 P4KE120C reliable?

The price and inventory of P4KE120C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE120C is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE120C?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE120C transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for P4KE120C?

P4KE120C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your P4KE120C 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 P4KE120C?

For technical support, including P4KE120C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE120C requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE120C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All P4KE120C 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 P4KE120C meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE120C?

All P4KE120C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE120C, 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 P4KE120C part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for P4KE120C:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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