Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE12A
- Part No.:
- P4KE12A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE12A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,703
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4KE12A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12V nominal breakdown voltage, 10.2V working stand-off voltage, 16.7V maximum clamping voltage at 25A peak pulse current, and operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range - deployed in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and LED driver input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE12A datasheet, P4KE12A pinout, P4KE12A application, or P4KE12A equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-41 package mechanical data, clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, reverse leakage behavior at VWM, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for automotive-grade ESD and load-dump immunity design.
Technical Context
The P4KE12A is a silicon avalanche diode optimized for fast transient suppression with sub-nanosecond response (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR). Its unidirectional architecture enables low forward voltage drop (VF = 3.5V @ 25A) and tight VBR tolerance (11.4–12.6V @ 1mA), ensuring precise turn-on during overvoltage events without false triggering.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for peak pulse power rating and meets UL 94V-0 flammability requirements in its DO-204AL molded package. The device sustains 400W non-repetitive surge at 10/1000μs waveform while maintaining <1μA reverse leakage above 10.2V - critical for low-power sensor interface protection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 12V - defines rated clamping threshold for system-level surge coordination |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 11.4–12.6V @ 1mA - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within ±5% tolerance |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 10.2V - maximum continuous DC voltage before leakage exceeds 1μA |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage VC | 16.7V @ 25A IPPM - limits downstream IC stress during 400W transient events |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400W @ 10/1000μs - supports automotive load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a compliance |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55°C to +175°C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - industry-standard axial leaded package with tin-plated leads per J-STD-002 |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, cathode indicated by band marking. Leads are pure tin plated and solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈ 0.300g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | DC return / ground reference | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; carries full surge current during clamping |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to supply rail or signal line; avalanche conduction initiates here during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Enables direct use in automotive ECUs without additional qualification testing |
| 400W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120V/400ms in 12V systems |
| Clamping voltage ≤16.7V @ 25A | Keeps protected 12V logic rails below absolute maximum ratings of common microcontrollers |
| Reverse leakage <1μA @ 10.2V | Minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed or energy-sensitive circuits |
| Response time <1.0ps | Engages before ESD or fast transients propagate into sensitive analog front-ends |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V supply rail exposed to alternator load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed upstream of LDO regulators and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤16.7V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 12V-tolerant logic. |
Use Scenario: 24V digital input channel subject to inductive kickback from solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt protector between field input and optocoupler/analog front-end. Use Value: Clamps 400W spikes within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and enabling >100k cycle reliability. |
| LED Driver Input Stage | Smart Sensor Node Power Rail |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver powered from unregulated 12V bus with frequent hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense against connection-induced voltage overshoot and cable discharge events. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 10.2V, avoiding false triggering while delivering sub-ns response to 100V+ transients. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered IoT sensor node with integrated MCU and RF transceiver operating at 3.3V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary rail clamp on 12V-to-3.3V buck converter input to prevent upstream surge propagation. Use Value: Enables robust operation across –40°C to +85°C ambient with no derating required up to TJ = 175°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | Surface-mount SMB package; 12V VBR, 16.7V VC @ 24.7A; 600W PPK | Higher power rating but larger footprint; requires PCB rework for through-hole replacement | Select when board space allows SMT and higher surge margin is needed |
| 1.5KE12A | Same DO-41 package; 12V VBR, 16.7V VC @ 27.5A; 1500W PPK; higher VF (3.5V) | Over-specified for 400W needs; may cause excessive thermal stress in compact enclosures | Choose only if legacy 1.5KE footprint compatibility is mandatory and surge levels exceed 400W |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5KE12A, the P4KE12A offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, 400W surge capability, and low-leakage performance - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial assemblies where DO-41 insertion remains standard.
Availability
P4KE12A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, LED lighting drivers, and smart sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE12A 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 - serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The P4KE series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments; engineered specifically for DO-41 compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, and seamless integration into legacy through-hole production lines.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE12A under surge conditions?
The P4KE12A exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 25A under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that downstream circuitry remains within safe operating limits during transient events - a key parameter confirmed in Taiwan Semiconductor's N2104 datasheet revision.
Is the P4KE12A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the P4KE12A is available in an AEC-Q101 qualified variant (marked with "H" suffix, e.g., P4KE12AH), meeting stress test requirements for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. Even the standard P4KE12A shares identical electrical specs and DO-41 packaging used in automotive body control units, though full qualification requires the H-suffix version.
How does the P4KE12A differ from the P4KE12 (non-A) variant?
The P4KE12A has tighter VBR tolerance (11.4–12.6V vs. 10.8–13.2V for P4KE12) and lower maximum clamping voltage (16.7V vs. 17.3V), resulting in more precise overvoltage protection. Both share identical package, power rating (400W), and temperature range, but the "A" suffix denotes enhanced parameter consistency for critical applications.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the P4KE12A?
The P4KE12A specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1μA when biased at its working stand-off voltage of 10.2V - measured at TA = 25°C. This low leakage preserves battery life in always-on systems and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits, as verified in the "Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics" table of the official datasheet.
Can the P4KE12A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No - the P4KE12A is strictly unidirectional. Bidirectional variants in the same series carry "CA" suffixes (e.g., P4KE12CA) and feature symmetrical breakdown in both polarities. Using P4KE12A in reverse-biased mode risks permanent damage, as its cathode-anode junction is not rated for reverse conduction beyond VWM.
P4KE12A 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):
- 10.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 11.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 16.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 25A
- 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)
P4KE12A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE12A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE12A 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 P4KE12A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE12A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE12A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE12A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE12A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE12A?
P4KE12A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE12A 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 P4KE12A?
For technical support, including P4KE12A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE12A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE12A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE12A 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 P4KE12A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE12A?
All P4KE12A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE12A, 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 P4KE12A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE12A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE12A Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

