Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE12A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE12A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE12A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE12A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on DC power rails and signal lines. It features 12.6 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 24.0 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - deployed in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE12A-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE12A-E3/54 pinout, P4KE12A-E3/54 application, or P4KE12A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include standoff voltage (10.2 V), leakage current (1.0 μA at VWM), thermal resistance (66 °C/W junction-to-lead), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and DO-41 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamping overvoltage protection device, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 11.4–12.6 V breakdown range. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable avalanche characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, enabling consistent clamping performance across repetitive transients.
The device sustains 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and maintains 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation at 75 °C lead temperature. Its 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance supports reliable heat transfer in constrained board-level environments without heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V - defines precise avalanche initiation window for predictable clamping onset |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage rises significantly |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 24.0 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, limiting downstream IC stress |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage preserves battery life and signal integrity in always-on circuits |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform, compliant with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial enclosures |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - quantifies thermal path efficiency from junction to lead, critical for reliability under surge duty |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body; RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade E3 suffix.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor output); color band identifies this end |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge events without parameter drift |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive electronics |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant is commercial; HE3 is AEC-Q101) | P4KE12A-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant commercial grade; HE3 variant required for automotive qualification |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.32) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to downstream MOSFETs, MCUs, or analog front-ends during transients |
| 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance | Enables effective self-heating management during repetitive surges without external heatsink |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load-dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element placed between sensor signal line and ground, absorbing >400 W surges within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V signal conditioning ICs while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 10.2 V standby. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and electrostatic discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on dry-contact or optocoupler input stage, rated for 8.3 ms surge compliance per IEC 61000-4-4. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤16.7 V during 24.0 A pulses, preserving isolation barrier integrity and preventing false triggering of input latches. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC rail protection in wall adapters and USB PD chargers exposed to conducted noise from mains or connected devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated suppressor on +5 V/+9 V/+12 V output rails, activated only during abnormal overvoltage events. Use Value: Maintains 10.2 V nominal operation with no loading effect, then clamps within 1 ns to protect synchronous rectifiers and secondary-side controllers. |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on Ethernet PHY power pins (e.g., MDI-X bias rails) and auxiliary control lines in VoIP gateways and base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt protector on low-voltage auxiliary supplies (<15 V), coordinated with upstream gas discharge tubes. Use Value: Delivers 400 W pulse handling with 16.7 V clamping ceiling, ensuring PHY ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR range (11.4–12.6 V), identical 400 W rating | Requires PCB redesign for SMT placement; better high-frequency response due to lower parasitic inductance | Select when space-constrained layouts or automated assembly demand SMT; verify thermal pad layout for 66 °C/W equivalent cooling |
| 1.5KE12A | Same DO-41 package but higher 1500 W peak pulse power; larger junction area increases capacitance (≈150 pF vs. ~50 pF for P4KE12A) | Better for high-energy transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a), but higher capacitance may distort fast signals | Choose for harsher automotive load-dump scenarios where clamping voltage margin allows; avoid in high-speed data lines |
Compared with SMBJ12A and 1.5KE12A, the P4KE12A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of legacy through-hole compatibility, low leakage (1.0 μA), and controlled clamping (16.7 V), making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-energy protection in industrial and consumer power rails.
Availability
P4KE12A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for P4KE12A-E3/54 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 diodes, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, AEC-Q qualification, and industrial-grade robustness.
The P4KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where standardized DO-41 mounting and proven surge endurance are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE12A-E3/54 under standard test conditions?
The P4KE12A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V when subjected to its rated 24.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 1 in Vishay document 88365 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The P4KE12A-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the P4KE12A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
No - the P4KE12A-E3/54 carries the E3 suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant commercial-grade construction. For AEC-Q101 qualification, the correct variant is P4KE12AHE3/54 (HE3 suffix), which undergoes additional stress testing per the AEC-Q101 standard. The P4KE12A-E3/54 itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified, though it shares identical electrical parameters and DO-41 packaging with the HE3 version.
How does the P4KE12A-E3/54 differ from the P4KE12CA bidirectional variant?
The P4KE12A-E3/54 is unidirectional, with polarity marked by a cathode band and intended for DC rail protection where reverse conduction must be blocked. In contrast, P4KE12CA is bidirectional, lacks polarity marking, and clamps symmetrically in both directions - suitable for AC lines or differential signal pairs. Their VBR, VC, and PPPM values differ slightly due to internal structure; the P4KE12A-E3/54 cannot substitute for P4KE12CA without circuit redesign.
What is the thermal resistance specification for the P4KE12A-E3/54, and why does it matter?
The P4KE12A-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 66 °C/W, measured with 10 mm lead length. This parameter directly impacts how efficiently heat generated during surge events transfers from the silicon junction to the PCB copper or chassis. A lower RθJL like 66 °C/W allows the P4KE12A-E3/54 to sustain repetitive transients without exceeding its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, especially important in enclosed or high-ambient-temperature environments.
Can the P4KE12A-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - the P4KE12A-E3/54 is not characterized or recommended for parallel operation. Variations in breakdown voltage (11.4–12.6 V) cause uneven current sharing during transients, risking thermal runaway in the unit with lower VBR. For higher surge capability, select a single device with higher PPPM rating (e.g., 1.5KE12A) or use a TVS array with matched characteristics. The P4KE12A-E3/54 must be applied as a standalone protection element per design guidelines in Vishay document 88365.
P4KE12A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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):
- 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)
P4KE12A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE12A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE12A-E3/54 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 P4KE12A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE12A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE12A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE12A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE12A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE12A-E3/54?
P4KE12A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE12A-E3/54 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 P4KE12A-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE12A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE12A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE12A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE12A-E3/54 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 P4KE12A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE12A-E3/54?
All P4KE12A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE12A-E3/54, 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 P4KE12A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE12A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE12A-E3/54 Tags

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