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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE12CA
- Part No.:
- P4KE12CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE12CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,467
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Product details
Overview
P4KE12CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 12V nominal standoff voltage, 13.2V maximum breakdown voltage at 1mA test current, 9.72V working stand-off voltage, 1A peak pulse current rating, and clamps transients to ≤17.3V at 24A. It is used in automotive body electronics and industrial control I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE12CA datasheet, P4KE12CA pinout, P4KE12CA application, or P4KE12CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 package compatibility, 400W 10/1000μs surge rating, low leakage (<1μA at 9.72V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
The P4KE12CA operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector with symmetrical bidirectional avalanche behavior-identical electrical characteristics in both polarities. Its junction structure enables sub-nanosecond response (≤5ns from 0V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance during transient events.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for peak pulse power rating and is rated for 400W non-repetitive surge dissipation at TA = 25°C using the 10/1000μs waveform. Thermal derating follows a defined curve up to TJ = 175°C, with steady-state power dissipation of 1W at lead temperature TL = 75°C on 5×5 mm copper pads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 12 V - defines the approximate DC operating rail it protects without conduction |
| Working Stand-off Voltage (VWM) | 9.72 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1 μA |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR, min/max) | 10.8 V / 13.2 V at 1 mA - ensures reliable triggering across process variation and temperature |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 17.3 V at 24 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during worst-case 10/1000μs surge |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPK) | 400 W - supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity testing |
| Operating Junction Temp | –55 °C to +175 °C - enables under-hood automotive and industrial ambient deployment |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - through-hole mounting compatible with legacy PCB assembly and rework |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking omitted for bidirectional operation; polarity is non-directional per device marking "P4KE12CA" only.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as input or return path; no polarity sensitivity in circuit layout |
| Leads (Tin-plated) | PCB interconnect interface | Solderable per J-STD-002; meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD-HBM/MM |
| 400W 10/1000μs surge rating | Withstands repeated 4kV IEC 61000-4-5 surges without degradation when properly heatsinked |
| Fast response time ≤5 ns | Clamps transients before sensitive logic or analog circuitry experiences overvoltage damage |
| Low leakage <1 μA @ VWM | Minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in low-current sensor circuits |
| UL Recognized (E326243) | Meets safety standards for end-equipment certification in industrial and transportation applications |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) I/O Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceiver inputs and door lock actuator drivers from load dump and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to divert surge energy to ground before reaching MCU GPIO or transceiver. Use Value: Enables compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and prevents field failures due to relay coil switching transients. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels against miswiring, lightning-induced surges, and back-EMF from solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end TVS in series with input RC filter and optocoupler, absorbing >90% of 1 kV/500 A surge energy. Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) by eliminating input stage component burnout in factory automation systems. |
| Smart Lighting Driver ESD Protection | RS-485 Transceiver Bus Line Protection |
Use Scenario: Guarding constant-current LED driver ICs against human-body-model (HBM) ESD events during handling and installation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across VIN–GND and output terminals, triggered within 5 ns to limit voltage to <17.3 V. Use Value: Passes IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±8 kV contact) without latch-up or parametric shift in LED current regulation. | Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) on long cable runs exposed to induced fast transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-mode TVS across A–B differential pair and to ground, suppressing common-mode surges up to 400W. Use Value: Maintains data integrity during EMC testing (IEC 61000-4-4 EFT) and eliminates communication dropouts in building management systems. |
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 SMAJ12CA | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 12V nominal, 13.3V max VBR, 19.9V VC @ 21.7A; 400W rating | Surface-mount only; requires PCB redesign; higher clamping voltage reduces margin for 12V rail ICs | Select when space-constrained layouts demand SMD and thermal performance allows higher VC |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE12CA | Same DO-204AL (DO-41) package; 12V nominal, 13.3V max VBR, 19.9V VC @ 21.7A; 1500W rating | Higher power rating increases cost and physical size; over-spec for most 400W use cases | Select only if system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 or requires extended lifetime under repetitive stress |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the P4KE12CA offers optimal balance of through-hole compatibility, precise 17.3V clamping, and AEC-Q101 qualification-making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, automotive-qualified, and legacy-assembled designs where board real estate and thermal budget are constrained.
Availability
P4KE12CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, smart lighting drivers, and RS-485 communication interfaces requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P4KE12CA 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, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 validation capabilities.
The P4KE Series is part of TSC's automotive-grade transient suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for robustness in harsh environments-including engine compartments, industrial controls, and outdoor lighting-where reliability under repetitive surge stress is critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KE12CA and how does it protect downstream components?
The P4KE12CA clamps at ≤17.3 V when subjected to a 24 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This limits the maximum voltage seen by protected ICs-such as microcontrollers or transceivers-to a safe level below their absolute maximum ratings. For example, a 12 V rail IC with 20 V absolute max rating gains 2.7 V design margin, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown during surge events. The P4KE12CA achieves this via low-impedance avalanche conduction immediately after breakdown.
Is the P4KE12CA suitable for automotive applications, and what qualification does it hold?
Yes, the P4KE12CA is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. This includes passing accelerated stress tests such as high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TC), unbiased highly accelerated stress test (UHAST), and human-body-model electrostatic discharge (HBM ESD). The P4KE12CA is commonly deployed in body control modules, lighting control units, and infotainment I/O protection where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory.
How does the bidirectional configuration of the P4KE12CA differ from unidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE12A?
The P4KE12CA provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities-meaning it protects against positive and negative transients without regard to orientation on the PCB. In contrast, the unidirectional P4KE12A has a defined anode/cathode and only clamps in reverse bias; forward conduction occurs above ~3.5 V. The P4KE12CA eliminates polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485 buses), whereas P4KE12A is suited for DC rails with known polarity and lower forward-voltage tolerance.
What is the maximum peak pulse current the P4KE12CA can handle, and under what test conditions?
The P4KE12CA handles a maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) of 24 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential surge waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This corresponds to its 400 W peak pulse power rating at TA = 25°C. Derating applies above ambient temperature-e.g., at 85°C, the usable IPPM drops to approximately 18 A. The P4KE12CA maintains this rating without permanent degradation when surge duty cycle remains below 4 pulses per minute.
Does the P4KE12CA have UL recognition, and what does that mean for end-product certification?
Yes, the P4KE12CA is UL Recognized under file E326243, confirming compliance with UL 497B (Surge Protective Devices) for use in secondary circuit protection. This simplifies end-equipment safety certification-especially for industrial control panels, commercial lighting, and automotive subsystems-by eliminating the need for additional component-level investigation. UL recognition covers flammability (UL 94V-0 molding compound), terminal plating (pure tin), and construction integrity, all verified in the P4KE12CA's DO-41 package.
P4KE12CA 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):
- 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)
P4KE12CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE12CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE12CA 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 P4KE12CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE12CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE12CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE12CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE12CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE12CA?
P4KE12CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE12CA 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 P4KE12CA?
For technical support, including P4KE12CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE12CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE12CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE12CA 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 P4KE12CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE12CA?
All P4KE12CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE12CA, 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 P4KE12CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE12CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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