Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE12CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE12CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE12CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 10.2VWM 16.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,510
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Product details
Overview
P4KE12CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 12 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 11.4–12.6 V), 10.2 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 24.0 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE12CA-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE12CA-E3/54 pinout, P4KE12CA-E3/54 application, or P4KE12CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 through-hole compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 variant), 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation, and thermal resistance of 100 °C/W junction-to-ambient.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protection element in both polarities, leveraging an avalanche breakdown mechanism to divert surge energy away from sensitive downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low incremental surge resistance, while the DO-41 package supports manual or wave-solder assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Electrical behavior is defined by three critical voltage thresholds: VWM = 10.2 V (maximum working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA), VBR = 11.4–12.6 V at 1.0 mA test current, and VC = 16.7 V at 24.0 A IPPM - enabling precise coordination with protected ICs' absolute maximum ratings.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 11.4 V / 12.6 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable conduction onset range for transient suppression |
| VWM | 10.2 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 16.7 V at 24.0 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, limiting stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power handling per single 10/1000 μs pulse |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments |
| RθJA | 100 °C/W - thermal resistance determines derating needed above 25 °C ambient |
| Package | DO-41 (DO-204AL) - standard axial-leaded through-hole package with UL 94 V-0 epoxy body |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body over passivated chip; no polarity marking for bidirectional types; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No functional distinction between leads - identical clamping behavior in either direction |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path terminals | Both leads serve as interchangeable surge current entry/exit points; no cathode band marking |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles typical ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2/5a surges without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring high-reliability stress testing |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors |
| UL 94 V-0 flammability rating | Molding compound self-extinguishes, meeting safety requirements for enclosed industrial systems |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across power rail or signal line to limit voltage excursions during ESD or ISO 7637-2 pulses. Use Value: Clamps 12 V system transients to ≤16.7 V, staying within absolute maximum ratings of 5 V or 3.3 V logic ICs without additional series impedance. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure or temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on 4–20 mA loop or 0–10 V output lines exposed to field wiring noise and ground bounce. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 400 W surges while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 10.2 V, preserving sensor accuracy and loop integrity. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on USB 2.0 VBUS and D+/D− lines in set-top boxes and smart displays against contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinated clamp with upstream polymer PTC and downstream TVS array to absorb fast-rising ESD events. Use Value: Sub-10 ns response time limits voltage overshoot before protection ICs activate, reducing risk of latch-up in USB PHYs. | Use Scenario: Primary surge protection on DSL line interface circuits in residential gateways subjected to lightning-induced surges on outside plant wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage crowbar device shunting multi-kV transients before they reach transformer-coupled line drivers. Use Value: 400 W rating handles ITU-T K.20/21-compliant surges; DO-41 lead form allows robust PCB mounting near line entry connectors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Surface-mount SMB package; same VBR (11.4–12.6 V), lower PPPM = 600 W, higher IPPM = 38.4 A | Requires rework of PCB layout; better suited for high-density consumer designs | Select when board space is constrained and automated SMT assembly is used |
| 1.5KE12CA | Higher PPPM = 1500 W; same DO-41 package and VBR; larger junction area increases capacitance and thermal mass | Overqualified for low-energy transients; may require derating in confined enclosures | Select when legacy 1.5 kW surge standards (e.g., IEEE C62.41) must be met |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, the P4KE12CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 400 W surge capacity, and tight 10.2 V working voltage - making it ideal for cost-sensitive industrial controls and automotive body electronics where DO-41 reliability and AEC-Q101 compliance are prioritized.
Availability
P4KE12CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer USB power delivery, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4KE12CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE12CA-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of transient voltage suppressors, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective clamping of inductive switching and ESD events in harsh electrical environments.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4KE12CA-E3/54?
The "CA" suffix denotes that the P4KE12CA-E3/54 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE12A), this device provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - essential for AC-coupled signal lines or DC rails where voltage reversals may occur during transients. No cathode marking is present on the DO-41 body.
Is P4KE12CA-E3/54 RoHS-compliant and qualified for automotive use?
Yes, the P4KE12CA-E3/54 carries the "E3" suffix, confirming RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification. For automotive applications, the HE3 variant (e.g., P4KE12CAHE3/54) is AEC-Q101 qualified. The P4KE12CA-E3/54 itself meets JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing and is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment and lighting control.
How does the clamping voltage of P4KE12CA-E3/54 compare to its breakdown voltage?
The P4KE12CA-E3/54 has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 11.4 V and a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 16.7 V at 24.0 A. This yields a clamping ratio of ~1.46, indicating moderate overvoltage margin during surge events. Designers must ensure downstream ICs tolerate up to 16.7 V transient exposure, especially in 12 V systems with 5 V or 3.3 V logic rails.
Can P4KE12CA-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - the P4KE12CA-E3/54 is not recommended for parallel operation due to mismatch in VBR tolerances (±5 %) and thermal coupling limitations in DO-41 packages. Uneven current sharing may cause premature failure of one device. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-power part like 1.5KE12CA or use coordinated staged protection with series impedance.
What is the maximum operating temperature and thermal derating behavior of P4KE12CA-E3/54?
The P4KE12CA-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175 °C and a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W. At 75 °C ambient, its steady-state power dissipation (PD) drops from 1.5 W to ~0.75 W per Vishay's derating curve (Fig. 5). Pulse power remains 400 W only if duty cycle stays ≤0.01 % and average power stays within derated PD.
P4KE12CA-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:
- -
- 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):
- 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)
P4KE12CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE12CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE12CA-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 P4KE12CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE12CA-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 P4KE12CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE12CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE12CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE12CA-E3/54?
P4KE12CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE12CA-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 P4KE12CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE12CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE12CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE12CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE12CA-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 P4KE12CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE12CA-E3/54?
All P4KE12CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE12CA-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 P4KE12CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE12CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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