Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE130CA

Overview

P4KE130CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 130V nominal breakdown voltage, 187V maximum clamping voltage at 2.2A peak pulse current, 400W peak pulse power rating at 10/1000μs waveform, and DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package - deployed in automotive power supply input stages to absorb load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses.

For engineers reviewing the P4KE130CA datasheet, P4KE130CA pinout, P4KE130CA application, or P4KE130CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low leakage (<1μA @ 105V), AEC-Q101 qualification (H-suffix variant), and compatibility with 10/1000μs surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5.

Technical Context

The P4KE130CA operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device that transitions from high-impedance blocking state to low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 117–143V breakdown range (tested at 1mA). Its bidirectional symmetry enables identical clamping behavior in both polarities without external polarity management.

It delivers 400W surge handling per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standard using a 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform, with sub-nanosecond response time (<5ns) and junction temperature tolerance up to +175°C - enabling use in under-hood automotive environments where thermal derating must be minimized.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package with non-polarized terminals: both leads are electrically symmetric; no anode/cathode distinction required for bidirectional operation. Cathode band marking is omitted on CA-suffix parts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ130CA and 1.5KE130CA, the P4KE130CA offers optimal balance of axial through-hole manufacturability, 400W surge capability, low 30pF junction capacitance, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding automotive and industrial power entry designs.

Availability

P4KE130CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial PLC analog input protection, smart lighting driver protection, and telecom power interface protection requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for P4KE130CA 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 headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs since 1979.

The P4KE series belongs to TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified transient voltage suppressor portfolio, engineered specifically for robust overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is critical.

FAQ

What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in P4KE130CA?

The 'CA' suffix in P4KE130CA denotes bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Unlike unidirectional 'C' variants, P4KE130CA has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation. This makes P4KE130CA ideal for AC-coupled or floating DC bus protection where voltage polarity reversal may occur during fault conditions.

Is P4KE130CA AEC-Q101 qualified?

P4KE130CA itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified; qualification applies only to variants with the 'H' suffix (e.g., P4KE130CAH). The base P4KE130CA meets all electrical and mechanical specifications in the datasheet but lacks the extended reliability testing required for automotive under-hood deployment. For AEC-Q101 compliance, specify P4KE130CAH - which undergoes temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and mechanical shock validation per the AEC standard.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE130CA and how is it measured?

The maximum clamping voltage of P4KE130CA is 187 V, measured at 2.2 A peak pulse current using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value represents the highest voltage the device allows to appear across protected circuitry during a full 400W surge event. It is verified at T_A = 25°C with specified lead length and thermal conditions, and remains valid up to T_J = 175°C with appropriate derating.

Can P4KE130CA be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4KE130C?

No - P4KE130CA cannot directly replace unidirectional P4KE130C without circuit review. While both share identical breakdown and clamping parameters, P4KE130C has a defined cathode band and conducts only in reverse bias, whereas P4KE130CA clamps in both directions. Substituting P4KE130CA into a unidirectional design may cause unintended conduction during normal forward-biased operation, leading to excessive leakage or latch-up. Always verify polarity requirements before interchanging C and CA variants.

What is the junction capacitance of P4KE130CA and why does it matter?

The junction capacitance of P4KE130CA is approximately 30 pF at V_R = 0 V and 1 MHz, as specified in TSC's characterization curves. This low capacitance minimizes signal distortion and insertion loss in high-frequency applications such as CAN bus or RS-485 interfaces. In contrast, higher-capacitance alternatives (e.g., 1.5KE130CA at ~100 pF) can attenuate fast edges or cause timing jitter - making P4KE130CA preferable for data line protection where signal integrity is critical.