Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE15
- Part No.:
- P4KE15
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE15.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 15V, UNIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,780
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Product details
Overview
P4KE15 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 nominal breakdown voltage of 15 V, clamps transients to ≤22.0 V at 19.0 A peak pulse current, and maintains low leakage (<1 µA at 12.1 V working stand-off voltage), making it suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and AC/DC adapter input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE15 datasheet, P4KE15 pinout, P4KE15 application, or P4KE15 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-41 package compatibility, 10/1000 µs surge rating, unidirectional polarity marking, and junction temperature range of –55°C to +175°C - all critical for ESD and lightning-induced transient suppression in cost-sensitive, high-reliability designs.
Technical Context
The P4KE15 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response time (<1.0 ps from 0 V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance, enabling effective clamping of fast-rising transients such as EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) and ISO 7637-2 pulses. Its unidirectional configuration provides forward conduction capability up to 40 A surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), while maintaining reverse blocking up to 12.1 V under steady-state conditions.
Thermal performance is defined by a maximum junction temperature of 175°C and a steady-state power dissipation of 1 W at 75°C lead temperature, requiring minimal PCB copper area (5 × 5 mm pads per terminal). The device meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements when ordered with "H" suffix, though P4KE15 itself is the standard qualification grade.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 15 V - defines rated standoff level before avalanche onset; matches common 12 V system rails with margin |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 13.5–16.5 V @ 1 mA - tight tolerance ensures predictable turn-on across production lots |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 12.1 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 22.0 V @ 19.0 A (10/1000 µs) - limits downstream IC stress during surge events |
| Peak Pulse Power | 400 W - sustains single 10/1000 µs transients per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55°C to +175°C - supports under-hood and industrial ambient operation |
| Leakage Current ID | <1 µA @ 12.1 V - negligible standby power loss in battery-powered systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path / low-side return | Connects to ground or low-voltage reference; conducts during positive surges on cathode side |
| Cathode | Transient clamp node / protected line input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche conduction occurs when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400 W peak pulse power | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges without degradation |
| <1.0 ps response time | Clamps sub-nanosecond ESD events before sensitive logic inputs are overstressed |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.47) | Minimizes voltage overshoot relative to breakdown threshold, improving system margin |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | Available as P4KE15H for automotive applications requiring stress-tested reliability |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and environmental compliance for global OEM supply chains |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V power rail in door module exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp protecting MCU power pins and CAN transceiver VCC. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤22.0 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies downstream. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop interface subjected to field wiring ESD and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role: Input-stage TVS placed before op-amp input and ADC front-end. Use Value: Clamps fast transients below 22.0 V while adding <1 pF junction capacitance, preserving signal integrity at kHz bandwidths. |
| AC/DC Adapter Input Protection | Smart Home Lighting Driver |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output of flyback converter subject to capacitor discharge and relay bounce. IC Role / Device Role: Output rail protector between transformer secondary and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W surges without thermal runaway, enabling compact design with no heatsink required. |
Use Scenario: LED driver IC input in DALI-controlled luminaire exposed to building-wide EFT noise. IC Role / Device Role: Line-side suppressor on 12–24 V DC bus feeding constant-current LED controller. Use Value: Maintains <1 µA leakage at 12.1 V, eliminating standby current penalty in always-on smart lighting 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 SMAJ15A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; bidirectional variant; 24.4 V clamping at 17.7 A | Requires board redesign due to surface-mount footprint and dual-direction symmetry | Select for space-constrained PCBs where SMT is preferred and bidirectional protection is acceptable |
| Vishay 1.5KE15A | Higher 1500 W rating; same DO-204AL package; 23.0 V clamping at 65.2 A | Over-spec'd for 400 W use cases; higher cost and larger thermal mass than needed | Choose only if legacy 1.5KE series is already qualified and surge margin must exceed 400 W |
Compared with SMAJ15A and 1.5KE15A, the P4KE15 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, precise 15 V unidirectional clamping, and verified 400 W surge handling - making it ideal for through-hole production environments where cost, thermal simplicity, and DC rail specificity are prioritized.
Availability
P4KE15 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and AC/DC adapter input protection requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for P4KE15 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 analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in power management, protection devices, and automotive-grade components since 1979.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems where reliability under repetitive surge stress is essential.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P4KE15?
The P4KE15 is a unidirectional TVS diode, with a clearly marked cathode band indicating the transient-clamping terminal. When installed, the cathode connects to the line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail), and the anode connects to ground. This configuration allows forward conduction during positive surges while blocking reverse current up to 12.1 V, distinguishing it from bidirectional variants like P4KE15CA.
Does the P4KE15 meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base P4KE15 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE15H variant - identifiable by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is fully AEC-Q101 stress-tested and certified for automotive applications. Engineers selecting P4KE15 for under-hood or chassis-mounted use should specify P4KE15H to ensure compliance with automotive reliability requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE15 under standard test conditions?
The P4KE15 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.0 V when subjected to a 10/1000 µs waveform at its rated peak pulse current of 19.0 A. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's Maximum Ratings table and reflects worst-case performance across temperature and process variation - critical for verifying downstream IC voltage tolerances.
Can the P4KE15 be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - the P4KE15 is strictly unidirectional and unsuitable for AC or bidirectional signal lines. For symmetrical transient suppression (e.g., RS-485, USB D+/D−), engineers must select the P4KE15CA variant, which features identical electrical ratings but bidirectional breakdown behavior and no polarity marking. Using P4KE15 in such roles risks failure during negative-going transients.
How does the P4KE15 compare to the 1N5349B Zener diode in overvoltage protection?
The P4KE15 is optimized for transient suppression with 400 W surge capability, sub-nanosecond response, and low clamping ratio, whereas the 1N5349B is a general-purpose 15 V Zener regulator rated for only 5 W continuous dissipation and slower response. For surge events, the P4KE15 clamps reliably at 22.0 V, while the 1N5349B would fail catastrophically - making P4KE15 the correct choice for TVS applications.
P4KE15 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):
- 12.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.5V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 19A
- 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)
P4KE15 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE15 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE15 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 P4KE15 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE15 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE15 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE15?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE15 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE15?
P4KE15 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE15 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 P4KE15?
For technical support, including P4KE15 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE15 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE15 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE15 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 P4KE15 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE15?
All P4KE15 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE15, 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 P4KE15 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE15:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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