Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE15A
- Part No.:
- P4KE15A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE15A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,449
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Product details
Overview
P4KE15A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 15V nominal breakdown voltage, 12.8V working stand-off voltage, 21.2V maximum clamping voltage at 20A peak pulse current, and <1μA reverse leakage at rated VWM - deployed in automotive body electronics, industrial I/O modules, and LED driver input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE15A datasheet, P4KE15A pinout, P4KE15A application, or P4KE15A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage at 12.8V stand-off, DO-41 package compatibility with manual and wave-solder processes, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
The P4KE15A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, triggered when transient voltage exceeds its 14.3–15.8V breakdown range at 1mA test current. Its clamping action limits induced surges to ≤21.2V at 20A, maintaining circuit integrity during ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a events.
Thermal design relies on its 175°C maximum junction temperature and 1W steady-state power dissipation at 75°C lead temperature, with derating per Fig.2. The device exhibits a +0.084%/°C VBR temperature coefficient and fast response (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR), enabling protection of sensitive analog front-ends and microcontroller I/O pins.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 15V - defines rated suppression threshold for 12V nominal systems |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 14.3–15.8V @ 1mA - ensures reliable avalanche conduction before downstream IC damage |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 12.8V - maximum continuous DC voltage without significant leakage (<1μA) |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400W @ 10/1000μs - withstands automotive load dump and inductive kick energy |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 21.2V @ 20A IPPM - limits transient voltage seen by protected ICs during surge |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55°C to +175°C - supports operation in under-hood and industrial ambient environments |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - through-hole package with tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package with axial leads: cathode indicated by band marking; anode and cathode terminals support unidirectional surge shunting from line-to-ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Surge return path | Connected to system ground or low-impedance reference plane to complete clamping loop |
| Cathode | Protected line connection | Connected to input rail or signal line requiring overvoltage protection; marked with band |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Enables use in automotive power distribution modules without additional qualification effort |
| 400W peak pulse power rating | Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120V/50ms in 12V systems |
| Clamping voltage ≤21.2V at 20A | Protects 3.3V/5V logic interfaces and MCU GPIOs when placed upstream of LDOs or DC-DC converters |
| Reverse leakage <1μA at 12.8V | Minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed or always-on circuits |
| Fast response time <1.0ps | Engages before ESD or fast transients propagate into sensitive analog or digital circuitry |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V supply inputs against load dump and alternator ripple in BCM power management. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main VBAT rail feeding PMIC and microcontroller. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤21.2V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3V/5V regulators and logic. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on optocoupler input side, before series current-limiting resistor. Use Value: Clamps 1kV/500A transients to safe levels within nanoseconds, preserving isolation barrier integrity and input comparator accuracy. |
| LED Streetlight Driver Input Stage | Medical Diagnostic Equipment Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Suppressing lightning-induced surges on AC/DC converter input in outdoor-rated LED drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line protection on bulk capacitor input, coordinated with MOV and fuse. Use Value: Absorbs 400W surge energy without degradation, maintaining >100k-cycle lifetime under repeated 10/1000μs stress. |
Use Scenario: Shielding low-noise analog sensor front-ends (e.g., ECG, EEG) from EFT bursts and ESD coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS on differential signal pair near connector entry point. Use Value: Sub-1ps response prevents transient injection into instrumentation amplifier input stage, preserving signal fidelity and common-mode rejection. |
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 P4KE15A | Identical electrical specs and DO-41 package; UL E326243 recognized; same 14.3–15.8V VBR range | No functional difference; validated in identical automotive and industrial surge test profiles | Select for dual-sourcing flexibility where Littelfuse supply chain alignment is preferred |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE15A | Same 15V nominal rating but higher 1.5kW peak power rating; larger DO-201 package (not pin-compatible) | Requires PCB layout change; suited for higher-energy surge environments (e.g., telecom power feeds) | Choose only if system-level testing confirms need for >400W clamping capacity and board space allows DO-201 footprint |
Compared with Littelfuse P4KE15A, the Taiwan Semiconductor P4KE15A offers identical electrical behavior and qualification; versus ON Semi 1.5KE15A, it trades peak power headroom for DO-41 footprint compatibility and lower thermal mass - critical for compact, cost-sensitive designs.
Availability
P4KE15A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and LED driver input-stage surge suppression requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P4KE15A 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's high-reliability transient suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for robustness against repetitive surge events in harsh environments - including under-hood automotive, factory automation, and outdoor lighting.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance of P4KE15A?
The P4KE15A has a guaranteed breakdown voltage range of 14.3V to 15.8V at 1mA test current, per its datasheet specification. This ±5% tolerance ensures consistent clamping onset across production lots and supports reliable coordination with downstream overvoltage thresholds in protected circuits. The P4KE15A maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.
Is P4KE15A suitable for bidirectional surge protection?
No, P4KE15A is a unidirectional TVS diode intended for DC line-to-ground protection only. For bidirectional applications (e.g., AC signal lines or USB data pairs), the P4KE15CA variant must be used. The P4KE15A cathode band marking indicates polarity, and reverse-bias operation beyond its 12.8V VWM will cause excessive leakage or failure.
Does P4KE15A meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
The base P4KE15A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE15AH variant (with "H" suffix) is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 Rev D for automotive applications. Engineers specifying P4KE15A for automotive use must verify part number suffix and obtain qualification documentation directly from Taiwan Semiconductor - the P4KE15A itself lacks this certification.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE15A at rated surge current?
The P4KE15A clamps to a maximum of 21.2V when subjected to its rated 20A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during worst-case surge conditions - critical for ensuring compatibility with 24V-tolerant or 5V logic interfaces downstream.
Can P4KE15A replace P4KE15 in an existing design?
Yes, P4KE15A is a tighter-tolerance version of P4KE15, with VBR narrowed from 13.5–16.5V to 14.3–15.8V and VWM increased from 12.1V to 12.8V. This improves noise margin and reduces leakage, making P4KE15A a preferred drop-in upgrade where enhanced precision and lower standby current are beneficial - no PCB changes are required due to identical DO-41 packaging and pinout.
P4KE15A 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):
- 12.8V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20A
- 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)
P4KE15A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE15A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE15A 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 P4KE15A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE15A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE15A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE15A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE15A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE15A?
P4KE15A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE15A 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 P4KE15A?
For technical support, including P4KE15A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE15A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE15A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE15A 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 P4KE15A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE15A?
All P4KE15A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE15A, 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 P4KE15A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE15A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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