Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE15A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE15A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE15A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE15A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for circuit-level ESD and surge protection. It features a 14.3 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 12.8 V standoff voltage (VWM), 1.0 mA test current, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and clamps transients to 21.2 V at 18.9 A peak pulse current - deployed on power rails and I/O lines of automotive sensor modules and industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE15A-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE15A-E3/54 pinout, P4KE15A-E3/54 application, or P4KE15A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected IC's absolute maximum rating, thermal derating above 25 °C ambient, DO-41 lead-form compatibility with legacy PCB footprints, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (14.3–15.8 V), it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge energy away from downstream components. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low incremental surge resistance.
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01 % duty cycle) with 21.2 V clamping at 18.9 A, and supports continuous power dissipation up to 1.5 W on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. Junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +175 °C, enabling operation in under-hood automotive environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR min/max | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise avalanche onset window for reliable overvoltage triggering |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 18.9 A - clamping voltage limiting stress on protected ICs during 10/1000 μs surges |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient power handling capacity per single 10/1000 μs pulse |
| IFSM | 40 A - non-repetitive forward surge current rating (8.3 ms half-sine), critical for inductive switch-off events |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables deployment in high-temperature automotive and industrial enclosures without derating |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - junction-to-lead thermal resistance, informs board-level thermal design for sustained power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body; lead length ≥ 10 mm for thermal resistance testing; RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix denotes commercial grade, HE3 required for automotive qualification).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to ground or lowest potential node; completes shunt path during reverse-biased avalanche |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace); color band identifies this end |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1 μA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles common ISO 7637-2 pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b transients in automotive electronics without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (P4KE15AHE3/54) | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control units and body electronics |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and consumer equipment |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot relative to breakdown, reducing risk of damage to 15 V-tolerant ICs |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground, triggered within <1 ns after overvoltage exceeds 14.3 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤21.2 V, preserving integrity of 12 V-rated transceivers and ADC front-ends without adding series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges from solenoid actuation or motor contactor bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted directly at DIN-rail I/O connector, clamping 400 V/1 A fast transients before they reach optocoupler isolation barriers. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) Level 4 (2 kV) and IEC 61000-4-5 (Surge) Line-to-Ground 1 kV tests. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output protection in wall adapters and USB PD chargers exposed to capacitor discharge events and hot-plug transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across +5 V/9 V/12 V output rails to ground, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs pulses from faulty cables or misconnected devices. Use Value: Maintains regulated output stability during 400 W surges while exhibiting only 1.0 μA leakage at nominal 12 V output. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection of Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers in network interface cards subjected to lightning-induced longitudinal surges on twisted-pair lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired with gas discharge tube (GDT) in hybrid protection scheme; P4KE15A-E3/54 handles fast rise-time components (<100 ns) before GDT fires. Use Value: Achieves sub-21.2 V clamping within nanoseconds, preventing latch-up in 15 V-tolerant PHY receivers during combined-mode surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15A | DO-214AA package (smaller footprint), same VWM/VBR/VC specs, 600 W PPPM, higher IPPM (32.4 A) | Preferred where board space is constrained and higher surge margin is needed; requires re-layout due to SMC/SMB pad geometry | Select SMBJ15A when upgrading surge robustness without changing VC target, accepting new footprint and thermal profile. |
| 1.5KE15A | Same DO-41 package, identical VWM/VBR/VC, but rated for 1500 W PPPM (10/1000 μs) and 122 A IPPM | Suitable for high-energy industrial mains-connected equipment where 400 W is insufficient | Choose 1.5KE15A only if system-level surge testing requires >400 W capability; otherwise P4KE15A-E3/54 offers optimal cost/performance for standard 12 V systems. |
Compared with SMBJ15A and 1.5KE15A, P4KE15A-E3/54 provides the most cost-effective DO-41 solution for 400 W-class protection with verified AEC-Q101 qualification path, balancing proven reliability, legacy footprint compatibility, and thermal performance in ambient-limited enclosures.
Availability
P4KE15A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O terminals, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE15A-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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE15A-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, low-leakage transient suppression in harsh electromagnetic environments across automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4KE15A-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4KE15A-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 21.2 V at its specified peak pulse current of 18.9 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured under standardized transient conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The clamping voltage remains stable across temperature due to the device's low temperature coefficient of 0.084 %/°C for VBR. Designers must ensure this clamping level stays below the absolute maximum ratings of downstream ICs.
Is P4KE15A-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
P4KE15A-E3/54 carries the E3 suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant commercial grade; it is not AEC-Q101 qualified in this variant. However, the identical device with HE3 suffix (P4KE15AHE3/54) is fully AEC-Q101 qualified and shares all electrical and thermal specifications. For automotive use, specify P4KE15AHE3/54 - the E3 version is intended for industrial and consumer applications where automotive qualification is not mandated.
How does the DO-41 package of P4KE15A-E3/54 affect thermal performance?
The DO-41 package of P4KE15A-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 66 °C/W and junction-to-ambient resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W (with 10 mm lead length). This means that under 1.5 W continuous dissipation, junction temperature rise can exceed 150 °C without heatsinking - confirming its suitability only for transient, not steady-state, power handling. PCB copper area and lead length significantly impact real-world thermal behavior.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for P4KE15A-E3/54 at its standoff voltage?
At its maximum standoff voltage (VWM) of 12.8 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C, P4KE15A-E3/54 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in always-on systems and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensor bias networks. Leakage increases with temperature but remains below 10 μA up to 85 °C per Vishay's derating curves.
Can P4KE15A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional protection configurations?
No - P4KE15A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, identifiable by its cathode band marking. Bidirectional operation requires the CA-suffixed variant (e.g., P4KE15CA), which lacks polarity marking and conducts symmetrically in both directions. Using P4KE15A-E3/54 in AC or floating-line applications risks forward conduction and failure; always match device polarity to circuit topology and grounding scheme.
P4KE15A-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:
- 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):
- 18.9A
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE15A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE15A-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 P4KE15A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE15A-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 P4KE15A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE15A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE15A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE15A-E3/54?
P4KE15A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE15A-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 P4KE15A-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE15A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE15A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE15A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE15A-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 P4KE15A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE15A-E3/54?
All P4KE15A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE15A-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 P4KE15A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE15A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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