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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE15CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE15CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE15CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.8VWM 21.2VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,173
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Product details
Overview
P4KE15CA-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 a 15 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 14.3–15.8 V at 1.0 mA), 12.8 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 21.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 18.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE15CA-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE15CA-E3/54 pinout, P4KE15CA-E3/54 application, or P4KE15CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 through-hole compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HE3 suffix variant), low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), 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 transient energy away from sensitive downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge conditions.
The 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects standardized lightning/surge immunity testing per REA definitions, with derating applied above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Thermal resistance values (RθJA = 100 °C/W, RθJL = 66 °C/W) define its power dissipation limits in PCB-mounted configurations without heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 14.3 V / 15.8 V at 1.0 mA - defines guaranteed conduction onset range under controlled test conditions |
| VWM | 12.8 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage begins |
| VC @ IPPM | 21.2 V at 18.9 A - clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 400 W transient event |
| IPPM | 18.9 A - peak surge current the device safely conducts with 10/1000 µs waveform |
| PPPM | 400 W - standardized surge power handling capacity per industry-defined waveform |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 µA - ensures minimal loading on signal lines during normal operation |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature automotive and industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads; RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix); UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias; common terminal in bidirectional configuration | No polarity marking on device body - symmetric terminals enable bidirectional clamping without orientation dependency |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias; common terminal in bidirectional configuration | Identical physical structure to anode; both leads electrically equivalent for transient suppression in either direction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche breakdown and long-term reliability under surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges in industrial and automotive systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (P4KE15CAHE3/54) | Validated for automotive electronics requiring extended temperature cycling and humidity resistance |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for downstream ICs |
| 175 °C maximum junction temperature | Supports placement near heat-generating components in compact enclosures without thermal derating penalties |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load-dump and inductive switching transients in engine control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across power rail inputs to suppress ±100 V transients within <1 ns response time. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤21.2 V during 18.9 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in MCU and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC input cards in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on differential signal pairs to absorb ESD and cable discharge events without distorting millivolt-level signals. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1.0 µA leakage at 12.8 V, while clamping 8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 to safe levels. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers from induced surges on outdoor cabling in telecom base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on data line pairs, coordinated with GDT or MOV secondary protection stages. Use Value: Fast response and symmetric clamping ensure balanced differential protection without skew or common-mode injection. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback exceeding 100 V during commutation. Use Value: Handles repetitive 400 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, extending motor driver MOSFET lifetime and reducing EMI emissions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR range and 400 W rating; lower RθJA (65 °C/W) | Better suited for high-density PCBs where automated SMT assembly is required; less mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Select when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is mandatory; verify pad layout matches JEDEC DO-214AA footprint |
| 1.5KE15CA | Higher peak pulse power (1500 W); same DO-41 package; larger die size increases capacitance and thermal mass | Used where higher surge immunity (e.g., AC mains input, PoE injectors) demands greater energy absorption beyond 400 W | Choose only if system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4; avoid in signal-line applications due to higher junction capacitance |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, the P4KE15CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of proven through-hole mechanical reliability, AEC-Q101 readiness via HE3 variant, and cost-effective 400 W protection for mid-tier industrial and automotive subsystems.
Availability
P4KE15CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4KE15CA-E3/54?
The "CA" suffix denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the P4KE15CA-E3/54 provides symmetrical transient voltage clamping in both polarities, unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE15A). This eliminates polarity sensitivity during PCB placement and supports AC-coupled or floating signal line protection. The P4KE15CA-E3/54 achieves this using a back-to-back diode structure within a single DO-41 package.
Is P4KE15CA-E3/54 AEC-Q101 qualified?
The P4KE15CA-E3/54 itself carries the commercial-grade E3 suffix; however, the functionally identical P4KE15CAHE3/54 variant is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet revision 16-Sep-2021. For automotive applications requiring qualification, P4KE15CAHE3/54 must be specified - it shares identical electrical parameters and DO-41 packaging but undergoes additional stress testing per AEC-Q101 requirements.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE15CA-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The P4KE15CA-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 18.9 A with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Can P4KE15CA-E3/54 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like P4KE15A?
No - the P4KE15CA-E3/54 is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional devices such as P4KE15A in circuits requiring forward conduction or DC blocking in one direction. Substituting P4KE15CA-E3/54 for P4KE15A would eliminate intended polarity-dependent behavior, potentially causing unintended current paths or failure to clamp correctly in DC-biased applications.
What is the thermal resistance of P4KE15CA-E3/54, and how does it affect layout?
The P4KE15CA-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 100 °C/W under standard test conditions (lead length = 10 mm). This means each watt of sustained power dissipation raises junction temperature by ~100 °C above ambient. Layout best practices include maximizing copper area around leads and avoiding tight thermal confinement to prevent exceeding the +175 °C maximum junction temperature during repetitive surge events.
P4KE15CA-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):
- 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)
P4KE15CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE15CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE15CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE15CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE15CA-E3/54?
P4KE15CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE15CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE15CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE15CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE15CA-E3/54?
All P4KE15CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE15CA-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 P4KE15CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE15CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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