Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE160
- Part No.:
- P4KE160
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE160.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 160V, UNIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,505
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4KE160 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 160V nominal breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 144V–176V), 130V working stand-off voltage (VWM), clamps transients to ≤230V at 1.8A peak pulse current, and delivers sub-nanosecond response for ESD and EFT immunity in automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE160 datasheet, P4KE160 pinout, P4KE160 application, or P4KE160 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-41 package compatibility, 175°C junction rating, low leakage (<1μA @ 130V), and AEC-Q101 qualification path - critical for under-hood and lighting module surge protection design.
Technical Context
The P4KE160 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with unidirectional polarity, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its 144–176V breakdown range at 1mA test current. Its clamping action limits transient energy to ≤230V at 1.8A (10/1000μs waveform), sustaining 400W non-repetitive surge power without degradation.
Thermal performance is defined by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and 1W steady-state dissipation at 75°C lead temperature. The device exhibits a +0.108%/°C VBR temperature coefficient and <1μA reverse leakage above 130V, ensuring stable threshold behavior across industrial temperature ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 130 V - Maximum continuous DC operating voltage before conduction begins; sets safe margin below system rail. |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 144–176 V - Breakdown voltage range defining reliable avalanche onset; ensures consistent triggering across units. |
| VC @ IPPM | 230 V - Clamped voltage at 1.8A peak pulse (10/1000μs); determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPK | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; defines survivability against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| ID @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; minimizes quiescent power loss and avoids false triggering. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in high-ambient environments like engine compartments. |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Industry-standard axial-leaded package with tin-plated leads; compatible with wave soldering per J-STD-002. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, cathode band marked on case end. Leads are pure tin-plated, compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94V-0 flammability rating. Weight: 0.300g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return; completes conduction path during transient clamp event. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to protected node (e.g., 12V rail or CAN bus line); avalanche conduction occurs from cathode to anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification path | Available in H-suffix variants (e.g., P4KE160H); supports automotive-grade reliability validation for body control modules. |
| Clamping ratio (VC/VBR) | ≤1.60 - Low ratio ensures minimal overvoltage overshoot during fast transients; improves IC survival margin. |
| Response time | <1.0 ps - Sub-picosecond turn-on enables suppression of ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2) before damage occurs. |
| Surge waveform compliance | Rated for 10/1000μs waveform per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 - matches real-world lightning-induced surges in automotive and industrial wiring. |
| Halogen-free construction | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 - meets environmental requirements for RoHS-compliant manufacturing and end-of-life processing. |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Modules | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and MOSFETs from load dump and alternator ripple in headlamp control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12V supply rail; absorbs >400W surge energy within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents catastrophic failure of buck controllers and gate drivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events (up to 60V/100ms). |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input circuits in programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector on field-side input terminals; clamps transients to ≤230V before reaching optocoupler inputs. Use Value: Enables robust 24V DC input compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity testing. |
| DC Power Supply Inputs | Automotive Body Control Units |
|
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for AC/DC and DC/DC converters in telecom power systems subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor on bulk input rail; coordinates with MOVs and fuses in staged protection architecture. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to 230V while handling 400W pulses, preserving upstream rectifier and capacitor reliability. |
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller GPIOs from battery reverse connection and jump-start transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on LIN line and VCC pins; blocks reverse voltage and clamps positive spikes. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 12V system faults while supporting AEC-Q101-compliant deployment in BCM assemblies. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. axial DO-41); same 160V nominal, but lower 600W PPK rating and higher 243V VC. | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; requires rework of layout and thermal pad design. | Select SMBJ160A only when board area is limited and higher clamping voltage is acceptable. |
| 1.5KE160A | Same DO-41 package and 160V rating, but 1500W PPK and 259V VC; larger junction, higher leakage (~5μA @ VWM). | Better for high-energy surges (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b), but less precise clamping for sensitive analog interfaces. | Choose 1.5KE160A where surge energy exceeds 400W but tighter clamping is not required. |
Compared with SMBJ160A and 1.5KE160A, the P4KE160 offers optimal balance of axial-package manufacturability, 400W surge capability, and low 230V clamping - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial power rail protection where layout flexibility and thermal management via leads are advantageous.
Availability
P4KE160 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and DC power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 traceability pathways.
Supply support for P4KE160 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, and rectifiers, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 qualification capabilities.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's high-reliability transient suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial environments demanding robust ESD/EFT immunity, wide temperature operation, and halogen-free compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE160 under standard surge conditions?
The P4KE160 clamps to a maximum of 230 V when subjected to a 1.8 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during transient events - a critical parameter for ensuring IC-level overvoltage safety margins in 12V and 24V systems.
Is the P4KE160 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4KE160 is a unidirectional TVS diode intended for DC line protection with defined polarity. For bidirectional applications such as AC lines or differential buses, the P4KE160A variant or dedicated bipolar parts like P4KE160CA must be used - the P4KE160 itself conducts only in reverse bias and will forward-conduct if positive voltage exceeds ~3.5V on its anode relative to cathode.
What does the "H" suffix mean in P4KE160H, and is it available through Aetrix Electronics?
The "H" suffix denotes AEC-Q101 qualification - indicating that the P4KE160H variant has undergone stress testing for automotive reliability, including temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and mechanical shock. While the base P4KE160 is standard-qualified, Aetrix Electronics stocks and supports the P4KE160H for automotive design-in and PPAP documentation upon request.
How does the P4KE160 compare to the 1.5KE160A in terms of physical compatibility and thermal performance?
The P4KE160 and 1.5KE160A share identical DO-41 packaging, lead finish, and mounting dimensions - enabling direct footprint reuse. However, the 1.5KE160A dissipates more heat due to its 1500W rating and larger die, requiring greater copper area for thermal relief. The P4KE160's 400W rating allows simpler thermal design with standard 5×5 mm pads per lead, per its datasheet derating curve.
Can the P4KE160 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No - the P4KE160 should not be paralleled without external balancing resistors. Minor VBR tolerances (144–176V) cause uneven current sharing during transients, risking thermal runaway in the lower-VBR unit. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., 1.5KE160A) or implement staged protection with series impedance.
P4KE160 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):
- 130V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 144V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 230V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.8A
- 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)
P4KE160 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE160 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE160 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 P4KE160 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE160 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE160 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE160?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE160 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE160?
P4KE160 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE160 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 P4KE160?
For technical support, including P4KE160 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE160 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE160 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE160 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 P4KE160 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE160?
All P4KE160 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE160, 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 P4KE160 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE160:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE160 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

