Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE160CA
- Part No.:
- P4KE160CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 136VWM 219VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,900
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Product details
Overview
P4KE160CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 160V nominal standoff voltage, 230V maximum clamping voltage at 1.8A peak pulse current, 400W peak pulse power rating per 10/1000μs waveform, and DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package - deployed in automotive body control modules to safeguard CAN transceivers against load dump and EFT events.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE160CA datasheet, P4KE160CA pinout, P4KE160CA application, or P4KE160CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low leakage (<1μA at 130V), fast response (<5ns), AEC-Q101 qualification, and compatibility with 175°C junction temperature operation in harsh environments.
Technical Context
The P4KE160CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical breakdown characteristics in both polarities, enabling robust protection of AC-coupled or floating interfaces without polarity sensitivity. Its VBR min/max of 144V–176V at 1mA test current ensures consistent triggering across production lots and temperature ranges.
Clamping performance is defined by VC = 230V at IPPM = 1.8A (10/1000μs), delivering predictable voltage limiting during surge events. The device exhibits a temperature coefficient of VBR = 0.108%/°C and operates from –55°C to +175°C, supporting under-hood automotive deployment where thermal stability is critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 130 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC rail margin for 12V/24V systems with transients. |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 144–176 V - Breakdown voltage range at 1mA test current; guarantees reliable avalanche initiation within specified tolerance band. |
| VC @ IPPM | 230 V at 1.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to survivable levels in ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a scenarios. |
| PPK | 400 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports single-event surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4kV) |
| ID @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at working voltage; ensures negligible standby power loss and no signal integrity degradation in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power MOSFETs, engine ECUs) without derating. |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package; compatible with legacy wave-solder and manual assembly processes. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; P4KE160CA is bidirectional and has no polarity marking - both leads are electrically symmetric terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no PCB layout orientation constraint required. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Surge current path | Full 400W pulse energy routed equally through both leads; requires ≥0.375" (9.5mm) lead length for rated 1W steady-state dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HAST, and mechanical shock - suitable for ASIL-B system nodes. |
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR and VC in both directions (144–176V / 230V), eliminating need for polarity-aware routing in differential or AC-coupled lines. |
| Fast response time | <5 ns turn-on from 0V to VBR - intercepts sub-microsecond ESD/EFT transients before sensitive logic inputs latch up. |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.30 (230V/176V max) - minimizes overvoltage overshoot during surge, reducing risk of gate oxide rupture in protected FETs or transceivers. |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Compliant with IEC 61249-2-21 and UL 94V-0 molding compound - meets automotive OEM material declaration and flame-retardancy requirements. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V supply rail and LIN bus lines from load dump (ISO 16750-2) and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed upstream of LDO regulators and LIN transceivers to limit input voltage to ≤230V. Use Value: Prevents regulator shutdown and transceiver latch-up during 35V/100ms load dump events while maintaining <1μA quiescent leakage. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input optocouplers from inductive kickback when switching solenoids or relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt clamp across input terminals to absorb 600V/1A transients induced by 100mH coil de-energization. Use Value: Enables use of cost-effective standard optocouplers instead of reinforced isolation ICs by limiting transient voltage to 230V for <100ns. |
| LED Streetlight Driver Output | RS-485 Transceiver Interface |
Use Scenario: Suppressing lightning-induced surges on constant-current output lines feeding outdoor LED arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS placed after bulk filter capacitors to clamp residual 1kV/0.5A surges passing through primary MOVs. Use Value: Extends LED driver MTBF by preventing secondary-side MOSFET avalanche failure during repeated 10/1000μs line surges. |
Use Scenario: Providing IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2kV) surge protection on RS-485 data lines in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp between A/B differential pair and ground to maintain common-mode voltage within transceiver common-mode range. Use Value: Maintains data integrity during 2kV surges by limiting differential swing to <460V (2×230V) without disrupting bias network operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | Surface-mount SMB package (3.5×3.5mm), 400W rating, VBR = 144–176V, VC = 259V @ 1.5A | Higher clamping voltage (+29V) and lower IPPM (1.5A vs. 1.8A); suited for space-constrained PCBs but requires tighter layout for thermal relief. | Select SMBJ160CA when board area is limited and thermal vias can support 1.5A pulse current without exceeding TJmax. |
| 1.5KE160CA | Through-hole DO-201AD package, 1500W rating, VBR = 144–176V, VC = 252V @ 5.4A | Higher power handling but larger footprint and slower response (>10ns); better for infrequent high-energy surges, not EFT. | Choose 1.5KE160CA only when protecting against rare lightning surges (>1kA) where 400W is insufficient and PCB real estate allows DO-201AD size. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, P4KE160CA offers optimal balance of compact DO-41 form factor, 230V low-clamp performance, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for automotive and industrial control applications requiring proven reliability and precise voltage limiting.
Availability
P4KE160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial PLCs, LED lighting drivers, and RS-485 communication interfaces requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE160CA 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, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's AEC-Q101-qualified TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust transient immunity in automotive power distribution and signal conditioning systems operating up to 175°C.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE160CA under standard surge conditions?
The P4KE160CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 230 V when subjected to a 10/1000μs waveform with a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.8 A. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge testing - critical for ensuring downstream components like CAN transceivers remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the P4KE160CA suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the P4KE160CA is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified as indicated by the "H" suffix option (e.g., P4KE160CAH). It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated stress testing (HAST), and mechanical shock - meeting requirements for deployment in body control modules, lighting systems, and infotainment power supplies where automotive-grade reliability is mandatory.
How does the bidirectional design of the P4KE160CA affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The P4KE160CA's bidirectional construction eliminates polarity constraints: either lead may connect to any node in the protected circuit without regard to voltage polarity. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes that require strict anode/cathode orientation relative to ground or supply rail, P4KE160CA simplifies layout for differential lines (e.g., RS-485) and floating sensors - reducing design review cycles and eliminating orientation-related assembly errors.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the P4KE160CA at its working voltage?
The P4KE160CA exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1 μA when biased at its working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 130 V. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on automotive modules and prevents signal distortion in high-impedance sensor interfaces - verified at TA = 25°C and consistent across the full –55°C to +125°C operating range.
Can the P4KE160CA be used in parallel to increase surge current handling capacity?
No, the P4KE160CA should not be paralleled for increased surge current capacity due to inherent VBR mismatch between devices, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated device such as 1.5KE160CA (5.4A) or implement staged protection with upstream MOVs - always verifying coordination via SPICE simulation or empirical testing.
P4KE160CA 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 136V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 152V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 219V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.9A
- 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)
P4KE160CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE160CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE160CA 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 P4KE160CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE160CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE160CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE160CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE160CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE160CA?
P4KE160CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE160CA 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 P4KE160CA?
For technical support, including P4KE160CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE160CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE160CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE160CA 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 P4KE160CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE160CA?
All P4KE160CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE160CA, 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 P4KE160CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE160CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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