Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE160C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE160C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE160C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 130VWM 230VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,938
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4KE160C-E3/73 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 136 V standoff voltage (VWM), 152–168 V breakdown range (VBR at 1 mA), 219 V maximum clamping voltage at 1.8 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE160C-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE160C-E3/73 pinout, P4KE160C-E3/73 application, or P4KE160C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, and thermal resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W) for board-level surge protection design.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: under normal conditions it presents high impedance (>1 μA leakage at 136 V), then rapidly switches to low-impedance conduction when transient voltage exceeds VBR. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.
Designed for unidirectional and bidirectional configurations, P4KE160C-E3/73 uses no polarity marking (per bidirectional specification), supports 175 °C max junction temperature, and meets JESD 22-B106 soldering requirements (275 °C, 10 s). It is RoHS-compliant and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 136 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 152–168 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range where device transitions from high- to low-impedance state |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 219 V at IPPM = 1.8 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 μs surge; determines downstream component stress |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustained energy absorption capability for standardized 10/1000 μs transient waveform |
| RθJL (Junction-to-Lead Thermal Resistance) | 66 °C/W - Enables thermal management via PCB copper pour or lead heatsinking; critical for repetitive surge handling |
| TJ Max | 175 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; sets upper limit for ambient + power dissipation design margin |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | 1.0 μA at VWM - Low standby current preserves signal integrity and minimizes power loss in always-on circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with glass-passivated chip junction. Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. No polarity marking - bidirectional operation confirmed.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked ends) | Bidirectional transient conduction path | Leads are interchangeable; device conducts symmetrically in either direction above VBR |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Thermal and electrical interface to PCB | Both leads serve as current return paths and primary heat conduction routes to board copper |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and infotainment power rails |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and improved resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-line) with appropriate series impedance |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to downstream ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors |
| RoHS-compliant, matte tin plating | Enables lead-free reflow compatibility and eliminates whisker risk per JESD 201 Class 1A |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamping |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed across power input prior to DC/DC converter input stage. Use Value: Clamps transients up to 219 V while limiting energy dissipation to within 400 W rating, preserving upstream fuse and downstream regulator integrity. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure or temperature sensors connected to PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on differential or single-ended sensor output lines exposed to ESD and cable discharge events. Use Value: Sub-μA leakage at 136 V avoids signal offset; fast response (<1 ns) prevents latch-up in precision op-amp front-ends. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side surge suppression on Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceiver power and data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on isolated DC bias rails and common-mode signal paths. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry matches AC-coupled signaling; 175 °C TJ max supports operation in sealed telecom enclosures with limited airflow. |
Use Scenario: Primary-side transient suppression on offline AC-DC adapter inputs subject to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping device between bridge rectifier output and bulk capacitor. Use Value: Withstands 8.3 ms half-sine surge (IFSM = 40 A) and maintains <1 μA leakage at 136 V, minimizing no-load power loss. |
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 | DO-214AA package; lower RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 100 °C/W); same VWM/VBR/VC ratings | Better suited for surface-mount layouts with tight thermal constraints; requires PCB rework for through-hole replacement | Select SMBJ160CA when space-constrained SMT assembly is required and thermal performance must exceed DO-41 limits. |
| 1.5KE160CA | Higher PPPM (1500 W); larger DO-201AE package; identical VWM/VBR/VC specs | Used where higher single-event surge margin is mandated (e.g., industrial motor drives), but occupies >2× board area | Choose 1.5KE160CA only if system-level testing confirms need for >400 W pulse handling; otherwise P4KE160C-E3/73 offers optimal cost-size-performance balance. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, P4KE160C-E3/73 delivers AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-41 through-hole compatibility in a cost-effective, legacy-compatible form factor-making it ideal for automotive service replacements and industrial upgrades where footprint and qualification alignment are prioritized over raw power rating or SMT density.
Availability
P4KE160C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line protection, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE160C-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P4KE160C-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in harsh environments-including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P4KE160C-E3/73?
P4KE160C-E3/73 is a bidirectional TVS diode with no polarity marking on the DO-41 package. Its terminals are functionally interchangeable, enabling symmetrical clamping of positive and negative transients without regard to orientation on the PCB. This is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88365, which specifies "no marking on bidirectional types" and lists P4KE160C-E3/73 under bidirectional variants using the "CA" suffix convention.
Does P4KE160C-E3/73 meet automotive reliability standards?
Yes, P4KE160C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the Vishay datasheet (Revision 16-Sep-2021, page 3, Note (1)). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD, making P4KE160C-E3/73 suitable for under-hood and cabin electronics where failure modes must be rigorously controlled.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE160C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4KE160C-E3/73 is 219 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.8 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 2 of datasheet 88365) and defines the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events.
Can P4KE160C-E3/73 be used in AC line applications?
P4KE160C-E3/73 is rated for 136 V DC stand-off (VWM) and is not intended for direct AC mains connection. It may be used on DC-derived rails downstream of rectification-such as in offline power supply secondary sides-but requires proper series impedance and coordination with upstream MOVs or GDTs for full AC line surge compliance per IEC 61000-4-5.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for P4KE160C-E3/73?
The typical thermal resistance from junction to ambient (RθJA) for P4KE160C-E3/73 is 100 °C/W, measured with lead length L = 10 mm (per datasheet page 3, Thermal Characteristics section). This value assumes standard PCB mounting; actual performance improves significantly with copper pour or thermal vias, as evidenced by its lower junction-to-lead resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W).
P4KE160C-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 130V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 144V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 230V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.7A
- 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)
P4KE160C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE160C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE160C-E3/73 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 P4KE160C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE160C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE160C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE160C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE160C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE160C-E3/73?
P4KE160C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE160C-E3/73 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 P4KE160C-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE160C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE160C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE160C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE160C-E3/73 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 P4KE160C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE160C-E3/73?
All P4KE160C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE160C-E3/73, 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 P4KE160C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE160C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE160C-E3/73 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
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
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 …

