Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE16C
- Part No.:
- P4KE16C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE16C.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 16V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,013
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Product details
Overview
P4KE16C 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 16V nominal standoff voltage, 14.4–17.6V breakdown range at 1mA test current, 12.9V working peak reverse voltage, and clamps transients to ≤23.5V at 17.8A peak pulse current - enabling robust ESD and lightning surge protection in automotive body electronics and industrial control I/O circuits.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE16C datasheet, P4KE16C pinout, P4KE16C application, or P4KE16C equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, low 1μA leakage at 12.9V, sub-1ps response time from 0V to VBR, and AEC-Q101 qualification option (P4KE16CH).
Technical Context
The P4KE16C operates as a silicon avalanche diode, leveraging controlled reverse-biased breakdown to clamp transient voltages above its VWM while maintaining high impedance below that threshold. Its 10/1000μs waveform rating of 400W defines energy-handling capability under standardized surge conditions per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
It exhibits a temperature coefficient of +0.086%/°C for VBR, ensuring predictable voltage drift across its –55°C to +175°C operating junction range. The device's low dynamic impedance enables effective suppression of fast-rising transients, including EFT bursts and inductive switching spikes, without significant voltage overshoot.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12.9 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; sets safe DC rail margin for 12V systems. |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 14.4–17.6 V - Breakdown onset range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage with defined tolerance. |
| VC @ IPPM=17.8A | 23.5 V - Clamped voltage during 400W 10/1000μs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| IPPM | 17.8 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to 400W rating; defines surge current capacity at standard waveform. |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at 12.9V; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | +175°C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments. |
| Response time | <1.0 ps - Time from 0V to VBR under transient; enables protection against nanosecond-scale ESD events. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with UL 94V-0 flammability rating and pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability. Cathode identified by a single band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Ground reference terminal | Connected to system ground or low-side return path; completes clamping loop during transient events. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to the line being protected (e.g., 12V rail, CAN_H); conducts avalanche current to ground when VAK exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400W peak pulse power | Handles 10/1000μs surges up to 400W without degradation - sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 testing. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | P4KE16CH meets automotive reliability requirements for temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock - validated for under-hood use. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Ensures minimal overvoltage exposure to protected ICs - critical for safeguarding 16V-tolerant microcontrollers and transceivers. |
| UL 94V-0 molding compound | Provides flame-retardant encapsulation meeting safety standards for industrial and transportation equipment enclosures. |
| Halogen-free construction | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and RoHS - supports environmentally regulated supply chains and end-of-life recycling. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Power Input | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects 12V supply rail of BCM against load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VIN and GND, clamping surges before they reach LDOs and MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤23.5V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 28V-rated power management ICs. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input channels of PLC I/O modules from field-wiring induced EFT and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end TVS on each input channel, absorbing 400W pulses while maintaining <1μA leakage at 24V standby. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4kV EFT) without additional filtering or derating of input circuitry. |
| LED Driver Supply Rail Protection | RS-485 Transceiver Bus Line Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Guards constant-current LED driver ICs against voltage spikes caused by hot-plug events or cable discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on driver VCC rail, triggered within <1ps to suppress sub-10ns ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide damage in MOSFET drivers by limiting VCC overshoot to 23.5V during 8kV contact discharge. |
Use Scenario: Protects RS-485 transceiver bus pins (A/B) from lightning-induced surges in building automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired unidirectional TVS devices (one per line) referenced to local ground, clamping differential and common-mode transients. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting bus voltage excursion to ≤23.5V, avoiding receiver saturation or fault lockup. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ16A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 16V unidirectional; 400W rating; VC = 26.0V @ 15.4A; higher clamping voltage than P4KE16C. | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB redesign; better thermal performance in high-density layouts but lower surge current density. | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is preferred over through-hole mounting. |
| Vishay 1.5KE16A | Same DO-204AL (DO-41) package; 16V unidirectional; 1500W rating; VC = 26.5V @ 56.7A; significantly higher power handling but larger VC. | Higher-energy surge environments (e.g., outdoor telecom); less precise clamping margin for sensitive 16V-tolerant ICs. | Select when protecting against multi-kA lightning surges where 400W is insufficient, accepting higher clamping voltage. |
Compared with SMAJ16A and 1.5KE16A, the P4KE16C offers tighter clamping (23.5V vs. ≥26.0V) in a cost-effective axial package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-tolerant 12V/24V systems where precise voltage limiting is prioritized over ultra-high energy absorption.
Availability
P4KE16C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, LED driver supply rails, and RS-485 bus line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for P4KE16C 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, specializing in power management, protection, and signal conditioning devices since 1979.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications where robustness, consistency, and AEC-Q101 compliance are required.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P4KE16C?
The P4KE16C is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode marked by a single band on the DO-41 package body. It conducts only when the cathode is biased positively relative to the anode - making it suitable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. Unlike bidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE16CA), it does not protect against reverse-voltage transients.
Does the P4KE16C meet automotive qualification standards?
The base P4KE16C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE16CH variant - identical in electrical specs and DO-41 packaging - is fully AEC-Q101 certified for temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock. Engineers designing for automotive applications must specify P4KE16CH to ensure compliance with automotive reliability requirements.
How does the P4KE16C compare to the P4KE16A in terms of breakdown voltage tolerance?
The P4KE16C has a VBR range of 14.4–17.6V at 1mA, while the P4KE16A offers a tighter 15.2–16.8V range. This ±10% tolerance (C-suffix) versus ±5% (A-suffix) reflects different binning criteria - the P4KE16C provides broader interchangeability in non-critical applications, whereas the P4KE16A suits designs requiring tighter clamping predictability.
What is the maximum allowable mounting temperature for P4KE16C during reflow or wave soldering?
The P4KE16C uses pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and is rated for wave soldering at 260°C for 10 seconds max. For reflow, though not recommended due to its axial DO-41 form factor, peak temperature must not exceed 260°C. Exceeding these limits risks epoxy cracking or lead finish degradation, compromising long-term reliability.
Can the P4KE16C be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - the P4KE16C is strictly unidirectional and lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics. For bidirectional protection (e.g., RS-485, USB, or AC-coupled lines), engineers must select the P4KE16CA variant, which features matched forward and reverse breakdown behavior and is explicitly rated for bipolar operation per manufacturer specifications.
P4KE16C 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):
- 12.9V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 17.8A
- 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)
P4KE16C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE16C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE16C 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 P4KE16C reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE16C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE16C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE16C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE16C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE16C?
P4KE16C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE16C 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 P4KE16C?
For technical support, including P4KE16C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE16C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE16C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE16C 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 P4KE16C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE16C?
All P4KE16C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE16C, 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 P4KE16C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE16C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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