Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE16-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE16-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE16-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12.9VWM 23.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,746
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Product details
Overview
P4KE16-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on DC power rails and signal lines. It features 13.6 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 15.2–16.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 22.5 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 17.8 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE16-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE16-E3/73 pinout, P4KE16-E3/73 application, or P4KE16-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, unidirectional polarity alignment with DC rail orientation, thermal resistance (66 °C/W junction-to-lead), and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, responding to transient overvoltage events within picoseconds. Its unidirectional configuration requires cathode-end marking (band) and conducts only during reverse overvoltage, maintaining low leakage (<1.0 μA at 13.6 V) under normal operation.
Clamping action follows a well-defined V-I curve: at 17.8 A IPPM (10/1000 μs), it limits voltage to ≤22.5 V; its 0.086 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR ensures stable breakdown across -55 °C to +175 °C operating range, critical for under-hood automotive and industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 13.6 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for safe DC rail operation |
| VBR min/max | 15.2 V / 16.8 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; defines minimum overvoltage threshold for protection activation |
| VC @ IPPM | 22.5 V at 17.8 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient; must stay below protected device's absolute max rating |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 μs waveform; determines survivability against common ESD/lightning surges |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - junction-to-lead thermal resistance; enables power derating calculation when lead temperature exceeds 25 °C |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in high-ambient environments like motor drives and power converters |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on one end; body length 25.4 mm min, lead diameter 0.71–0.86 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND) in unidirectional TVS placement; carries surge current during forward conduction (rare) |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche breakdown occurs here during overvoltage, shunting current to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surge events without degradation when properly heatsinked |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero defect field performance |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-supplied ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and local regulator input to clamp transients before LDO or DC/DC converter. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤22.5 V during 400 W surges, preventing regulator shutdown or internal FET failure while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at nominal 13.6 V operation. | Use Scenario: 24 V digital input modules receiving signals from field sensors subject to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector entry point to absorb flyback energy from solenoid/relay coils before reaching optocoupler or MCU GPIO. Use Value: Clamps 17.8 A surge within nanoseconds, preserving signal integrity and eliminating false triggering caused by >100 V spikes on 24 V lines. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output Protection | MOSFET Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side 5 V/12 V outputs of AC/DC adapters susceptible to ESD and capacitor discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across output capacitor to suppress fast-rising transients before reaching USB ports or downstream PMICs. Use Value: 22.5 V clamping ensures compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (8 kV contact) without compromising low-noise regulation due to <1.0 μA leakage. | Use Scenario: High-side N-channel MOSFET drivers in half-bridge inverters experiencing shoot-through-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected between gate and source to clamp Miller-induced gate overvoltage during switching transitions. Use Value: Fast response time and 15.2–16.8 V VBR ensure gate voltage stays within ±20 V absolute max rating of common logic-level MOSFETs during dV/dt events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16A | DO-214AA package; 16 V VWM; 23.2 V VC @ 17.2 A; 600 W PPPM | Higher power rating but larger footprint; better suited for PCBs with space for SMC/SMB packages | Select SMBJ16A when higher surge margin or surface-mount assembly is required; not drop-in compatible with DO-41 through-hole layout |
| 1.5KE16A | Same DO-41 package; 16 V VWM; 25.3 V VC @ 15.8 A; 1500 W PPPM | Higher clamping voltage and peak power; intended for heavier industrial surge environments | Choose 1.5KE16A where IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) immunity is mandated; verify system-level clamping margin remains acceptable |
Compared with SMBJ16A and 1.5KE16A, the P4KE16-E3/73 offers optimal balance of compact through-hole form factor, precise 22.5 V clamping ceiling, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive control units and legacy industrial designs requiring proven DO-41 reliability.
Availability
P4KE16-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and consumer adapter output safeguarding requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE16-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, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and automotive qualification.
The P4KE16-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in DC power distribution networks and signal interface circuits across automotive, industrial, and computing platforms.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P4KE16-E3/73?
The P4KE16-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it functions as a reverse-biased avalanche device. The cathode is marked by a color band on the DO-41 package body; this end connects to the protected line (e.g., 12 V rail), while the anode connects to ground. Forward conduction is not part of its primary protection function, and its 3.5 V VF specification applies only under surge conditions.
Does the P4KE16-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the P4KE16-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. This qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge endurance - all validated for the E3 suffix variant used in P4KE16-E3/73.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE16-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE16-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 22.5 V at 17.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the highest voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a 400 W transient event.
How does the P4KE16-E3/73 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE16CA?
The P4KE16-E3/73 is unidirectional and requires correct polarity installation, whereas P4KE16CA is bidirectional and symmetrical for AC or floating-line protection. The P4KE16-E3/73 offers tighter VBR tolerance (15.2–16.8 V vs. ±5 % for CA types) and lower leakage at VWM, making it preferable for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed and leakage sensitivity matters.
Can the P4KE16-E3/73 be used in place of the older P4KE16A part?
Yes, the P4KE16-E3/73 is a RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade revision of the P4KE16A with identical electrical specifications, DO-41 packaging, and thermal characteristics. The "E3" suffix indicates matte tin plating and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/73" denotes packaging in 73 mm tape-and-reel - both fully compatible with legacy P4KE16A designs and assembly processes.
P4KE16-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12.9V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 17A
- 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)
P4KE16-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE16-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE16-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 P4KE16-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE16-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 P4KE16-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE16-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE16-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE16-E3/73?
P4KE16-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE16-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 P4KE16-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE16-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE16-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE16-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE16-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 P4KE16-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE16-E3/73?
All P4KE16-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE16-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 P4KE16-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE16-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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