My Inquiry
My Account
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE18A
- Part No.:
- P4KE18A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE18A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,455
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
P4KE18A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 18V nominal breakdown voltage, 15.3V working stand-off voltage, 25.5V maximum clamping voltage at 16.5A peak pulse current, and low leakage (<1μA at 15.3V), making it suitable for protecting automotive body control modules against ISO 7637-2 load dump and EFT transients.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE18A datasheet, P4KE18A pinout, P4KE18A application, or P4KE18A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, standoff voltage compatibility with system operating voltage, surge current rating under 10/1000μs waveform, and DO-41 package thermal performance in constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The P4KE18A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance, enabling effective suppression of sub-microsecond transients such as ESD and electrical fast transients. Its unidirectional configuration provides forward conduction capability while blocking reverse leakage below 15.3V.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for peak pulse power rating and is rated for 400W non-repetitive surge dissipation at TA = 25°C, derating linearly above that temperature per Fig.2. Junction temperature range spans –55°C to +175°C, supporting under-hood automotive deployment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 18 V - defines the approximate DC voltage level at which avalanche conduction begins under standard test conditions |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 17.1–18.9 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on before downstream circuit damage; tight 10% tolerance supports precise protection thresholding |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 15.3 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage the device blocks without significant leakage, compatible with 12V automotive systems |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage VC | 25.5 V @ 16.5 A (10/1000μs) - limits transient voltage seen by protected ICs; 25.5V clamping at 16.5A enables robust protection of 24V-rated interfaces |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400 W - sustains high-energy surges like ISO 16750-2 jump-start pulses without failure; validated per 10/1000μs waveform |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55°C to +175°C - supports operation in engine compartment environments and industrial control cabinets without derating |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - axial-leaded through-hole package with tin-plated leads, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package with axial leads: cathode indicated by band-marked end; anode is unmarked lead. Designed for through-hole mounting on FR-4 PCBs with ≥5×5 mm copper pads per lead for optimal thermal dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink node | Connected to protected line; conducts surge current to ground during overvoltage events; polarity must match system reference |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference / ground return | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; completes conduction loop during clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400W peak pulse power rating | Enables single-device protection against ISO 7637-2 Test Pulse 1 (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-4 EFT bursts without external heat sinking |
| Clamping voltage ≤25.5V at 16.5A | Provides ≥3.5V margin below typical 28V automotive rail max, preventing latch-up or overvoltage stress on downstream 24V logic |
| Reverse leakage <1μA at 15.3V | Minimizes standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules such as CAN gateway controllers and telematics units |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and mechanical shock per AEC-Q101 Rev D |
| Fast response time <1.0ps | Responds before most microsecond-scale transients fully develop, reducing energy delivered to protected ICs by >90% versus slower MOVs |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIOs and LIN transceivers from battery line transients during load dump and jump-start events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12V supply rail and LIN bus lines. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤25.5V during 400W surges, preventing permanent damage to 3.3V/5V MCU I/O structures and maintaining communication integrity. |
Use Scenario: Shields 24V digital input optocouplers from inductive kickback when solenoids or relays de-energize. IC Role / Device Role: Front-end transient suppressor on dry-contact input channels. Use Value: Clamps 16.5A spikes within 1.0ps, eliminating false triggering and extending optocoupler lifetime in factory automation systems. |
| LED Headlamp Driver Supply | Smart Meter RS-485 Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Guards buck converter controller ICs against alternator ripple and load dump in automotive LED lighting systems. IC Role / Device Role: Secondary protection stage after bulk capacitor, placed adjacent to controller VDD pin. Use Value: Maintains 15.3V standoff while clamping to 25.5V, ensuring controller IC remains within absolute maximum ratings during 100ms load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguards RS-485 transceivers from ESD and lightning-induced surges on utility meter communication lines. IC Role / Device Role: Line-side TVS on A/B differential pair and common-mode bus lines. Use Value: Low 25.5V clamping prevents transceiver latch-up during IEC 61000-4-2 ±8kV contact discharge, preserving data link uptime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ18A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 18V nominal, 25.5V clamping at 15.4A; slightly lower surge rating (400W same, but lower IPPM due to package thermal limit) | Suitable for surface-mount designs where board space is constrained; requires reflow-compatible layout and thermal relief pads | Select when migrating from through-hole to SMT; verify PCB pad thermal mass matches SMAJ18A's 15.4A rating |
| Vishay 1.5KE18A | Higher power rating (1500W); larger DO-201AD package; identical 18V/15.3V/25.5V electrical specs; longer lead time and higher cost | Used in high-reliability industrial power supplies where multi-pulse surge endurance is critical | Choose only if system requires >400W single-pulse handling or legacy 1.5KE footprint compatibility |
Compared with SMAJ18A, P4KE18A offers lower profile and simpler through-hole assembly but lacks SMT scalability; versus 1.5KE18A, it delivers identical protection performance in a smaller, cost-optimized package ideal for high-volume automotive electronics.
Availability
P4KE18A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, LED driver supply rails, and smart meter communication interfaces requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P4KE18A 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 automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.
The P4KE series belongs to TSC's transient voltage suppression portfolio, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications demanding AEC-Q101 compliance, tight parametric tolerances, and robust surge immunity in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE18A under standard test conditions?
The P4KE18A has a maximum clamping voltage of 25.5 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs surge waveform at 16.5 A peak pulse current. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and represents the upper limit of voltage the device allows across its terminals during transient suppression, ensuring protected circuits remain within safe operating limits. The P4KE18A maintains this clamping performance consistently across its rated junction temperature range.
Is P4KE18A suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, P4KE18A is a unidirectional TVS diode and is not rated for bidirectional operation. Its electrical characteristics-including breakdown voltage, clamping behavior, and leakage-are specified only for reverse-biased (cathode-to-anode) conduction. For bidirectional protection, select the P4KE18CA variant, which uses a back-to-back diode configuration and carries the 'C' or 'CA' suffix per Taiwan Semiconductor's ordering nomenclature.
What is the working stand-off voltage (VWM) of P4KE18A and why does it matter?
The P4KE18A has a working stand-off voltage of 15.3 V, meaning it blocks up to this DC voltage with minimal leakage (<1 μA). This parameter is critical because it must exceed the normal operating voltage of the protected circuit-such as a 12 V automotive rail-to avoid unintended conduction during steady-state operation. Exceeding VWM risks premature breakdown and excessive power dissipation, so proper margin between system VDD and P4KE18A's VWM is essential.
Does P4KE18A meet automotive qualification standards?
The base P4KE18A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the AEC-Q101-compliant version is designated as P4KE18AH (with 'H' suffix) and undergoes full stress testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D, including temperature cycling, unbiased HAST, and mechanical shock. Engineers designing for automotive applications should specify P4KE18AH to ensure compliance with OEM reliability requirements, while P4KE18A remains appropriate for industrial or consumer-grade systems.
How does the DO-41 package of P4KE18A affect thermal performance in PCB layouts?
The DO-41 (DO-204AL) package of P4KE18A relies on lead conduction and copper pad area for heat dissipation. When mounted on 5 × 5 mm copper pads per lead, it achieves full 400 W surge rating at 25°C ambient; thermal derating begins above that temperature per Fig.2 in the datasheet. Layouts with smaller pads or no thermal relief will reduce surge capability, so PCB design must follow Taiwan Semiconductor's recommended pad dimensions and minimize trace length to maintain clamping integrity during fast transients.
P4KE18A 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):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16.5A
- 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)
P4KE18A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE18A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE18A 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 P4KE18A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE18A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE18A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE18A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE18A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE18A?
P4KE18A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE18A 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 P4KE18A?
For technical support, including P4KE18A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE18A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE18A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE18A 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 P4KE18A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE18A?
All P4KE18A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE18A, 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 P4KE18A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE18A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE18A 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 …
