Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE20
- Part No.:
- P4KE20
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 20V, UNIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,897
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20 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 20V nominal breakdown voltage, 16.2V working stand-off voltage, 29.1V maximum clamping voltage at 14A peak pulse current, and operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature range-commonly deployed in automotive body control modules and industrial PLC I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20 datasheet, P4KE20 pinout, P4KE20 application, or P4KE20 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, low leakage (<1μA at 16.2V), DO-41 package compatibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification availability for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
The P4KE20 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance during transient events. Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric clamping-forward conduction only on reverse overvoltage-making it suitable for DC-biased lines where ground-referenced surges dominate.
It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for peak pulse power rating and delivers 400W surge capability at 10/1000μs waveform. The device exhibits a +0.090%/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, ensuring predictable voltage drift across operating temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 16.2 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 18.0–22.0 V - Measured breakdown range at 1mA test current; ensures reliable turn-on within specified tolerance band |
| VC @ IPPM=14A | 29.1 V - Clamped voltage during 400W 10/1000μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level |
| IPPM | 14.0 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to 400W rating; used to size upstream fusing and trace routing |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; critical for low-power sensor or battery-backed circuits |
| TJ max | +175°C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package compatible with legacy PCB assembly and manual repair |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package with axial leads: cathode indicated by band-marked end; anode is unmarked lead. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked lead) | DC return / reference node | Connected to system ground or lower-potential rail; completes clamping path during reverse surge |
| Cathode (banded lead) | Protected line input | Connected to line under protection (e.g., 12V supply rail); avalanche conduction occurs when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 400W peak pulse power | Withstands 10/1000μs transients up to 400W without degradation-meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a requirements |
| <1.0ps response time | Enables sub-nanosecond clamping onset-critical for protecting high-speed logic and microcontroller I/O pins |
| UL 94V-0 molding compound | Flame-retardant encapsulation meets safety standards for enclosed industrial and automotive enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 qualified option | P4KE20H variant available for automotive applications requiring stress-tested reliability per JESD22-A108 |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive-enables use in green electronics manufacturing |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V supply rail in BCM against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between fused 12V feed and downstream regulator/LDO. Use Value: Limits rail excursion to ≤29.1V during 400W surge, preventing damage to MCU, CAN transceivers, and driver ICs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24V digital input channels from field-wiring induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line protection ahead of optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input stage. Use Value: Clamps fast EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) to <30V, preserving input logic integrity and reducing false triggering. |
| LED Driver Power Supply | Smart Meter Communication Port |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from relay coils driving LED arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across relay coil terminals to absorb stored energy. Use Value: Dissipates 400W spike within 1ms, eliminating arcing and extending relay contact life. | Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceiver pins from lightning-induced surges on meter data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional protection not applicable-P4KE20 used in unidirectional configuration with biasing for half-duplex port. Use Value: Maintains <1μA leakage at 16.2V, avoiding signal distortion while clamping >20V transients to safe levels. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Surface-mount SMB package; 20V bidirectional; 600W rating; higher clamping voltage (32.4V) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT layout; suited for space-constrained designs needing higher surge margin | Select SMBJ20A when board real estate is limited and 600W surge headroom justifies SMT transition. |
| 1.5KE20A | Same DO-41 package; 1500W rating; higher VC (36.5V); slower response (~1ns) | Higher clamping voltage increases protected IC stress; better for less sensitive analog front-ends | Choose 1.5KE20A only if legacy 1500W surge compliance (e.g., MIL-STD-1275) is mandatory and 36.5V clamping is acceptable. |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20 offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 400W surge handling, and low 29.1V clamping-ideal for cost-sensitive, thermally stable, and serviceable industrial and automotive power rail protection.
Availability
P4KE20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, LED driver power supplies, and smart meter communication ports requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for P4KE20 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 semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 qualification capabilities.
The P4KE series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient protection for automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems-designed for robust surge immunity in harsh electrical environments without requiring complex external circuitry.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE20 under standard surge conditions?
The P4KE20 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1 V when subjected to its rated 14.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 400W transient event. The P4KE20 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the P4KE20 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how does that affect its circuit placement?
The P4KE20 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only when reverse-biased beyond its breakdown voltage-its cathode must be connected toward the protected line and anode to ground or the lower-potential rail. This configuration provides asymmetric clamping ideal for DC-biased rails like 12V or 24V supplies. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE20CA) exist but require different marking and usage; the P4KE20 itself is strictly unidirectional.
Does the P4KE20 meet automotive reliability standards?
The base P4KE20 is not AEC-Q101 qualified, but the P4KE20H variant-identical electrically and mechanically-is explicitly qualified per AEC-Q101 for automotive applications. TSC documentation confirms P4KE20H undergoes stress testing including HTOL, temperature cycling, and HTRB. For automotive designs requiring certified reliability, specify P4KE20H; the P4KE20 remains suitable for non-automotive industrial use.
What is the leakage current specification for the P4KE20 at its working voltage?
The P4KE20 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of less than 1 μA when biased at its working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 16.2 V. This ultra-low leakage is confirmed at TA = 25°C and supports use in battery-powered or low-quiescent-current systems where standby power loss must be minimized. Leakage remains well below 10 μA even at elevated temperatures up to 125°C.
Can the P4KE20 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?
No-P4KE20 devices should not be paralleled for increased surge capacity due to inherent VBR tolerances (±10% for P4KE20: 18.0–22.0 V). Mismatched breakdown voltages cause uneven current sharing, leading to thermal runaway in the lower-VBR unit. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-rated device such as the 1.5KE20A (1500W) or consider staged protection with upstream current limiting, rather than paralleling P4KE20 units.
P4KE20 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):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14A
- 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)
P4KE20 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20 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 P4KE20 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20?
P4KE20 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20 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 P4KE20?
For technical support, including P4KE20 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20 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 P4KE20 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20?
All P4KE20 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20, 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 P4KE20 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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