Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE20A
- Part No.:
- P4KE20A
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,588
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20A 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 20V nominal breakdown voltage, 17.1V working stand-off voltage, 27.7V maximum clamping voltage at 15A peak pulse current, and <1μA reverse leakage above 17.1V - deployed in automotive ECU power inputs, industrial PLC I/O modules, and LED driver input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20A datasheet, P4KE20A pinout, P4KE20A application, or P4KE20A equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.62), AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-41 package thermal derating behavior, and compatibility with 10/1000μs surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
The P4KE20A operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR), low dynamic impedance, and thermally stable breakdown (0.090%/°C temperature coefficient). Its unidirectional polarity enables asymmetric clamping on positive-going transients while blocking reverse conduction.
Rated for 400W non-repetitive peak pulse power at 25°C and 1W steady-state dissipation at 75°C lead temperature, it complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 surge definitions and supports UL 94V-0 flammability-rated molding compound with pure tin-plated leads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 20V - defines rated standoff margin before avalanche onset under standard test conditions |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 19.0–21.0V @ 1mA - ensures reliable turn-on within ±5% tolerance at low-current threshold |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 17.1V - maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without significant leakage |
| Maximum Clamping Voltage VC | 27.7V @ 15A IPPM - limits downstream voltage during 10/1000μs surge, enabling 3.3V/5V IC survival |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400W - sustains single-event surges up to 1ms duration without failure per Fig.3 waveform |
| Reverse Leakage ID | <1μA @ 17.1V - minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering in high-impedance circuits |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55°C to +175°C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking for unidirectional polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002; weight ≈0.300g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to circuit ground or return path; establishes reference for clamping action |
| Cathode | High-side surge sink terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24V rail); conducts surge current to ground during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD stress per JESD22 |
| Clamping ratio VC/VWM | 1.62 - tight ratio enables robust protection margin for 3.3V/5V logic supply rails |
| Fast avalanche response | <1.0ps rise time from 0V to VBR - intercepts nanosecond-scale ESD events before system damage |
| UL recognition | File #E-326243 - confirms compliance with UL 497B for telecom and industrial surge protection |
| Halogen-free construction | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 - satisfies RoHS and environmental requirements for global OEM production |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12V battery rail exposed to load dump and alternator ripple in vehicle BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS clamp on main power input, placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transients to ≤27.7V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3V/5V MCU and CAN transceiver ICs. |
Use Scenario: 24V digital input channel subject to inductive kickback from solenoid valves and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end surge limiter before optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input conditioning stage. Use Value: Absorbs 400W pulses without degradation, maintaining signal integrity and eliminating false edge detection. |
| LED Streetlight Driver Input | Medical Diagnostic Equipment Power Entry |
Use Scenario: AC/DC front-end of outdoor LED drivers subjected to lightning-induced surges on mains lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level clamping after MOV, providing precise voltage limiting before bridge rectifier and PFC controller. Use Value: Tight 17.1V VWM allows coordination with upstream MOVs while ensuring <1μA leakage preserves efficiency. |
Use Scenario: Low-power auxiliary 5V/12V supply input in portable diagnostic devices requiring ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry protection on isolated DC input, paired with common-mode chokes. Use Value: Sub-1.0ps response captures ESD events before they propagate into analog front-end ADCs or sensor interfaces. |
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 SMAJ20A | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 20V VBR min/max tighter (19.0–20.0V); 27.7V VC @ 14.3A | Surface-mount layout required; higher thermal resistance than DO-41 in free-air conditions | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is used; verify PCB copper area for thermal management. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE20A | Higher PPK (1500W); same DO-204AL package; 20V nominal; 27.7V VC @ 54.3A; larger case volume | Over-specified for 400W use cases; requires larger PCB footprint and higher surge energy handling | Choose only if legacy 1.5KE footprint compatibility is mandatory or system-level surge testing exceeds 400W requirements. |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20A delivers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, AEC-Q101 readiness, and precise 400W clamping performance - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial designs where DO-41 through-hole assembly remains standard.
Availability
P4KE20A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial control I/O modules, and LED lighting power supplies requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for P4KE20A 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, and rectifiers with ISO/TS 16949 and AEC-Q200 certified production lines.
The P4KE series targets cost-effective, high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems - emphasizing robust surge handling, tight parametric tolerances, and long-term supply stability.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE20A under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?
The P4KE20A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7V at 15A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per the 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform defined in ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value ensures protected circuits remain below critical thresholds for 3.3V and 5V logic components during standardized surge events.
Is the P4KE20A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
The base P4KE20A is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE20AH variant (with 'H' suffix) meets AEC-Q101 stress test requirements including HTGB, TCT, and H3TRB. Engineers specifying P4KE20A for automotive use must confirm ordering code P4KE20AH to ensure qualification compliance.
How does the P4KE20A compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE20CA?
The P4KE20A is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection with polarity-sensitive placement, whereas P4KE20CA provides symmetrical clamping for AC or floating signal lines. The P4KE20A offers lower leakage (<1μA) and tighter VBR tolerance (±5%) versus the bidirectional version's typical 5μA leakage and wider VBR spread.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the P4KE20A above 25°C ambient?
The P4KE20A's peak pulse power rating decreases linearly above 25°C per Figure 2 in the datasheet: at 75°C lead temperature, its steady-state power dissipation is limited to 1W with 5×5 mm copper pads per lead. Derating follows a −1.25%/°C slope beyond 25°C for non-repetitive pulses.
Can the P4KE20A be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
Parallel connection of P4KE20A devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR (19.0–21.0V) causing uneven current sharing. For higher IPPM requirements, select a single higher-rated device such as P4KE22A (13.7A) or P4KE24A (12.6A), both in the same DO-41 package.
P4KE20A 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):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 19V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15A
- 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)
P4KE20A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20A 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 P4KE20A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20A?
P4KE20A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20A 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 P4KE20A?
For technical support, including P4KE20A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20A 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 P4KE20A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20A?
All P4KE20A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20A, 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 P4KE20A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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