Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE20A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,169
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping inductive switching transients and ESD events on power and signal lines. It features 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max: 19.0–21.0 V), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 1.0 mA test current, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at VWM, and 27.7 V clamping voltage at 14.4 A peak pulse current - deployed in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20A-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE20A-E3/54 pinout, P4KE20A-E3/54 application, or P4KE20A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-41 terminal mapping, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W), and bidirectional vs. unidirectional polarity distinctions critical for layout and reliability validation.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS diode uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of 10/1000 μs waveform transients up to 400 W peak pulse power. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and JESD22-B106-compliant solderability support high-reliability deployment in under-hood automotive environments.
The device operates with 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature and exhibits a +0.090 %/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage - ensuring predictable clamping behavior across industrial temperature ranges (-55 °C to +175 °C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable conduction onset threshold for overvoltage clamping |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 14.4 A - clamped voltage during 400 W 10/1000 μs transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling per single 10/1000 μs event, 0.01 % duty cycle |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - thermal resistance from junction to lead, critical for PCB copper pour sizing and thermal relief design |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in high-ambient under-hood or industrial control cabinet environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body end. Leads conform to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path (cathode-banded end is reverse-biased during clamping) | Connected to protected line; conducts only during forward surge (e.g., reverse polarity fault) |
| Cathode | Clamping node for reverse transients | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; initiates avalanche conduction when VLINE > VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under humidity and thermal cycling |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles common automotive load-dump and inductive kick energy without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB and TCT |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during transient events, protecting downstream MOSFETs and ICs |
| 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance | Supports direct lead-mounting to copper planes for efficient heat extraction in space-constrained layouts |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD in engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element placed between signal line and chassis ground, activated within <1 ns of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤27.7 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs while maintaining signal integrity during normal operation at 17.1 V VWM. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules against field-wiring transients and relay coil flyback in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 24 V DC input channels, coordinated with series impedance and filtering. Use Value: Absorbs 400 W pulses without failure, enabling compliance with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity requirements. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 12 V/19 V DC outputs of AC-DC adapters subject to capacitor discharge and hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby clamping device parallel to output capacitor, conducting only during abnormal overvoltage conditions. Use Value: Clamps output to 27.7 V before upstream regulator shutdown, preventing damage to connected USB-C PD controllers or display logic. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY or RS-485 transceivers from lightning-induced surges on outdoor telecom links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage transient suppressor on differential pair, preceding gas discharge tube or MOV secondary protection. Use Value: Responds faster than GDTs, limiting initial surge edge to safe levels before slower devices activate - critical for preserving PHY ESD robustness. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM; 28.2 V VC @ 21.2 A; RθJA = 40 °C/W | Higher power rating but larger footprint; better thermal performance on PCB | Select SMBJ20A when board space allows and higher surge margin (>400 W) is required |
| 1.5KE20A | DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM; 32.4 V VC @ 46.3 A; 1.5 W PD; no AEC-Q101 qualification | Higher surge capacity but slower response and non-automotive qualified | Choose 1.5KE20A for cost-sensitive industrial mains-input protection where AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Compared with P4KE20A-E3/54, SMBJ20A offers superior thermal dissipation and higher pulse power in a surface-mount format, while 1.5KE20A provides greater surge headroom in through-hole form but lacks automotive qualification and has higher clamping voltage - making P4KE20A-E3/54 optimal for space-constrained, AEC-Q101–compliant 24 V system nodes.
Availability
P4KE20A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter outputs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and DO-41 through-hole compatibility.
Supply support for P4KE20A-E3/54 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, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE series targets cost-effective, high-volume transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems - engineered for robustness under repetitive surge stress and extended temperature operation.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P4KE20A-E3/54?
P4KE20A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode: the banded end denotes the cathode, which connects to ground or reference potential during reverse-transient clamping. It does not conduct in reverse bias below VWM = 17.1 V, and enters avalanche breakdown above VBR = 19.0–21.0 V. Bidirectional variants use "CA" suffix (e.g., P4KE20CA).
Does P4KE20A-E3/54 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, P4KE20A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified - confirmed in Vishay's official documentation (Doc. #88365, Rev. 16-Sep-2021). This includes stress testing for high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing, validating its suitability for automotive electronic control units and sensor modules.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20A-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20A-E3/54 is 27.7 V, measured at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream 3.3 V or 5 V logic components remain within safe operating limits during transient events, provided series impedance limits current rise rate.
Can P4KE20A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional signal line protection?
No - P4KE20A-E3/54 is unidirectional and unsuitable for bidirectional signal lines like RS-485 or CAN without external circuitry. For such applications, use the bidirectional variant P4KE20CA, which clamps symmetrically in both directions and carries no polarity marking. Using P4KE20A-E3/54 on AC-coupled lines risks forward conduction during negative half-cycles.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead for P4KE20A-E3/54?
The typical thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for P4KE20A-E3/54 is 66 °C/W, per Vishay's thermal characteristics table. This parameter guides PCB copper land design: mounting the DO-41 leads directly to ≥10 mm² internal or external copper pours significantly improves sustained power handling beyond the 1.5 W rated dissipation.
P4KE20A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- 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):
- 14.4A
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20A-E3/54 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-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20A-E3/54?
P4KE20A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20A-E3/54 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-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE20A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20A-E3/54 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-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20A-E3/54?
All P4KE20A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20A-E3/54, 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-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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