Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE20C
- Part No.:
- P4KE20C
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20C.pdf
- Description:
- 400W, 20V, BIDIRECTIONAL, TVS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,797
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20C from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for primary-level overvoltage protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 20V nominal standoff voltage, 29.1V maximum clamping voltage at 14A peak pulse current, and 400W surge capability per 10/1000μs waveform - deployed in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O protection, and AC-DC adapter input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20C datasheet, P4KE20C pinout, P4KE20C application, or P4KE20C equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC VDD, leakage current below 1μA at 16.2V working voltage, unidirectional polarity marking, and DO-204AL (DO-41) through-hole package compatibility with legacy board layouts.
Technical Context
The P4KE20C operates as a silicon avalanche diode with fast response time (<1.0ps from 0V to VBR) and low dynamic impedance, enabling effective suppression of ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and lightning-induced surges. Its breakdown voltage range (18.0–22.0V at 1mA test current) ensures reliable triggering before downstream component damage thresholds.
Thermal design is constrained by a 175°C maximum junction temperature and 1W steady-state power dissipation on 5×5 mm copper pads. The device exhibits a +0.090%/°C VBR temperature coefficient, requiring derating in high-ambient environments above 25°C per Fig.2 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 20V - defines rated DC operating voltage threshold before avalanche conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 18.0–22.0V @ 1mA - verified minimum/maximum trigger point under standardized test conditions |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 16.2V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage (ID ≤1μA) |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 29.1V @ 14A IPPM - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000μs surge event |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400W - energy-handling capacity for non-repetitive transients per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 |
| Junction Temperature Range | −55°C to +175°C - supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial ambient extremes |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - axial-leaded, through-hole package with tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, cathode band marked on one end for unidirectional polarity identification. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, with 0.300g typical weight and UL 94V-0 molding compound.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference terminal | Connected to system ground or lowest potential node; conducts during reverse surge |
| Cathode | High-side surge input terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24V rail); marked with band; blocks VWM, avalanches at VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified option available | P4KE20CH variant meets stress testing for automotive under-hood applications (temperature cycling, HTRB, etc.) |
| Low clamping ratio | VC/VBR ≈ 1.46 - tight voltage margin preserves headroom for 3.3V/5V/24V logic and analog ICs |
| Sub-nanosecond response | <1.0ps turn-on delay - intercepts ESD events before propagation into sensitive CMOS inputs |
| UL recognition | File #E-326243 - validates flammability, construction, and safety compliance for end-equipment certification |
| Halogen-free & RoHS | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU Directive 2011/65/EU - required for global electronics market access |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital Input |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12V battery-supplied microcontroller I/O lines exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp placed between connector and MCU GPIO, absorbing up to 400W surges without latch-up. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤29.1V, preventing gate oxide rupture in 3.3V/5V IO cells while maintaining <1μA leakage at 16.2V nominal operation. |
Use Scenario: 24V DC digital input channel receiving signals from external sensors and switches in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end protection element on optocoupler input side, shunting inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Clamps 14A surge current within 1.0ps, reducing voltage overshoot to safe levels for 24V-rated interface ICs and ensuring long-term reliability in repetitive switching environments. |
| AC-DC Adapter Input Stage | LED Driver Power Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC bus (e.g., +12V output) subjected to backfeed transients from upstream SMPS or hot-plug events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector across bulk capacitor terminals, activated only during abnormal overvoltage conditions. Use Value: Maintains 16.2V working voltage margin while delivering 29.1V clamping - avoids false triggering during normal regulation ripple yet responds decisively to >22V faults. |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED string driver with MOSFET switch exposed to inductive flyback during PWM dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Snubber-connected TVS across drain-source, clamping voltage spikes generated by transformer leakage inductance. Use Value: Withstands 400W peak pulses and 175°C junction temperature, enabling compact thermal design without active cooling in enclosed luminaires. |
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 P4KE20A | Lower clamping voltage (27.7V vs. 29.1V) and tighter VBR tolerance (19.0–21.0V vs. 18.0–22.0V); same DO-41 package | Better suited for 3.3V/5V logic protection where sub-28V clamping is critical; identical mounting and layout | Select when tighter VBR distribution and lower VC are prioritized over cost sensitivity |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE20A | Higher peak power rating (1500W vs. 400W); larger DO-201AD package; higher VC (32.4V) | Used in higher-energy surge environments (e.g., telecom line cards); requires PCB footprint change | Choose for systems needing >1kW surge immunity - not drop-in; redesign required for pad layout and thermal relief |
Compared with Littelfuse P4KE20A and ON Semi 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20C offers balanced 400W surge handling in the industry-standard DO-41 footprint, optimized for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial applications where 29.1V clamping and AEC-Q101 qualification (via P4KE20CH) are decisive factors.
Availability
P4KE20C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O protection, and LED driver power supply designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant variants.
Supply support for P4KE20C 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 thyristors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The P4KE series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, with emphasis on AEC-Q101 qualification, low clamping ratios, and DO-41 compatibility for legacy and new designs alike.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE20C under standard surge conditions?
The P4KE20C has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1V at 14A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the 10/1000μs waveform defined in ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This value is measured at TA = 25°C and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated 400W transient event. The P4KE20C maintains this performance across its specified junction temperature range.
Is the P4KE20C suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, the P4KE20C is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "C" suffix and cathode band marking. It conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events and blocks forward current up to 3.5V at 25A. For bidirectional protection, the P4KE20CA variant must be used - it provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities and lacks a cathode band.
What is the working stand-off voltage (VWM) of the P4KE20C, and why does it matter?
The P4KE20C has a working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 16.2V, meaning it remains in high-impedance blocking mode up to this DC or RMS voltage level with leakage current ≤1μA. This parameter ensures no interference with normal circuit operation while providing sufficient margin below the 18.0V minimum breakdown voltage - critical for reliable protection without false triggering on nominal 12V or 24V rails.
Does the P4KE20C meet automotive qualification standards?
The base P4KE20C is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the P4KE20CH variant - identical in electrical specs and DO-41 packaging - is fully AEC-Q101 qualified per Version N2104 documentation. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing, making it suitable for automotive under-hood and body control applications.
How does the P4KE20C compare to the P4KE20A in terms of breakdown voltage tolerance?
The P4KE20C specifies a breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 18.0–22.0V at 1mA test current, whereas the P4KE20A narrows this to 19.0–21.0V. This ±5% tolerance (vs. ±10% for P4KE20C) gives the P4KE20A tighter consistency for precision-clamp designs, but both share identical clamping voltage (29.1V vs. 27.7V), package, and surge rating - the P4KE20C remains optimal where cost and broad compatibility are prioritized.
P4KE20C 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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P4KE20C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20C 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 P4KE20C reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20C?
P4KE20C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20C 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 P4KE20C?
For technical support, including P4KE20C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20C 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 P4KE20C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20C?
All P4KE20C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20C, 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 P4KE20C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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