Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE20CA
- Part No.:
- P4KE20CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,350
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 400W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for circuit-level ESD and surge protection in 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 DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package - deployed in automotive lighting control modules, industrial sensor interfaces, and AC/DC power supply input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20CA datasheet, P4KE20CA pinout, P4KE20CA application, or P4KE20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, low leakage (<1μA @ 16.2V), fast response time (5.0ns), AEC-Q101 qualification, and compatibility with 10/1000μs surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
The P4KE20CA operates as a voltage-clamped avalanche diode, conducting only when transient voltage exceeds its 18.0–22.0V breakdown range (tested at 1mA). Its bidirectional symmetry enables identical clamping behavior in both polarities, eliminating need for polarity-aware placement in AC-coupled or floating systems.
Thermal design relies on junction-to-lead conduction through DO-41 leads rated for 175°C max operating temperature and 1W steady-state dissipation at 75°C lead temperature. The device meets UL 94V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
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 min/max | 18.0 / 22.0 V @ 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures predictable turn-on during transients without premature conduction |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.1 V @ 14.0 A - Clamping voltage under 10/1000μs surge limits downstream IC stress to sub-30V level |
| IPPM | 14.0 A - Peak pulse current capacity supports 400W surge handling per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standard |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves power rail integrity and minimizes standby current loss |
| TJ max | 175 °C - High junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AL (DO-41) - Axial-leaded through-hole package with tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 solderability |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package with cathode band marking for unidirectional variants; P4KE20CA is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking - both terminals are electrically symmetric.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | Either terminal serves as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity; no orientation required during PCB placement |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path to PCB copper | Leads conduct surge energy into board copper pads; thermal performance depends on 5×5 mm pad size per terminal per datasheet derating curve |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring reliability across -55°C to +175°C |
| 400W peak pulse power | Withstands 10/1000μs surges up to 400W without degradation - meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 immunity requirements |
| 5.0 ns response time | Clamps transients within 5 nanoseconds of voltage exceeding VBR, protecting fast-switching logic and analog front-ends |
| RoHS & halogen-free | Complies with IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for environmentally constrained industrial and consumer designs |
| UL recognition | UL File #E326243 confirms safety compliance for end-equipment certification in North America and globally harmonized markets |
Applications
| Automotive LED Headlamp Driver | Industrial PLC Analog Input Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protects LED driver ICs from load-dump transients and alternator ripple spikes in 12V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across input rails to clamp ±100V spikes to ≤29.1V before reaching DC-DC controller and gate drivers. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to sensitive 5V/3.3V logic supplies while maintaining AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive deployment. |
Use Scenario: Shields 4–20mA current-loop receiver circuits from EFT bursts and field-wiring induced surges in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at connector entry point to absorb 1kV/50Ω EFT pulses (IEC 61000-4-4) before reaching precision op-amps and ADCs. Use Value: Enables >10,000 surge cycles without parameter shift due to low impedance and stable VC, ensuring long-term measurement accuracy. |
| AC/DC Power Supply Input Stage | USB-C Port ESD Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Suppresses line-to-line and line-to-ground surges entering offline SMPS front-ends in industrial power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired with MOVs and common-mode chokes to handle differential-mode surges up to 400W per IEC 61000-4-5 Ed.3. Use Value: Provides precise clamping at 29.1V to protect bridge rectifier and primary-side controller without overvoltage stress during surge events. |
Use Scenario: Guards USB-C CC and VBUS lines against human-body-model (HBM) and IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (typ. <50pF) bidirectional TVS placed directly at port connector to limit ESD voltage to <30V. Use Value: Meets USB-IF ESD immunity requirements while avoiding signal integrity degradation on high-speed CC negotiation lines. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA (Bourns) | Same 20V nominal, 400W rating, but SMB package (surface-mount); lower IPPM (15.6A vs. 14.0A) and higher VC (32.4V) | Requires PCB re-layout for SMD footprint; better suited for space-constrained consumer boards than through-hole industrial assemblies | Select SMBJ20CA only if surface-mount assembly and tighter board area are priorities over legacy through-hole compatibility |
| 1.5KE20CA (ON Semiconductor) | Identical DO-41 package and 20V rating, but 1500W peak power (1.5kW); higher VC (36.0V) and larger physical size (DO-201AE) | Over-specified for 400W needs; introduces unnecessary cost and board space unless system requires multi-kW surge margin | Choose 1.5KE20CA only when legacy 1.5kW design reuse or extreme surge margin (>1kW) is mandated by safety standards |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P4KE20CA delivers optimal balance of proven 400W surge handling, DO-41 through-hole compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, and tight 29.1V clamping - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability automotive and industrial designs where exact power rating alignment matters.
Availability
P4KE20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC analog inputs, and AC/DC power supply input stages requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge protection.
Supply support for P4KE20CA 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 validation capabilities.
The P4KE series was engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems - emphasizing reliability under repetitive surge stress and compatibility with automated through-hole assembly.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KE20CA under a 10/1000μs surge?
The P4KE20CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.1 V at 14.0 A peak pulse current under the standardized 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 and guarantees that downstream circuitry sees no more than 29.1 V during a full 400W surge event - critical for protecting 3.3V or 5V logic rails. The P4KE20CA maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the P4KE20CA suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE20CA is AEC-Q101 qualified (as indicated by the "H" suffix option in ordering codes), meaning it has passed stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge endurance required for automotive under-hood and cabin electronics. Its -55°C to +175°C operating junction temperature range and UL recognition further validate its suitability for engine control units, lighting modules, and infotainment power supplies - all key use cases for the P4KE20CA.
How does the bidirectional configuration of the P4KE20CA affect PCB layout?
The P4KE20CA's bidirectional design eliminates polarity sensitivity - both terminals are functionally identical, so no cathode band orientation is marked or required. This simplifies PCB layout by removing orientation checks during placement and enabling direct replacement of unidirectional parts in AC-coupled or floating signal paths. Unlike unidirectional P4KE20A, the P4KE20CA avoids reverse-bias failure risk in bipolar transients - a key reliability advantage in the P4KE20CA.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the P4KE20CA?
The P4KE20CA has a steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 1 W at a lead temperature (TL) of 75°C, with derating above that temperature per the datasheet's Fig.2 curve. This rating assumes 9.5mm (0.375") lead lengths mounted on 5×5 mm copper pads per terminal. Exceeding this limit risks thermal runaway; therefore, the P4KE20CA must be used only in transient-suppression roles - not as a continuous Zener regulator - to maintain reliability.
Does the P4KE20CA meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements?
Yes, the P4KE20CA is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21, using molding compound and lead finish that exclude brominated flame retardants and chlorine-based materials. This compliance is confirmed in the official Taiwan Semiconductor documentation and supports environmental certifications for industrial equipment, medical peripherals, and consumer electronics where substance restrictions apply - a verified attribute of the P4KE20CA.
P4KE20CA 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):
- 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)
P4KE20CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20CA 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 P4KE20CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20CA?
P4KE20CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20CA 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 P4KE20CA?
For technical support, including P4KE20CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20CA 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 P4KE20CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20CA?
All P4KE20CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20CA, 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 P4KE20CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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