Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE20CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE20CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 19.0–21.0 V), 17.1 V standoff voltage (VWM), 27.7 V clamping voltage at 14.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs and sensor signal lines in automotive and industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20CA-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE20CA-E3/54 pinout, P4KE20CA-E3/54 application, or P4KE20CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W), and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 surge immunity requirements.
Technical Context
This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with identical electrical characteristics forward and reverse - enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the 10/1000 μs surge rating reflects standardized lightning-induced transient immunity testing per ANSI/IEEE C62.35.
The device uses a planar junction structure housed in a molded epoxy DO-41 case rated UL 94 V-0, with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Thermal derating follows a linear curve above 25 °C ambient, maintaining safe operation up to TJ = 175 °C with RθJA = 100 °C/W (lead length 10 mm).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V - defines guaranteed conduction onset range under 1.0 mA test current; critical for margin against false triggering |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA; sets upper limit for normal circuit operation |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V - clamped voltage during 14.4 A 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected circuit's worst-case overvoltage exposure |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling capacity; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges |
| IPPM | 14.4 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current; defines minimum series impedance needed to limit fault energy |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive environments with minimal heatsinking |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - junction-to-lead thermal resistance; supports thermal design when mounted on PCB copper pour or chassis |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with glass-passivated chip junction. Case meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry point in forward bias | One end of symmetrical junction; no marking on bidirectional devices - terminals are interchangeable |
| Cathode | Current exit point in forward bias | Other end of symmetrical junction; identical electrical behavior as anode due to bidirectional construction |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Identical VBR, VC, and IPPM in both directions - eliminates polarity concerns in AC or floating signal line protection |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD - suitable for engine control and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Glass passivation | Stable junction characteristics over time and temperature - ensures consistent clamping voltage across 15+ year service life |
| 400 W 10/1000 μs rating | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 1 kV open-circuit / 0.5 kA short-circuit without degradation |
| Low leakage & fast response | <1.0 μA at 17.1 V and sub-nanosecond turn-on - prevents interference with high-impedance sensor outputs or communication lines |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay environments exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient excursions to ≤27.7 V during 14.4 A surges, preventing ADC saturation and protecting downstream ESD-sensitive front-end circuitry. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input channels on programmable logic controllers subject to inductive switching noise from solenoids and relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient suppressor across input terminal and common rail. Use Value: Clamps 400 W surges within 1 ns, maintaining signal integrity and avoiding false triggering of optocoupler-based isolation stages. |
| Consumer Audio Interface Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Shielding balanced audio inputs (e.g., XLR or TRS) in professional mixers from ESD events and cable discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS pair across hot/neutral lines referenced to ground. Use Value: Symmetric 27.7 V clamping preserves common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) while limiting ESD-induced latch-up risk in op-amp input stages. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of DSL or POTS line interface circuits against lightning-induced longitudinal surges per ITU-T K.20/K.21. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge arrestor bridging tip/ring conductors before hybrid transformer and line driver IC. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 14.4 A without parameter shift, ensuring long-term reliability in central office equipment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | DO-214AA package (SMB), 200 W rating, lower IPPM (10.1 A), higher VC (32.4 V) | Surface-mount footprint; less robust for high-energy surges but better suited for dense PCB layouts | Select SMBJ20CA when board space is constrained and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge only. |
| 1.5KE20CA | DO-201AD package, 1500 W rating, higher IPPM (61.9 A), same VBR/VC tolerance band | Larger axial package; intended for primary-level AC mains or telecom line protection requiring higher energy absorption | Choose 1.5KE20CA when protecting upstream power rails or where multi-kW surge immunity is mandated by system-level standards. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P4KE20CA-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of 400 W surge capacity, DO-41 through-hole mechanical stability, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it ideal for mid-tier automotive and industrial signal-line protection where cost, reliability, and proven field performance are jointly prioritized.
Availability
P4KE20CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant manufacturing, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE20CA-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, MOSFETs, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific optimization.
The P4KE series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without adding complexity.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of P4KE20CA-E3/54?
The "CA" suffix in P4KE20CA-E3/54 explicitly denotes a bidirectional configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE20A), this device has no cathode marking and exhibits identical breakdown, clamping, and leakage characteristics in both forward and reverse directions - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths where voltage polarity is undefined.
Does P4KE20CA-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, P4KE20CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified when ordered with the HE3 suffix (e.g., P4KE20CAHE3/54). The E3/54 variant is commercial-grade RoHS-compliant; however, its construction - including glass-passivated junction, DO-41 molding, and thermal specs - aligns with AEC-Q101 stress test requirements. For certified automotive use, specify the HE3 version.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20CA-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of P4KE20CA-E3/54 is 27.7 V, measured at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 14.4 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the highest voltage the device allows across protected circuit nodes during worst-case transient events - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Can P4KE20CA-E3/54 be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes like P4KE20A?
No - P4KE20CA-E3/54 is not a drop-in replacement for unidirectional P4KE20A. While both share the same VBR and VWM, the CA variant lacks polarity marking and conducts in both directions, which may cause unintended current paths in DC-biased circuits. Use P4KE20CA-E3/54 only where bidirectional clamping is required; for DC rails, retain unidirectional types with proper cathode orientation.
What packaging format is supplied for P4KE20CA-E3/54?
P4KE20CA-E3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel packaging, with a base quantity of 5500 units per reel (package code "54"). The device is lead (Pb)-free and RoHS-compliant per JEDEC J-STD-020, with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability requirements for wave and reflow processes.
P4KE20CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
P4KE20CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20CA-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 P4KE20CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20CA-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 P4KE20CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20CA-E3/54?
P4KE20CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20CA-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 P4KE20CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE20CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20CA-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 P4KE20CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20CA-E3/54?
All P4KE20CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20CA-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 P4KE20CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE20CA-E3/54 Tags

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