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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- P4KE20CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,400
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20CA-E3/73 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 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR min/max = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), and clamps to ≤27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current. Used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20CA-E3/73 datasheet, P4KE20CA-E3/73 pinout, P4KE20CA-E3/73 application, or P4KE20CA-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-41 leaded package compatibility, 175 °C max junction temperature, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions due to its CA suffix designation, with identical electrical characteristics forward and reverse. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing ESD and inductive switching spikes.
The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, derated linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2. Thermal resistance is 66 °C/W junction-to-lead, supporting reliable operation in constrained PCB layouts without heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold for bidirectional overvoltage events |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA, sets safe operating margin below VBR |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 14.4 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient, determines protected circuit's maximum stress level |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak pulse power handling with 10/1000 μs waveform, defines transient energy absorption capacity |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature, enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at stand-off voltage, minimizes standby power loss in battery-powered systems |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - thermal resistance junction-to-lead, informs PCB copper pour requirements for sustained pulse handling |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-41 (DO-204AL), axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads. Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002 solderability standard. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry eliminates cathode/anode orientation concerns.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | Transient current entry path in negative polarity event | One terminal of symmetrical PN junction; interchangeable with cathode in bidirectional operation |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | Transient current entry path in positive polarity event | Second terminal of symmetrical PN junction; functionally identical to anode under reverse bias |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR tolerance across temperature and life cycle |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity without external current limiting |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for downstream ICs |
| RoHS-compliant, matte tin plating | Ensures solder joint reliability per JESD 22-B102 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 1A |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to shunt transients before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping to 27.7 V while absorbing 400 W surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on dry-contact inputs, operating in parallel with optocoupler input stages. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 10/1000 μs transients up to 14.4 A without degradation, extending module service life in factory automation environments. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on DC output rails of AC/DC adapters for USB-C PD and smart home devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting voltage limiter between switching regulator output and downstream USB port controller ICs. Use Value: Limits output rail overshoot to ≤27.7 V during line transient events, preventing overvoltage shutdown or damage to Type-C power delivery ICs. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY front-end circuits and RJ45 magnetics from lightning-induced surges on PoE-enabled data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamp on differential pairs prior to common-mode chokes and transformer isolation. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping ensures equal protection on both line polarities, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 telecom surge requirements. |
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 | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR range and 400 W rating | Better suited for high-density PCBs and automated assembly; lower thermal resistance (RθJA ≈ 40 °C/W) | Select when board space is constrained or reflow-only assembly is required; requires layout revision |
| 1.5KE20CA | Higher peak pulse power (1500 W) in DO-201 package; larger footprint and higher IPPM (69.4 A) | Targeted at heavy-duty industrial mains input protection where 400 W is insufficient | Choose only if system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4; over-spec for most signal-line applications |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P4KE20CA-E3/73 offers optimal balance of proven automotive reliability (AEC-Q101), through-hole mechanical robustness, and cost-effective surge protection for signal-level interfaces-without requiring PCB redesign or over-engineering.
Availability
P4KE20CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom line interface protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE20CA-E3/73 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The P4KE20CA-E3/73 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P4KE20CA-E3/73?
The P4KE20CA-E3/73 has a specified breakdown voltage range of 19.0 V to 21.0 V at 1.0 mA test current, representing ±5% tolerance around the nominal 20 V rating. This tight VBR window ensures consistent clamping behavior across production lots and supports predictable system-level surge margin calculations in designs using the P4KE20CA-E3/73.
Is P4KE20CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE20CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use per Vishay documentation. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and DO-41 mechanical robustness make it appropriate for under-hood and chassis-mounted applications such as sensor interface protection and body control module I/O conditioning where the P4KE20CA-E3/73 is deployed.
How does the bidirectional design of P4KE20CA-E3/73 affect its circuit placement?
The bidirectional nature of the P4KE20CA-E3/73 means it functions identically in both polarities-no cathode marking is present, and orientation during placement is irrelevant. This simplifies PCB layout and assembly for differential or AC-coupled signal lines, unlike unidirectional TVS diodes that require strict polarity alignment. The P4KE20CA-E3/73 thus reduces risk of misorientation in high-volume manufacturing.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20CA-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The P4KE20CA-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 14.4 A (corresponding to 400 W with a 10/1000 μs waveform). This VC value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, defining the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events and directly informing the voltage rating selection of downstream components used with the P4KE20CA-E3/73.
Does P4KE20CA-E3/73 require a heatsink for normal operation?
No, the P4KE20CA-E3/73 does not require an external heatsink under typical surge conditions due to its pulsed nature (0.01% duty cycle) and low average power dissipation. Its thermal resistance junction-to-lead is 66 °C/W, and with short-duration transients, self-heating remains negligible. However, for repetitive surge testing or high-ambient environments (>85 °C), adequate PCB copper pour is recommended to maintain the P4KE20CA-E3/73 within its 175 °C TJ limit.
P4KE20CA-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20CA-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20CA-E3/73?
P4KE20CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73?
For technical support, including P4KE20CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20CA-E3/73 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-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20CA-E3/73?
All P4KE20CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20CA-E3/73, 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-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
P4KE20CA-E3/73 Tags
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