Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE20CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17.1VWM 27.7VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,087
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–21.0 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs waveform). It is AEC-Q101 qualified and used to protect automotive sensor signal lines from inductive switching surges.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20CAHE3/54 datasheet, P4KE20CAHE3/54 pinout, P4KE20CAHE3/54 application, or P4KE20CAHE3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-41 terminal mapping, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternatives for circuit protection design in automotive and industrial environments.
Technical Context
The P4KE20CAHE3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical reverse/forward clamping characteristics - no polarity marking required. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing ESD and load-dump transients.
It delivers 400 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform with derating above 25 °C, and maintains stable clamping up to 175 °C junction temperature. The device meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via its molded epoxy DO-41 body.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17.1 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines safe operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 21.0 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 14.4 A - Clamped voltage during 400 W transient; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels |
| PPPM | 400 W (10/1000 μs) - Peak surge energy handling capacity; supports automotive ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a compliance |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments without thermal derating penalties |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing |
| Package | DO-41 (DO-204AL) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.205" body diameter; compatible with legacy through-hole assembly |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with glass-passivated chip; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002; no polarity marking for bidirectional configuration.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - provides identical clamping in both directions |
| Lead 1 | Current path input/output | Connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or LIN bus); carries full surge current during clamp event |
| Lead 2 | Current path input/output | Connects to reference plane (e.g., chassis ground or local GND); completes low-inductance return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime; eliminates surface degradation under humidity bias |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands automotive load-dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including temperature cycling (-55 °C to +175 °C) and HTRB |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in high-energy fault conditions; required for under-hood modules |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Ensures reliable solder wetting and intermetallic formation; compliant with JESD 22-B102 |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensors from inductive kickback during relay switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across sensor output and ground to limit transients to ≤27.7 V. Use Value: Prevents ADC saturation and microcontroller reset by holding rail voltage within 3.3 V or 5 V supply tolerance during 100 V/500 ms load dump. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from field-wiring surge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protector between field-side terminal and optocoupler input, absorbing ±1 kV EFT bursts. Use Value: Maintains functional safety integrity by limiting coupled voltage to <30 V, ensuring optocoupler CMTI remains >25 kV/μs. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceiver data lines in base station backhaul equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS mounted differential-mode across A/B lines, referenced to signal ground. Use Value: Clamps common-mode transients to 27.7 V while preserving signal integrity up to 10 Mbps due to low capacitance (<100 pF). |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in smart washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-motor terminals to shunt inductive energy during MOSFET turn-off. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering of overvoltage protection in MCU-based motor drivers by capping spike amplitude at 27.7 V. |
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 | DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM; lower RθJA (50 °C/W); higher IPPM (32.4 A) | Surface-mount layout; better thermal performance in dense PCBs; not through-hole compatible | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is used; requires footprint redesign. |
| 1.5KE20CA | DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM; larger body (2.7 mm diameter); higher VC (32.4 V) | Higher energy absorption for heavy-duty industrial surge; less precise clamping due to 32.4 V VC | Choose for legacy 1.5 kW surge standards (IEC 61000-4-5); avoid where strict 27.7 V clamping is required. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the P4KE20CAHE3/54 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-41 through-hole compatibility, and tight 27.7 V clamping - making it preferred for cost-sensitive automotive sensor modules where manual assembly or repairability matters.
Availability
P4KE20CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O protection, telecom line conditioning, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE20CAHE3/54 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 and automotive qualification.
The P4KE20CAHE3/54 belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® family - engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive under-hood, industrial control, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the P4KE20CAHE3/54 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The P4KE20CAHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per Vishay's datasheet (Document Number: 88365, Rev. 16-Sep-2021) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events. Engineers use this parameter to verify that downstream components remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Is the P4KE20CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the P4KE20CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified - explicitly confirmed in the Vishay datasheet (Note on page 3). It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and ESD verification. Its DO-41 package, 175 °C max junction temperature, and stable clamping behavior make it appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and sensor modules in passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.
Does the P4KE20CAHE3/54 have polarity markings?
No, the P4KE20CAHE3/54 is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no polarity marking on its DO-41 body. As stated in the Vishay datasheet: "no marking on bidirectional types." Its symmetrical construction ensures identical clamping performance in either direction, simplifying placement on PCBs and eliminating orientation errors during assembly.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) rating for the P4KE20CAHE3/54?
The standoff voltage (VWM) for the P4KE20CAHE3/54 is 17.1 V - the maximum DC or RMS voltage that can be continuously applied without exceeding 1 μA leakage current. This value is derived from the 10% tolerance below the minimum breakdown voltage (20.0 V), ensuring reliable non-conduction during normal operation while allowing sufficient margin before clamping activation.
How does the P4KE20CAHE3/54 compare to unidirectional variants like P4KE20A?
The P4KE20CAHE3/54 differs from P4KE20A in polarity and application scope: P4KE20CAHE3/54 is bidirectional (no cathode band, symmetrical clamping), while P4KE20A is unidirectional (cathode band marked, forward conduction only). The CA version supports AC-coupled lines (e.g., RS-485, audio, CAN), whereas the A version suits DC rails with defined polarity. Both share identical VWM, VBR, and VC specs but differ in leakage behavior and mounting rules.
P4KE20CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE20CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20CAHE3/54 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 P4KE20CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20CAHE3/54?
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4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20CAHE3/54?
P4KE20CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20CAHE3/54 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 P4KE20CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE20CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20CAHE3/54 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 P4KE20CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20CAHE3/54?
All P4KE20CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20CAHE3/54, 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 P4KE20CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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