Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20-E3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE20-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE20-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 27.7 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 14.4 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20-E3/54 datasheet, P4KE20-E3/54 pinout, P4KE20-E3/54 application, or P4KE20-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-41 mechanical compatibility, 175 °C max junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HE3 variant), and thermal resistance (RθJL = 66 °C/W) for PCB-level thermal design validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device using an avalanche breakdown mechanism to divert transient energy away from sensitive downstream circuitry. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while the DO-41 package supports manual and automated through-hole assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
The device is rated for 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 1.5 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, and withstands 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine). Temperature coefficient of VBR is +0.090 %/°C, enabling predictable clamping behavior across -55 °C to +175 °C operating range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping initiation threshold under standardized test conditions |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.7 V at 14.4 A - clamped voltage during 400 W transient event, limiting stress on protected ICs |
| IPPM | 14.4 A - peak pulse current capability with 10/1000 μs waveform, defining surge handling capacity |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| RθJL | 66 °C/W - quantifies thermal path efficiency from junction to lead, critical for board-level thermal management |
| Package | DO-41 (DO-204AL) - standard through-hole package with 0.205" body diameter and axial leads |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body over passivated chip; UL 94 V-0 rated; matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002; cathode indicated by color band on unidirectional types like P4KE20-E3/54.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Marked end; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor output) to clamp transients to VC |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %), low leakage (<1.0 μA), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Load Dump and IEC 61000-4-5 surge events in automotive and industrial systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant) | Validates suitability for automotive electronics including engine control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast transients, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends |
| Solder dip 275 °C max., 10 s | Supports wave soldering without parametric shift or delamination, ensuring manufacturing yield in high-volume production |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping device placed between sensor signal line and ground, triggered within <1 ps to limit voltage to ≤27.7 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V tolerant analog front-ends and microcontroller GPIOs exposed to ±100 V transients. |
Use Scenario: Shielding digital input/output terminals of programmable logic controllers from ESD and surge events in factory automation equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (17.1 V) isolates normal 24 V DC control signals while clamping 1 kV/500 A surges to safe levels. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series impedance or RC filtering, reducing BOM count and PCB footprint in DIN-rail mounted controllers. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding primary-side rectifier and controller ICs in AC-DC adapters against lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage clamping element placed after bridge rectifier, conducting only during >17.1 V transients. Use Value: Withstands 40 A surge current (8.3 ms half-sine), enabling compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2 kV/1 kA) without derating. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHYs and DSL line drivers from induced surges on RJ-45 or telephone line interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE20CA) used for balanced line protection; unidirectional P4KE20-E3/54 applied on DC bias rails. Use Value: 27.7 V clamping voltage ensures safe operation of 24 V or 48 V telecom power rails during 10/1000 μs surges up to 400 W. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | Surface-mount SMB package (vs. through-hole DO-41); same VBR (19.0–21.0 V), but higher VC = 32.4 V at 12.3 A | Requires SMT reflow process; less suitable for high-energy surge paths due to lower IPPM (12.3 A vs. 14.4 A) | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤300 W; verify thermal pad layout for RθJA = 40 °C/W |
| 1.5KE20A | Same DO-41 package, but higher PPPM = 1500 W; VBR = 18.0–22.0 V, VC = 27.7 V at 54.3 A | Overqualified for 400 W use cases; larger junction capacitance may affect high-speed signal integrity | Choose for legacy designs requiring backward-compatible footprint with headroom for future surge level increases |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of proven through-hole manufacturability, precise 17.1 V standoff, and validated 400 W surge handling - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive applications where DO-41 remains the de facto standard.
Availability
P4KE20-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade TVS protection.
Supply support for P4KE20-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The P4KE20-E3/54 belongs to the TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without system-level redesign.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the P4KE20-E3/54?
The P4KE20-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only in reverse bias above its breakdown voltage. The cathode is marked by a color band on the DO-41 body; this end connects to the line being protected, while the anode connects to ground or the lower-potential reference. Bidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE20CA) exist but are distinct part numbers.
Does the P4KE20-E3/54 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
The P4KE20-E3/54 itself is the commercial-grade version (E3 suffix). For AEC-Q101 qualification, Vishay offers the P4KE20HE3/54 variant (HE3 suffix), which undergoes additional stress testing per the AEC-Q101 standard. Both share identical electrical specs and DO-41 packaging, but only HE3 is certified for automotive under-hood applications.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the P4KE20-E3/54 during a surge event?
The P4KE20-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.7 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 14.4 A, measured with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the highest voltage seen across the device during a 400 W transient, directly limiting stress on downstream components such as microcontrollers or transceivers.
Can the P4KE20-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - the P4KE20-E3/54 is not recommended for parallel operation due to mismatch in VBR tolerance (±5 %) and dynamic impedance, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-power device such as the 1.5KE20A or SMAJ20A instead.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to lead (RθJL) for the P4KE20-E3/54?
The P4KE20-E3/54 has a typical junction-to-lead thermal resistance (RθJL) of 66 °C/W, as specified in Vishay's datasheet. This parameter is critical for estimating junction temperature rise under steady-state power dissipation (1.5 W max) and informs PCB copper pour design around the DO-41 leads to maintain TJ ≤ 175 °C.
P4KE20-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 16.2V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 13.7A
- 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)
P4KE20-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20-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 P4KE20-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20-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 P4KE20-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20-E3/54?
P4KE20-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20-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 P4KE20-E3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE20-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20-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 P4KE20-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20-E3/54?
All P4KE20-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20-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 P4KE20-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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