Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4KE20HE3/54
- Part No.:
- P4KE20HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE20HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16.2VWM 29.1VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,799
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Product details
Overview
P4KE20HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-41 package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 20 V breakdown voltage (VBR = 19.0–21.0 V at 1.0 mA), 17.1 V stand-off voltage (VWM), clamps transients to ≤27.7 V at 14.4 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs), and delivers 400 W peak pulse power - used in automotive sensor signal lines, industrial I/O ports, and power supply input stages.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE20HE3/54 datasheet, P4KE20HE3/54 pinout, P4KE20HE3/54 application, or P4KE20HE3/54 equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified, RoHS-compliant TVS offers verified clamping performance, low incremental surge resistance, fast response time, and compatibility with standard wave soldering (275 °C/10 s).
Technical Context
The P4KE20HE3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, optimized for unidirectional transient suppression. Its clamping behavior is defined by a 10/1000 μs waveform test condition, with thermal derating above 25 °C per Fig. 2 and junction-to-lead thermal resistance of 66 °C/W.
It exhibits a maximum reverse leakage of 1.0 μA at 17.1 V (VWM) and a temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage of +0.090 %/°C. The device supports 40 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine) and maintains stable operation across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VBR (min/max) | 19.0 V / 21.0 V at 1.0 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold under DC bias |
| VWM | 17.1 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before significant leakage |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤27.7 V at 14.4 A (10/1000 μs) - actual clamping voltage protecting downstream circuitry |
| PPPM | 400 W - peak transient energy absorption capability without failure |
| IFSM | 40 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - surge current handling for inductive switching events |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables use in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
DO-41 (DO-204AL) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on body; lead length ≥9.5 mm for thermal derating compliance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Current entry during forward conduction or clamping in reverse-biased mode | Connected to protected line (e.g., signal or power rail) when cathode is tied to ground or higher potential |
| Cathode | Current exit terminal; marked with color band | Typically connected to system ground or reference plane to enable clamping action during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surges |
| 400 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against ESD, lightning-induced surges, and inductive kickback in compact DO-41 form factor |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transient events, reducing stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or transceivers |
| Solder dip rated 275 °C / 10 s | Supports compatibility with standard wave soldering processes without degradation of electrical performance |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine bay modules from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input, with cathode grounded. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤27.7 V while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 17.1 V, preserving signal integrity and preventing ADC saturation or latch-up. |
Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on 24 V DC input lines, absorbing repetitive switching transients from solenoid valves and contactors. Use Value: Withstands 400 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle and operates reliably from –55 °C to +175 °C, ensuring uptime in harsh industrial environments. |
| Power Supply Input Stage | Telecom Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Secondary overvoltage protection on DC input rails of AC/DC adapters and DC/DC converters after primary MOV stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS shunting surge energy to ground before it reaches regulator ICs or filter capacitors. Use Value: 14.4 A peak pulse current handling and 27.7 V clamping limit ensure downstream components see no more than safe transient voltage levels. |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceiver pins on telecom base station backplane interfaces from lightning-induced common-mode surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on each data line referenced to local ground, suppressing differential and common-mode transients. Use Value: Low 66 °C/W junction-to-lead thermal resistance enables effective heat dissipation during burst-mode surges typical in outdoor telecom deployments. |
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 | DO-214AA package; 200 W PPPM; lower IPPM (11.1 A); same VBR range (19.0–21.0 V) | Lower power rating limits use to lighter-duty consumer or computing applications | Select SMBJ20A only if board space constraints favor SMC/SMB footprint and surge energy is ≤200 W |
| 1.5KE20A | Same DO-41 package; 1500 W PPPM; higher VC (32.4 V); higher IPPM (46.7 A) | Higher clamping voltage increases risk of damage to 3.3 V or 5 V logic; suited for 24 V+ systems | Choose 1.5KE20A when protecting higher-voltage rails where 32.4 V clamping remains within safe margin |
Compared with SMBJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the P4KE20HE3/54 uniquely balances 400 W surge capacity, 27.7 V clamping, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-41 compatibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring proven reliability.
Availability
P4KE20HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4KE20HE3/54 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 application-specific performance.
The P4KE20HE3/54 belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecommunications infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and consistent clamping are critical.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage tolerance for P4KE20HE3/54?
The P4KE20HE3/54 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 predictable clamping onset and compatibility with 17.1 V maximum working voltage requirements in 24 V systems.
Is P4KE20HE3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?
No, P4KE20HE3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode - its cathode is marked with a color band and it conducts only in reverse breakdown. For bidirectional protection, Vishay offers the P4KE20CA variant; using P4KE20HE3/54 in AC or symmetrical surge scenarios would require external circuitry or a different device.
Does P4KE20HE3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the HE3 suffix confirms that P4KE20HE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and accelerated life testing - validating its use in automotive ECUs, body control modules, and sensor nodes.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE20HE3/54 under surge conditions?
The P4KE20HE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 27.7 V when subjected to its rated 14.4 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is guaranteed per datasheet Table on page 2 and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can P4KE20HE3/54 be used in surface-mount designs?
No, P4KE20HE3/54 uses the axial DO-41 (DO-204AL) through-hole package and is not compatible with SMT assembly. For surface-mount equivalents, consider SMAJ20A or SMCJ20A - but note differences in power rating, thermal path, and mounting requirements versus the P4KE20HE3/54.
P4KE20HE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
P4KE20HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE20HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE20HE3/54 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 P4KE20HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE20HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE20HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE20HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE20HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE20HE3/54?
P4KE20HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE20HE3/54 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 P4KE20HE3/54?
For technical support, including P4KE20HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE20HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE20HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE20HE3/54 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 P4KE20HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE20HE3/54?
All P4KE20HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE20HE3/54, 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 P4KE20HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE20HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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